SARAH SHERMAN
About
Unfortunately, I’m not Sarah Sherman, the SNL cast member. I’m a multidisciplinary brand marketer and writer working at the intersection of strategy and creative. I come from film, journalism, advertising, emerging tech, and New York City.
Right now, I’m the Head of Creative Strategy at SpecialGuest, an ultra-innovative boutique agency, where I have led the work on major accounts, including Meta, OpenAI, and Bumble.
Before SpecialGuest, I advised VC-backed startups on brand positioning and storytelling, and built The Atlantic’s Brand Studio into an award-winning creative group recognised by Fast Company, AdAge Creativity, and Vimeo Staff Picks. Earlier in my career, I worked on Emmy- and Peabody-winning documentary projects.
A few quick hits: I’ve remotely directed Jeffrey Wright recording VO from his home studio in Hawaii, pitched 360 campaigns to Sam Altman across a giant conference table, and creative directed 100-person shoots. And my agency was just nominated for our first Grammy.
When I’m not working, I’m writing short stories from my house in San Francisco, reading New York restaurant news, and petting every pitbull pup I see.
Coaching
“Coaching” is a silly word, but I do work that a lot of people would describe as coaching.
What I offer: (1) Counseling through work challenges and transitional moments, e.g. managing tough relationships with colleagues, navigating negotiations, advocating for role growth or change. (2) Developing and refining the story you tell about your work experience and aspirations. (3) Tactical job search support, e.g. networking strategy, materials review (resumes, portfolios, cover letters, work samples, etc.)
Who I support: I'm field agnostic, but I will have a particular edge with people coming from media, creative industries, advertising, etc. I have the most experience with early and mid-career women, but I'm open to working with anyone.
Clients
Ray-Ban, Meta, Googles, OpenAI, Lyft, Filmhub, Oatly, Bumble, Google, Jaguar, Porsche, Playboy, The New York Times, TikTok, IBM, Foundation, Instagram, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, CNN, Dyson, Kohler, Boeing, AT&T, VMware, Cove, Marriott, Cathay Pacific Airlines
Some Awards
Cannes Lion Silver Lion (2025), NY Addy's Silver 2025 (x3), NY Addy's Social Silver 2025, Cannes Social Shortlisted 2025 (x2), Indie Agency Top 40 Independent Agency 2024 (SpecialGuest), Webby Nominee 2025, Shorty Finalist 2024,Small Agency of the Year (SpecialGuest), AdAge Silver Addy (Shortlisted), Shorty Awards, Vimeo Staff Pick (Moral Code), Folio Class of Top Women in Media in the Up & Comers, 100 Significant Women in Native Advertising, OMMA finalist, Emmy nomination: Investigative Journalism, Webby nomination: Best Branded, OMMA Finalist, Folio Awards
Films & Shows
Fault Lines (Big Sky Film Festival Official Selection, Apple TV, Amazon Prime), American Pathogen (narrated by Jeffrey Wright), Chicagoland (CNN), Freeway (Al Jazeera America), Letters From Baghdad (Amazon Prime), (Dis)honesty (Amazon Prime, PBS), Gainesville (CMT)
Select Work
Bumble, Finally
HPE, Eighteen Zeros
Foundation
Lyft, Check Lyft
Ray-Ban Meta, Live All In
Cove
Lizzo x Meta
Dogchurch
Bumble, Voices
Substack
Sarah Sherman © 2025