Phyllis Sarkaria’s Harvest: A New Book from a Lifelong Friend

By John Bertsch

I’ve known Phyllis Sarkaria since we were both six years old, living in a small town on the edge of West Texas. That’s a considerable amount of shared history. I’ll leave the arithmetic to you.

There’s something lovely about introducing an old friend through something new she’s created. In Phyllis’s case, it’s Harvest: A Leadership Story, a book whose subject fits very well the work she does helping people understand themselves and how they work with others.

Who is Phyllis Sarkaria?

Phyllis is a career and executive coach. What I appreciate about her is the way she combines an informed perspective with a warm, open style. She knows her subject, and there’s room in the conversation for you.

She combines knowledge with a human touch. That's something people often talk about but fail to actually provide.  Asking for guidance can mean admitting that something isn’t working, or that you don’t know what to do next. Warmth makes those conversations easier to begin. Knowledge gives them somewhere useful to go.

The client testimonials on Phyllis’s website echo that impression, describing her insight, empathy, and ability to help people clarify their thinking.

What is Harvest: A Leadership Story about?

In the author’s synopsis, Emily Ross is an executive whose drive is damaging her team. Facing an ultimatum from her boss, she joins an olive harvest in Tuscany and begins learning a different way to lead.

The Real Test is Earning Trust

Emily must then return to colleagues who doubt she has changed. The story considers how differently we may see ourselves from the way others experience us.

That premise interests me. Most of us would like to believe our good intentions are obvious. It takes some humility to ask whether they’re actually coming across.

Why I’m sharing Phyllis’s book

My connection to this book begins with its author. I’m happy to introduce you to someone I’ve known since childhood, whose informed, approachable way of working I admire.

You can explore Harvest: A Leadership Story and its purchase links on Phyllis’s website. And Phyllis, congratulations. It’s a pleasure to share this with you after all these years.