ABOUT

Sarah Berthon,

Founder of Excel against the Odds.

HELLO!

I'm Sarah

The founder of Excel against the Odds and podcast host.

My mission and passion is to support people with chronic illness / disability in the workplace either as an employee or to run their own business.

I also support organisations who want to learn how to better support people with chronic illness in the workplace

I live with several chronic illnesses including Postural Orthostatic
Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, ME/CFS and Chronic Migraine and I have experience of working in Corporate Organisations and running my own businesses whilst living with these conditions.

I advise organisations on how they can better support employees with chronic illnesses, looking at strategy, raising awareness and providing one-to-one mentoring for both managers and employees.

As 1 in 3 of the working age population are living with at least one chronic health condition it is critical that disability and chronic illnesses form a big part of an organisation's diversity, equity and inclusion policy.

I support business owners with chronic illnesses and offer mentoring and workshops as well as a free community in the amazing Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group. I also host the Excel against the Odds podcast talking about the successes and challenges of working with a chronic illness.

Excel against the Odds was selected to be part of the Small Biz 100 in 2021. I was chosen to be part of the #ialso F:entrepreneur campaign in 2023 celebrating the UK’s 100 most inspiring female business owners. I mentor for Small Business Britain and have been invited to speak to Government and big businesses about how disabled entrepreneurs can be better supported.

I was awarded “Best Cheerleader” by Small Business Britain for my work supporting and campaigning for business owners with chronic illnesses and I am a Small Business Sunday winner.

I have appeared in the press talking about chronic illness and disability and giving advice on working with these conditions. Press mentions include Huffington Post, Stylist, Woman Magazine, Motability Magazine and Smiley News.

Please do get in touch if you would like to work with me or learn more about what I do.

Get results like these

Sarah's knowledge, compassion and ability to communicate effectively made for a very valuable experience that has inspired many of our colleagues to consider the practical solutions that Sarah suggested and to learn more about inclusivity in the workplace.

Sarah delivered a fantastic Virtual Classroom titled "Supporting people with chronic illness: How Leaders can help" to the Bookboon Learning clients. Her presentation was very informative as well as thought provoking and thoughtful. Sarah was a pleasure to work with and I'd highly recommend her!

Sarah is an insightful and supportive mentor. She is great at holding space for working through your thoughts and difficult topics. And she's also great at telling you honest things in a kind way.
I'd highly recommend working with Sarah.

FREE DOWNLOAD

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Whether you're an Entrepreneur or an Employee, it is imperative that you look after your health. This handy checklist will help you to prioritise your well-being which will in turn benefit your health, your family and your work