Look up “people person” in the dictionary and we’re pretty sure you’ll see the above photo of Sarah Wagener, our new Chief People Officer. Sarah’s had the kind of impressive career in recruiting and HR that makes her a inspiration to all women (and men!) in tech, from leadership positions at Genentech and Facebook to her most recent role as VP of Human Resources at Pandora. We’re pretty thrilled to welcome her to the DoorDash family in one of our most important and impactful roles — and we can’t wait to see where she takes us.
To get to know her better, here are 10 questions with Sarah:
Your number one reason for joining DoorDash?
It is really hard to choose just one reason — there are so many reasons why joining DoorDash is the right move for me. I have always been drawn to opportunities at mission-driven companies where I can make a difference. DoorDash’s focus on delivering good through connecting people with possibilities really resonates with me. I feel like the opportunity in front of us is tremendous and I am thrilled to be a part of it!
Tell us about your love of sequins…
That sequined jacket from my LinkedIn Talent Connect Keynote is a great example of my personal style — unique, unexpected, and daring. When my daughter and I were shopping for what I would wear for my talk, she found that jacket and demanded that I wear it. She said it was “so me” and I love that my children feel like being different is a good thing. Our uniqueness as individuals is super special and should be celebrated.
What are you reading right now?
I tend to read multiple books at the same time covering a range of topics, so I have something I can connect with that suits the mood I am in. The four books that I am at various stages of reading right now are:
- “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr
- “A Crack in Creation” by Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg
- “Braving the Wilderness” by Brené Brown
- “Gold Dust Woman” by Stephen Davis
Twitter or Instagram?
Definitely Instagram. I am a visual person and I love sharing moments through photos. I am getting much better at Instagram Stories, due in large part to a recent tutorial from a good friend of mine.
Favorite restaurant available on DoorDash?
This is a tough one! Hmmmm…I’ll have to go with La Penca Azul in Alameda. Mexican food is my kryptonite and their food is sooooo good!
Best gift you ever received?
Three healthy children. Best. Gift. Ever.
What is your lucky number and why?
13 is my lucky number and always has been an important number in my family. 13 is odd and has a bad reputation for being unlucky. I guess that speaks to my desire to see what others can’t see and root for the underdog. 13 has always been lucky for me.
What’s your definition of ‘Delivering Good’?
Delivering good is actually a personal belief of mine — we all get one life and delivering goodness while we are living it is a part of the deal. The fact that DoorDash is anchored on delivering good speaks to me in a very real way.
If you were stranded on an island and can only get one meal delivered, what would it be?
Grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread with tomato soup. That has to be my all time favorite meal.
How do you take your coffee?
…by the gallon? LOL. I drink a lot of coffee :-) I prefer a Caffe Breve with sugar free vanilla syrup or a large icy cold brew.
Welcome to the family, Sarah!
10 Questions With DoorDash’s New Chief People Officer, Sarah Wagener was originally published in DoorDash on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.