Dr. Sherry Hartnett
Founding Director & Professor, UWF Office of Workforce Development, University of West Florida and Founder & Principal Consultant, Hartnett Group, LLC (High-Impact Mentoring)
Dr. Sherry Hartnett is a leader in workforce development, mentoring, and higher education. After a successful corporate career in marketing and executive leadership, she transitioned into academia at the University of West Florida, where she founded the Women in Leadership Conference and the Executive Mentor Program. She now serves as the founding director of UWF’s Office of Workforce Development and leads UWF Talent Catalyst, an innovative talent pipeline initiative. She is also the founder of Hartnett Group, LLC, and co-author of High-Impact Mentoring. Dr. Hartnett is active in statewide and community leadership through boards, including Leadership Florida, Landrum, and the Pace Center for Girls. Her honors include the Rotary Grover Robinson Service-Above-Self Award and the UWF Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. She and her husband have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren.
How do you define success?
I would say success is living a life of purpose, integrity, and impact—being respected not only for professional excellence and results but also for character, compassion, and service. I believe that true success means using your heart, intelligence, and leadership to create momentum, help others be successful in their careers and lives, and leave every organization and person better than before. Success is also having a wonderful, loving family.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by making a fresh, new, meaningful difference for people, which for me often means stepping into uncharted territory, discovering unmet needs, building connections, and partnering with others to create win-win solutions that make positive things happen for people. Most of all, I’m inspired by the relationships I build—whether with colleagues, partners, or friends—and by the love and support of my family and friends who make any success even more meaningful.
Tell us about a time when you were met with a crossroads decision. How did you face that?
Throughout my career, I’ve faced several crossroads where I had to choose between staying in a comfortable, familiar role or taking a leap into something new and uncertain. Each time—whether leaving a declining industry, deciding between a high-level executive role in my field at a new company versus a completely different and potentially more fulfilling role in a different field, or shifting to an entirely new role within the same organization
—I chose to make the big leap. Those decisions were never easy, but every transition allowed me to apply my core skills, build on my experience, and grow in new ways. The new roles also gave me fresh new challenges and opportunities that energized me. I’ve learned that when you truly understand your strengths and what you bring to the table, change isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity for reinvention and a fresh new outlook.
Who has served as a mentor or inspiration to you in your career journey, and how did they impact your path?
Mentoring has been one of the greatest influences in my life, and I’ve been fortunate to have so many incredible mentors who have shaped my journey. Early in my career, Michelle Foster gave me the confidence to step into executive leadership at 29 years old and truly own my role, helping me overcome imposter syndrome. Jerry Maygarden has long been a trusted advisor whose sage insight has guided me through many professional decisions. Carol Carlan continues to inspire me by showing that it’s possible to have a successful career while prioritizing family and community impact. Dr. Martha Saunders has been an inspirational role model; her grace, calm intelligence, and visionary leadership have had a huge influence, as she entrusted me to create and lead an innovative new initiative with her full support and confidence. And, of course, Bert Thornton, my co-author, mentor, and friend, has been one of my biggest cheerleaders, constantly encouraging me to grow, give back, and make a difference. Each of them has deeply influenced not just my career but the way I mentor others today.
What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers?
My advice for young women pursuing their careers is to believe deeply in your worth and abilities; confidence is key. Seek out mentors, build strong relationships, stay curious, and never stop learning. Most importantly, be bold in pursuing opportunities, even when they feel just a bit out of reach—that’s often where the greatest growth happens.
