Our Sidebar Community in Action: Sharon’s Story of Growth & Generosity
Our First Member Guest Post and It’s a Beautiful One ❤️
This week’s letter is extra special. It’s our very first member guest post. I’m so grateful to Sharon Su Plasser, Corporate VP Product at Sam’s Club, for not only writing this beautiful reflection but also for being such a generous, thoughtful, and uplifting presence in our Sidebar community. Sharon embodies what Sidebar is all about: showing up for each other with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to give without expecting anything in return.
Reading her words reminded me just how much wisdom and inspiration lives within our own membership. I’d love to feature more of your voices here. If you have a story, lesson, or reflection you’d like to share, just hit reply. I’d be honored to help bring your perspective to our whole community.
Warmly,
Ha Nguyen
Head of Community, Sidebar
Hi everyone!
About three years ago, I came to a point where I realized my world was only as big as my work and my family commitments. Life had been getting busier and busier, and remote work during the pandemic made every interaction feel transactional. Every conversation revolved around agendas, deliverables, and due dates. My world had shrunk, and my sense of purpose, curiosity, creativity, and mischievous play had shriveled to fit.
This wasn’t the life I had envisioned for myself. Something had to change.
When Ha reached out about joining Sidebar, I was intrigued by the idea of peer-led growth with an emphasis on community and togetherness. Now, three years in, the group sessions are the highlights of my month. We’ve celebrated each other’s wins, lamented each other’s losses, and been there for each other with openness and curiosity. In the process, I’ve evolved into a better version of myself.
One of the biggest things this community has taught me has been the value of giving freely — whether your time, attention, or support — without expecting something in return.
Not everyone can do it, especially when life feels like you’re in survival mode. But when you make the space to be there for others, without any other agenda, that’s a gift in itself. It opens your mind, strengthens your relationships, sparks new ideas, and paves the way to a richer, more meaningful life.
In the spirit of being a Go-Giver, I now dedicate an hour each month to reaching out to product leaders I don’t know personally just to learn, connect, or offer help if I can. I’m fortunate to have the ability to give back in my own life, and in many ways, that’s been because of others: mentors, family, colleagues, and peers here at Sidebar who gave without expectation. Now it’s my turn to pay that forward, and I encourage you to do the same.
So here’s my invitation to you: Intentionally dedicate time to giving back. Treat it like part of your job, a responsibility to yourself and your community. Regularly reach out to others to offer your time and support. Even these seemingly small acts can enrich their lives in untold ways, and bring more joy and perspective to your own.
Here’s to giving and growing,
Sharon
Me and Sharon Su Plasser (far right) with Kerstin Frailey & Naomi Mahoney
Our SF/Bay Area crew gathered last night. Thanks to Vik Agarwal for hosting!
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