Sharon Bloodworth; our fearless leader, owner and CEO of White Oaks. We share with you a glimpse into Sharon’s personal life.
What is your photo of?
I am happiest on flights and airport lounges traveling for work or pleasure. This photo was taken a few weeks ago in the Virgin Atlantic airport lounge in London after a trip to see my family for the first time post-covid. I am definitely “runway” ready!
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
I don’t have days off from work. I am not sure I have spent a single day without some thought of work in over 20 years. I am lucky enough to have found a career that gives me energy and doesn’t feel like work. I do like to fit other things into my workday though; my love for opera and Rotary and gardening.
What are your hobbies, and how did you get into them?
My two favorite hobbies are my collection of trailblazing women’s shoes and my flower arranging for the State Fair. The shoe collection started accidentally. Margaret Thatcher was an iconic figure in my formative years. In her family’s auction of her personal effects, I had hoped to get a work suit. I am frugal and didn’t want to bid when it got out of hand. Instead I ended up with three pairs of her shoes. A few months later I obtained Oprah’s shoes through a charity auction. That was the start of a wonderful and inspirational hunt for shoes from trailblazing people. I like to imagine what it would have been like to have been in their shoes on their hardest days. It helps me be more resilient and brave, as well as dream bigger.
My flower arranging was also accidental. I walked by the competition one year and said to my husband “Oh I could do that”. (I have a tendency for the same overconfidence in modern art museums as well). Well three years later I have three blue ribbons and it makes the state fair experience so much richer.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
A smile.
What do you love about your job?
I love advocating for our clients, my wonderful White Oaks family, and the intellectual stimulation of constant critical thinking.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
Traveling to some wonderful destination.
What makes you proud of your family?
My husband and daughter have given me, without reservation, a huge berth to allow for this company to fit into our lives. I am very appreciative of that.
If you could only teach one thing to your (future) child, what would it be?
To save from day one and to be as happy as you can be.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I am happy most everywhere. I would prefer to split my time than pick a place. I love American business, service and taxes, British tradition and culture, European architecture and languages, Asian food and flora, and African music and nature.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To extend time for us all. Time goes far too quickly.
