In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of performance and success. Yet, some of the most effective leaders know that true success comes not only from achieving professional milestones but also from the strength found in community and faith. Sharon Beach, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and private equity sectors, is one of those leaders. Her journey through corporate boardrooms and high-level investments, combined with a deep commitment to personal growth and faith, has led her to a place of transformation – both in her career and in her life – through her involvement with the 4word community.

Sharon’s story is a compelling reminder of the power of mentorship, community, and faith-based leadership in shaping not only careers but also personal fulfillment. Through the 4word Cohort program, Sharon has found a space where women from all walks of life come together to support one another, share their experiences, and build the kind of relationships that elevate both their personal and professional lives. Her experience offers a blueprint for how women at every level of leadership can leverage such communities to reach their full potential and navigate the complexities of work, life, and faith.

From Pharmaceutical Leadership to Private Equity: A Journey of Growth

Sharon Beach’s professional journey began with a passion for agriculture and a drive to succeed. After earning a master’s degree from Texas A&M, Sharon took her first steps into the workforce at a feed company. But the reality of the job didn’t meet her expectations, especially in terms of compensation and management. “Management economics led me to pursue something better for myself,” Sharon reflects. “I had a master’s degree, but I was making a fraction of what I could be making, and I didn’t have the kind of management I needed to succeed.”

From there, Sharon pivoted to the pharmaceutical industry, where she found her true calling with Merck & Co., one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. Over the course of 25 years, Sharon held leadership roles in sales, management, and strategic development. She was recognized annually for her leadership, served on national task force committees, and became a trusted advisor in her field. Yet, even with her success, Sharon realized that leadership was about more than just climbing the corporate ladder. It was about having a broader impact – creating a space for growth, innovation, and support for those around her.

After leaving Merck, Sharon shifted her focus to private equity, becoming a partner in McAlister Assets, a private equity investment firm. She helped raise $165 million in capital from institutional and high-net-worth investors, a milestone that solidified her place in the investment world. However, despite the success, Sharon always felt the pull of something greater – something that aligned with her true passions and values.

Finding Community and Faith in Leadership

In 2024, after years of successful business ventures, Sharon stepped away from McAlister Assets to focus on projects that aligned more closely with her love for agriculture and her deep commitment to her faith. It was during this time of reflection that Sharon found herself drawn to 4word, an organization that serves as a vibrant community for Christian women in the workplace.

“The thing that really drew me to 4word was the mentorship and networking opportunities,” Sharon shares. “When I first heard about 4word, I didn’t know much about it, but Diane Paddison and Jordan Johnstone were a huge influence on my decision to jump in. They introduced me to the community, and it was clear from the start that this was the kind of group that could help me grow as a leader – and as a woman of faith.”

Sharon’s first experience with the 4word Cohort was a game-changer. She remembers attending an in-person meeting in Dallas and feeling an immediate sense of camaraderie and support. “I walked into the room and immediately knew I was in an atmosphere of compassion and sincerity,” she recalls. “There was no ego. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by women who were there to support each other, grow together, and lead with integrity and faith.”

For Sharon, one of the standout aspects of the 4word Cohort was the diversity of the women in the room. “We had women at all stages of their careers, from those just starting out to those with decades of experience,” she shares. “This diversity created an elevated experience for me. It wasn’t just about networking; it was about learning from one another, sharing our stories, and supporting each other in our journeys. And the best part? It was all God-centered.”

The Power of Authentic Community

One of the most profound lessons Sharon has learned through 4word is the importance of authenticity. “I think it’s easy for women, especially in leadership, to put on a mask. We often feel like we have to have it all together, be perfect, and never show vulnerability,” Sharon says. “But in the 4word Cohort, I saw women truly being themselves. There was complete transparency. We weren’t afraid to share our struggles, our triumphs, and even our doubts. That’s where the real growth happens.”

Sharon emphasizes that the power of community lies in its ability to create a safe space where women can be their true selves without fear of judgment. “This community gave me the permission to be honest with myself about my strengths and weaknesses,” she explains. “It reminded me of Proverbs 27:17: ‘Iron sharpens iron.’ When we allow others to speak into our lives, when we listen with an open heart, we grow.”

Sharon’s experience also speaks to the importance of community as a source of encouragement and strength in the workplace. “We all face challenges, but when you have a group of women who are rooting for you, who are praying for you, and who are there to offer advice and support, it makes all the difference,” she shares. “I’m a firm believer that we can’t do this alone. And I’m so grateful to have found that support through 4word.”

Mentorship: A Catalyst for Personal and Professional Growth

One of the core elements of 4word’s mission is mentorship, and Sharon is a strong advocate for the value of mentoring relationships. “When I look back on my younger self, I wish I had known about mentorship programs like 4word’s,” she reflects. “I would have jumped in headfirst. The opportunity to learn from others, to be mentored by someone who has walked the path before me, would have made all the difference.”

Sharon’s passion for mentorship is rooted in her own experiences. Over the years, she has benefitted from the guidance of mentors, both men and women, who helped her navigate complex challenges in her career. Now, as a mentor herself, Sharon is dedicated to paying it forward. “Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional development,” she says. “Through mentorship, we can help women accelerate their careers, overcome obstacles, and achieve things they never thought possible.”

Sharon’s involvement in the 4word Cohort program has given her the opportunity to mentor and be mentored in a way that aligns with her values. “What I love about 4word’s approach to mentorship is that it’s not just about professional growth. It’s about growing as a person, as a woman of faith,” she explains. “The women in my cohort are not just learning how to be better leaders; they are learning how to be better Christians, better daughters, better mothers. It’s a holistic approach to growth that is so powerful.”

The Future of 4word: Building a Stronger Community for Women in Leadership

For Sharon, the impact of the 4word Cohort program is only the beginning. She is excited about the potential for growth and expansion, both within the 4word community and in her own life. “I’m excited to continue building relationships with the incredible women in my cohort,” she says. “The opportunities for growth, for learning, and for connecting are endless. I truly believe that 4word is a platform that will continue to alter the trajectory of my life and career.”

Sharon’s journey with 4word has reaffirmed the importance of finding and fostering communities of support. For women in leadership, particularly those who may feel isolated in their careers, communities like 4word provide not only a network but also a sense of belonging, and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles or their triumphs.

“4word has given me the tools to lead others in their Christian walk, to help them grow closer to God, and to think outside the box,” Sharon concludes. “It’s not just about career success – it’s about building a life of integrity, faith, and excellence. And that’s something every woman deserves.”

For executive-level women like Sharon, the 4word community offers a transformative experience – one that empowers women to lead with confidence, support one another, and grow in faith. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or leading an organization, 4word is a powerful platform for building relationships, fostering mentorship, and navigating the complexities of leadership with faith.

If you’re looking to connect with a community of like-minded women who will empower and encourage you in your career and faith journey, the 4word Cohort program might be exactly what you need. As Sharon’s story shows, it’s never too late to find the support you need to reach your full potential.

Sharon Beach has a diverse background ranging from a 25-year pharmaceutical career, animal & human health, to being a founder and partner of a private equity investment company.  During her 25 years with Merck & Co, she annually received leadership awards, served on national task force committees while focusing on sales and managerial roles.  From 2018 – 2021 her business partner with McAlister Assets and she raised $165M for their private equity investment funds from an investor base consisting of institutional, family office, international investors, foundation, endowment, high net worth individuals and scholarship investment funds.  

In 2024, Sharon stepped away from McAlister Assets to focus on a couple of special projects. 

Sharon’s true love is agriculture and on her small ranch in Parker County, Texas she produces hay and raises horses.  She actively competes with her horses across the country in the National Cutting Horse Association events and is active with the governance of the association serving as a Director for 10 years and chairing the Long Range Planning and Governance Committees for 9.  She is native Texan and a proud Texas A&M Aggie.

Sharon’s hobbies include travel, hunting, snow skiing and reading.