Sheryl Argiro Bird

Why do you enjoy working with clients in education? Our education clients create communities where open-mindedness, thoughtfulness, intellect, wisdom and critical thinking are not only valued but are encouraged and supported. I’m inspired to learn about the unique ways our varied clients operate, the stories they tell, and the impact their alums have in the world. This work is truly in a class all by itself (no pun intended!).

What is a memory from your school experience? I remember a day during final exams walking toward the Science Center with my best friend. Not because we had any science classes but because we needed to use the computers in the science lab. (Okay, I’m dating myself; we didn’t have laptops back then.) As we strolled up the path, we simultaneously burst into song. The same song. And not a song “of the day.” An old song from 1964 (before you try to do the math, we weren’t born yet). What makes that memory stand out goes beyond the hilarity of the moment. It truly encapsulated a deep, almost cellular, connection to my friend and my college. That’s what Wellesley College did for me. Through lifelong friendships, deep-rooted confidence, and a perpetual love of learning, Wellesley connected me to who I am, who I’m evolving to be, who I want to surround myself with, and my purpose.

Where do you find inspiration? Reading. I’m a voracious reader who attempts to read 125 books a year so I can explore as many different genres, authors, fiction and non-fiction as possible. Language itself is also inspiring to me. I’m a word nerd. I highlight sentences just because I love the way they’re written, the way they sound, how they make me feel. Admittedly, I’m a bit delusional in thinking that all this reading will miraculously come together in my head and result in my very own novel or memoir that sits atop the New York Times Bestsellers list for months. Or maybe I’ll just be a really good journal-writer. We’ll see!

What is an example of a time when you took a risk and it paid off? If there’s a risk gene, I’ve got it. Combine that with an entrepreneurial spirit and I can always find ways to take a risk. Some risks have definitely paid off, some not so much, and some are still a work in progress. Overall, I can comfortably say that by taking risks (especially when the fear is telling me not to), I’m more resilient, self-reliant, and stronger than I would have ever predicted. 

What are you curious about? I’m curious about human nature. What makes us tick? What makes us behave the way we behave? This makes me an observer. And a keen listener. It also forces me to look more closely at myself, which is a great way to learn and grow.