TV presenter + journalist, Sarah Stirk, reveals how being unapologetically herself has only strengthened her career in broadcasting.

What does it mean to be authentic? We see a lot of today’s digital world through the perfection of filters, but stripping away the smokescreens to reveal flaws and vulnerabilities can actually be an incredible act of power. After all, why waste precious time trying to be someone you are not?

This is the notion behind luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak collection, a timeless offering of one-of-a-kind watches that encourage the wearer to embrace their individuality, in the most authentic of ways.

With this in mind, AllBright sat down with TV presenter and journalist, Sarah Stirk to hear how self-acceptance and living in alignment with her values has been the key to her success and happiness - both professionally and personally.

Sarah Stirk, TV Presenter & Journalist

As the golf presenter for Sky Sports, Sarah’s role pre-Covid involved travelling the world, hosting golf tournaments and events and interviewing some of the world’s best athletes. “Sport has always been a huge passion of mine,” she says. “My first job was at Manchester United Television after I graduated from university, and then I went on to work for the BBC, Setanta and then Sky. 

“This was always my dream job and I feel very lucky to be living it! Since Covid, we’ve been far more studio based and I think it’s changed the way people work. I also run a women’s network called Reach and work with several brands in an ambassadorial capacity.”

What does being authentic mean to you?

Authenticity means being true to who you are. I think in today’s world, with social media, there’s a lot of pressure and expectation - especially on women and young girls. But as I’ve gotten older, I care less what people think and really try to listen to my inner voice and gut, and be the best version of me.

How far into your career were you before you felt like you were being unapologetically yourself?

Probably quite a long way into my career. I work in two male dominated industries, sport and media, and I felt pressure and expectation early on in my career. It’s hard when you’re younger to have the confidence to truly be yourself.

When do you feel most yourself?

Probably when I’m doing exercise or walking my dogs! I’m naturally quite shy, so away from my job in the public domain I need time to be myself and connect with nature. I know that exercise, being outside and time with family, friends and my dogs makes me happy!

What doors does being authentically yourself open professionally?

I think being on television, broadcasting about a sport I’m passionate about, I need to be believable. I’ve always prided myself on my passion for my subject and if I’m not authentic, I feel it comes across. I also interview athletes in high pressure situations and I feel that the more authentic I am, the more it helps me to be empathic in difficult or sensitive situations.

Has there been a time in your life or career where you’ve acted in a way that is inauthentic to your true self? How did you overcome this?

I feel I’ve struggled with issues surrounding sexuality and not being my true authentic self because of the job I did, for fear of labelling, or stigma, or indeed bullying. I’ve learned that the only thing that matters is inner peace and what those who love you think about you.

What attribute or trait that makes you authentically ‘you' do you love most about yourself now, that you’d like to be able to tell your younger self to fully embrace and make the most of?

To be truly confident and happy in your own skin. To not be defined or pressurised by others, and to live by your own moral compass and values. I wish I cared less about what others thought when I was younger, and this is something I’ve embraced with age and experience.

What advice would you give to other women who want to live more authentically, but aren’t sure where to start?

Just be you and let others be them! Despite the pressures of social media, we live in an incredibly diverse and inclusive society, and I feel there’s never been a better time to fully embrace our individuality.

Discover more about Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak collection here