Sarah Hardy – Inspiring Leader of Bobbie | Transforming Parenthood with Innovation and Empathy
From Airbnb to Co-Founding Bobbie: Sarah Hardy’s Powerful Journey of Positive Change and Overcoming Challenges
Introduction
Sarah Hardy is a remarkable business leader, co-founder, and Chief People & Experience Officer of Bobbie, the fast-growing organic infant formula company in the United States. Known for her visionary leadership, empathetic policies, and ability to challenge outdated workplace norms, Sarah Hardy has reshaped the conversation around parenthood, nutrition, and corporate responsibility.
Her career journey from Airbnb to co-founding Bobbie is filled with both inspiring successes and the challenges of building a purpose-driven company. By combining professional excellence with a deep personal mission, Sarah Hardy has become a role model for entrepreneurs, mothers, and advocates for change.
Quick Bio – Sarah Hardy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Hardy |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | B.A. in Sociology & Government, Bowdoin College |
| Husband | Married (name undisclosed) |
| Children | 2 – Beatrix (“Bea”) and Clinton |
| Career Start | 2004 – Senior Project Manager, Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group |
| Major Roles | Airbnb (2012–2019); Bobbie Co-Founder & COO → Chief People & Experience Officer |
| Company | Co-Founder of Bobbie (Organic Infant Formula) |
| Latest News | Launch of USDA Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula in 2025 |
| Legacy | Advocate for parents, workplace inclusivity, and infant nutrition reform |
Early Life and Education
Sarah Hardy was born and raised in the United States, where her upbringing shaped her values of determination, resilience, and empathy. She pursued her higher education at Bowdoin College, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Government.
Her education gave her a strong understanding of human behavior, organizational structures, and social systems. These skills became the foundation for her later work in creating policies that empower people, especially parents, in both professional and personal settings.
Family and Personal Life
Sarah Hardy is married and lives in Oakland, California, with her family. She is a proud mother of two children, Beatrix (Bea) and Clinton. Her journey into motherhood became the driving force behind her advocacy for parental leave and workplace flexibility.
Balancing family life with her demanding professional career has given Sarah Hardy a unique perspective on the struggles of working parents. This lived experience not only motivated her to co-found Bobbie but also guided her mission to ensure that parents across the United States have better choices in both childcare and nutrition.
Career Beginnings
Sarah Hardy began her professional journey in 2004 as a Senior Project Manager at Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. She worked there for four years, developing expertise in operations and project management. In 2010, she transitioned to The Mark as a Project Management Lead, where she continued to refine her skills in leadership and organizational efficiency.
These early roles were crucial in shaping her professional mindset. They taught her the importance of coordination, structure, and strategic execution—skills that would later become invaluable in co-founding and scaling Bobbie.
Success at Airbnb
In 2012, Sarah Hardy joined Airbnb, where she played a vital role in shaping employee and customer experiences. She worked as Head of Customer Voice, Customer Experience before taking on the role of Head of Planning & Operations, Employee Experience.
During her seven years at Airbnb, Sarah Hardy became the company’s first mother to return from parental leave. This personal milestone revealed a major gap in company policy. With determination, she authored Airbnb’s first parental leave policy, creating a new standard of support for employees. This achievement not only improved the lives of countless working parents but also highlighted her ability to transform personal challenges into meaningful organizational change.
The Birth of Bobbie
In 2018, Sarah Hardy co-founded Bobbie with her close friend and former colleague, Laura Modi. Their shared experiences as mothers inspired them to create a solution for one of the most pressing parenting challenges: access to high-quality, safe infant formula.
Bobbie officially launched its organic, European-style infant formula in January 2021. Within a short time, Bobbie became the fastest-growing infant formula brand in the U.S. since the 1980s, proving that a parent-led, mission-driven company could successfully disrupt a decades-old industry.
Leadership at Bobbie
As Chief Operating Officer from 2019 to 2023, Sarah Hardy focused on operations, supply chain, and organizational culture. In November 2023, she transitioned to the role of Chief People & Experience Officer, reflecting her passion for creating a supportive and people-first company environment.
Her leadership has been central to Bobbie’s unique identity. She pioneered #TakeOurLeave, a campaign that introduced one of the most progressive parental leave policies in the country—up to 12 months of protected leave, plus special support for families with newborns in the NICU. By making the policy open-sourced, Sarah Hardy encouraged other companies to adopt similar standards.
Business Ventures and Impact
Bobbie is more than a company—it is a movement for change in infant nutrition and parental rights. Under Sarah Hardy’s guidance, the company launched Bobbie for Change, an advocacy arm that addresses parental leave, infant formula access, and broader family support.
She also led Bobbie through major industry challenges, such as the 2022 formula shortage, where the company prioritized its loyal subscribers to ensure no child was left without formula. These actions reinforced Bobbie’s reputation as a company that truly puts parents and children first.
Latest News
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In 2023, Sarah Hardy shifted her role to Chief People & Experience Officer, focusing on organizational culture and employee experience.
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In 2024, Bobbie introduced the “Parents Push Harder” campaign, continuing its mission to influence family policy reform in the U.S.
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In 2025, Bobbie launched the first USDA Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula, marking another milestone in providing better options for parents.
Legacy and Influence
Sarah Hardy’s legacy lies in her ability to combine business leadership with social impact. She has proven that companies can thrive while putting people, parents, and children at the center of their mission.
Her journey from corporate roles to co-founding Bobbie demonstrates resilience, innovation, and compassion. Today, she is celebrated not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as an advocate for parents, a role model for women in leadership, and a champion of cultural change in the workplace.
Conclusion
Sarah Hardy’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about driving profits but also about creating meaningful impact. From her groundbreaking work at Airbnb to the rapid success of Bobbie, she has consistently demonstrated courage, empathy, and innovation.
Her ability to turn personal challenges into global solutions sets her apart as a true leader of change. Sarah Hardy continues to inspire entrepreneurs, parents, and leaders worldwide, proving that business can be a force for good.
FAQs About Sarah Hardy
Who is Sarah Hardy?
Sarah Hardy is the Co-Founder and Chief People & Experience Officer of Bobbie, a U.S. organic infant formula company.
What is Bobbie?
Bobbie is a parent-led company that produces high-quality, organic infant formula and advocates for family-friendly policies.
What did Sarah Hardy do at Airbnb?
She served in leadership roles and authored Airbnb’s first parental leave policy as the company’s first mom to return from leave.
How many children does Sarah Hardy have?
She has two children: Beatrix (“Bea”) and Clinton.
What is Sarah Hardy’s legacy?
Her legacy is centered on transforming workplace culture for parents, advocating for paid leave, and reshaping the infant formula industry through Bobbie.
