Get to Know the Team: Meet Sarah and Raj

At 5&5, our team members are our greatest asset, and we’re thrilled to introduce two of our key players who make our workplace truly extraordinary. We want to shine a spotlight on those individuals who uplift our team and bring a positive outlook to everything they do.

First, meet Raj, our Senior Director of Talent & Management. Raj is not just a dedicated leader but also one of the friendliest and most interesting people you’ll ever meet. He’s committed to making 5&5 a one-of-a-kind workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered, and he fosters a company culture that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing.

Next, meet Sarah, our Director of Growth. Sarah is a true pro in everything she does—practical, funny, and a pleasure to work and collaborate with. She is constantly bringing our company to new heights, driving our growth and success while helping each of us reach our full potential.

Let’s dive into a quick Q&A with Raj and Sarah to learn more about what makes them unique!

Can you tell us a bit about your journey with 5&5? How did you get started, or what path brought you to your current role?

Raj: My journey to 5&5 didn’t start in the restaurant or food-tech space – it started in education. In 2011, I worked for the New York Public Library (NYPL) Adult Learning Center as a student mentor, working with non-native speaking, immigrant populations in New York City. From 2011 through 2015, my role at NYPL was in administration and student retention strategy. In 2016, I started working for the Literacy Assistance Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and professional development to further adult education programs in New York. During my time there, I had the privilege to work alongside talented professional developers that provided training and coaching for city, state and federally funded education programs, while also furthering my interest in data driven engagement/retention strategy. After honing professional development skills – I realized my passion for education. In 2020, I graduated with my Masters in TESOL Education, and I started teaching full-time in addition to working full-time as a professional developer. I had the privilege of teaching at the collegiate level, and for continuing education programs in NYC. In 2021 – Johnathan and Tiffany, who I had known through mutual friends, were exploring the possibility of adding an L&D component to 5&5. After they shared their vision, we discussed how my experience in higher-ed and professional development could execute that vision. I started at 5&5 as Associate Director of Learning & Development. Over the next year – I was able to connect my experience with training and education with processes and policy documentation to work alongside Tiffany supporting People Operations. At the start of 2023, I was promoted to Senior Director of Talent & Management- overseeing People Operations and L&D initiatives, working alongside an incredible team that is second to none. 

Sarah: My journey with 5&5 started back in 2020, when a mutual acquaintance introduced me to Johnathan, our CEO, and told me I needed to work here. Unfortunately the timing wasn’t quite right in 2020, but over the next 2-3 years, I got to closely watch and cheer on 5&5’s success. Fast forward to the end of 2022, the same acquaintance re-connected me with Johnathan, imploring me that now was the right time to join, and he was absolutely right. Being on the brand side of the restaurant industry for 7+ years, I was ready for a change without fully leaving the restaurant industry, and 5&5 was a perfect fit. I started at the beginning of 2023.

What’s your go-to morning ritual: coffee, tea, or hitting the snooze button five times?

Raj: Making or getting a strong coffee!

Sarah: My morning begins when my 2-year-old decides it’s time to wake up—usually way too early! We have some playtime, then I make myself a latte or iced americano. After that, it’s straight into work mode.

How does your role fit into the bigger picture at 5&5, and what impact does your work have on our goals and mission?

Sarah: I have maybe one of the most vague titles here at 5&5, and I love it that way – Director of Growth. My role is to oversee any and all growth opportunities for 5&5, which at this current time, boils down to Business Development, Partnerships, Marketing and internal initiatives for the company. My entire role is to make sure we are continually growing – not only in sales, but in skills, in networking, in personal development and more. It’s an honor to be able to help pave out our overall goals and mission as a company year after year.

Raj: My role at 5&5 is two fold – protection and retention. People Operations has the responsibility to protect our business operations, while supporting an equitable working culture that advocates for all employees. For Learning & Development – we have the responsibility to expand learning opportunities for our teams to grow in their careers at 5&5. These two sides of the same coin allow for all of us to work together to invest in growth opportunities for 5&5 as a company, and for individuals to actualize their professional goals. It is a wonderful challenge to work on and a privilege to work with the wonderful minds on our Leadership, L&D and People Operations team. 

What’s on your work playlist? Are you jamming to the latest hits, or do you have a secret love for ’80s hair metal?

Sarah: I’m a “depends on my mood and the weather” type of girl. Lately, with summer in full swing, I’ve been listening to a lot of house music. But come fall, I’ll be switching to Harry Potter Lofi—perfect for cozy, autumn vibes.

Raj: I love this question because my playlist changes from week to week to keep things interesting. Here’s my current rotation:

• Monday: Heavy Metal Through the Decades (80’s – 2020’s)
• Tuesday & Wednesday: EDM or Drums & Bass
• Thursday: Throwback Hits (90’s – 2000’s)
• Friday: Bollywood through the Decades (90’s – 2000’s)

What’s the best part about working remotely for you? The comfy pajamas or the fact that your ‘office mate’ is your pet?

Raj: Without a doubt, the flexibility. I used to commute 3 hours to and from my in-person job before joining 5&5, which felt incredibly nomadic. Now, those three hours give me balance—I can take a class, go to the gym in the mornings, have breakfast with my family, or just have that time for myself.

Sarah: 100% it’s the extra time I get to spend with my family and take care of myself! Not having to commute means more time to play playing with my daughter, not rushing to make dinner, enjoying a long workout, and just being present.

Who or what has been a source of inspiration or motivation in your professional life?

Sarah: One of my first bosses, Jenny, has been a huge inspiration. She was a powerhouse at work, commanding any room she entered and moving the needle with massive initiatives. At the same time, she maintained a healthy work-life balance for her family. Seeing her juggle both so effectively has inspired me to strive for the same balance in my own life and career.

Raj: My parents have always been a constant source of motivation for me. They immigrated to the U.S. in the 80s with few resources and little command of English, but they built successful careers in healthcare. Their growth mindset and resilience inspire me to take risks, remain undeterred by challenges, and embrace progress regardless of success or failure. They taught me that kindness is not a weakness but a choice made with the greatest strength, and I try to lead with empathy, kindness, and understanding in my own career.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Raj and Sarah a little better. We’re incredibly thankful to have them on our team. Stay tuned for more team spotlights, and thank you for being part of our journey!