Sharon Napier

Sharon Napier

Chair and Founder, Partners + Napier

Years in current role: 17

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Relationships mean everything — and when you take the time to build authentic connections, it pays off in so many ways. You get to work with colleagues and clients you care about as people. You get to share your experience and learn from people you respect. And you get to lean on a strong network in the best and worst of times. Incredible partnerships are built from small, genuine connections.

What’s been your biggest success?

(Besides my two girls…) Partners + Napier. My partners and I risked everything to start this agency because we believed in our people, our work, and our vision — to build a nationally respected creative company for our work and our way, right here in Rochester. We’re driven by a singular purpose to leave a mark on people, business and culture, and I could not be more proud of the impact our team makes every day.

What are your hopes for the Rochester community this year?

My hope is that we keep the momentum going in what I see as true revitalization of Rochester in the last few years — getting nationally recognized for our amazing arts and culture, thriving restaurant and bar scene, access to all upstate has to offer, and down-to-earth, family appeal — and we don’t let the pandemic put that on pause. We need people to care enough to keep what they love alive, for our entire community to think (and buy) local, and our businesses to stay strong. My hope is that our ROC community continues to show up for each other with relentless resilience and purposeful action.

What do you do to unplug in your free time?

I run. It’s the only way I can truly unplug, clear my head, and think creatively. Lately I’ve found inspiration not just from running itself, but from discovering all of the amazing street art in every corner of our community. Taking the time to seek out and appreciate art in all of its forms is my favorite way to stay inspired. And it’s one more reminder of the power of creativity to transform a city — and change the world.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2021. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.