Sara McLenighan
A Personal Note
sales teams, help companies grow faster, and believe leadership is always about people first.”
About Us
SM Executive Sales Consulting
A results-driven sales executive with 30+ years of experience in Medical Device, Diagnostics and Biotech Pharma. I accelerate revenue, scale elite teams, and launch disruptive technologies that redefine market standards. My leadership is rooted in grit, passion, and a relentless commitment to excellence—empowering organizations to exceed ambitious goals, foster innovation, and deliver measurable impact for patients and stakeholders.
Quick Snapshot
Our Services
Podcast Services
Bringing executive insight to life through curated conversations that challenge conventional thinking and spotlight commercial innovation.
- Host or co-host industry-focused podcasts with clinical & commercial leaders
- Develop episode strategy, guest selection, & provocative question frameworks
- Elevate brand positioning through thought leadership and authentic storytelling
Interviewing Services
Precision interviewing for executive roles, sales talent, and strategic hires—designed to uncover leadership instinct, alignment, and readiness.
- Conduct high-impact interviews for VP, Director, leadership & field roles
- Assess strategic fluency, coaching capability, and cultural fit
- Provide post-interview analysis & recommendations for selection or development
Business Development
Strategic consulting to accelerate growth, optimize sales engines, and unlock new market opportunities—especially in medical device markets.
- Build scalable, data-driven sales processes aligned with commercial goals
- Identify and activate new revenue pathways in underpenetrated markets
- Advise on team structure, compensation strategy, and go-to-market execution
Executive Summary
Strategic Sales Leadership Rooted in Results. Commercial Leadership That Delivers
A proven track record of driving market expansion, building elite sales organizations, and generating over $500 million+ in revenue across the medical device industry
Leadership Philosophy
Guided by a belief that exceptional results come from bold vision, disciplined execution, and the relentless development of people.
WHAT I DO BEST
Delivering bold commercial outcomes through disciplined leadership, market insight, and a relentless focus on team performance.
Leadership Philosophy
Champion high-performance cultures rooted in accountability, tenacity, passion and results.
Empower teams to exceed ambitious goals through mentorship, collaboration, and talent development.
Drive transformational growth by aligning commercial strategy & operational excellence to deliver measurable impact.
Core Competencies
What I Do Best
Sales Force Development & Coaching
Revenue Acceleration & Market Penetration
Launch Excellence & Turnaround Strategy
Cross-functional Leadership & Executive Collaboration
Career Timeline
My Journey
2025
SM Executive Sales Consulting
Founder & President, advising medtech, biotech, and pharmaceutical organizations.
2022
MannKind Corporation
Executive Sales Leader, driving commercial transformation and organizational growth.
2021
Nalu Medical
Area Vice President, Central U.S., commercializing disruptive neuromodulation therapy.
2019
Axonics (now part of Boston Scientific)
Area Director of Sales, leading US & Canada expansion for breakthrough sacral neuromodulation technology.
2009
Medtronic
Held progressive leadership roles across multiple therapeutic areas, driving double-digit growth and revitalizing mature portfolios.
Leadership Vision
Focus
Build a collaborative, high-performing, winning team that delivers results while exceeding expectations for the organization, changes patient lives and has fun in the process.
- Talent Development
- Data-driven Strategies
- Commercial Execution
Unique Edge
- Empowering_Uplift and inspire teams to reach their full potential.
- Enthusiastic- Passion fuels every strategy and market expansion effort
- Engaging –Every decision is driven by insight, precision, and impact
- Strategic –Every decision is driven by insight, precision, and impact.
- Innovative – Embrace commercial agility and disruptive technologies
Recommendations
TESTIMONIALS
Lacie Tindall
Sr. Director, HCP Education
I have had the privilege of working alongside Sara as a colleague, learning from her as a mentor, and growing alongside her as a friend. Few people embody excellence and authenticity the way Sara does. With over a decade of documented success, including an incredible 10-time Presidents Club achievement, Sara consistently leads by example. Her approach is patient-centric and always focused on creating lasting solutions. She puts her people first and consistently meets both business goals and customer needs. Sara is the kind of leader who inspires trust, fosters collaboration, and elevates everyone around her. Her solution-oriented mindset and ability to navigate challenges with grace and focus have made her an invaluable asset to every company she touches and every employee that has had an opportunity to work for, or alongside, her. If you are looking to work with someone who is not only results-driven but also deeply human in her leadership—look no further. Sara’s talents will continue to propel her past every goal she sets for herself.
Jack Kuchak
NE HD Medical Solutions
To Whom It May Concern, I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Sara McLenighan, an exceptional leader, strategic thinker, and one of the most driven professionals I have had the privilege of working alongside. Over the years, I have been fortunate to call Sara both a colleague and a trusted friend, collaborating with her in leadership roles at Axonics and Nalu, where she continuously demonstrated remarkable vision and expertise in navigating the challenges of the startup medical device industry. What sets Sara apart is her unwavering determination, unparalleled work ethic, and tenacity in delivering results. She is a force in the industry—able to build, scale, and execute commercial strategies that drive sustained success, even in highly competitive markets. Having witnessed her leadership firsthand, I have seen her ability to inspire teams, forge meaningful relationships, and execute with precision, ensuring groundbreaking innovations reach the patients who need them most. Beyond her achievements in the startup space, Sara’s 20-year tenure at Medtronicspeaks volumes about her ability to lead, evolve, and consistently deliver results at the highest level. She is a recognized, award-winning leader who has always exceeded expectations, pioneering transformational strategies that leave a lasting impact on the organizations she serves. Sara is more than just a business leader—she is a visionary and a strategic powerhouse. She brings an energy and focus that elevates those around her, cultivating high-performance teams and fostering innovation in ways that redefine success. I cannot speak highly enough of Sara’s ability to lead, inspire, and execute at the highest level. It is with the utmost confidence that I recommend her without reservation, knowing that she will continue to set the bar for excellence in the medical device industry. Sincerely, Jack Kuchak
Jim Hendricks
Career Educator | Sales Training
I had the pleasure of working alongside Sara at Nalu Medical, where she served as a Regional VP of Sales. From the first time we met, Sara impressed me with her energy, strategic mindset, genuine care for people, and deep understanding of the medical device industry. She's the kind of leader who not only drives results but also inspires the people around her to perform at their best. Sara leads with both strategy and heart—balancing high performance expectations with genuine care for her team and colleagues. She consistently brought clarity, motivation, and focus to every initiative I was fortunate to collaborate with her on, and her ability to build trust with both internal teams and customers is second to none. Any company would be incredibly fortunate to have Sara in a leadership role. She possesses so many incredible qualities—what follows is just scratching the surface: smart, driven, compassionate, collaborative, and fully committed to excellence in everything she does.
Matt Gray
A startup commercialization executive
To Whom It May Concern: It is my distinct pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Sara McLenighan. I had the privilege of working alongside Sara for 2 years in a highly competitive, neuromodulation startup space, and I can say without hesitation that she is one of the most exceptional business leaders I’ve encountered. Sara brings an unmatched energy and focus to every challenge she tackles. A true powerhouse in team building, she has an uncanny ability to galvanize groups around a common vision, instilling not just motivation but a deep sense of ownership and empowerment in her teams. Her leadership style inspires excellence, and she cultivates a culture where people are supported, challenged, and given the tools to thrive. Her business acumen is equally impressive. Sara has an instinctive grasp of what matters—zeroing in on key performance metrics that truly move the needle and aligning teams around them with clarity and conviction. Whether it's crafting and executing a go-to-market plan for a disruptive technology or scaling a business from launch to maturity, she operates with strategic insight and operational precision that leads to success. I’ve personally witnessed her navigate complex challenges with tenacity and grace. No matter the obstacle, she approaches it with an unwavering work ethic, sharp problem-solving skills, and the determination to deliver results without compromising her values or the well-being of her team. In short, Sara is a true force multiplier who combines vision with execution, strategy with empathy, and drive with integrity. Any organization would be fortunate to have her steering its growth or transformation efforts. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information. Regards, Matt Gray Mgray6886@gmail.com 216-496-7199
Andrew Paul
Leadership Instructor @Echelon Front
I had the pleasure of working alongside Sara while developing and growing leaders within her organization while she served as Vice President of National Sales at MannKind. Sara's leadership was immediately evident—she possesses a remarkable ability to inspire and mobilize her team toward achieving ambitious goals. Her strategic vision, coupled with her commitment to excellence, fosters an environment where innovation and performance thrive. Sara's professionalism and dedication make her an exceptional leader and a valuable asset to any organization.
Meaghan Morrison
8x President’s Club Winner Associate Vice President Rare Disease
It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Sara McLenighan with whom I have had the privilege of working closely at Medtronic for over ten years. During this time, Sara won consecutive leadership awards and has since been promoted as Vice President of Sales. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing sales teams has been a cornerstone of her company’s sustained growth and success. Sara brings a rare blend of analytical rigor and emotional intelligence to the role. They possess a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer needs, which they translate into actionable strategies that consistently deliver results. Under her leadership, the sales team not only met but exceeded ambitious revenue targets year after year. Sara’s insights into go-to-market strategies, pipeline development, and team enablement were instrumental in expanding market share and improving client retention. Beyond the numbers, what truly sets her apart is her ability to lead with integrity, foster a culture of collaboration, and develop talent across the organization. She is highly respected not only by their direct reports but also by peers across departments. Sara takes the time to mentor others, encourage professional growth, and celebrate shared wins, creating an environment where people feel empowered and valued. In short, I hold Sara in the highest regard and wholeheartedly recommend her for any executive leadership role. Her track record speaks for itself, and any organization would be fortunate to benefit from her vision, experience, and dedication. Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional information. Sincerely. Meaghan Morrison
Andrew Garrison
Recruiting Professional
Sara is an outstanding leader. As the person solely responsible for recruiting her commercial team, every single candidate that got through to the final round of interviewing with her always came back with the same feedback, she is a wonderful leader and someone they want to work for. Every. Single. One. She could close anybody. She promotes the culture of empowerment and never arbitrarily stands in the way of anyone of her people that are trying to get the job done. She calls out every victory in her team and really exemplifies leading as the ‘tip of the spear,’ rather then over delegating to anyone. Her positivity made me want to work harder for her and her team, because I know she genuinely does the same for us. I’d recommend anyone to work for her since I haven’t seen many leaders like her out there.
Kristine Zapata
Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer at MannKind Corporation
I can’t say enough good things about Sara! She’s not just an incredible sales leader—she’s the kind of person who makes everyone around them better. Her energy, passion, and drive are contagious, and working with her has been an absolute privilege. Sara has a way of bringing out the best in her team. She led with encouragement, insight, and a clear vision, making sure everyone felt empowered and ready to succeed. She doesn’t just chase numbers—she builds relationships, creates opportunities, and genuinely cares about the people she works with. If you ever get the chance to work with Sara, take it. You won’t just gain a fantastic leader—you’ll gain a mentor, a motivator, and someone who truly makes an impact. She is one of a kind and a true gem of a person. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who cares more about her sales team than Sara.
Brandy Biederman
Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing
To Whom It May Concern, It is my absolute pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Sara McLenighan. As both a clinician and customer, I have had the privilege of working with Sara and witnessing firsthand her exceptional talent, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to the healthcare industry. One of Sara’s standout strengths is her ability to identify and recruit top-tier talent. The representatives she has brought into her organization consistently deliver tremendous value, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of my practice. Her keen eye for excellence ensures that every hire is not just qualified but truly impactful in their role. Beyond her talent for building strong teams, Sara possesses deep clinical expertise coupled with an extraordinary ability to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Her strategic mindset allows her to approach industry challenges with innovative solutions that drive meaningful progress. She continuously seeks ways to improve patient outcomes, optimize workflow efficiencies, and support clinicians like myself with forward-thinking initiatives. I have had the opportunity to witness Sara speak at national sales meetings, and I was incredibly impressed with her ability to present with credibility and impact. Her knowledge, confidence, and engaging delivery make her an outstanding communicator and thought leader in the industry. Sara is widely respected among my clinician peers as a visionary leader who is shaping the future of healthcare. Her innovation and strategic thinking set her apart, making her an invaluable asset to any organization fortunate enough to work with her. I wholeheartedly recommend Sara McLenighan and have no doubt that she will continue to make a significant and lasting impact in any role she undertakes. Please feel free to contact me should you require further insight into her exceptional capabilities. Sincerely, Brandy Biederman MSN, APN, CDCES, CPT
Frank Albano
Doctor of Nurse Practice at NYU LANGONE
To Whom It May Concern, It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Sara McLenighan, an extraordinary leader and visionary in the healthcare industry. As a seasoned clinician who has had the privilege of prescribing her product, I have witnessed firsthand Sara’s unparalleled ability to drive innovation, build meaningful relationships, and lead with integrity and strategic foresight. Throughout our collaboration, Sara consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of both the clinical and commercial aspects of healthcare, ensuring that the solutions she championed were not only market-leading but truly transformative for patient care. Her strategic acumen and relentless pursuit of excellence propelled MannKind to new heights, significantly expanding its market presence while maintaining a steadfast commitment to improving lives. Beyond her impressive business accomplishments, Sara is a leader who inspires. Her ability to cultivate trust, foster collaboration, and support those around her is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her team, colleagues, and partners. She does not merely excel in leadership, she elevates those she works with, turning professional relationships into partnerships built on mutual respect and shared success. I am honored to call Sara not only a trusted professional but also a great friend. Her passion, vision, and integrity set her apart in an industry that demands resilience and forward-thinking leadership. I wholeheartedly recommend Sara McLenighan for any endeavor she pursues, knowing she will bring the same drive, expertise, and unwavering commitment that have defined her career. Sincerely, Frank Albano DNP
Melissa Grabiner
Top Job Search & LinkedIn Coach
I've had the pleasure of knowing Sara and her leadership style is a rare blend of decisiveness, empathy, and clarity. She sets a high bar while making everyone around her feel supported and valued. Sara leads by example. She doesn’t just delegate, she rolls up her sleeves, tackles challenges head-on, and motivates others to do the same. Whether navigating tight deadlines, solving complex problems, or guiding a team through change, she brings a calm confidence that makes even the toughest projects feel manageable. Beyond her leadership, Sara is a phenomenal person. She is whip smart, listens deeply, communicates clearly, and shows up for her team in meaningful ways. Any team would be extremely lucky to have her.
Dave Meyer
Vice President of Sales
It is with great confidence and enthusiasm that I recommend Sara McLenighan as a truly exceptional leader. In every capacity I’ve seen Sara operate, she brings a rare combination of strategic vision, intentional leadership, and an unwavering focus on performance and results. What sets Sara apart is her ability to see the bigger picture while never losing sight of the details that drive execution. She leads with purpose—every decision is thoughtfully made, every initiative aligns with broader organizational goals, and every team member understands how their work contributes to overall success. This level of clarity and alignment fosters not only high performance, but deep engagement and accountability across the board. Example: Sara helped build an initial, start up commercial team and instilled vision, purpose and drove accountability. Her part in this resulted in developing gold standard talent which still remain to this day. Sara is also a master at turning strategy into action. Whether it’s navigating complex challenges, leading transformational initiatives, or optimizing performance metrics, she delivers outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Her leadership inspires excellence, fosters collaboration, and creates a culture of trust and continuous improvement. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with Sara will quickly recognize the depth of her impact—not just on the organization, but on the people she leads. I recommend Sara McLenighan without reservation and look forward to seeing the continued success she will no doubt bring to any organization.