Who I Am Beyond The Numbers
The Journey
The Journey: Who I Am Behind the Numbers
Career Highlights & Signature Wins
Led organizations to profitability through sustained commercial growth
Orchestrated strategic transformations that delivered consistent year-over-year momentum, positioning teams and technologies for long-term success.
Accelerated regional performance and market share expansion
Built and empowered high-performing teams that outpaced expectations, captured competitive territory, and elevated brand presence in key markets.
Executed high-impact product launches in complex environments
Introduced disruptive therapies during challenging market conditions, driving rapid adoption and establishing footholds in traditionally saturated segments.
Recognized as a top national performer and trusted interim leader
Earned multiple accolades for exceptional achievement and stepped into elevated leadership roles to guide teams through transition and growth.
Built and scaled national sales organizations from the ground up
Developed onboarding, training, and leadership development frameworks that accelerated performance, strengthened culture, and improved retention.
Commercialized breakthrough technologies across therapeutic areas
Delivered go-to-market strategies that reshaped clinical adoption curves, expanded access, and positioned products as new standards of care.
Let’s Build What’s Next
Partner with a leader who turns strategy
into momentum—and momentum into
measurable impact.
Values & Standards
At SM Executive Sales Consulting, values aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of every strategy, every hire, and every result. Leadership is earned through consistency, clarity, and conviction. These are the standards that guide every engagement:
- Accountability at Every Level
High expectations are matched with high ownership—from the boardroom to the field. Results matter, and so does how they’re achieved.
- People First, Always
Talent is the engine of growth. Teams are coached, challenged, and empowered to rise— not just to meet goals, but to exceed them.
- Precision in Execution
Strategy is nothing without disciplined follow-through. Every launch, reorg, and growth plan is built to perform under pressure.
- Bold Thinking, Grounded Leadership
Legacy thinking is challenged with data, insight, and courage. Innovation is embraced—but never at the expense of clarity or control.
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
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.