*Inspiring Excellence, One Life at a Time*
Dr. Sarah Pavelka is a renowned motivational leader and innovator whose unwavering commitment to empowering systems to reach their full potential has left an indelible mark on countless organizations. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for those organizations seeking professional transformation.
Sarah's journey as an innovator began in the late 1990’s when she started working as an Occupational Therapist, eventually returning to school for her Masters in Healthcare Administration. Her therapeutic sessions not only helped individuals overcome personal challenges but also ignited a desire within her to inspire organizations to improve and overcome challenges. This led her into practicing and teaching performance and quality improvement on a national scale. In 2012, she published her first book, "Tool Time for Lean," which quickly became a workbook used around the world.
Over the years, Sarah's impact continued to grow, as she partnered with organizations such as the National Association for Healthcare Quality, Des Moines University, the Iowa Hospital Association, Iowa Association for Healthcare Quality, and the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative. While partnering with these exceptional organizations, she knew that returning to school for her PhD in Health Sciences – Leadership would only reinforce theory into her practices. Through these initiatives, she has touched the lives of thousands of individuals, offering organizational development assistance, mentorship programs for future healthcare quality professionals, and motivational workshops for the knowledge and skills to impact and organization.
Sarah Pavelka’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual possesses untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. She emphasizes the importance of motivation, goal setting, and resilience as the cornerstones of personal and professional growth. Her approach combines evidence-based psychology, real-life anecdotes, and practical strategies, making her message accessible and actionable for a diverse range of audiences.
As she looks toward the future, Sarah remains committed to her mission of inspiring excellence and helping people unlock their full potential. Currently working at Walden University as Associate Dean, she carries her passion to each student. With her boundless energy, dedication, and profound understanding of organizational development and change, Dr. Sarah Pavelka will undoubtedly continue to be a catalyst for positive change for years to come.