Why Work With Me

Portrait of Sarah Mardle

Because I’ve been where you are, and I know what it takes to lead in STEM and healthcare, for real.

Over my 25+ year career, I’ve moved from scientist to programme manager to department director to exec level, leading global teams and navigating the complexities of regulated industries. I understand the pressures of product development, clinical trials, manufacturing, and the unique challenges of medtech versus pharma. I understand the pressures of QA, Regulatory Affairs, EHS, legal, commercial, and cybersecurity to name a few, because I’ve experienced them firsthand.

I’ve stood in front of FDA and MHRA inspectors. Sat across from clients negotiating commercial deals. Led through M&As, critical audit findings, yellow card reports, late drug deliveries, and clinical trials. I’ve worked with companies like Baxter, Abcam, and supported 8 of the top 10 pharmaceutical firms.

I learned how to turn complexity into clarity and how to lead in a way that gets results and earns trust.

Don’t just take my word for it: see the reviews below or the personal messages shared on LinkedIn.

Now, as a qualified NLP coach, I bring together decades of operational experience with deep coaching expertise. In the last year alone, I’ve coached over 50 senior leaders.

About Me

A woman with shoulder-length curly red hair and blue eyes, wearing red lipstick, pearl earrings, a gold necklace with a pearl pendant, and a dark green dress, smiles softly at the camera.

My approach is designed to develop winning strategies and equip leaders with the leadership skills to execute them effectively. It is crucial for success in today's dynamic life sciences and technology landscape.

I'm passionate about developing and supporting leaders in the life sciences. I coach on an individual, team or wider organisational level.

My 25+ years of experience spans start-ups, scale-ups, and large corporates in biotech, pharma, and medical devices,. This includes prominent organisations like AstraZeneca, Abcam and Baxter Healthcare. I've experienced the full product lifecycle and business growth cycle first-hand, giving me a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities you face.

I have deep expertise in navigating the complexities of healthcare regulations, helping numerous companies successfully launch medical products globally and achieve sustainable growth.

I left the corporate world having worked with 8 of the top 10 pharmas in the industry as clients, in order to support smaller organisations experiencing growth, and coach future leaders.

I have degrees in Biochemistry and Pharmacology and a PhD in Neuroscience. This helps me bring a data-driven approach to my work.

As a qualified NLP Coaching Practitioner and a Women's Health Impact Network Ambassador, I'm committed to fostering positive change and empowering individuals and teams.

I regularly share my knowledge and experience by teaching and mentoring at Cambridge University Judge Business School, entrepreneurship accelerators, universities and in speaking engagements.

Ready to develop your skills and transform your business?

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The Alma Impact

  • “Sarah has been an invaluable mentor throughout my entrepreneurial journey, from helping shape IntercepTx’s first pitch deck to providing continued guidance"

    — Austin Reed, CEO, IntercepTx

    Cancer prevention technology company

  • “I reached out to Sarah for some business advice - I needed an audit on my small business and the social media marketing world. She could not have been more helpful and has focused me on some key areas and more important staying true to my core values"”

    — Clare Driver, Founder, Domestic Bliss

    Small business owner

  • ““The coaching by Dr Sarah Mardle vastly broadened my perspective.”

    — Dr Nataly Hastings, CEO, Cellestial Health

    Cambridge drug discovery company

  • “Sarah is passionate about driving operational improvement - and has done so over a broad range of business areas including QMS, EHS, ICT, Facilities and Sustainability.”

    — Dan Flicos, CEO, Team Consulting

    Medical consultancy firm

  • “Her strategic insights and unwavering personal support have been instrumental in refining our vision and approach at IntercepTx.”

    Description goes— Austin Reed, CEO, IntercepTx

    Cancer prevention technology company

  • “She helped me with time management and understand where I should focus my energy and resources to give my best.”

    —Rita Giordao, Founder, Clarum

    Digital health company

  • “Sarah was hugely helpful as a career coach. I credit her coaching sessions with being a significant factor in my eventual job offer.”

    — Dr Mungo Aitken, Cambridge Applied Mathematician

    1:1 coaching client

  • Coached 2 award winning start up CEOs

    —Cofinitive 21 to Watch Awards

  • “Sarah is one of the most exceptional mentors I have ever had. She had a unique ability to empower me upon starting my new position and helped me find my feet with confidence and ease.”

    — Jo Maison, Head of EHS and Lab Operations, Team Consulting

    Medical consultancy firm

  • 200 learners trained in leadership skills in 2024.

    Engaged to deliver to 4 UK business schools and universities

  • “She has a deep understanding of what it takes to approve, launch and generate revenues combined with a strong commercial drive and proactive approach.”

    — Dr Ben Wicks, CEO, Ucertainty

    In Vitro diagnostics company

  • “Sarah provided invaluable guidance and support that helped me pursue starting my own business. Her extensive experience and approachable demeanour immediately instil confidence and ease.”

    —Nat Weir, CEO & Founder, Human Lens

    Medical usability engineering consulting firm

  • “Sarah coached me to focus and create more time for my business.”

    —Rita Giordano , Founder, Clarum

    Digital health company

  • 50 CEOs and founders coached in 2024.

    — Entrepreneurship Programmes

  • "I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your time and expertise in reviewing applications for our MedTech Innovator US 2025 Program".

    — Jerry Ciolino, Director of Operations, MedTech Innovator

    World’s largest accelerator for medical device start ups

  • "Thank you for being a great mentor on our Entrepreneurship Centre Programmes ".

    — Ann Davidson, Head of Practice, The Entrepreneurship Centre, Cambridge Judge Business School

    Business School

  • " Sarah has truly helped improve team working among clinician engineers as part of our organisation. Her focus on understanding each other and communicating that understanding has helped to ensure enhanced team productivity and motivation."

    — Dr Neel Sharma, Founder & Director, The Clinician Engineer Hub

    Clinician Network based at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  • "Since I started coaching sessions with Sarah, I feel more confident and clear in how I lead my business. Sarah creates a space for me to slow down, reflect and grow as a business owner."

    — Margaux Grasso, Founder, Wripple

    Workshop Facilitation company

  • "She brings a rare ability to advise across a wide range of areas, including business strategy, operations, and regulatory considerations. Her approach—combining supportiveness with the ability to constructively challenge—has proven instrumental in helping ventures refine their ideas, overcome barriers, and grow with confidence."

    Luther Philips, Programme Manager,

    The Entrepreneurship Centre, Cambridge Judge Business School

    Business School

  • "Thanks so much for all your excellent work with the spinout Discovery Investment Readiness Programme cohort members!"

    — Sam Burton, Senior Investment Advisor

    The Enterprise Centre, University of East Anglia