Sarah Kleinman is a distinguished organizational strategy leader with extensive expertise in transformation, leadership effectiveness, culture and strategy execution. Known as an “advisor-operator,” she bridges the critical gap between strategy development and operational execution by blending structured, top-tier strategy consulting with hands-on executive leadership. She is known for translating complex organizational challenges into actionable, value-driven solutions for senior executives.
With an expertise in connecting strategic objectives to operating models, Sarah has counseled hundreds of CEOs and senior government officials. She was also a C-suite executive at multiple organizations, including a 25,000-person NGO operating in 50+ countries. Sarah combines deep intellectual horsepower with an entrepreneurial mindset, making her a formidable partner for organizations and leaders seeking to navigate periods of significant change and accelerate their impact.
Bridging strategy and execution to drive performance transformation
- During her decade at McKinsey & Company, Sarah consistently earned the highest performance rating and made partner quickly while advising senior executives and boards on strategy, organization design, and performance and culture transformation.
- Sarah served as president of a political non-profit and chief strategy officer of the International Rescue Committee, overseeing strategic planning, complex mission-driven initiatives, and risk reduction while aligning leadership systems with organizational goals.
- Sarah successfully launched a consultancy, SK Impact Advisory, focused on organizational strategy and transformation, quickly securing a robust client base and demonstrating strong commercial traction.
Sarah is a Rhodes Scholar with a Ph.D./D.Phil. and M.Phil. in international relations from Oxford University. She also earned an M.A. in sociology from Stanford University, receiving the Dornbusch Award for Outstanding Graduate, and a B.A. in history, graduating with high honors and Phi Beta Kappa.