Introducing Sarah Lesko
Today I’m talking to Oiselle Leader of Corporate Development, Elite Athlete Manager, and Director of Philanthropy Dr. Sarah Lesko about changing careers.
Her Career Journey
Sarah studied molecular biophysics and biochemistry at Yale where she was also a runner. She continued running after college until making the decision to attend medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. She then completed her residency in family medicine and went on to practice in a community health setting in Seattle. Sarah then earned her MPH. When she began to run again, she met the founder of Oiselle and began working on projects with the sportswear company.
Changing Careers
When life caused Sarah to step away from medicine a few years ago, she realized that her true vision included work beyond the clinic. She made the decision to stop practicing medicine and begin working full-time with Oiselle. Changing careers gave Sarah a way to honor her values while still utilizing her training in medicine and public health. Through her work with Oiselle, Sarah has found a way to support women and girls in sport at every level of competition.
Inside this episode:
- Sarah ran in college and semi-professionally, but injuries forced her out of the sport before she felt she had met her full potential. She talks about the time it took to be at peace with her retirement.
- While she was in medical school, Sarah and her husband decided to have kids. Sarah talks about the struggle to find the right fit for a residency program that would work with her responsibilities as the mother of two young kids.
- When Sarah decided to get her MPH, it was motivated by her need to understand barriers to health on a policy level.
- Sarah created multiple identities throughout her career which have provided resilience and motivation.
- Her decision to stop practicing medicine and begin working with Oiselle gave her the opportunity to find work that was more in line with her vision and values.
- With Oiselle, Sarah leads the Bras For Girls program, giving her the chance to combine all of her work in sports, medicine, and public health.
- In the last few years, Sarah has worked through the guilt she felt when she stopped practicing medicine. This change, however, allows her to follow her passions and be comfortable with who she is.
Resources
- Sarah Lesko’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
- Guide to Defining Your Values
- Rate and review Madam Athlete on Apple Podcasts
- Want more? Listen to some of the interviews mentioned in this episode: Bianca Edison, Katie Rizzone, and Kate Ackerman