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SARAH BURLEW

My Pioneer: Phoebe Omlie

Phoebe Omlie was a trailblazer in American aviation, breaking barriers and redefining what was possible. As the first licensed female airplane mechanic, the first woman to hold a transport pilot’s license, and the first woman appointed to a federal aviation position, Phoebe’s list of groundbreaking achievements is unparalleled. She was fearless, innovative, and deeply committed to uplifting others.

One of her most enduring legacies was establishing 66 flight schools across the United States, including the Tuskegee Institute, where the legendary Tuskegee Airmen—the first African-American military pilots—were trained. Her curriculum remains a foundation in aviation education today.

Phoebe’s resilience, vision, and generosity inspire the pioneering spirit of Omlie. She believed that when we lift others, we all rise—a philosophy that guides our mission to foster collaboration, innovation, and empowerment in every project we undertake.

About Sarah

DISC Type: 

Parrot, Eagle, Dove

Location:

Philadelphia

About Me:

I’m endlessly curious about the cracks in systems—the places where things break—and how they can be mended. I approach my work with a deep respect for the wisdom of those who came before us, tempered by a fearless drive to challenge the status quo and a playful sense of humor that keeps things grounded.

Omlie Consulting wasn’t born out of a desire to create “just another consulting firm.” Instead, it’s my answer to what’s missing in traditional business practices: empathy, authenticity, vulnerability, and joy. At Omlie, we’re proud to call ourselves the anti-consulting consulting company—redefining the way organizations transform by putting people and purpose at the heart of everything we do.

Relevant Skills:

  • Business Strategy & Development: Expertise in go-to-market (GTM) strategies, strategic planning, and organizational change.
  • Leadership Development: Building trusting teams and fostering inclusive cultures.
  • Cannabis Expertise: Leveraging plant-based medicine knowledge to innovate healthcare solutions.
  • Thought Leadership: Passionate advocate for diverse, LGBTQIA+, and women-owned businesses and representation in leadership.

Favorite Vacation Spot

The Outer Banks of North Carolina. When I’m not taking in the calming ocean energy you can find me at Duck Cottage and Bookstore searching for a new book.

Ask Me About: 

  • Building trusting teams and transformative organizational cultures that drive better business outcomes.
  • How to bootstrap and scale a business from scratch during challenging times like a global pandemic.
  • Strategies for destigmatizing cannabis in healthcare and wellness industries.
  • Navigating male-dominated industries as a female leader.
  • The story behind Omlie and our aviation pioneer namesake, Phoebe Omlie.
  • What I’m reading… I typically read 1-2 books a month

Favorite Dessert:

Ice cream with rainbow sprinkles, preferably Graeter’s, and in a cone (because it tastes better that way!)

Education:

  • Villanova University, Undergrad and MBA
  • HBX | Harvard Business School: Disruptive Strategy with Clayton Christensen
  • Saint Joseph’s University: Cannabis Healthcare and Medicine Certificate
  • Leadership Philadelphia: Class of 2014 Graduate

View Featured Work

Celebrating Clients Success Through Omlie Case Studies

What makes a great consulting case study? It’s not about us—it’s about the clients we support. In this episode of The Pioneer Podcast, Lauren Scandone, Omlie’s Head of Delivery, shares how her and the team craft case studies that highlight real-world solutions, celebrate client success, and inspire others to take action. Listen in as we discuss the power of storytelling, the joy in problem-solving, and why making work fun is just as important as delivering results. Tune in now!

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Flight School At Omlie

In this episode, Emily Arrow dives into her incredible career journey—from her early days in the industry to how she landed her role at Omlie. But that’s not all! She also gives us an inside look at Omlie Flight School, our newly introduced training program designed to help our team members elevate their skills and soar to new heights.

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Team Not Family

In our latest episode, we’re thrilled to feature Omlie team member Maria Palmieri! Join us as Maria shares the incredible journey that led her to Omlie, how she’s making a difference every day, and why she’s passionate about our “team, not family” philosophy. With her background as a collegiate athlete, Maria brings a unique perspective on the power of teamwork, resilience, and pushing boundaries to achieve greatness. You won’t want to miss her insights on building a strong, supportive, and winning team!

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