
Introducing Sarah O'Leary: The Chief Executive Officer of Willow Innovations, Revolutionizing Motherhood.
Welcome to Second Life, a podcast that highlights individuals who have successfully transitioned careers and boldly embraced change. Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder and chief content officer at Who What Wear, each episode connects you with transformative figures in various industries. Subscribe to Second Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts to stay updated.
Sarah O’Leary, the innovative CEO of Willow Innovations, has redefined the femtech industry by leading the company behind the world’s first fully wearable breast pump. With her career grounded in strategic leadership and a strong dedication to empowering mothers, O’Leary has turned Willow into a leading source of postpartum support.
Her professional journey began in consulting, where she developed her analytical and problem-solving capabilities. After obtaining her MBA, she advanced into business and sales development at a skincare company, a previous client, initiating her move into consumer-oriented sectors. She then joined Tea Collection, a children’s fashion brand, which proved to be a significant turning point in her career. As the head of marketing, strategy, and sales, she discovered her passion for collaborating on brands that resonate with their consumers.
In 2014, O’Leary was invited to join Willow Innovations, a startup with an ambitious goal: prioritizing mothers. She took on the role of Vice President of Growth, motivated by the chance to transform the breastfeeding experience. Under her strategic leadership, Willow’s revolutionary wearable breast pump, designed for freedom and flexibility, quickly gained popularity. O’Leary's skill in engaging consumers and scaling operations accelerated Willow’s expansion, broadening its product offerings to support mothers beyond just pumping and addressing wider postpartum needs.
From her position as VP of Growth, she advanced to Chief Marketing Officer, then Chief Commercial Officer, before becoming CEO. Each role highlighted her talent for merging innovation with empathy, ensuring that Willow’s products remained focused on mothers' needs. Under O’Leary’s leadership, Willow recently acquired Elvie, another pioneering femtech company, reinforcing its status as a leader in the industry.
Listen to the latest episode of Second Life to learn how, under O’Leary’s direction, Willow has evolved into a comprehensive platform for maternal wellness.
Next: Meet Sarah Harrelson: The Visionary Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Cultured Magazine.
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Introducing Sarah O'Leary: The Chief Executive Officer of Willow Innovations, Revolutionizing Motherhood.
Listen to her story here.