About Sara

Empowering Lives and Shaping Health Narratives for Brighter Days Ahead

Hi, I’m Sara Kavanaugh — a Nashville-based keynote speaker, communications strategist, advocate, and proud mom of two. Originally from Michigan, my life has been shaped by both my corporate career and my personal journey navigating hereditary cancer risk.

When I found out I carried Lynch Syndrome and a CHEK2 mutation, it changed everything — not in a way that shut my life down, but in a way that opened it up. It pushed me to ask better questions, advocate for myself, rethink how I communicate, and face uncertainty with more curiosity than fear. That shift — from overwhelm to empowerment — is now at the heart of my work.

I speak, write, and podcast about the things that help people thrive through challenge:
curiosity, courage, communication, resilience, and the power of understanding your own story.

My podcast, The Positive Gene Podcast, has connected me with genetic experts, researchers, and advocates across the country — and my advocacy has been featured by WSMV News4, Vanderbilt Medical Center's ICARE initiative, FORCE, and local op-eds amplifying patient voices and genetic health equity.

Today, I use my experiences — in boardrooms, in healthcare, in advocacy, and in parenthood — to help others navigate moments that matter. Whether I’m speaking to corporate teams, women’s leadership groups, healthcare professionals, or community organizations, my goal is always the same:

To help people think more clearly, act more bravely, and communicate with purpose — especially when the stakes feel high.

I believe that when we understand our story, we rise differently.

And I’m grateful every day that mine allows me to help others rise, too.

Many blessings,

Sara