Strategic consulting at the intersection of learning, innovation, and scale.
We work with organizations and funders that are trying to move from promising ideas to real impact — and need a strategic partner who can design the strategy, structure, and experiences to get them there.
Results
A track record built over two decades of federally and philanthropically funded work:
Designed, led, and served as a key partner on multi-year, multi-million dollar accelerator and incubator programs across the adolescent health field, with innovations going on to launch in market and secure competitive federal funding for randomized controlled trials.
Conceptualized and led convenings, expert workgroups, and shared learning collaboratives with leaders from 50+ organizations across the country.
Delivered training and technical assistance to more than 150 government agencies and community organizations managing over $175 million in federal grants.
Beyond the Lecture, LLC is a boutique consulting practice founded and led by Dr. Sarah Axelson, a public health strategist with 20 years of experience at the intersection of innovation, learning, and scale. Dr. Axelson has designed and led programs supported by federal funding and national philanthropic partnerships, working alongside research organizations, public health nonprofits, and universities across the country.
See the work in action
An inside look at the Breakthrough Accelerator, including the innovators in the first cohort and what the program meant to their work.
How we can work together:
Accelerator & Incubator Design
Design and delivery of intensive programs that move innovators from early-stage ideas to tested, scalable approaches — through curriculum, coaching, and direct partnership with teams.
Strategic Planning & Facilitation
Custom design and facilitation of convenings, shared learning collaboratives, retreats, and strategic planning sessions for public health organizations and funders.
Learning System Design
Development of training programs, technical assistance frameworks, and capacity-building curricula for organizations navigating complex change.
“Working with Beyond the Lecture was a transformative experience for our team and the advisory board. The human-centered design approach helped us more deeply understand the needs and perspectives of the communities we are trying to reach and translate those insights into meaningful, actionable messaging strategies. Sarah created a collaborative, thoughtful space that augmented our subject matter focus while keeping the work grounded in real-world impact.”
-Dr. Tracey Wilkinson, Beyond the Lecture client
“I am consistently blown away by Sarah’s ability to foster a truly collaborative and creative space. Sarah brings intentionality, thoughtfulness, organization, and positive energy to everything she does. She has improved every project we’ve worked on together in numerous, incalculable ways.”
-Elise Schuster, former Innovation Next innovator and Founder of okayso
Ready to start a conversation?
Every engagement begins with a conversation about your organization, your challenge, and what success looks like. Reach out and let’s talk.