Dr. Sherwanna Clarke
Sherwanna (Flanagan) Clarke is the Founder and CEO of Katalýtis For Change, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to leadership development, organizational culture building, and strategic business transformation. A visionary leader, Sherwanna brings over three decades of experience in healthcare, operations, and pharmaceutical industries, blending strategic insight with a results-driven approach. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams, streamline operations, and deliver measurable outcomes that drive organizational growth. Trained as a pharmacist, Sherwanna earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1996. She has held significant leadership roles in the pharmaceutical sector, including positions in commercial operations, medical affairs, and project management with companies such as AbbVie, Abbott, and GlaxoSmithKline. In addition to her corporate work, she is a True Colors Certified Facilitator and a John Maxwell Team certified coach, speaker, and facilitator, specializing in executive coaching, team development, and change management. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sherwanna is deeply committed to mentoring, community service, and faith-based leadership. She serves as an elder at Victory Christian Ministries International, actively contributing to ministry planning and promotions. A devoted grandmother, she enjoys creating memories with her granddaughters, traveling, and exploring new cultures, with Dubai among her favorite destinations. Guided by the philosophy of a mentor “find, follow, and fulfill your purpose,” Sherwanna strives to empower individuals and organizations to realize their full potential while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
• True Colors Certified Facilitator
• John Maxwell Coach, Trainer and Speaker
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - Pharm.D.
• Courageous Generational Women's Leadership Award
• Catalyst For Change Training and Development
• Youth Against Violence Trainer
• Rick and Isabella Pina Ministries ESL
• Bezos Scholarship Program Selection Committee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to my faith, which has always been the foundation of everything I do. Equally important are the incredible people who have supported and guided me along the way—mentors, colleagues, and friends who have poured their wisdom and encouragement into my journey. My mother and my husband have been my greatest supporters, and I am grateful for the guidance and strength I’ve gained from surrounding myself with strong, inspiring women and accepting the wisdom of those around me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to intentionally build time for self-reflection. I make it a point to block time on my calendar—like Friday afternoons—to review wins, assess challenges, and reflect on lessons learned. This pause helps me stay aligned, grow continuously, and approach each week with clarity and purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to surround yourself with strong, supportive people who will hold you accountable and cheer you on. Identify mentors and peers who can help you reach your goals, and never give up on the dream inside of you—bet on yourself. Find, follow, and fulfill your purpose, and let that guide your decisions and growth every step of the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is finding a clear niche, owning it, and staying consistent. With so many practitioners, it can be difficult to stand out and define your unique value. At the same time, there’s a tremendous opportunity: there’s growing recognition of the value of coaching and facilitation, and tools like AI can help us work more efficiently—while still preserving the essential human connection that is at the heart of what we do.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, patience, love, and authenticity. I strive to stay true to who I am, lead with honesty and compassion, and approach every situation with patience and a sense of purpose grounded in my beliefs.
Locations
Katalýtis For Change, LLC
Woodbridge, Virginia 22193