Listen to Noomii's interview with Sarah Ratekin

About Me

Dr. Sarah Ratekin has taken the career path less traveled, and that breadth and depth of experience fuels her unwavering drive for excellence (both her own and others), authentic empathy, and an insatiable curiosity that allows her to see the world through an innovative and creative lens.

Building on decades of industry experience focused on corporate culture and the employee experience, she is currently a Director at a public university, where she and her team drive increased professional development and career readiness for undergraduate business students.

She is also the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Happiness Is Courage, where she channels her passion for creating incredible employee experiences to help clients solve difficult engagement challenges, Sarah leverages her skills in translating the science of happiness and well-being into actionable plans that provide clients with radically positive results. An enthusiastic positivity activist, she believes we can change the world for the better by being positive, grateful, and kind, and she’s often quoted as saying “Happiness is a gauge, not a goal”.

Sarah holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree with published research on the impact of intentional gratitude on job satisfaction and employee confidence. She has also completed a master’s degree in management and leadership and an MBA, and has been featured on dozens of podcasts speaking on the power of happiness in the workplace and in life, presented at conferences across North America, facilitated numerous workshops on workplace excellence, and worked with groups from 2 to 6000+ in her mission to make Workplace Happiness a Core Corporate Value. A Navy veteran, she is also the author of Silver Threads: Living a Life of Gratitude and two companion journals, and is a frequently-featured contributor for the award-winning BizCatalyst360 forum.