Dr. Sylvia

Unlock Your True Potential With Life Coaching Services

Health Equity | Visionary | Executive Coach | Philanthropic Leader | Catalyst for Change

Hello!

I’m Dr. Sylvia Bartley — neuroscientist, executive coach, and lifelong advocate for equity. My work lives at the intersection of science, strategy, and social change.

Whether I’m advising institutional leaders, guiding an emerging professional, or challenging systemic barriers, one thing remains constant: I believe leadership should be a force for good.

Turning the Tide

Neuroscience. Spirituality. Emotional Health.

Turning the Tide: Neuroscience, Spirituality, and My Path Toward Emotional Health is more than a memoir. It’s an honest exploration of how science and spirit can work together to help us heal, grow, and lead more grounded lives.

I wrote this for anyone carrying quiet battles. For anyone striving to show up as their full self. For anyone ready to turn the tide in their own life.

 

 

“Healing doesn’t begin with answers. It begins with awareness — the willingness to pause, reflect, and choose growth over survival.”

“My life coach has been a game-changer, helping me set and achieve goals and improve my overall well-being.”

– Dr. Sylvia Bartley

Leadership should uplift and advance equity for all

I believe that leadership and work should serve a higher purpose — one that uplifts communities, drives equity, and inspires people to live fully and authentically. 
Throughout my journey, I have been guided by a singular mission: to advance equity, opportunity, and well-being for historically marginalized communities around the world.

Shaping the future through strategy and equity

Today, I serve as Chief of Staff for Strategy and Transformation at Morehouse School of Medicine, supporting the Dean and EVP of Health Affairs in driving strategic initiatives, leading change management, and shaping the future of academic medicine and healthcare through innovation and equity.

I drive strategy, equity, and impact

Previously, I spent more than three decades leading with purpose in the healthcare industry, including 20 years at a Fortune 500 medical device company where I held senior roles across strategic planning, operations, health equity, research, philanthropy, disaster relief, and external affairs. Whether navigating crisis response or building high-performing teams, my focus has always been clear: empowering people and catalyzing impact.

Empowering people and leading with purpose

Beyond organizational leadership, I am passionate about the personal side of growth. 
As an executive coach, I work with leaders at every stage — helping them rise, find steadiness, and unlock their full potential. My coaching approach is grounded in neuroscience, lived experience, and a deep belief in the transformative power of self-awareness, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership.

Championing equity through civic leadership

Civic engagement remains a cornerstone of my life. I am proud to serve as Vice Chair of the Board at The Johnson STEM Activity Center and as an advisory board member for the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, championing innovation, STEM access, and educational equity. 
Through community work, I strive to share tools and resources that help navigate the social determinants of health — including education, housing, environmental justice, and economic mobility.

Scientist by training with roots in neurophysiology

I hold a Ph.D. in Neurophysiology from St. Barts and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology from the University of London.

Whether I am coaching an emerging leader, shaping institutional strategy, or connecting neuroscience to emotional health, my purpose remains the same

To elevate others, foster authentic leadership, and create lasting change that empowers all of us to thrive.

Unlock the Leader Within You and Create Impact That Lasts

Ready to Lead with Clarity and Confidence

Unlock Your True Potential With Life Coaching Services

Let’s work together to strengthen your leadership, expand your impact, and help you grow into the leader you’re meant to be.

Woman with Sunglasses and Sunhat 1