Speaking
“I came away from Sarah’s talk with renewed confidence in taking steps forward, rather than being stuck in the weeds of why it’s difficult to create and implement the changes needed.”
Deb Taft, CEO Lindauer
Topics
Do Sweat the Small Stuff
Harness the power of micro-interactions to transform your leadership
Leadership doesn’t only happen in the grand gestures; it lives in the tiny, everyday moments of interaction between a leader and their team. What we say, how we say it, what we listen for and ignore. As well as what we say, our habits, behaviours, actions and expectations all send a message about what kind of leader we are, and what matters.
In this reflective and provocative session based on her bestselling book, Sarah will challenge you to notice and own the profound impact of your micro-interactions. To explore how your speaking and listening, your habits and your behaviours affect those around you, whether you realise or not. To highlight the power of micro-interactions to make – or break – your leadership and your culture.
Finally, she will reveal how to start to reinvent those interactions to reshape how you show up as a leader and build trusting, productive relationships with your people.
Takeaways:
Increased self-awareness of the impact of the ways you habitually interact as a leader
Ways to adapt and flex your micro-interactions to shift your impact
A fresh perspective on how to build high-trust, high-performing teams
Thriving in Uncertainty
The art of leading in the unknown
We’re living in an age of unbounded uncertainty: change is no longer a temporary disruption but a permanent context. In this environment, traditional approaches to leadership – focused on authority, stability and incremental improvement – are no longer fit for purpose. Yet, many still default to seeking control, waiting for clarity, or feeling the weight of unrealistic expectations to have all the answers.
The best leaders don’t have a crystal ball, but they do have a different approach. Instead of reacting to uncertainty with fear or hesitation, they embrace it as an opportunity. They develop the confidence to make bold decisions without full information, create stability for their teams amid constant change, and foster cultures of resilience and innovation.
In this practical and thought-provoking session, Sarah equips leaders with the mindset and strategies to thrive in uncertainty. This session is designed for leaders who want to stay ahead, inspire action, and create stability in a world that refuses to stand still.
Takeaways:
A leadership blueprint for uncertain times – the key traits and behaviours that drive clarity, confidence, and trust.
Practical ways to shift from controlling outcomes to influencing people.
Strategies to keep teams resilient, engaged, and adaptable through change.
Leadership Under Pressure
Lessons from The Boat Race
Great leaders don’t just steer the ship, they create the conditions for success. In high-stakes environments, where every decision matters, the ability to lead with clarity, authority, and composure is what sets the best apart.
The Boat Race, one of the most fiercely contested sporting events, offers a unique perspective on leadership – not from the rowers, but from the umpire. Tasked with ensuring fair competition, making split-second decisions, and managing intense rivalries without bias, umpires must strike the perfect balance between authority and trust, guidance and autonomy.
The best umpires – and the best leaders – understand that real leadership isn’t about control, but about influence. They create an environment where people can perform at their best, knowing they are supported yet accountable.
Told through gripping real-life stories from umpiring this historic event, this talk delivers fresh, actionable leadership insights that help senior leaders perform at their best when the stakes are high.
Takeaways:
Practical strategies to provide direction that empowers, rather than controls.
Tools to stay calm, clear, and decisive under pressure.
A roadmap for building trust and collaboration while maintaining accountability.
“Sarah delivered big messages in a personal and accessible way, making each of us feel that together we could really achieve something.”
Caroline Lytton, Head of Power & Renewables, SMBC Europe
Resources for meeting organisers
You’ll find everything you need here including images, bios, intro scripts, and A/V requirements.
FAQs
Do you tailor your talks for your audience?
Yes! I’m committed to delivering the most value for your audience, so the process will start with an upfront briefing call to discuss your objectives, your audience, the context for the talk and what success looks like for you.
The talk itself will then be tailored to suit you and your organisation’s needs, helping ensure everyone leaves energised, entertained and with practical, actionable, relevant insights.
Do you speak on other topics not listed above?
Yes. I have spoken on a wide range of topics relating to leadership and high-performing teams, those listed above are the most popular.
Please get in touch to discuss what you’re looking for and explore whether I may be able to help.
What style are your talks? Are they interactive?
I have two objectives when I speak. First, to challenge and provoke the audience’s thinking and second for the audience to leave with actionable insights.
Wherever possible, I seek to make my speaking engagements interactive – how this looks will depend on the event format, size and setting. I will discuss this with you during the briefing call to ensure the style and format meets your needs.
Do you ever speak for free?
Yes, occasionally. If you’re part of a non-profit and your budget is tight, or if you can offer non-fee based alternative value, get in touch and let’s discuss.
How do I book?
Get in touch via the link below to put your date on hold. We’ll confirm within 48 hours whether Sarah is potentially available.
From there we’ll set up a no-obligation 30-minute call to learn more about your event, your objectives, and your audience. We’ll then put together a custom session description to meet your audience’s goals.
Book me to speak at your event