FACILITATION
& WORKSHOPS
EXPERIENCES THAT SHIFT MINDS &
SPARK MOMENTUM
THE KIND OF SESSIONS THAT LINGER
REAL TALK,
REAL TOOLS
Forget the buzzwords and boring slide decks.
This is facilitation that actually hits.
I’m not here to tick boxes or talk at people. I’m here to shift something - in the room, in the team, in the way people show up at work (and honestly, in life too).
What sets these workshops apart? It’s the sweet spot where deep human insight meets hands-on HR and leadership know-how. It’s real talk, real tools, and real transformation - minus the corporate fluff.
No cookie-cutter content here. Every session is built with purpose and energy - designed to be practical, interactive, and actually land.
It’s learning that sticks because people feel it, not just hear it.
We go beyond theory. We build perspective shifts, brave conversations, and new ways of working that people want to take with them.
Because when one person grows, the whole team feels it. And that kind of ripple? It starts right here, in the room.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND MORE
EXPLORE MY SERVICES
Want to shake things up at work - in the best kind of way?
Below are four core facilitation offerings designed to shift how your team communicates, connects, and performs. Whether it’s levelling up self-awareness with DiSC®, deep-diving into real capability building, or running team days that actually lead to outcomes - there’s something here to spark momentum.
Got something else in mind?
From punchy masterclasses and group coaching series to big-picture 12-month learning journeys - I’m all in. With the right blend of experience, energy, and creativity, I’ll co-create a bespoke session or program that makes real impact. Whether it’s a one-off vibe shift or a full-scale transformation, I’m here to help you build spaces where conversations matter, growth happens, and change sticks.
📍 Based in Melbourne. Travel? Totally open to it - let’s chat.
LEAD
LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Leadership that feels good, works well, and actually lands.
Let’s be real - leadership isn’t about ticking boxes, quoting buzzwords, or being some polished, perfect version of yourself. It’s about being human, grounded, and clear in how you show up - for yourself and your team.
LEAD is a two-day, immersive experience for emerging and established leaders who are ready to ditch autopilot and lead with actual intention. We’re talking purpose, presence, and people skills that hit different. The kind that build trust, fuel motivation, and make a real difference - without losing your soul (or your weekend).
This isn’t a copy-paste leadership formula.
It’s a space to figure out what leadership means to you.
We dive deep - into values, strengths, self-awareness, and the kind of emotional intelligence that separates bosses from real leaders. We blend science-backed tools, reflection, coaching, and practical action so you leave not just inspired, but equipped.
What we cover inside LEAD
LEAD from within
Uncover your leadership values + purpose
Tap into your unique character strengths
Get clear on how you show up - and why it matters
LEAD with trust + connection
Build psychological safety with presence and consistency
Lead with empathy, not ego
Create a culture where people feel seen, safe, and supported
LEAD through communication
Coach, don’t just manage - using powerful questions + listening
Deliver feedback that actually fuels growth
Flex your comms style to connect across the board
LEAD with regulation
Understand your nervous system + what throws you off
Build steadiness in the chaos
Stay anchored, even in pressure or uncertainty
LEAD for real impact
Align your actions with purpose and priorities
Delegate like a boss (not a martyr)
Empower others through clarity, stretch + trust
Integration + Application
Use real-life scenarios, peer coaching + reflection to cement learning
Walk away with practical tools, fresh insights, and takeaways that stick
Leave feeling clear, capable, and more you than ever
Because real leadership isn’t about doing it all - it’s about doing it like you mean it.
Everything DiSC®
LESS FRICTION. MORE FLOW
Understand yourself. Understand others. Work better together.
We all know work runs smoother when people actually get each other - and that’s where Everything DiSC® comes in. It’s not just another personality test. It’s a tool that gives you the language, insight, and “aha!” moments to decode yourself and your team, so you can stop tiptoeing around tension and start building real connection.
Rooted in legit behavioural science (but zero psych-jargon, promise), DiSC helps you understand how you show up at work - your go-to communication style, what drives you, and where things can go sideways. You’ll also get the lowdown on your teammates’ styles, so instead of getting stuck in miscommunication loops, you can meet them where they’re at.
There are four core styles - Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness - and while we’re all a mix, most of us have a “main character” vibe that leads the way. Once you know yours (and theirs), things start clicking. Collaboration improves. Feedback flows easier. Meetings feel less painful. Conflict becomes constructive. It’s like getting a workplace translator… but way more fun.
And because I’m a certified Everything DiSC® facilitator, I’ll tailor the whole experience to your team’s real-world challenges and goals - again, no cookie-cutter content here.
What we'll dive into with DiSC®
Know Thyself (and your style)
Get to know your DiSC type and how it shows up in your day-to-day
Spot your strengths, blind spots, and what trips you up under stress
Learn how your style plays out in team dynamics, especially under pressure
Work With People, Not Around Them
Understand what drives the other styles - and what drives them nuts
Learn to flex your communication for less friction, more flow
Get practical strategies to build trust and adapt in meetings, 1:1s, and beyond
Create A Culture That Actually Clicks
Use DiSC as a shared language for real connection and better teamwork
Apply insights to feedback, performance convos, and conflict that goes somewhere
Design team rhythms that work for all styles - not just the loudest in the room
Whether you're a close-knit crew or a growing team still learning each other’s rhythms, DiSC gives you the tools to understand, connect, and thrive - together.
Choose your own adventure: from a punchy 3.5-hour intro to a full-blown 2-day deep dive (yep, with add-ons just for managers), there’s a format to suit your goals and your budget.
Insight meets action: every participant walks away with their personalised DiSC profile and real-world strategies they can actually use - not just stick in a drawer.
Everyone’s invited: from frontline legends to senior leaders, DiSC delivers clarity, connection, and lightbulb moments at every level.
IMPACT
MAKE YOUR MESSAGE MATTER
Public speaking is consistently ranked as one of the top fears globally - yep, even above death. But here’s the thing: in today’s world of work, being able to communicate with clarity and presence isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a power move.
Whether you're leading a room, pitching an idea, or navigating a hard conversation - how you show up and speak up matters.
IMPACT is a two-day experience designed to help you step into your voice and own your presence. This isn’t about perfect speeches or polished scripts. It’s about real, relatable, powerful communication in the workplace - the kind that builds trust, inspires action, and leaves a lasting impression.
What we cover inside IMPACT
Presence & Delivery
Because how you show up is the message.
Learn how to regulate nerves and channel them into confidence (yes, it’s possible)
Use breath, body, and voice to ground yourself and project presence
Walk into a room like you mean it - and leave them remembering you
Clarity & Structure
Because if it’s not clear, it won’t land.
Cut the fluff and get to the point without losing the punch
Use simple frameworks to structure ideas that actually stick
Leverage AI and prep tools to support (not overtake) your voice
Connection & Persuasion
Because influence isn’t about power plays - it’s about people.
Adapt to your audience while still staying true to your message
Practice real-world scenarios from everyday moments like 1:1s, team meetings, and feedback convos, to the bigger moments like project presentations, all-staff updates, and pitching to senior stakeholders
Speak in a way that gets buy-in, builds trust, and makes people lean in
This isn’t just a workshop - it’s a reset on how you show up in every room you’re in. Expect a mix of practical tools, human-first coaching, and a bit of that magic-meets-realness combo that brings it all to life.
THE ART OF CLEAR COMMUNICATION
BECAUSE LIFE'S TOO SHORT FOR CONFUSING CHATS
Where clarity meets courage, and conversations actually land.
Let’s be real: communication isn’t just about talking. It’s about being understood. And in workplaces full of noise, speed, and crossed wires, that’s a skill worth mastering.
The Art of Clear Communication is a one-day, human-first workshop that helps your people cut through the fluff and speak in a way that connects. We start with the most important piece - you. Because when you understand your own communication style (the good, the tricky, and the stressy), you unlock the ability to read the room, decode others, and show up with way more clarity and confidence.
Rooted in the idea that Clear is Kind (thanks Brené), this workshop dives into the practical tools that help people write, speak, and listen like they mean it. We’ll cover everything from tone and body language to emotional intelligence, active listening, and crafting messages that stick - even in the tough convos.
Participants will practice how to:
Stay steady in high-stakes momentsGive and receive feedback without the awkward shutdown
Flex their style to better connect across personalities, roles, and remote/hybrid settings
Say what needs to be saidwithoutlosing their cool or their meaning
Expect practical tools, real talk, and lots of "ohhh, that’s why that convo went sideways" moments...
This isn’t about perfecting your elevator pitch. It’s about building real skills that turn everyday conversations into something way more powerful: connection, collaboration, and trust.
What we cover in The Art of Clear Communication:
The Inner Work of Outer Talk
How your nervous system shapes the way you speak, listen, and react - and what to do when your body’s in “freak out” mode mid-meeting
The power of body language, tone, and unspoken cues - because what people feel matters more than what you meant
Autopilot habits, assumptions, and threat responses that hijack your message (and how to catch them before they derail a convo)
Tuning into your internal state beforeyou open your mouth - so you can lead conversations with intention, not reactivity
Tools for Clarity, Calm & Real Connection
Breath and body-based practices to regulate before you communicate
A simple model to help shift from reaction to thoughtful response
Techniques to decode and adapt your own communication patterns under pressure
Ways to read the emotional cues others are giving you - even the unspoken ones
Brave Chats, Real Impact
What actually makes a convo feel “hard” - and how to show up with clarity and care
A go-to feedback framework that helps you say what matters (and hear it too)
Practice handling the real stuff - tension, feedback, misalignment, tricky dynamics
Simple rituals and habits to keep communication flowing and connection strong
Backed by brain science: Learn what’s really going on in your nervous system when you communicate - especially under pressure.
Tools you’ll actually use: Walk away with real, practical strategies you can try the next time you’re in a conversation that counts.
Shifts that stick: This isn’t a feel-good session that fades - it sparks new awareness and habits that change how people show up.
THRIVING
NOT JUST SURVIVING THE WORKDAY
Because burnout isn’t a badge of honour.
In a world where “busy” has become the default, this workshop flips the script. THRIVING is a human-first, brain-savvy take on performance - one that focuses on energy over effort, presence over push, and sustainable pace over constant hustle.
Across this session, we get real about what fuels (and drains) you at work. You'll explore the nervous system’s role in productivity, learn how to work with your natural rhythms (not against them), and pick up practical tools to navigate high-demand days without losing your spark.
Less autopilot. More intention. Less overwhelm. More clarity, calm, and momentum that actually lasts.
This isn’t just about feeling better - it’s about performing better, too. And when people thrive? Teams do, too.
What we cover inside THRIVING
The Neuroscience of Stress, Energy & Thriving
Understand how your nervous system responds to pressure, distraction, and demands - and how to regulate it to support clarity and performance.
Energy Management > Time Management
Learn how to recognise where your energy goes, what drains or fuels it, and how to structure your workday with more ease and intention.
Nervous System Reset Tools
Explore quick, evidence-based breathwork and body-based practices that help you shift state and recharge - no yoga mat or retreat required.
Emotional Agility & Boundaries
Build self-awareness around emotional triggers, develop practical language for setting boundaries, and stay grounded when pressure’s on.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Performance
Walk away with a personalised Thrive Plan - mapping the habits, mindset shifts, and micro-recharges that will help you show up as your best self, more often.
Sustain Your Energy: practical strategies to manage mental, emotional, and physical energy for long-term performance.
Lead with Resilience: build self-awareness and self-regulation skills to bounce back from setbacks and handle pressure with ease.
Own Your Wellbeing: cultivate habits and mindsets that support balance, focus, and authentic engagement at work and beyond.
WHEN THE USUAL WON'T CUT IT
Custom, Creative & Made-To-Fit
One-size-fits-all? Not in my world.
What you’ve seen here are just my core offerings - but honestly, creating bespoke, purpose-built experiences
is my sweet spot. Whether it’s a one-off workshop, a punchy masterclass, or a 12-month leadership program with all the bells and whistles, I design learning that actually lands - and works with the rhythm of your people and culture.
Need someone to run your offsite or strategy day? I’m in. I’ll keep the energy flowing, make sure every voice is heard, and guide the room toward clarity and action (minus the corporate fluff).
Want a shorter spark of inspo? I offer 60–90 minute masterclasses on all things leadership, team dynamics, and culture. Think: high-impact, low-lift learning that gets people thinking, feeling, and doing differently.
Got something else in mind? Let’s make it happen. If it involves humans, growth, and better conversations - I’m your person. Together we’ll create something that’s practical, powerful, and just the right kind of different.
HEAR FROM THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN IN THE ROOM
"Transforming our workplace into a thriving hub of innovation"
"Having worked with Sarah for nearly 3 years, she has truly excelled in delivering exceptional workplace training and supporting senior leaders within our organisation. Her dedication to fostering a culture of growth and development was palpable. Her passion for empowering others through education and mentorship has been instrumental in transforming our workplace into a thriving hub of innovation and excellence.As a trainer, Sarah possesses a rare combination of expertise, charisma, and empathy. She has an innate ability to connect with individuals at all levels of the organisation, making even the most complex concepts accessible and engaging. Her training sessions are not just informative; they are transformative experiences that leave participants feeling inspired and equipped with the tools they need to succeed."
Michael Ostroburski
General Manager Food & Beverage
"Sarah instantly makes you feel comfortable"
“Sarah instantly makes you feel comfortable and has an innate ability to inspire new thinking, change and vulnerability. Whether it's 1:1 coaching or facilitating group sessions to drive outcomes, Sarah is an obvious choice for either our personal or professional needs.”
Ashley Curnow
Executive Director - Marketing
"Sarah is a highly skilled learning designer, facilitator and coach"
“Every so often you come across someone who is truly exceptional at what they do. In 25 years as a Leadership and Mindset facilitator and coach, I have never come across anyone quite like Sarah Townsend. Her intellect, insight and ability to connect with people is perfectly aligned to her purpose of helping others to flourish.
Sarah is a highly skilled learning designer, facilitator and coach who is at the leading edge of coaching and professional development research and techniques. I have been thrilled to partner with her in designing and co-facilitating leadership and high impact presentation workshops which have had exceptional feedback from participants. If you get a chance to work with Sarah – take it. You will get to experience an exceptional person and you’ll feel completely supported along the way.”
Jo Knorr
Leadership & Mindset Coach + Facilitator
The work of with Sarah Townsend is conducted at its core on Bunurong Country. I acknowledge the Bunurong people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and waters. I pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and recognise their continuing connection to land, culture, and community.