Client Testimonials
I get it - trusting someone new with your growth feels big and maybe a little scary.
That’s why hearing straight from the people who’ve been through it is pure gold.
Massive love to my past clients for letting me share their stories. Their words aren’t just kind - they’re proof that real change happens when you show up and do the work.
Their voices give you a front-row seat to what it’s really like to work with me.
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"From our discovery call and how much I instantly connected with Sarah it was exactly then I knew this was the perfect fit for me with coaching. I didn’t know what to expect! I’d never heard of coaching before but I’ve always been so open to growth and new things - never did I once think it would be such a life changing experience that it was though. What did I actually receive that differed from my expectations and hopes? Everything! The time and energy Sarah gave me, the guidance, the way she challenged me to think and really get to know myself.
My biggest change - celebrating myself. I am my very own cheerleader! Not only can I celebrate everyone around me I can NOW celebrate myself, and I can’t put to words the internal feelings that brings. Everyone deserves the chance to love themselves, and Sarah really helped guide me to see what that looks and feels like.
I think my biggest achievements would be understanding myself more internally. Because able to question why and how I do things. It’s opened up so many things for me and has exceeded my expectations of navigating the world selfless and calm.
I would describe my experience in three words as Life changing Incredible, Fulfilling.
I wish the experience of coaching with Sarah never had an end date.
Brittney Harvey
Workforce Planner
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"I decided to say “yes” to coaching with Sarah after our first conversation because I felt a genuine connection.The conversation felt easy and natural, and I appreciated Sarah's calm, down to earth approach. She asked thoughtful questions and really listened, which gave me confidence that Sarah was someone I could open up to without pressure, it felt like the perfect fit. Going into coaching, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but I knew I was ready for something to shift. I was hoping to gain more clarity about what I wanted next in my life. I wanted support in figuring out what actually felt meaningful to me, not just what I "should" do next. My hope was that coaching would help me reconnect with myself, build confidence and start making choices that felt more aligned and fulfilling. What I actually received from our coaching was more than I anticipated. I came in looking for clarity and direction, but what I walked away with was a deeper sense of self-awareness. Sarah gave me practical tools that I can apply throughout my life, helping me stay grounded and aligned with my values. I was also surprised by the shift in my confidence. It wasn’t a sudden change, but a steady, internal transformation. It became clear to me that as I became more self-aware, others around me started to notice too. My loved ones could see the change in how I carried myself, even without knowing I was going through coaching. The biggest change I’ve witnessed in myself since starting coaching is the shift in how I approach challenges and uncertainty. I’ve become much more self-aware and confident in trusting my own instincts and decisions. I no longer feel as overwhelmed by fear or doubt when faced with a tough situation. Instead of getting stuck in my thoughts or letting external pressures dictate my choices, I now feel more grounded and capable of navigating things with clarity. I’ve learned to embrace the process of growth, knowing that it doesn’t have to be perfect, but that I am always moving forward. It’s been a transformative journey, and I’ve gained so much more than I expected. The clarity, confidence, and tools I’ve walked away with are things I’ll carry with me for a long time. I feel like I’m now more equipped to take on whatever comes next in my life, and I’m truly thankful for the support and guidance Sarah provided along the way. Absolutely, I would recommend this coaching series to others. I’ve been talking about it with my friends and family, and they’ve seen such a noticeable difference in me. The coaching has been incredibly valuable, especially for anyone going through a major life change or feeling like they’re at a crossroads. It’s given me a renewed sense of confidence, focus, and a clearer understanding of what I truly want in my life".
Sarah Schultz
Parent
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"I had just begun a new role which came with increased responsibilities. I wanted to ensure I was setting myself up for success, so that in turn, my team would be set up for success, especially during the busiest time of the year for us and following a wider team transition. From the very beginning, Sarah made it easy to say "yes" to coaching. Our conversations flowed naturally, and she asked all the right questions, challenging my thinking from the very beginning. I could also resonate with a lot of Sarah's personal career journey, goals and previous work experiences which made her even more relatable to work with. Going into the coaching series, I hoped to gain clarity around a few focus areas that I knew needed work but wasn’t sure how to approach them. Sarah helped me structure what I wanted to work on, which we then were able to work through in manageable steps as part of a phased approach. I believe the introductory questionnaire and our initial session really helped me to understand these focus areas, with Sarah supporting me in gaining the clarity of what was most beneficial to focus on through her observations of my responses.
Heading into the first session, I felt quite overwhelmed to be honest! I wasn't sure exactly how the sessions were going to run, and some of the focus areas we had established felt a bit meaty - I remember thinking "where do I even start to achieve this?!" However, by the end of the session, it became clearer that the series would help me achieve these goals in a step-by-step manner, with tools and exercises, as well as Sarah's support, to help me get there.The biggest shift I’ve seen in myself is my mindset. I’ve become less harsh on myself and more intentional about managing my expectations. I’ve realised that not everything needs to be perfect or immediate, and this has helped me prioritise tasks and reduce self-doubt.
My biggest achievement has been applying what I’ve learned in practical ways within my team. The tools and exercises Sarah introduced me to have not only helped me but have inspired me to support my team in challenging their own thinking. I’ve even encouraged peers in similar roles to consider workplace coaching because the ripple effect of this work benefits everyone.Describing my coaching experience in 3 words they'd be: challenging, uplifting and valuable. I would definitely recommend coaching with Sarah to anyone who is determined to better themselves."
Nancine D
Bunnings Warehouse Brand & Campaign Manager
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"When I first connected with Sarah, I was seeking to deepen my understanding of my values and make a more meaningful impact as a leader. I had been following her on social media for a while and was drawn to her insights, vulnerability, and the way she communicated her ideas.
From our very first session, I knew Sarah was the right coach for me. Her emphasis on authenticity, growth, and creating a safe space aligned perfectly with the changes I wanted to make in both my personal and professional life. I didn’t have specific expectations, but I hoped for guidance to clarify my values and enhance my leadership skills, and Sarah delivered exactly that.
Throughout the series, I gained invaluable tools and insights that not only deepened my understanding of myself but also helped me become a more confident, empathetic leader.
One of the biggest shifts I noticed was a greater awareness of my thoughts and feelings. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and approach challenges without self-criticism, which has helped me lead with more empathy and authenticity. The biggest achievement from this experience was gaining clarity around my values and aligning my actions with them. I now navigate the world with a greater sense of purpose and confidence, using the tools I’ve learned to make decisions that resonate with who I truly am.
In three words, I’d describe this coaching experience as Empowering, Supportive, and Enlightening. I would absolutely recommend Sarah’s coaching series to anyone wanting to better understand themselves or leaders looking to lead more authentically. Thank you!"
Second Series together feedback:
"During our second series, we really carried on the work of the first, which was to continue to build on my strengths while also focusing on navigating key areas of growth. Professionally, I wanted to enhance my ability to connect with others, especially in leadership situations, while personally I felt the need to embrace a greater sense of purpose in my day-to-day activities. I decided to continue with a second series because I felt like we only scratched the surface with the first series. Sarah's authenticity was a big driving factor in my decision. Sarah always made me feel heard and supported, and I knew she was the right coach for me because she created a safe space for honest conversations, which encouraged me to dig deeper and make meaningful shifts.
I was hoping Sarah would help me clarify my personal and professional goals while also providing actionable strategies to grow emotionally and tap into my full potential. I was looking for guidance on how to approach challenges with more emotional intelligence and to build habits that would enhance my life. Ultimately, I wanted to feel more confident and aligned with my values, while also developing a deeper connection with the people around me.
I found that the longer series second time around (6 months vs. 3 months) went deeper into self-awareness and mindset shifts than I anticipated. The conversations we had were incredibly insightful, and beyond the practical tools, I gained a deeper understanding of my emotional responses and started embracing my potential in ways that felt more authentic. Going into the first session, I was very committed to more leadership/workplace-focused goals, but with Sarah's guidance, I was able to develop a set of goals that encompassed both professional and personal growth. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it was exactly the push I needed.
The biggest change I've noticed is a greater emotional awareness and the ability to respond more intentionally in challenging situations. I've become more in tune with my feelings and how they impact my decisions, which has made me more confident and present, both at work and in my personal life.
My biggest achievement has been becoming more self-aware and confident in navigating challenges. By breaking down larger goals into smaller steps, I've been able to stay focused and flexible in my growth.
Three words to capture my experience: Transformative, insightful, and empowering. Just another big thank you! I have no doubt our paths will cross again. I would recommend this series to anyone feeling stuck or seeking clarity in both personal and professional growth. The coaching process is empowering, thoughtful, and tailored to your needs, making it a great fit for anyone ready to make meaningful change."
Emma Saviane
Nurse Unit Manager
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“Sarah provided unconditional support throughout the full 12-week series. She gave me the tools and guidance I needed to work through these issues that I had carried around for years. She helped me find the strength within myself, discover my voice, and understand my authentic self!
Now, I believe in myself, ask for help, and find joy in life every day. I am confident. I have the tools to overcome stress and overwhelm.I'm more aligned with my values and honour them every day.I'm kinder and am more present with my family.
Sarah has changed my life and given me the most amazing gift: she helped me find myself! Everyone needs someone in their corner to support them when they feel disconnected from themselves and lost!
Sarah, you did this for me, and I’ll be forever grateful!”
Ashlee Stow
Pilates Instructor + Nutritionist
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"I was struggling with stress, confidence, and regulating my nervous system, which impacted both my work and personal life. Through my employer, I was offered the opportunity to work with Sarah (something I would highly recommend to other businesses), and although I was initially skeptical, my expectations were far exceeded. I didn't know before session one what I wanted from the coaching program and by the end I felt a lot of gratitude that I had been given the opportunity to work with Sarah and undertake coaching with her over a 12 week series.
Sarah’s program helped me achieve greater self-awareness and provided me with tools to address stress and anxiety. I’ve noticed real and meaningful changes, and so have those close to me. I never imagined I’d be regularly meditating and journaling, but these practices have now become part of my routine. This change is a testament to the value of Sarah’s coaching, which has led to lasting, impactful change in my life.
One of my biggest achievements from the coaching series was putting in place life structures that help me excel both personally and professionally. Sarah's insights into personal growth and skill development have made me more self-aware, and I’m excited to continue applying the techniques I’ve learned.
Although we come from different professional backgrounds, Sarah quickly understood the challenges specific to me and my role. Her support and guidance were invaluable, and I would recommend her as a coach without hesitation. The experience was eye-opening, confidence-building, and impactful. Overall, the guidance, techniques, and learnings from Sarah’s program have had a significant impact on me, and I believe it would be valuable for anyone in any role.""
Sam McCartney
General Manager Property
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“Sarah is genuinely invested in you and your growth from the very beginning, ensuring you feel well-equipped at each point of the series. She takes the time to genuinely understand your needs, challenges, and strengths to support you in reaching your goals.
The fresh perspectives, insights, and tools I came away with have completely shifted my mindset, and due to her holistic approach, I have seen this trickle through to all areas of my life.
She gave me the guidance I needed to find the confidence, clarity, and presence within myself. I would highly recommend Sarah to anyone seeking personal growth and transformation.”
Caitlin Welsh
HR Professional
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"Sarah recently delivered an inspirational masterclass in my Shine membership community. She spoke on ‘unleashing your main character energy’, breaking down the concepts of confidence, visibility, and authenticity for women in business in a relatable and actionable way, and that was very much on-point for my members.
Sarah’s expertise in holding space shone through during her presentation. It’s clear she has an ability to work with a variety of audiences and industries, around both mindset and business, and get results.
If you’re looking for a speaker or life coach in Sarah’s area of expertise who has exceptional knowledge, energy, and passion, I highly recommend her!"
Fi Mims
Personal Branding Photographer + Coach
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“Having worked with Sarah for nearly 3 years, she has truly excelled in delivering exceptional workplace training and supporting senior leaders within our organisation. Coming out of Covid and supporting the business to drive change was no easy task.
From the moment Sarah stepped into her role, 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.
Moreover, Sarah has been an invaluable resource for our senior leaders. She understands the unique challenges they face and goes above and beyond to provide tailored support and guidance. Whether it's coaching them through difficult decisions, offering strategic insights, or simply lending a listening ear, Sarah is always there to ensure our leaders have the resources they need to thrive.
Beyond her technical skills, Sarah is a beacon of positivity and encouragement in our workplace. Her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering belief in the potential of others have motivated countless individuals to reach new heights in their careers.
Sarah is not just a leader; she is a mentor, and a driving force for positive change. Her contributions to our organisation have been immeasurable, and I have no doubt that her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.”
Michael Ostroburski
General Manager Food & Beverage
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"“Working with Sarah has genuinely changed my life. Every session felt like looking into a mirror – sometimes uncomfortable, but always honest. Sarah didn’t just give me advice, she helped me see parts of myself that I had been avoiding and showed me what was really holding me back.
Through this I recognised my own strength and potential. It’s a journey of self-discovery that has had a huge impact on my personal life and work. As I become clearer about my own empowerment, I also found that I could be a better coach and leader to others and inspire those around me.
I’m truly grateful and thankful for your guidance and support I received from Sarah. It’s been an eye opening and empowering experience that’s helped me become more confident and authentic in who I am. I can not recommend this program enough to anyone that is ready for a meaningful change.”
Kim Erbasan
Team Coach, Eastlink
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“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.I have been privileged to coach Sarah and watch her flourish in her own life and career. Her willingness to learn, challenge herself and immediately apply her insights positions her perfectly to help her own coaching clients.
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, exceptional processes and you’ll feel completely supported along the way.”
Jo Knorr
Leadership + Mindset Coach + Facilitator
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"Our organisation recently engaged Sarah to facilitate a senior leader session focused on next steps with our leadership development program. Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with Sarah as a facilitator, knows the strength of her phenomenal skills in this space. Sarah can simultaneously deliver on the designed, agreed outcomes and cleverly pivot when it is needed – all whist holding a group conversation that leaves everyone in the room feeling heard and better for the conversation. Even with the invariable challenging views or more complex personalities that appear in any group, Sarah’s engaging style and intelligence enable her to navigate with ease, keeping the agenda on track and consistently identifying logical, workable solutions to move forward. It is an undeniable strength and underpins her immense career success so far. Any team is fortunate to have her contributing to the conversation and I cannot recommend her services more highly"
Sue Franklin
Executive GM People & Culture
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“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, Membership + Customer
Kristin Meldrum
Self-Belief & Strength Coach
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.