Change isn't just about having a strategy. It's about relationships.

I'm Sarah Patterson, a strategic designer and partnership broker. I help visionary leaders build the collaborations, partnerships and communities needed to create futures we can be excited about.

Learn more

Get in touch

Sarah is standing with in front of a window smiling and facing the camera. She is wearing a houndstooth style blazer and black top. She has mid length brown hair.

I work with leaders and visionaries facing complex collaboration challenges

Leaders navigating systems change and transition

Common situations I help with:

You're leading change that requires collaboration but don't know where to start or who to involve
Your partnership is losing momentum, facing conflict or needs a change in direction
‍You need to engage stakeholders in ways that build genuine buy-in

Visionaries building purposeful communities

Common situations I help with:

You're starting a community around your vision but unsure how to set it up for success
You've built a community and want to energise it or change direction
Your work as a community is done and you want to honour what you've built together

How I can help

MY APPROACH

I apply a relational approach to change

Most approaches to change focus on strategy, process and structure. I bring a focus on relationships to that equation.

I use methods that centre power, risk and reciprocity in the discussion. The focus isn't just on who should be at the table but why they are there and what conditions are needed for genuine collaboration to occur.

I bring an independent, outside perspective that helps you see dynamics you might miss from the inside.
‍
As an Associate and Accredited member of the Partnership Brokers Association (PBA) - a global network that promotes professional standards and ethics - I practice multi-stakeholder facilitation that is guided by the principles of diversity, equity, openness, mutual benefit and courage. I am also committed to the PBA's Ethical Partnership Brokering Framework.

Whether I'm helping you prepare to partner, build foundations for success, navigate challenges or close out with care, the work is always human-centred, inclusive and designed to facilitate enduring change.

Learn more

Sarah is standing in a bright room infront of a grey arm chair and rambling monsteria plant. She is wearing a white t-shirt that says "hasten slowly". She is smiling facing the camera.

Testimonials

A trusted partner to individuals and organisations

“Sarah builds genuinely mutual and collaborative relationships, and has a rare ability to help others do the same. I have seen her work with sceptical teams and turn resistance into trust, capability and meaningful engagement with community. She is someone you want beside you when the work is complex and the stakes are real.”

A black and white photo of Rowena from the shoulders up. She has curly blonde hair. She's wearing classes and a necklace with a big pendant on it. She's smiling and facing the camera. There is a natural setting behind her.

Rowena Morrow

Founder
Change and Foresight

“I needed support forging a new pathway for a cross-government program I was leading. Sarah brought fresh perspective and thoughtful challenge that strengthened the direction for both the team and the project. Her strategic and collaborative approach added momentum at just the right time.”

Jacquie Crawshaw

Director
Australian Government

A black and white photo of Jacquie, smiling and facing the camera. She has brown hair tied back and glasses on. She's wearing a patterned top. An office plant is in the background.

“Sarah creates collaborative spaces that are purposeful, welcoming, equitable, and genuinely enjoyable. Her thoughtful, considered approach, together with her ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible ways, enables teams to navigate complexity and identify new, shared pathways forward.”

Cameron Willis

Co-Director
Day Four Projects

Ready for a conversation?

If you're navigating a collaboration challenge, preparing to embark on an ambitious program of change or interested in professional mentoring let's talk.

You can schedule a 30 minute call or send me a message and I'll get back to you shortly.

Schedule a call

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.