Start making a difference

Sarah has worked directly with me and with the company Management Team to help determine a shared strategic goals and to develop disparate individuals into a high performing team. Sarah’s independence, insight, and ability to build trust with people has enabled the team to understand each other’s strengths and harness those capabilities for the good of the company – iMPOWER is the only management consulting company growing in the local government market.

Martin Cresswell Chief Executive, iMPOWER Consulting Ltd

We called in Sarah to help us deal with the effects of the very sudden an unexpected death of a dynamic business leader and income generator. She worked at every level in the London office of Alix Partners to help staff acknowledge and deal with complex emotional and business issues. Her calm and flexible approach allowed us to offer staff constant support throughout the period of initial shock and uncertainty and provided a sound base for us to make appropriate decisions.

Sarah has helped us deal effectively with a very difficult period for the business and her ability to align herself to our culture ensured the beginnings of a respectful and healthy recovery. On a broader basis Sarah has successfully coached key members of staff to maximise their potential and achieve their personal goals.

Olivia Mathijsen Alix Partners Director People Development (Europe)

Sarah is aware of the ethical responsibilities in her service and in the many years of her practice has developed a wide knowledge base and a variety of skills. She is both empathic and inspiring and I would not hesitate in recommending her to work with families.

Irene Samuel UKCP Accredited Systemic Family Therapist Priory Hospital (EDU)

Sarah is truly passionate about what she does and helps people feel secure and supported even when it comes to the most difficult thing of all……….. Changing the way they think about themselves and changing their behaviour as a result.

Business Development Director

Start Making A Difference has given me a greater understanding of my colleagues and asks questions that my colleagues never seem to. I believe there is always room for improvement, but finding an executive coach who truly believes and practices the same is a breath of fresh air.

Jonathan Stokes CEO JBS Associates

Sarah has been invaluable as a sounding board and critical friend, ensuring that issues are fully diagnosed, and that appropriate actions are put in place to drive growth and sustainability in the business. Sarah continues to work with iMPOWER as a valued advisor to the Management Team.

Martin Cresswell Chief Executive, iMPOWER Consulting Ltd

Working with Sarah has been a revelation. She has helped me to achieve clarity during a period of considerable change in both my own role and the financial markets in general. Our sessions have always been open, honest and productive. I always leave feeling that real progress has been made.

Sarah is always professional, reliable and, at times, uncomfortably insightful, but never judgmental. The process has helped me to determine and focus on the priorities for the business and develop strategies for achieving our objectives. You do have to engage in the process to get the maximum return back, but doing so produces measurable results. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Sarah to colleagues or fellow professionals.

Andrew Steel former CEO JO Hambro Investment Management

I can highly recommend Sarah's thorough, insightful and individually tailored approach to performance coaching. She makes full use of her own extensive real-world business and life experience to help others to focus on their strengths and acquire the additional skills needed to achieve their goals. Her penetrating but sympathetic questioning style is not always a comfortable experience, but it is an essential and most effective part of the process.

John Schofield CEO of Tempus Investment Hong Kong

Working with Start Making A Difference helped me re-evaluate my strengths and weaknesses in a period of transition. It greatly assisted in helping me re-think my experience to construct a CV that could be applied outside the law in other contexts, and to focus on what potential new employers are looking for.

Partner City Law Firm

Working with Sarah was often challenging but always encouraging. She is a coach who focuses on moving people on through clear, structured, meaningful tasks, but she is also supportive in helping clients to reach the outcomes best suited to their personal and professional outlook. I would be very happy to recommend working with Sarah to former colleagues and future employers.

Former partner in a major City Law Firm

I felt comfortable working with Sarah from the moment we met and she helped me to identify and clarify my unique skills and strengths. The process has given me more confidence when dealing both with colleagues and clients. Following my work with Sarah, I have been promoted to a Director of the business and am recognised for my successes

Leanne Tanner Director Alix Partners