UPCOMING EVENTS
Sarah is a strategic change and transformation leader with over 25 years’ experience across the UK and Middle East. Equally comfortable shaping strategy in the boardroom or rolling up her sleeves to deliver it, she has built her career on making complex challenges manageable, ambitious ideas achievable and organisations better places to work.
Commercially minded, energetic and naturally collaborative, Sarah brings a refreshing blend of executive experience, straight talking and a genuine interest in what makes people tick.
Sarah has been part of the BECKETT McINROY team for three years, working behind the scenes to bring leadership development and coaching initiatives to life. From supporting coaching programmes and international conferences to developing business opportunities and strengthening client relationships, she enjoys being part of a team that helps others realise their potential.
Sarah holds a BA (Hons) in French and Business from the University of Leeds, is a PRINCE2 Practitioner and holds a Diploma in Social Media Strategy. Drawing on years of coaching and mentoring executives, boards and teams as a leader, she is currently working towards a foundation qualification in coaching.
As General Manager at the Qatar International Court & Dispute Resolution Centre, Sarah oversaw operations spanning finance, HR, procurement, technology, marketing, facilities and governance. She played a pivotal role in establishing and transforming the Court’s operational foundations, shaping its culture, strengthening governance and leading major organisational and digital change. Her work delivered substantial financial savings and contributed to the institution achieving internationally recognised Court Excellence status.
Earlier at Twinings, part of Associated British Foods, Sarah led 30 business improvement initiatives in a single year and championed leadership development and cultural change. Employee engagement rose from 57% to 92% during her time there, while Twinings was recognised as the UK’s No. 1 FMCG workplace for two consecutive years. Her wider career includes roles with Colgate-Palmolive, LG Electronics and BonBon Buddies.
Coach with curiosity. Challenge boldly. Support generously. And never underestimate the power of a good laugh.
That is Sarah’s philosophy. She brings warmth, candour and humour to her work, believing people do their best thinking when they feel comfortable enough to be themselves — and confident enough to question what they have always done.
Having led transformation from the inside, Sarah understands that progress can be messy. Plans change, mistakes happen and the occasional spectacular failure teaches us more than playing it safe ever could. She encourages experimentation, honest conversations and the courage to take the next step, even when the destination is not entirely clear. Her particular interests include leadership development, organisational transformation and turning insight into action.
Sarah is more interested in adding value than taking centre stage. She helps shape and deliver international conferences, leadership initiatives and professional events, connecting people and ideas while keeping an eye on what will work in practice.
An engaged contributor in workshops and professional discussions, she offers candid feedback, thoughtful questions and a practical perspective on emerging ideas and research. She enjoys helping bridge the gap between a promising concept and something people can actually use.
Sarah has never believed leadership is about having the loudest voice or all the answers. Her strength lies in listening, building trust and bringing people along on the journey — not simply presenting them with a destination. She champions shared ownership and co-created solutions, balancing an inclusive style with the confidence to be direct, make decisions and get things moving.
Her commitment extends beyond professional life. As a serving magistrate in Cardiff, she brings careful judgment, fairness and responsibility to the courtroom. As Co-Vice Chair of Friends of Plasturton Gardens, she helps turn community goodwill into practical improvements, local partnerships and events that bring neighbours together.
For Sarah, leadership is not defined by a job title. It is what you do, how you treat people and what you leave better than you found it.
1. Passport at the ready: 51 countries, six continents and counting. My passport rarely gets a rest!
2. Fear factor: The magic happens outside my comfort zone! Cage diving with sharks, skydiving, abseiling down Table Mountain — terrified beforehand, exhilarated afterwards!
3. Best-laid plans: I can organise complex projects with military precision, yet once arrived a week early for a friend’s wedding. Go figure!
4. Double trouble: I’m a non-identical twin, but the telepathy is real! Same birthday cards for our parents, same DIY disasters — different faces, apparently one brain!
5. Dancing queen: Once danced on a one-legged table in France to Sinatra’s New York, New York. It ended exactly as you’d imagine!
6. Wanderlust: The Galápagos Islands are calling, but so are the hidden gems of Wales and Scotland. Adventure isn’t always far from home!
7. A little magic: I believe small acts of kindness can make someone’s day. Giving back and making a difference are what it’s all about.
8. Darcy & a dash of spice: Devoted to Mr Darcy, addicted to period dramas and never one to refuse a good curry. Romance and spice — what’s not to love?
Sarah is happiest spending time with her husband, their much-loved Labrador, Caffrey, and her close-knit family. She loves being outdoors, walking and discovering somewhere new — whether halfway around the world or just around the corner.
Equally at home on a quiet walk or hosting a lively gathering, she appreciates good company, a glass of wine, a proper natter and any excuse for a celebration.
Life, she believes, is about making memories, embracing opportunities and spreading a little magic wherever you can.
Have an interesting idea, a knotty challenge or simply a conversation worth having? Sarah would love to connect. [email protected]
