Recognising the critical importance of optimising limited resources to effectively achieve organisational objectives, I enjoy supporting purpose-driven organisations through the strategic planning process – whether it involves defining their vision, mission, values and strategic priorities for the first time, or reviewing and refining their existing plan.
I take pride in tailoring workshop experiences to the unique needs and preferences of every client, making sure all participants feel valued and engaged throughout the strategic planning process.
My goal is to turn strategic planning from what can sometimes be perceived as a daunting task into a collaborative and uplifting journey towards organisational success.
When facilitating strategic planning workshops, I do my best to include meaningful discussions and creative brainstorming techniques – thereby creating interactive workshops that are not only collaborative and productive, but also enjoyable and rewarding experiences. This allows participants to contribute their best ideas and insights, ultimately leading to more effective and impactful strategic plans and priorities, underpinned by the power of their collective wisdom.
Reach out if you want to discuss how I might support your organisation
on its strategic planning journey.
I felt comfortable from the start
“Your approach was friendly but firm. You made it feel like you had already taken the time to research our group and what we needed to achieve, and I felt comfortable from the start. When you had to intervene and move things along you managed to do it seamlessly.”
- John K, Board Director
Consultative, organised, reliable and professional…can’t recommend her highly enough
“Sonja was thorough in her preparation for our strategy session, consultative, organised, reliable. She was consultative, organised, reliable, and professional at every stage and guided the team and Board through the entire process.
Sonja clearly has a deep understanding of business and is clearly skilled in keeping a group of people focused on the right things to achieve results. As a result, [the organisation] now has a clear, achievable but exciting roadmap for the year ahead. We can’t recommend her highly enough.”
- Julie K, Chief Executive
Comprehensive approach to planning…maximised our valuable time together
“[Our organisation] had the pleasure of Sonja leading our most recent Strategy Planning Day. Sonja has a warm and genuine personality and was always a pleasure to work with. Her comprehensive approach to planning meant that she was completely across what we wanted to achieve and ensured that the Board maximised every minute of our valuable time together.
Sonja’s professional experience helped to enhance our workshop sessions and with her guidance we were able to develop a solid strategic plan for the next three years. Thank you, Sonja!”
- Nadia R, Chief Executive
An excellent job of facilitating…I highly recommend her as a facilitator
“Sonja recently did an excellent job of facilitating a team building and planning session for my company. She provided really novel and innovative ideas to tailor the session to the specific outcomes we were seeking.
I was impressed with the time and effort Sonja put into preparing in advance and how she thought about all possible contingencies. As a great facilitator does, on the day she took a back seat and coached the team to contribute and bring out their best, resulting in a very fruitful session with great outcomes.
I highly recommend her as a facilitator.”
- Melissa D, General Manager
Opening to the day was excellent
“Sonja’s opening to the day was excellent, both for setting boundaries and non-confrontationally setting the mood to be productive. The content of discussion was excellent.”
- Dr Mal, Board Director
Drawing on my extensive experience in healthcare, higher education and international development, including two decades in senior executive positions with professional associations and specialist medical colleges, I understand the complexities and challenges inherent to the not-for-profit sector – where Board Directors often serve as passionate and dedicated volunteers.
As a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), I have a strong grasp of corporate governance principles. I have assisted several not-for-profit boards in developing and reviewing their strategic plans, ensuring alignment with the current ACNC Governance Standards.
I limit my facilitation to a select number of strategic planning workshops each year, occasionally taking on pro bono work for worthy causes as well.
© 2024 Upward Strategy | Tel. +61 403 288 502 | sonja@upwardstrategy.com.au
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