Savvy Spotlight
Stay up-to-date on what we've been working on and where we've been helping to create more positive workplace cultures.
Savvy Spotlight
Stay up-to-date on what we've been working on and where we've been helping to create more positive workplace cultures.
♬ Get around, round, round, I get around ♬
Beach Boys
♬ Get around, round, round, I get around ♬
Beach Boys
Savvy Selection at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne
Sarah spent another great day talking all things Savvy Selection with the lovely managers at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, recognised as the only 5-star luxury hotel located on the British coastline.
Even experienced hiring managers benefit from refreshing and updating their knowledge and skills in this crucial area to ensure they're doing all they can to recruit the right people for their business. A 5-star hotel needs a 5-star approach to their recruitment.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting practical takeaways including "using STAR in interview process," "asking the right questions," and "how to write/tailor questions."
One attendee summed it up perfectly: "It was a really great course, with lots of group sessions. I learnt some great things from Sarah and the others in the room."
Savvy Ways to Create Psychological Safety Webinar
Sarah teamed up with Ali Grady, Co-Founder and Director of Coaching and Training at The Thrive Team, to deliver the "Savvy Ways to Create Psychological Safety" webinar exploring how to build workplaces where people feel safe to speak up.
Over 40 people joined the live session to explore important questions including:
- How safe does it feel to give feedback?
- What gets in the way of feeling safe in conversations?
- And, how do you talk to anybody about anything and feel safe?
Sarah introduced the Savvy Seesaw, a practical tool for balancing getting results and maintaining relationships. Attendees loved it: "The Savvy Seesaw is great, really helpful and visual"
One participant summed up the session perfectly: "I enjoyed the insights and there is definitely plenty that I can take into conversations."
Watch the full recording: Savvy Ways to Create Psychological Safety
Savvy Selection with Tylney Hall Hotel
Sarah had a brilliant day at the stunning Tylney Hall Hotel working with 15 of their managers on the Savvy Selection workshop, exploring how to lead recruitment with clarity, fairness and confidence.
The energy in the room was fantastic, with thoughtful challenge, honest reflections and plenty of laughs along the way. Managers left with practical tools they could apply immediately to their next recruitment process.
Here's to selecting people who will help Tylney Hall continue to deliver exceptional experiences for their guests and colleagues alike.
A day working on the business
The end of January saw Sarah press pause on client delivery and spend a proper "working on the business day" with her trusted Associate and business support specialist Steph Taylor. With notebooks open and heads firmly out of the day-to-day, we zoomed out to get real clarity on direction for Savvy Conversations in 2026. We explored the bigger strategy for the year ahead, got honest about what really matters, and landed on the top five priorities alongside clear, actionable steps to turn thinking into doing.
It was also a timely reminder of the power of working in person. Working virtually is great but IRL the relational energy, the flow of ideas, and the space to think deeply together made all the difference. We were so immersed in the work we forgot to take a photo… so this one is us in the car park at the end; proof that sometimes the best thinking happens when you step away from your desk and give yourself permission to reflect and think.
International Online Management Development
Between May 2025 and January 2026, Sarah facilitated an online management development programme for an IT engineering team based primarily in Ukraine and Poland. They started with one-to-one coaching which included feedback and discussion around their DISC profiles. This led into development sessions covering Insightful Communication, Savvy Conversations, Coaching Skills, High-Performing Teams, Managing Conflict, Being Brave and Strategic Mindset.
Although it was a shame some managers were unavailable for this final session, as you can see the energy and engagement was great.
Savvy Conversations for school leaders
It was back to school for Sarah's first work day of 2026. An INSET day saw her working with a lovely team of teaching leaders on how to have those savvy conversations; both with each other and with parents about their children's progress and behaviours.
This full day workshop explored the STREETCREDS framework, giving participants practical tools to balance getting results whilst maintaining positive relationships. They examined how to approach difficult conversations with confidence, the power of asking the right questions, and the importance of being consistent, authentic and credible.
Feedback from the day showed real impact; participants particularly appreciated exploring the importance of listening, understanding how to dial conversations up and down depending on the situation, using the CREDS Conversational Model to adapt to different conversations. Several highlighted taking away concrete tools for thinking about questions to empower others, rather than simply telling.
The headteacher told us it was a great day, and everyone rated the content and trainer highly. Pleasingly, every single person said they'd recommend the course to colleagues. A great start to 2026!
It was back to school for Sarah's first work day of 2026. An INSET day saw her working with a lovely team of teaching leaders on how to have those savvy conversations; both with each other and with parents about their children's progress and behaviours.
This full day workshop explored the STREETCREDS framework, giving participants practical tools to balance getting results whilst maintaining positive relationships. They examined how to approach difficult conversations with confidence, the power of asking the right questions, and the importance of being consistent, authentic and credible.
Feedback from the day showed real impact; participants particularly appreciated exploring the importance of listening, understanding how to dial conversations up and down depending on the situation, using the CREDS Conversational Model to adapt to different conversations. Several highlighted taking away concrete tools for thinking about questions to empower others, rather than simply telling.
The headteacher told us it was a great day, and everyone rated the content and trainer highly. Pleasingly, every single person said they'd recommend the course to colleagues. A great start to 2026!
Management Skills and Assertiveness with Usborne Publishing
Our associate Janet Webb spent some time with the much-loved Usborne Publishing in their London Office. They might have been in the basement, but it was all sunshine with the wonderful artwork adorning the walls. What a bright and delightful place to work and learn in.
They spent two days looking at Management Skills and Assertiveness. They explored how emotions impact how we behave, how we communicate and how we manage others. This understanding is vital if managers are going to address problems early and give really constructive feedback.
One of the most powerful exercises was when they got a chance to co-coach each other on real problems. "This was SO helpful!" said one happy participant.
Our associate Janet Webb spent some time with the much-loved Usborne Publishing in their London Office. They might have been in the basement, but it was all sunshine with the wonderful artwork adorning the walls. What a bright and delightful place to work and learn in.
They spent two days looking at Management Skills and Assertiveness. They explored how emotions impact how we behave, how we communicate and how we manage others. This understanding is vital if managers are going to address problems early and give really constructive feedback.
One of the most powerful exercises was when they got a chance to co-coach each other on real problems. "This was SO helpful!" said one happy participant.
Feedback that Works at Fareham Borough Council
Sarah delivered two "Feedback that Works: The Savvy Conversations Approach" workshops at Fareham Borough Council, exploring how we can all give and receive feedback using the CREDS Conversational model.
Whether as a manager or team member, these sessions gave participants practical tools for handling feedback conversations with confidence. They discovered what makes feedback conversations go wrong and how to approach them more effectively.
The session explored how to balance candour with respect and sensitivity, and how to ensure feedback moves things forward rather than creating defensiveness.
One attendee described the session as "valuable for everyone and can be used in many situations, both personal and work life." In their feedback, they shared that Sarah's passion and delivery really brought the framework to life.
Sarah delivered two "Feedback that Works: The Savvy Conversations Approach" workshops at Fareham Borough Council, exploring how we can all give and receive feedback using the CREDS Conversational model.
Whether as a manager or team member, these sessions gave participants practical tools for handling feedback conversations with confidence. They discovered what makes feedback conversations go wrong and how to approach them more effectively.
The session explored how to balance candour with respect and sensitivity, and how to ensure feedback moves things forward rather than creating defensiveness.
One attendee described the session as "valuable for everyone and can be used in many situations, both personal and work life." In their feedback, they shared that Sarah's passion and delivery really brought the framework to life.
How do I say this? EDI Conference in Birmingham
Sarah recently joined a panel discussion at the Institute of Water's EDI conference held in the DWF offices in Birmingham.
The panel discussion, titled "How do I say this...", explored the opportunities and challenges of communication and language in creating inclusive workplaces. Sarah and fellow panellists discussed how power and privilege may impact how and what we communicate, the importance of showing genuine intent and goodwill, and being brave enough to speak up.
It was a thought-provoking day exploring how inclusion creates better workplaces, including how having the right conversations, in the right way, at the right time is central to making that happen.
Sustaining Leadership Spark in Brighton
Sarah recently delivered a workshop for leaders in Brighton, exploring leadership spark and how to sustain our own and our teams' energy and drive.
Amongst other activities, participants used the Momentum Matrix to figure out where they might be at risk of burnout, where they're coasting, and how they can get the whole team to perform at their best through their leadership approach.
This was a practical session focused on maintaining the energy and momentum that great leadership requires.
Sharing Insights at CIPD People Consultants Network
Sarah joined The CIPD in Northern England's People Consultants Network session as a panellist, exploring what it truly means to thrive when working independently.
The online session covered protecting your energy, defining clear contracts, understanding your value, and building reputation as an independent consultant - all topics Sarah knows well from her experience in this space.
The online session covered protecting your energy, defining clear contracts, understanding your value, and building reputation as an independent consultant - all topics Sarah knows well from her experience in this space.
Sarah shared practical insights alongside fellow HR professionals, discussing the real challenges and opportunities of independent consulting, and how we can bring our best energy to every client engagement.
HR Indies Conference and Awards
Sarah travelled to London for the HR Indies conference and awards - an energising day filled with interesting keynotes and valuable connections with HR professionals from across the sector.
As part of the conference programme, Sarah delivered a workshop introducing her Savvy Seesaw concept and the CREDS situational model, giving HR attendees practical tools for balancing challenge and support in workplace conversations. She was also delighted to give away a copy of her book to one lucky winner.
HR Indies brings together independent HR consultants and thought leaders. It's the perfect environment for sharing innovative approaches to workplace communication and leadership development.
Managing Difficult Conversations with Arena Group
Sarah partnered with The Thrive Team to deliver a full-day "Managing Difficult Conversations" workshop for Arena Group.
Using the STREETCREDS framework, managers learned how to create positive conversational cultures and adapt their approach to have effective conversations with anyone, about anything. Through discussion and reflection on real workplace scenarios, participants learned how to fine-tune their conversations so each one lands brilliantly.
The feedback rated both the content and Sarah as excellent, with managers committing to make immediate changes to transform how they approach challenging conversations in their everyday work.
Crafting Careers at BrightLocal
Sarah delivered a 90-minute "Crafting your Career" workshop for the team at BrightLocal.
Career growth isn't just about promotion and climbing the career ladder. It's often messy and deeply personal. This workshop gave participants a framework and some thinking space to consider their career goals in a creative way.
The session helped individuals explore what career growth means to them personally, clarify their professional identity, consider which personal development would deliver the most impact, and set some meaningful career goals.
Career growth isn't just about promotion and climbing the career ladder. It's often messy and deeply personal. This workshop gave participants a framework and some thinking space to consider their career goals in a creative way.
The session helped individuals explore what career growth means to them personally, clarify their professional identity, consider which personal development would deliver the most impact, and set some meaningful career goals.
Featured on HR Voices Podcast
Sarah recently joined Mary Asante on the HR Voices podcast to discuss how HR consultants and business leaders can facilitate difficult workplace conversations effectively.
In this engaging episode, Sarah introduces the STREETCREDS framework and explores the importance of psychological safety and getting the timing right when managing sensitive discussions.
"It's about having the right conversation, in the right way, at the right time. When you get all three elements aligned, that's when conversations truly work."
Perfect for HR professionals and leaders looking for practical tools to handle those tricky conversations with confidence.
Watch the full episode: HR Voices Podcast Episode 47
Featured on MindTools Pain Points Podcast - Part 2
In the follow-up episode, Sarah shares practical strategies for boosting your emotional intelligence as a leader. Building on the foundations from Part 1, this episode focuses on actionable techniques you can implement straight away.
Perfect for leaders who want to develop their EQ skills and create more emotionally intelligent workplace conversations.
The MindTools Pain Points Podcast is available to MindTools members or you can start your free 3-day trial to access this and other premium content.
Featured on MindTools Pain Points Podcast - Part 1
Sarah joined the MindTools Pain Points Podcast to explore emotional intelligence and its important role in effective leadership. In this first episode, she discusses what to do when connecting with feelings - your own and others' - doesn't come naturally.
The conversation covers practical insights on developing emotional intelligence as a leader and how it transforms workplace conversations and relationships.
Pain Points Podcast is available to MindTools members or you can start your free 3-day trial to access this and other premium content.
"Better Leaders Do Not Say Should or Should Not" - Abeceder Quotation Conversation
For the 100th Abeceder Quotation Conversation, published exclusively by Access Bookboon, Sarah took over hosting duties from Michael Millward, who became the guest for this special milestone episode. Together they discussed a quotation from art historian Sister Wendy Beckett about the use of the word "should."
In this episode Sarah and Michael explore why managers might want to avoid using this word and potential alternatives that might have a more positive impact on their relationship with their team members.
They also discuss how individuals might avoid using words that can negatively impact their self-image and propose alternative, more positive self-talk.
This is a brilliant demonstration of how having the right conversations, in the right way, at the right time starts with being mindful of our word choices, whether we're leading others or talking to ourselves.
Transforming Leadership at MOSL
Over the past few years, Sarah has delivered a series of "Savvy Conversations for Managers" workshops at MOSL's Southampton offices, helping their management team develop more effective communication and leadership skills.
Working closely with Angela Day, Head of People, Risk and Compliance, and the MOSL team, Sarah's full-day workshops provided managers with the practical tools and application that the STREETCREDS framework so effective.
"What I love about Sarah's approach is that she uses personas to help information stick, she delivers in a plain English, no-nonsense way with a good injection of fun... I am confident that my colleagues will be referring to Sarah's book in the future."
Start the Conversation
At Savvy Conversations we work with you to transform the way you work, lead, and connect, one savvy conversation at a time. Because when communication works, everything works.
Let’s start the conversation.
Savvy Sarah