Sarah Chapman joined Device Technologies in 2022 as General Manager People & Culture. Sarah has a wealth of experience within the Human Resources function gathered across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Asia Pacific. Sarah has a background in FMCG with previous employment at Ferrero, Reckitt Benckiser, Kimberley Clark and Sony PlayStation. Sarah is an energetic leader with a growth mindset. A high achiever, Sarah fosters a style that embraces diversity and unique contributions and creates an environment for people to fulfil their potential.
What kind of presenting do you do at work?
I present every day! Whether it be formally to senior leaders, or to my team, or to the entire organisation. I present live, online and in hybrid environments. My role is to inspire and influence and I am on a “stage” every day!
What prompted you to study with Michelle?
Learning with Michelle was an opportunity given to me and my fellow GMs (by my manager) and I am so grateful!
How did Michelle’s teaching change your attitude to presenting in business?
Less is more. Michelle challenged me to be more succinct and impactful with the information I present.
Connect. Michelle taught me that whilst content on slides can be important, what’s also critical is your delivery and your ability to really connect with the audience. The connection is what creates the difference between an ‘okay’ presentation and an awesome, memorable presentation that shifts people’s behaviour.
In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?
I have been much more confident in my delivery and my ability to be more targeted in my content has enabled success at driving initiatives for our employee benefits and overall People & Culture strategy. The content Michelle covers has also helped me to develop the senior executive team’s understanding and commitment to some actions required for compliance that were previously not prioritised or fully understood. Less exciting subjects come to life with Michelle’s techniques!
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since learning with Michelle?
I feel more in control and I feel this comes across in my delivery. I am confident and relatable and (I hope!) more inspirational and memorable as a result.