Sara Phelan

Sara Phelan
Evalu8- Evolve Business Coaching English
Coaching, training and consulting services for small business owners and non-profit organizations that want to innovate, measure results, pivot, grow or prepare for exit. With over 25 years’ experience in business and leadership roles, Sara’s expertise is in mapping out where you need to focus your attention, uncover workflow efficiencies, manage risk and prioritize next steps to reach you goals. An ICF (International Coaching Federation) certified Executive Coach and Business Coach, Sara was corporate trainer (telecom) for Leadership and Sales before she became a entrepreneur, then business broker and consultant/​coach (2010). Having been both the startup entrepreneur and the consultant, Sara fully understand the challenges of life as a business owner. She is also well versed in the non-profit sector, as an active Board member on a number of charities and boards of trade (holding executive and senior leadership roles for 1218 of those years) Her experience has crossed a multitude of industries including, but not limited to: Professional Service Providers (Dental, Legal, Medical), Digital Health, SaaS Startups, Manufacturing and Distribution, Telecommunications, Renewable Energy, Retail, Tourism and Non-Profits. Expertise in: — Business Diagnostics — Growth Planning — Commercialization, Export Development, Innovation, Technology Adoption, Strategic Plans, Exit prep. — Governance, By-laws, Non-profit Leadership and Operational Management.

Expertise

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Human Resources
  • Financial Management
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Operations Management
  • Governance
  • Strategic Planning
  • Trade / Export
  • Commercialization / Innovation
  • Supply Chain
  • Productivity Improvement
  • Skills Development

Workshops

For more information visit ProfitLearn or Training for the Non-Profit Sector

Getting Started with AI for Small Business Owners

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on its definition, applications, and impact across various industries. Participants will explore the transformative effects of AI on business processes, understanding both the benefits and challenges of AI adoption.

The course will also delve into real-world use cases, particularly for small businesses, showcasing successful AI implementations through case studies. Attendees will learn to identify key areas where AI can enhance efficiency and decision-making, and will be guided through an implementation roadmap that outlines best practices for integrating AI technologies into their operations.

By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in AI and practical insights into leveraging AI for business growth and innovation.

The Business Check-Up: Diagnostics and Planning

Ever wonder how your business is really doing? As entrepreneurs, it's challenging to see the reality of our own businesses when we're deeply involved in them—like trying to read the label on a bottle from the inside. Are you on the right track to reach your goals?

This course will introduce you to a new way of evaluating your operations, managing risk, and crafting a strategic plan. You’ll learn to view your business from a fresh perspective, ask the right questions, and structure your ideas to identify key priorities. Drawing on proven best practices and foundational business principles, the course will guide you through the Evalu8 Framework and a self-assessment checklist to kickstart your journey.

You’ll be challenged to take a hard look at your entire business, identify what needs attention, and spot opportunities for growth. Once you have a clear big picture, you'll know exactly what to focus on next. Then, take action, measure your success, and repeat the process in 6-12 months to ensure continuous improvement.


By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

  • evaluate the business and rate its health, template provided.
  • identify and prioritize activities to action
  • strategically plan and measure results.

Effective Non-Profit Governance and Compliance for Directors

This workshop is for Non-profit, Charity and Board of Trade Directors in Canada

This workshop will cover:

Understanding Governance, Roles, and Responsibilities: Learn the essentials of non-profit governance, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of volunteer board members. Participants will gain a clear understanding of their duties, including compliance requirements, to ensure effective oversight and accountability.

Building a Knowledge Base for Risk Management and Strategic Planning: Board members will learn to manage organizational risk, strategically plan activities, and implement workflows that promote accountability and transparency. Get practical templates to help structure and streamline board operations.

Evaluating and Supporting the Executive Director: Learn the board's role in evaluating and supporting the Executive Director. It will cover leadership in operations and team management, equipping board members with the tools to foster strong leadership and effective organizational management.

Improve Pricing, Fix Bottlenecks, and Maximize Margins

What do you sell and how much Money does each sale actually make you? Time to raise your prices?

Let's talk about your Revenue Streams.

This workshop is designed to help business owners assess and improve their current offerings and operational efficiency. Participants will evaluate their products or services, identify potential risks or bottlenecks in their delivery processes, and gain a deeper understanding of financial metrics crucial to business success.

HR & Team Alignment: Strategies for Business Success

This workshop is designed to help business owners optimize their teams for growth and productivity.

Who is on your team? How are you setting them up for success?

You will learn how to assess your current team, identify key roles, and set them up for success. We’ll cover how to establish non-negotiable expectations, and dive into recruitment, onboarding, retention, and performance management strategies using a comprehensive 150-point checklist.

Additionally, we’ll explore best practices for aligning company culture with team dynamics, and improving communication for sustained growth. 

Evaluating your Customer Journey (CX) to Grow
What do you need to know from your customers, and how to gather feedback to use it to grow?

Participants will learn various methods to gather customer feedback and apply analytical techniques to convert insights into actionable strategies for growth. This workshop equips business owners with the knowledge, tools and best practices to measure and improve their Customer eXperience.(CX)
Transform Your Sales Game

This workshop provides an in-depth exploration of strategic sales, focusing on the essential components that drive success in today’s competitive marketplace. Participants will engage with practical strategies and tools to enhance their sales processes, optimize customer relationships, and effectively close deals.

Financial Forecasting: Know your Numbers and Plan for Growth

This comprehensive financial workshop is designed for business owners looking to enhance their financial acumen and make informed decisions based on data. Participants will engage in a detailed analysis of their financial statements from the last three years, build solid financial assumptions, understand cash flow dynamics, and develop three-year pro forma forecasts.