Meet Natalie Polkinghorne

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Natalie is a people-centred reform leader who turns strategy into steady, confident delivery. With over 20 years leading people and programs across Aged Care, Carer Services, and Disability - including seven years in senior leadership with Australia’s largest NDIS Local Area Coordination program—she knows how to lift performance without losing heart.

What Natalie Brings

Operational alignment that sticks. Natalie connects strategy, operations, and people so services run smoothly, culture strengthens, and outcomes improve—even in high-stakes environments.

How She Works

Clear, considered, and collaborative, Natalie is known for genuine co-design, human-centred thinking, and coaching that builds capability at every level. She skillfully balances mission and metrics, moves swiftly on what matters most, and consistently brings people along on the journey. Completing her Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Leadership has deepened Natalie’s ability to embed people-first practices across governance, performance, and change. She brings valuable HR insight to operational planning—ensuring systems support culture, not just compliance.

Signature Strengths

  • Building reliable operating rhythms and measurement leaders can trust

  • Translating reform into practical workflows and team habits to create sustained change

  • Leading complex change programs with minimal disruption

  • Embedding trauma-informed, strengths-based practice into leadership and operational systems

  • Coaching leaders and teams to sustain performance

Career Highlights

  • Senior leadership within Australia’s largest NDIS LAC program, sustaining momentum and productivity through significant change

  • Co-founder of Social Sector Consulting, supporting growth, development, and sustainability across the sector

  • Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Leadership

  • Certified Change Management Practitioner and experienced leadership and team coach

Beyond Work

Natalie is based in Central Queensland and works with clients across Brisbane, Queensland, and nationally. When she’s not working, she enjoys planning hiking and cycling adventures and cherishes quality time with her husband, children, and grandchildren—activities that both balance her professional focus and nurture her passion for family and the great outdoors.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re reshaping culture or want strategy to “show up” in day-to-day practice, Natalie can help you align systems, grow leaders, and deliver results your Board can see. 

Get in touch.

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