Client Stories

Clear, strategic storytelling when it matters most

Many client stories come with names. Mine don’t. My clients value confidentiality and I respect that. What I can share is how a wealth of ideas and opportunities gets shaped into clear, persuasive narratives. Each project is different, but the thread is the same: strategic writing and narrative shaping that connects purpose to people.

Want to explore what this could look like for you? Talk to me

University Advancement — Donor Impact Report

Narrative shaping through writing, editing and editorial guidance.

I was called in to strengthen the storytelling in the annual donor impact reports. Done well, they showcase the people who directly benefit from philanthropy, recognising existing donors and sparking future giving. However, many of the stories had already been published. To keep readers engaged, each one had to be reshaped to feel fresh and relevant while reinforcing the narrative of philanthropy as a force for transformation.

By applying a journalist’s lens, I found new angles that put the audience first and added original material to turn familiar content into a new story. I highlighted what matters most to donors by shaping the structure, sharpening the tone, and keeping the focus on transformation rather than outputs. The result is an annual impact report that people want to read and share. It is a valuable asset for the Advancement team. It builds stronger donor connections by weaving student voices, supporter intent and research outcomes into a clear narrative that shows how they help to change lives.

National Research Centre — Strategic Funding Document

Narrative shaping through structure, message focus and persuasive clarity.

The team at a national research centre came to me with a clear goal: prepare a high-impact document for a Senate funding committee. What wasn’t clear was the narrative. The team had deep expertise, but their perspectives needed to be brought together into a single, persuasive case for support.

With a wealth of material, the challenge was to decide what would best show the centre’s value and align with government priorities. Each element was tested against policy goals, with only the most relevant included. Complex principles were expressed in accessible, scientifically rigorous language, and organised for a decision-making audience faced with competing priorities.

The final document delivered a strategic, audience-ready case for support that underscored the centre’s national and global significance. It gave the leadership team a clear narrative to present with confidence and a tool to strengthen future funding campaigns. Aligning complex science with policy priorities demonstrated the centre’s impact in terms that decision-makers value.

Arts Institution — Case for Support

Narrative shaping for a major philanthropic campaign.

A leading cultural institution was preparing a landmark fundraising campaign and needed a premium donor document to anchor its launch. It had to position the campaign as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in Australia’s arts future.

The challenge was to bring diverse funding priorities into a single donor narrative that made the ask clear and positioned the campaign as a catalyst for long-term impact.

Working through multiple drafts and stakeholder reviews, I shaped the material into a focused, persuasive narrative that highlighted what mattered most to a donor audience. Each element was aligned to the campaign goals, with words and visuals integrated for maximum impact. The result was a polished, high-impact publication that anchored the campaign launch and became a tool for opening high-level conversations and long-term donor relationships. It showed how strategic storytelling can convert a grand vision into transformational giving.

Want to see what this could look like for your organisation? Get in touch.