Sally Fairless is the head of strategic insight and innovation at StartGrowth. Her work is grounded in a principle-led approach, enabling boards and senior executives to transform their ambitious visions into tangible realities through meticulous strategy development and execution.
As the Director of 8 Bridges, a Sydney-based business advisory firm, Sally has a proven track record of driving accelerated growth and enhancing market share for companies. Her strategic acumen has been instrumental in leading transformational projects and solving complex problems, fueling growth for clients with revenue ranging from $200 million to $9 billion. Sally’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, pet care, and retail, showcasing her versatility and depth of knowledge across business and technology strategy and innovation.
In addition to her role at 8 Bridges, Sally is deeply involved in Seedlab Australia as an Advisor. This retail business accelerator, fully funded by the Woolworths Group, benefits greatly from her guidance and strategic foresight. Sally’s commitment to fostering economic and social impact is further demonstrated through her service as Chair and Non-Executive Director on several boards. She has a unique ability to identify and weave together threads of opportunity within sectors, creating partnerships that drive economic growth and societal advancement.
A child of refugee parents, Sally’s personal journey is marked by an understanding of the critical role that opportunity plays in changing lives. This insight fuels her passion for creating opportunities for all Australians, particularly through her support of organizations with a purposeful mission and her contributions to the community. Sally is especially dedicated to serving the football community, recognizing the essential role coaches, players, and volunteers play in enriching society.
With over 15 years of leadership experience in business, marketing, and sales across global corporate and private equity-owned companies, Sally’s intellectual curiosity and keen observation of human behavior have honed her ability to swiftly address business challenges, capture market opportunities, and innovate pathways to accelerated growth.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sally finds balance in her fast-paced work life through swimming, snorkeling, and spontaneous travels to exotic destinations. Her adventures have taken her from Cuba to the Amazon Rainforest, The Kimberley, and swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, reflecting her adventurous spirit and love for nature.
With a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Computer Science from the University of Wollongong, Sally’s educational background underpins her holistic approach to strategy, technology, and innovation. In her role at StartGrowth, Sally Fairless is not just a strategist; she is a force for positive change, driving forward initiatives that merge business success with meaningful societal impact.
