Ways We Work & Create Sustainable Change
I’m Sarah Marrow, founder and director.
Following a corporate career starting 25-30 years ago in ‘Big 4’ consulting and professional services, via a broad cross-section of in-house People and HR roles, ranging from global PLCs to founder-led SMEs and start-ups, I founded the business back in the depths of the Covid pandemic.
Mahler Marrow Consulting was created to provide a blend of services to clients, both businesses and individuals, around a common theme of People & Change. To achieve this I draw on my extensive experience within organisations, creating, developing and leading generalist HR functions, supporting business leaders to navigate business change and individuals to successfully transition in their careers.
Ways to Work with Us
My dad died about 6 months before I started my business, so my parents were very much in my thoughts as I was thinking about the name of my business.
He was a real hero to me: a gentle, compassionate, highly intelligent man, who spent all his working life within the NHS, latterly as an Emergency Surgeon and Consultant. As a leader, he embodied these values, earning respect and credibility by his quiet confidence, compassionate approach and ability to stay calm in seriously high-pressure situations.
While my work rarely amounts to life and death, I look to emulate this calm, compassionate and knowledge-based approach in the way I practice both my coaching and my work with business change.
The Marrow part of my name is to honour my dad.
My mum, Angela Mahler, died way too young, when I was 6. She was the daughter of refugees from Nazi-occupied Vienna. Qualifying as a teacher and a practicing artist, she worked and travelled extensively in North and West Africa, recording her experiences in diaries and beautiful illustrations which have influenced my branding. As an avid explorer myself, I like to this that this is a trait I get from my mum.
The Mahler part of my name honours my mum, who I knew very briefly but will always remains part of me.
Feedback from our Clients
It is a privilege to have worked with so many distinguished and leading figures in business, their people and many individuals transitioning in their careers and life. It is an even bigger privilege to hear their feedback.
We engaged Sarah to support us in shaping our culture as an employer. Sarah listened to the brief and conducted a thorough review, encompassing multiple stakeholder input. The output delivered was to a very high standard and exactly what we needed. As well as sharing insight and best practice, Sarah’s report provided us with immediate recommendations and a practical plan for longer-term implementation. Sarah is professional and credible and we intend to continue working with her.
Ian O'Neill, Managing Director
Linnk Group
As an HR Director, Sarah is a valued and trusted advisor with a commercial and strategic outlook. She shows a genuine interest in the business operation and develops HR initiatives which support and drive business goals. Whilst working as part of my leadership team, as part of a very broad remit, Sarah successfully introduced an employee engagement strategy which increased engagement levels by 9% year on year, she achieved significant savings through efficient benefits management and developed an award-nominated apprenticeship programme. I particularly value Sarah's integrity, adaptability and ability to listen and challenge.
Andrew Preston
CEO, Geometric Results International Limited
Sarah’s enormous and highly varied sector experience allows clients to benefit from a smart, considered and strategic approach. Her calm, considered style and ability to balance tactical delivery with a big picture focus is a potent and effective mix. From engagement and complex legislative roll-outs to tackling modern slavery, I doubt there is a people initiative left that Sarah has not made a difference to.
Marketing Director
Private Equity backed business
I had the pleasure of working with Sarah as we established IP House’s presence in the UK. She played a key role in helping us build the right HR framework and navigate the local landscape with professionalism and care. From day one, Sarah brought sound judgment, reliability, and a calm, solutions-focused approach to every situation. She was collaborative, steady under pressure, and always approached her work with integrity and balance. I’m very grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to any organization looking for an experienced and thoughtful HR professional.
Jan van Voorn
CEO, IP House
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the most common questions I get asked.
If you can’t see the answer you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How does Mahler Marrow work with clients?
This will always start with a scoping conversation to understand what the client wants. From this, a document will be drawn up which describes the service and deliverables.
Regular reviews will be scheduled into any programme of work and the development of a strong working relationship will play a part in ensuring success.
I own a small business with less than 10 employees, can Mahler Marrow support businesses of this size?
Yes, absolutely! In any business which has employees, there is a benefit to having access to HR support. In this case, it would be on a light-touch basis, typically on an agreed number of hours per month or through the purchase of a block of hours.
We need support on everything HR-related, can you support this?
Yes, I have worked in a wide variety of HR roles throughout my career, including in ‘standalone’ roles where I was responsible for all aspects of HR within an organisation. I thrive on variety and enjoy providing this type of support.
We are planning a business change and don’t have the capacity and/or capability to manage the people implications, is this something that Mahler Marrow can support?
Yes, throughout my career I have worked in organisations going through major changes, including office closures, organisational restructuring, mergers & acquisitions, culture change initiatives etc. This is an area of particular interest for me so please get in touch if you’d like to discuss a change project.
Do you provide short-term HR support?
Yes, absolutely! If you are in the process of recruiting an HR role, or have a temporary requirement for additional HR expertise, Mahler Marrow Consulting can step into the breach and get up to speed quickly and efficiently.
What sectors do you work with?
In short – all sectors! Possessing highly transferable skills, I have worked with a broad range of sectors, including financial services, aviation and tour operations, engineering, technology, recruitment, charities, education and healthcare.
Can you provide help with getting our business compliant with changing employment legislation?
Yes, this is a fundamental requirement for providing HR support services.
What areas of coaching do you specialise in?
I am a qualified Executive Coach and work with people in organisations who are looking to grow and develop. Most of my focus is on career coaching, around changes of direction, self-limiting beliefs and confidence, as well as helping people who have been made redundant. I am particularly interested coaching people in the run up to retirement and helping them to consider aspects other than financial as part of their preparation.
What organisational level do you typically coach?
I am happy working with any level within an organisation.
How do you handle confidential information?
Yes, absolutely! In any business which has employees, there is a benefit to having access to HR support. In this case, it would be on a light-touch basis, typically on an agreed number of hours per month or through the purchase of a block of hours.
I own a small business with less than 10 employees, can Mahler Marrow support businesses of this size?
I comply with appropriate data protection legislation and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. I retain an IT company who manage my technology and security and I conduct regular reviews of the data I hold to ensure ongoing compliance.
I own a small business with less than 10 employees, can Mahler Marrow support businesses of this size?
Yes, absolutely! In any business which has employees, there is a benefit to having access to HR support. In this case, it would be on a light-touch basis, typically on an agreed number of hours per month or through the purchase of a block of hours.
Let’s Make the Change You Need
This always starts with you, the client.
Drawing on my natural curiosity, combined with my experience, I will ask questions, challenge where appropriate, listen and observe, to understand what you are grappling with, before starting to explore solutions with you.
I place a high value on continued learning and believe that regardless of the amount of experience we have, there’s always something to learn and I learn from every client engagement I am involved with.
I also enjoy learning for my personal development, and I’m currently getting to grips with the complexities of the Japanese language (which will keep me busy for some time).