Optima Strive
isn't just a name,it's a promise.
A promise of quality, collaboration, tenacity, and innovation that sets your business up for sustainable success.
About Me
I'm Sarah Skelton, founder of Optima Strive Consulting, bringing over 25 years of experience turning strategic vision into measurable results. I've been where you are. I've navigated the messy reality of business transformation, from startups finding their feet to established organisations reinventing themselves.
I've sat in the leadership seat, made the tough calls, and learned that sustainable growth isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions and building systems that work for real people, not just spreadsheets.
During my journey, I've been privileged to work from the ground up to board level across start-ups, national companies, membership organisations, and public sector bodies, including the North East Chamber of Commerce and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.
What sets me apart:
I don't just advise, I deliver. From strategy design through to implementation, I'm accountable for the entire journey: process, technology, people, and KPIs. I'm a systems thinker who creates clear, repeatable solutions, and an ecosystem builder who connects the right partners to unlock outcomes no single firm can achieve alone.
My approach is simple:
SEE – Map your value flows, identify friction, and quantify opportunities by working directly with your team.
ALIGN – Redesign roles, processes, and tech around your strategy with clear KPIs and governance.
SCALE – Implement solutions and embed continuous improvement that sticks.
The result? Lower costs, streamlined operations, enhanced customer experience, and empowered teams who know exactly what success looks like.
I founded Optima Strive to help organisations of any size achieve their best. As someone recently told me, I have a natural ability to "see the wood for the trees" where others struggle. I listen, collaborate, and stay committed from start to finish, because strong relationships drive success.
If you're ready to accelerate your business goals, let's talk.
Simply put....
I turn business complexity into clarity.
Whether you're a startup finding your feet or an established business ready to scale, I help you:
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Align your structures and processes with your strategic goals
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Navigate change without the chaos
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Optimise daily business operations for maximum efficiency
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Create a culture of continuous improvement
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Transform vision into scalable solutions that drive measurable business growth.