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Sara Pantaleo
Business Strategy and Execution Plans, Family Business, Franchising, Crisis Management Plans
My professional experience in leadership roles has been across small business, not-for-profit and corporate
environments.
I am a great collaborator and bring people together to create and implement desired strategies.
I am known for always putting people first and growing and mentoring teams to achieve above and beyond.
I am known for my straightforwardness, integrity and mentorship.
I believe in order to execute strategies you must ensure that you are able to resource and empower the team so
that they are able to execute business goals.
Early in my career I was part of a team managing disaster recovery of IT systems and since then I have grown and
applied my knowledge of implementing Crisis Management Plans in the business, I was involved in.
This has meant that I have been able to lead my teams through very difficult and challenging circumstances.
Structure and governance are very important to me and I am rigorous in this regard in all the companies and boards
I am a part of.
Skills:
- Finance-
- Governance-
- Exit/Succession-
- HR-
- Import/Export-
- Management-
- Marketing-
- Planning-
- Relationships-
- Sales-
Industries:
- Franchising-
- Tourism, hospitality, accommodation and food services-
- Wholesale trade-
- Transport, postal and warehousing-
Spoken Languages:
- Italian-
State: Victoria
Primary Locations:
- Melbourne CBD-
- Melbourne North-
- Melbourne North West-
- Melbourne East-
Mentoring available by:
- In Person, Face to Face in (Victoria) or by Phone and online
Current Occupation:
SBMS Mentor. Self Employed in Small/Family Business Consulting. Moira Kelly Creating Hope Foundation Limited – Co-founder, Executive Director, Chair (OCT 2015–Present) Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) - Non-Executive Director (Oct 2018–Present & Oct 2015 – Oct 2017) Family Business Australia (FBA) National Board - Non-Executive Director (2018–Present)
Detailed CV:
Sara Pantaleo is an accomplished business leader, mentor, and board advisor with extensive experience across franchising, health, community services, and the circular economy. With a background that spans executive leadership and governance roles, Sara is particularly skilled in supporting small businesses to scale sustainably, embed systems for growth, and navigate complex transitions such as succession or sale.
As former CEO and Executive Director of La Porchetta, she played a pivotal role in expanding the franchise’s national footprint while fostering operational resilience and cultural alignment. Sara has also served as a Non-Executive Director for multiple organisations, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Family Business Australia, and Maryborough District Health Service. She brings a strategic yet grounded approach to governance, innovation, and community engagement.
A Certified Franchise Executive and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Sara holds strong credentials in sustainable business practices. Her focus on circular economy principles is underpinned by a commitment to practical action—advising on business models that reduce waste, optimise resources, and support long-term economic and environmental value.
Sara’s mentoring is shaped by empathy, clarity, and results. She supports business owners to clarify goals, streamline operations, build aligned teams, and improve profitability—always with an eye to long-term sustainability. Her broad sector experience, systems thinking, and passion for people make her an invaluable guide for purpose-driven businesses seeking to evolve, scale or prepare for the future with confidence and integrity.
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Business - Franchising
- Certificate IV in Information Technology
- Certificate of Mediation
- Family Business Governance and Directorship Course
- Financial Essentials for Family Business
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