Hello, I’m Sarah Heath
BUSINESS OWNER
My interest in the business world started early. At 15, I set up my first business—a small casting agency—which, while a formative experience rather than a commercial success, sparked an early drive to build something of my own. Around the same time, I developed a strong interest in film and television casting and worked toward becoming a Casting Director, completing work experience at the ABC that led to my first role in the industry after finishing school.
I soon realised that while this path reflected part of my professional interests, my strengths were better aligned with the broader world of advertising. This led me into agency roles and ultimately shaped the foundation for what came next.
That foundation led me to create Focus People soon after the birth of my second daughter, Lucy, with a simple goal: to connect the right people with meaningful research opportunities. In many ways, it felt like a natural extension of casting for film and television—selecting people for specific roles, but in the context of research projects.
Over the past 20+ years, I’ve grown Focus People into a trusted, Australia-wide recruitment service, supported by a dedicated team and a strong community of participants.
In 2015, I expanded that vision by establishing Bayside Focus Group Rooms—a welcoming, purpose-built facility in Hampton designed to provide high-quality research and meeting spaces outside the CBD. Since then, the venue has evolved to include co-working spaces and expanded facilities to better support the needs of our clients.
At the heart of everything I do is a focus on creating a positive, professional, and comfortable experience for everyone who engages with our businesses.
In 2000, I joined Business Blueprint, a business education program designed to help business owners grow their businesses and shift from working in the business to working on the business. This experience further shaped my interest in systems, efficiency, and scalable ways of operating.
Over the past 9 years I have built up a large team of staff based in the Philippines and have begun supporting other business owners to build and manage offshore teams. This has become a key part of my work—helping clients reclaim their time by delegating effectively and creating more structured, efficient ways of operating.
I also enjoy helping businesses implement practical systems and processes that support sustainable growth and make day-to-day operations run more smoothly.
I have three daughters—Rachel, Lucy, and Sophie—who have all been involved in the business at different stages. I am also mum to Eddie, our black schnoodle. Outside of work, I enjoy morning walks to the beach and regularly attend reformer pilates and barre classes. I enjoy gardening, swimming and travel. I’ve always got the next trip in the planning!
