Your Strategic Partner in Engagement & Growth

I’m Susan Blain, a trusted leader in strategic engagement, communications, and business development. With over 30 years of experience spanning professional services, government, research, and the arts, I specialise in helping organisations tell their stories, connect with stakeholders, and drive meaningful impact.

What Sets Us Apart?

✔ Proven success transforming engagement strategies across leading institutions like ANU and national research bodies.
✔ Deep understanding of research commercialisation, policy impact, and high-level stakeholder engagement.
✔ Track record of delivering communications strategies that elevate brand visibility and influence.

Let’s create engagement strategies that drive real outcomes.

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Founder’s Story

Bridging Strategy, Engagement & Impact

I’ve spent my career at the intersection of strategy, communications, and engagement, helping organisations navigate complexity and connect with the right audiences. From boardrooms to research institutions, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful engagement transforms ideas into action and strategy into success.

With over 30 years across professional services, research, government, and the arts, I’ve worked with some of Australia’s leading institutions - helping them tell their stories, build partnerships, and drive real impact.

A Career Built on Connection & Influence

My journey started in professional services, advising structured legal and corporate firms on business development and communications. This gave me deep insight into strategic positioning, client engagement, and high-level stakeholder management.

I then transitioned to research engagement, where I led transformative strategies at the Australian National University (ANU), including crafting their first university-wide Research Engagement & Communications Strategy. During my tenure at ANU Enterprise, I drove engagement strategies that doubled research revenue, increased content engagement by 300%, and strengthened connections between academia, industry, and government.

Beyond research, I’ve worked across government, non-profits, and the arts, chairing The Street Theatre Board, where I guided strategic pivots that ensured financial sustainability during the pandemic.

Why I Started Susan Blain Management Consulting

I launched Susan Blain Management Consulting to provide my expertise directly to organisations that require strategic engagement solutions. Whether it’s research commercialisation, stakeholder engagement, or communications strategy, I help businesses and institutions cut through the noise, strengthen their influence, and achieve tangible results.

Engagement isn’t just about visibility - it’s about impact. And I’m here to help you make it happen.