From our team to yours
Our team rises each day with a passion for delivering results. At the heart of our culture is a commitment to connecting people and organisations through methodical strategic planning for growth. We listen, understand, and then execute with precision, ensuring that every step we take is aligned with your success.
Our team
Natalie Fairlie - Managing Director
Natalie BA, LLB, GAICD is a seasoned global leader with 20 years of experience, including 13 years in senior management. She has a strong background in strategic management, corporate governance, and building high-performing teams. As a qualified lawyer and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Natalie began her career in corporate law before moving into executive roles in the property and advisory sectors.
As the founder of Ascending Strategies, Natalie is passionate about helping organizations with strategic planning and fostering connections to drive growth. Based in Hanoi, she works across Vietnam and Australia, advising clients in the property, technology, and education sectors. In her role as Vice President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, Natalie collaborates with business leaders and stakeholders to promote bilateral business growth and innovation.
Greg Sugars - Director
Greg OAM is a highly respected leader in the Australian corporate sector, known for his strategic acumen and ability to drive business growth. As the Deputy Chair of the national board of the Australian Property Institute, Greg plays a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and practices. His extensive experience spans over 30 years, during which he has served on multiple corporate boards, consistently delivering value through his insights and leadership.
Greg is renowned for his unique ability to translate complex industry concepts into actionable strategies that drive commercial success. His expertise is highly sought after, making him a favoured guest speaker at industry conferences, corporate events, and professional development programs. Audiences across the property sector and related industries benefit from Greg's deep knowledge and practical advice, which are directly applicable to enhancing business performance.
Marie-Francine Richard - Technology & Transformation Advisor
Marie-Francine Richard has a global track record in digital transformation, known for her strategic acumen and ability to drive business growth through scalable, technology-enabled solutions. As the Technology & Transformation Advisor at Ascending Strategies, Marie plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s digital vision and delivering impactful outcomes for clients across industries.
Her extensive experience spans over a decade across international markets, including more than ten years in Switzerland where she led large-scale transformation programs for multinational organisations, including six years with Accenture. She later spent three years with Salesforce in Singapore, focusing on the Vietnam market, and most recently led the Salesforce Deployment Center at FPT IS in Hanoi. Throughout her career, Marie has consistently delivered value through her leadership, technical expertise, and ability to execute complex digital initiatives. Her expertise in CRM, enterprise systems and digital transformation makes her a trusted advisor to our clients navigating growth and innovation.
Mark Devadason - Director
Mark BSSc, MAICD brings 30 years of international banking expertise with a diverse background that spans corporate and private banking leadership, country CEO roles, talent development, technology project management, and sustainability. His leadership has been instrumental in driving business transformation and managing crisis situations across markets in Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan.
Mark is currently a Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed Beonic, a Non-Executive Director at Melbourne based bank Bank First and serves as an Executive Coach and Mentor with the Stephenson Mansell Group. He is also the Chair of an Australian children’s charity. Known for leading and inspiring culturally diverse teams, Mark has a proven track record in achieving outstanding results, where he leverages his leadership skills to guide strategic initiatives and foster organisational growth. Mark has consistently delivered outstanding results and has a deep commitment to talent development, strategic vision and driving success in every organization he engages with.
We understand the great opportunities of achieving success and the obstacles that hinder progress. We deliver strategic and growth plans that inspire pride, energy and focus among senior leaders, their teams, and the entire organisation, where everyone will feel naturally motivated to contribute their best.
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