Richard Woodard

Richard is a seasoned business development expert with over two decades of experience helping organisations across a variety of sectors achieve sustainable growth. Since founding his business in 2004, Richard has become a highly sought-after speaker and facilitator, working with ambitious leaders in arts & culture, charity, education, government, and the private sector. His expertise in business development, strategic planning, and corporate partnerships has earned him the trust of a diverse client base, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, NSW Department of Enterprise, Schindler Lifts, and St. Vincent’s Curran Foundation, among many others.

A passionate advocate for continuous improvement, Richard’s clients are organisations and leaders committed to refining their strategies, building stronger teams, and generating the revenue needed to achieve their goals. With a background in senior marketing and business development roles at top institutions including the Commonwealth Bank, Sydney Opera House, and KPMG, Richard brings a wealth of experience and practical insights to every workshop and keynote.

As a dynamic facilitator, Richard leads engaging strategy workshops and planning days, where his proven processes and engaging delivery style help teams make significant progress. His expertise also extends to business development training, where he equips teams with actionable skills to drive sales, build relationships, and secure long-term sponsors and partners. Richard is particularly recognised for his expertise in sponsorship and corporate partnerships, having held senior roles such as National Sponsorship Manager for the Commonwealth Bank and Sponsorship Manager at the Sydney Opera House. His deep understanding of both sides of sponsorship, combined with his experience as Chairman of the Australasian Sponsorship Marketing Association, has made him a leading authority on the subject.

Richard has delivered workshops and sessions at corporate events and industry conferences around the world, from Australia to the UK and Europe. Notably, he spoke at the Louvre in Paris at Communicating the Museum, and his leadership on virtual platforms has helped organisations adapt to the new era of online business development. Richard’s ability to connect with audiences, whether in person or via Zoom and Teams, has enabled him to bring about lasting change for organisations navigating periods of rapid growth and change.

Author of ‘Business Development That Works and How to Attract and Retain Sponsors and Partners’, Richard’s books provide practical guidance for organisations looking to improve their business development performance and build sustainable corporate partnerships. His comprehensive experience, professional qualifications, and deep commitment to helping clients thrive make him a trusted advisor for any company looking to unlock its full potential.

If you're looking to develop a winning strategy, train your business development team, or secure long-term sponsorships, Richard offers the insights, expertise, and proven approach to help you succeed.