Name
Sharon Sebastian
Job title
Executive Advisor
Organisation
GHD
Speaker biography
As an Executive Advisor in GHD’s Business Advisory practice, Sharon provides strategic counsel on transformation, strategy development and programme management across complex portfolios and sectors. She partners with senior leaders to shape organisational direction, strengthen operational performance and deliver integrated solutions that align advisory, digital and technical capability on a global scale.
Speaking At
Presentation title
Data-Driven Stakeholder Engagement: Using Economic and Demographic Insights to Shape Social Outcomes
Presentation summary
This presentation introduces a data-driven approach to stakeholder and community engagement in renewable energy development, with a particular emphasis on the integration of economic and demographic analysis. By grounding engagement strategies in robust local data, such as population trends, workforce participation, education levels, and income disparities the plan moves beyond generic consultation to deliver targeted, relevant, and impactful engagement. The approach recognises that understanding the unique socio-economic context of a community is essential for designing engagement activities that are accessible, inclusive, and effective. Economic and demographic insights inform the selection of engagement methods, the identification of barriers to participation, and the development of programmes that address specific community needs. This ensures that engagement is not only meaningful but also supports broader social and economic outcomes, such as workforce development, youth retention, and community sustainability. Attendees will learn how leveraging local data can enhance stakeholder engagement, foster trust, and contribute to a stronger social licence to operate.
