A Chat with a local business consultant and author
From registered nurse to respected business consultant and author, Debbie Roberts has built a career rooted in compassion, resilience, and community.
Through her Wilton-based business, Debbie Roberts Consulting, she empowers small businesses and not-for-profits with practical strategy, creative thinking, and unwavering support.
Learn how Debbie's personal loss shaped her mission, why Wollondilly will always be home, and the legacy of growth and connection she hopes to inspire.
Let’s start off with a little bit about you
I’m a local business consultant, advisor, coach, and now an author. My background spans more than 40 years across health, education, government, not-for-profit, and small business. I started my professional life as a registered nurse, and over time, I moved into leadership roles, always drawn to helping people grow, connect, and create meaningful impact.
I’m also an organ donor advocate and a long-term volunteer, which is really close to my heart, it’s about giving back and making a difference wherever I can. Along the way I’ve had some fun and unexpected chapters too: I ran a café with my husband, learnt how to make puppets and become a puppeteer, and learnt to do the tango for a Cancer Council fundraising event!
My writing journey only began in 2024, after my mother passed away, even though I’d always dreamed of writing a book. That year, I finally stepped into my creative side and contributed to a multi-author book, Breaking the Silence: Rising Again Fuelled by Resilience. I shared the story of losing my daughter, Rebecca, and how organ donation gave her life meaning beyond her passing. Writing that chapter was not only healing but also gave me the courage to keep sharing my voice. It reminded me that even in our most challenging moments, there is room for hope, growth, and new beginnings.
Now, whether it’s through words or strategy, I love helping others build resilience, find their purpose, and create lives and businesses that truly matter.
What was your first job, and how did it shape your work ethic or business mindset?
My first job was in nursing, and it shaped everything; my discipline, compassion, communication skills, and commitment to service. It taught me the importance of being organised, accountable, and calm under pressure. I learned how to care deeply for others while still getting the job done. Those early shifts, often long, emotionally intense, and demanding built a work ethic grounded in empathy and excellence. Even now in business, I approach every client with the same care and attention I once gave my patients.
Tell us about Debbie Roberts Consulting
I officially launched Debbie Roberts Consulting in 2021, based in Wilton. I offer business coaching, strategic planning, policy and procedure development, grant and award writing, and tender support. I work primarily with small business owners, not-for-profits, and social enterprises - many of whom are women-led or community-focused.
Highlights include supporting many local businesses, growing my social media audience organically, and being recognised for my contributions in several awards. I’m especially proud of helping clients gain clarity, direction, and confidence.
What inspired you to start your own consulting business?
It was a mix of timing and deep purpose. I saw how many businesses were overwhelmed by compliance, strategy, or simply not knowing where to start. I had a skillset that could help and a heart for people doing it tough. After years of helping others in leadership roles and through volunteering I felt it was time to create something of my own that aligned with my values, offered flexible working, and made space for storytelling too.
Who has been a key influence on your career journey?
My mum, who was a nurse and a natural carer, always inspired me to serve others. My dad always encouraged me to push forward through my struggles and strive to continuously improve myself. My biggest supporter over the last 30+ years, though, has been my husband, Pete, who has cheered me on, picked me up when times have been tough and always believed in me.
Professionally, I’ve had incredible mentors across health and business sectors, and my clients themselves constantly shape and influence me. Their stories, courage, and determination fuel my mission every day.
What do you believe makes your business advice and approach stand out?
I bring heart, structure, and creativity. It’s not just about business goals, it’s about values, vision, and purpose. I work alongside clients as a guide, not a guru. My approach blends practical tools with mindset support, while also encouraging creative ways of thinking and problem-solving. I deeply understand the juggle of life, family, and business, so my advice is always grounded, compassionate, and tailored to real-life challenges.
What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
Publishing my story in Breaking the Silence – Rising Again Fuelled by Resilience, and becoming an organ donation advocate in honour of my daughter, Rebecca. Personally, and professionally, it’s all about turning pain into purpose and helping others rise.
Why did you choose to base your business in the Wollondilly region?
Wollondilly is home. It’s a region full of resilience, community spirit, and potential. I love the mix of rural charm and growing innovation. Being able to contribute locally while creating impact beyond the region means everything to me. The location also offers strong connectivity to other areas, which allows me to support clients across South Western Sydney and beyond. I see Wollondilly as a place with incredible future growth potential, and I’m proud to base my business here while staying deeply connected to the community.
What do you love most about working with local businesses and the Wollondilly community?
The people. The passion. The pride. Local businesses here genuinely care - not just about profit but about people and place. I’m constantly inspired by their creativity and courage, and I feel honoured to support them growing their businesses. The Wollondilly community is so connected and supportive, and that spirit has shaped the way I work.
I also love seeing how collaboration creates opportunities; when local businesses come together, they not only strengthen each other but also build a thriving future for the whole region.
What’s something that makes working with you a unique experience for your clients?
I offer a rare mix: business acumen, lived experience, and coaching empathy. My services range from vision board workshops and resilience reset sessions to business wellness checks, policy and procedure development, and strategic planning. I also support clients with grant, tender and award writing, and one-on-one coaching. Every service is a customised solution, tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Whether it’s a creative workshop, a practical business consult, or a deep dive into strategy, clients know they’ll walk away feeling heard, focused, supported, and uplifted with clear steps they can actually action.
Aside from your own, which local businesses do you admire and support?
I really admire and support the Wollondilly Business Chamber, Wollondilly Women in Business, Wollondilly Shire Council, and other business groups and networks. I’ve also built strong referral connections with several local legal, financial, and marketing services. For me, it’s all about supporting local. I love collaborating with and championing other small businesses in the region so that together we can grow stronger as a community. I’m always looking for interesting collaborations in the future that create impact and open new opportunities for local businesses.
Do you have any exciting plans or goals for the future of Debbie Roberts Consulting?
Yes! I’m working on my first memoir, which focuses on sharing memories of motherhood, and I’m expanding my resilience workshops. I also want to feature on more podcasts that blend personal storytelling with practical business wisdom. I’m co-hosting my first local one-day retreat with Her Healing Hub, designed for women in business and focused on both business and overall well-being. Looking ahead, I’m excited to develop more creative programs that integrate leadership development, holistic approaches, and resilience, offering clients not just business strategies, but experiences that support growth, balance, and long-term sustainability. While continuing my existing services, I’ll also keep adapting what I do to meet the changing needs of my clients.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your journey, business, or books?
Your story matters. Whether in business or life, the challenges you’ve overcome become the blueprint for someone else’s breakthrough. That’s why I do what I do - to help people reconnect with their purpose, build strong foundations, and know they’re not alone.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?
In the future, I see Debbie Roberts Consulting continuing to evolve as a trusted partner for small businesses and not-for-profits, not just here in Wollondilly but across broader communities. My vision is to grow a legacy of resilience, empowerment, and connection - helping business owners and community leaders build organisations that are sustainable, values-driven, and people-focused.
I hope to look back and see the ripple effect; goals achieved, dreams realised, and a new generation of leaders stepping forward with confidence. For me, legacy is about proving that no matter the challenges, we can bloom again and again, creating something meaningful that lasts long after us.
On a personal level, I imagine more laughter-filled days with my family and friends, more stamps on my passport, and more moments of wonder as I travel, explore new cultures, and make cherished memories with my children and grandchildren.
