WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Straight talking, real results.
We could tell you we’re easy to work with, fast to get the brief, and good at what we do—but we’d rather let our clients speak for themselves.
Here’s what researchers, communicators, government teams and industry leaders have said after working with Straight Up. From grant wins to strategy sessions, partner wrangling to profile refreshes—this is the impact we’re proud to be part of.
I chose Straight Up because I want to get the job done. I need a partner I can trust. Trust a faith. (no makeovers, no repeats, Damia just gets it).
She understands audiences and what they need / pain points / what makes them tick. And she gets what we're trying to do, gets the agenda of the people we try to connect with too.
- Steve Kern, University of Adelaide
Straight Up has a broader skill set than the average grant writer, and very good at interpreting complex situations, understanding what’s required for an opportunity. They have strategic value. Most will just do what you say: Damia thinks about the opportunity and what’s required, adds strategic direction. She knows how to sell an idea. Understand the opportunity, spot the POD / value proposition: chases the real value down.
- Andy Lowe, University of Adelaide
Straight Up is professional and makes sure all commitments are met. They will the extra mile to get something done properly, and they are easy to work with: friendly and positive.
They have specialist skills and knowledge, and because we have a long running relationship, we work together quickly and efficiently. She just gets it. (A better outcome more quickly than we could with others).
- Gus, Professor of mechanical engineering and director of centre for energy technology
I'm so grateful to be working with Straight Up on two important projects: a strategic document and a large grant proposal. It's been great to work with someone that is part of the team and takes action through her own initiative and brilliant contributions. Damia just gets things done!
- Ian Overton, Green Industries SA
Straight Up translates and communicates detailed technical matters to a variety of audiences. They work with you to peel back the layers to draw out the core story and pitch, as well as think through the strategy of taking that back out to the target market. The team is easy and reliable to work with.
- Dr Jordan Parham, 1414 Degrees Ltd
Thank you Damia for your incredible grant writing talent, and for ensuring the many contributions to our bid were weaved together to tell a compelling story in a united voice.
- Professor Peter Radoll, University of Canberra
We are very pleased to work with the team at Straight Up in producing “Thermal Comfort at Home: A guide for older South Australians”. Not only did they listen and understand our goal, they also offered suggestions and solutions beyond our initial expectations. We are very happy with the outcome and look forward to working with Straight Up in the future.
- Professor Veronica Soebarto, University of Adelaide
Straight Up is professional, easy to work with, and high quality. Damia was an important contributor to our bid team that secured $39 million in grant funding for the HILT CRC. She will go the extra mile to get something done.
- Professor Graham 'Gus' Nathan, HILT CRC
I’ve been involved with research and technical project management, working within industry and academia for more than 20 years. I’ve repeatedly engaged Damia from Straight-Up Consulting to equip my PhD students and early career researchers with essential science communication skills across various formats. Her tailored approach to writing presentations, poster design, audience analysis and effective science communication is consistently excellent. Damia's friendly professionalism and dedication to understanding and meeting her audience's needs make her an invaluable resource. I highly recommend her services and will undoubtedly collaborate with Damia again.
- Ruth Elizabeth Shaw, University of Adelaide