We care to our core.
We are genuinely optimistic.
We are bloody ambitious.
We care to our core.
We are genuinely optimistic.
We are bloody ambitious.
Emily Gole
Founder
Emily Gole is the Founder and Director of People Design. Emily saw early on when she started working with SMEs the impact that the right advice and guidance was having on her client’s businesses and their teams. Emily became passionate about smaller businesses with fewer resources being able to access the senior level HR expertise that is critical to take their businesses forward.
"The benefits that come from having a team of highly experienced People Partners like we have at People Design are many - having this ongoing guidance really elevates a business– strengthening culture, growing profit and thereby creating better lives for both business owners and their teams." People Design was created on the belief that 'good work' supports a 'good life' and that businesses perform best when their leaders are supported, expectations are clear and people feel safe to do their best work.
Emily Gole
Founder
Emily Gole is the Founder and Director of People Design. Emily saw early on when she started working with SMEs the impact that the right advice and guidance was having on her client’s businesses and their teams. Emily became passionate about smaller businesses with fewer resources being able to access the senior level HR expertise that is critical to take their businesses forward.
"The benefits that come from having a team of highly experienced People Partners like we have at People Design are many - having this ongoing guidance really elevates a business– strengthening culture, growing profit and thereby creating better lives for both business owners and their teams." People Design was created on the belief that 'good work' supports a 'good life' and that businesses perform best when their leaders are supported, expectations are clear and people feel safe to do their best work.
Taya Liu
People Partner
Taya brings over 20 years of leadership and people experience, supporting teams across a range of fast-paced, people-centred environments.
Taya's background has involved shaping positive workplace cultures, and supporting leaders through the full employee lifecycle - from recruitment and onboarding through to development, performance, and complex workplace matters. Taya is known for her practical, grounded approach and her ability to translate strategy into everyday actions that make work easier and more effective.
With experience designing HR systems, supporting payroll and compliance, developing policies, and navigating sensitive people issues, Taya brings both clarity and care to her work. She approaches each challenge with curiosity, creativity, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset.
Outside of work, Taya is a mum to two daughters, loves sunny days at the beach, coaches her daughter’s basketball team, and enjoys looking after her growing collection of indoor plants
Clare Mayhew
People Development Partner
Clare is a client-centred Career and Organisational Coach who loves helping people find clarity, confidence, and momentum in their working lives — whether they’re just starting out, stepping into leadership, or navigating a significant career shift.
With a natural ability to connect and empower, Clare works with individuals across all stages of their careers (including at executive level) and across a wide range of industries. She supports people to identify what they really want, understand and build their capabilities, and make informed decisions that lead to meaningful progression or change.
At the heart of Clare’s work is a genuine passion for helping people build self-awareness, uncover their potential, and find purpose and fulfilment — at work and in life. She draws on a range of coaching frameworks, tools, and diagnostics to support individuals through career, performance, leadership, skills and executive coaching.
Lauren Berlund
People Partner
Lauren has a natural curiosity for discovering practical tools, ideas, and insights - and a knack for sharing them in ways that feel engaging, accessible, and meaningful.
With experience across professional services and the tertiary sector, Lauren has worked across the full employee lifecycle, supporting people from early career through to development and growth. She brings particular strength in graduate recruitment and development, as well as designing and facilitating workshops that connect, challenge, and build capability.
Lauren combines a strong foundation in human resource management with creativity and care, helping teams and individuals learn, grow, and feel more confident at work.
Outside of People Design, Lauren is a mum to two boys and spends a lot of time on sporting ovals across Boroondara. She loves long walks, Pilates (both doing it and talking about it), and usually has her head in a book.
Taya Liu
People Partner
Taya brings over 20 years of leadership and people experience, supporting teams across a range of fast-paced, people-centred environments.
Taya's background has involved shaping positive workplace cultures, and supporting leaders through the full employee lifecycle - from recruitment and onboarding through to development, performance, and complex workplace matters. Taya is known for her practical, grounded approach and her ability to translate strategy into everyday actions that make work easier and more effective.
With experience designing HR systems, supporting payroll and compliance, developing policies, and navigating sensitive people issues, Taya brings both clarity and care to her work. She approaches each challenge with curiosity, creativity, and a calm, solutions-focused mindset.
Outside of work, Taya is a mum to two daughters, loves sunny days at the beach, coaches her daughter’s basketball team, and enjoys looking after her growing collection of indoor plants
Lauren Berlund
People Partner
Lauren has a natural curiosity for discovering practical tools, ideas, and insights - and a knack for sharing them in ways that feel engaging, accessible, and meaningful.
With experience across professional services and the tertiary sector, Lauren has worked across the full employee lifecycle, supporting people from early career through to development and growth. She brings particular strength in graduate recruitment and development, as well as designing and facilitating workshops that connect, challenge, and build capability.
Lauren combines a strong foundation in human resource management with creativity and care, helping teams and individuals learn, grow, and feel more confident at work.
Outside of People Design, Lauren is a mum to two boys and spends a lot of time on sporting ovals across Boroondara. She loves long walks, Pilates (both doing it and talking about it), and usually has her head in a book.
Clare Mayhew
People Development Partner
Clare is a client-centred Career and Organisational Coach who loves helping people find clarity, confidence, and momentum in their working lives — whether they’re just starting out, stepping into leadership, or navigating a significant career shift.
With a natural ability to connect and empower, Clare works with individuals across all stages of their careers (including at executive level) and across a wide range of industries. She supports people to identify what they really want, understand and build their capabilities, and make informed decisions that lead to meaningful progression or change.
At the heart of Clare’s work is a genuine passion for helping people build self-awareness, uncover their potential, and find purpose and fulfilment — at work and in life. She draws on a range of coaching frameworks, tools, and diagnostics to support individuals through career, performance, leadership, skills and executive coaching.