Meet Sandra DSouza
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐น๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ ๐น๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ป๐ผ ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐?
I know firsthand what it takes to build a career that matters, even when the odds are against you. I spent years in corporate leadership, leading strategies for global brands like MTV Europe, Telstra, and UBS. My journey was shaped by managing high-stakes strategies, navigating complex corporate structures, and understanding what it means to lead with resilience and purpose. But let me ask you this: What would change if you stopped waiting for permission to lead?
Real leadership isnโt just about what you do in the boardroom. Itโs about what you overcome along the way. My daughter was born with severe medical needs, and at 41, I faced breast cancer. These experiences redefined my understanding of strength and what it means to truly lead. They didnโt just shape my career; they shaped my purpose.
Thatโs why I founded Ellect. Not just as a business, but as a movement. A platform designed to give ambitious women the tools, support, and pathways to step into leadership roles with confidence and impact.
Imagine having the support, strategy, and confidence to step into the leadership role youโve always envisioned. Whether youโre looking to move up in your organisation, secure a board position, or simply lead with greater impact, ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ก๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ง๐.
My Why
My "why" is rooted in a simple belief: women belong in leadership, not as an exception, but as a standard. I spent years navigating corporate boardrooms, managing strategies for global brands, and understanding what it takes to drive decisions at the highest level. But I also saw firsthand how few women were in those rooms, not because they lacked capability, but because the doors werenโt open wide enough.
I built Ellect to change that. I wanted to create something bigger than opportunity. I wanted to build pathways. Real pathways for capable, driven women to step into leadership roles with confidence and purpose. To me, it's not just about having a seat at the table; it's about reshaping the table altogether. When women lead, companies donโt just perform better, they transform. Communities grow stronger. Decisions are more inclusive. Thatโs my why: because leadership should reflect the world we live in, and Iโm determined to make that happen
My Accomplishments
๐ Global Leadership and Recognition Named Most Influential CEO of 2023 by CEO Monthly for championing gender equality in corporate leadership. Honoured on the NASDAQ Tower for the Milestone Makers Program 2021, highlighting my work in reducing inequalities. Finalist in the 2023 Australian Business Book Awards and The Leadership Awards for From Bias to Equality. Recognised for contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on gender equality and reduced inequalities.
๐ Corporate Leadership Experience Over two decades of corporate leadership with global brands like MTV Europe, Telstra, and UBS. Led high-stakes strategies, navigated complex corporate structures, and drove decision-making at the executive level. Built and managed diverse teams that delivered impactful results across international markets.
๐ Founder of Ellect Established Ellect to break barriers for women in leadership, empowering them to step into decision-making roles with confidence. Launched initiatives to create real pathways for women, not just filling seats but transforming boardrooms. Developed strategic partnerships with global organisations to accelerate women's leadership opportunities.
๐ Impact and Transformation Through Ellect, countless women have stepped into leadership roles, breaking barriers and claiming their space at the table. Created executive coaching programs that transformed careers, elevated boardroom confidence, and expanded strategic networks for women leaders. Advocated for gender equality on global stages, inspiring organisations to reimagine what leadership looks like.
Fun facts
๐ Netball Comeback: I rejoined netball at the age of 46 after a 30-year break. What started as a leap back into team sports turned into a five-year journey of rediscovering my passion for competition, teamwork, and community. I recently retired, but I still miss it. It was a scary experience at first. Coming back to the game after so long but it reminded me how powerful community and women supporting women truly are. That spirit of teamwork and resilience is something I now bring into my leadership work.
How I can help
๐ฝ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ค๐ช๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ฝ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ง๐จ. I help you identify your path forward, overcome barriers, and claim your space in decision-making rooms.
๐ฝ๐ค๐๐ง๐๐ง๐ค๐ค๐ข ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐. Step into any boardroom or otherwise with the presence, strategy, and authority to lead and be heard.
๐๐ญ๐๐๐ช๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ ๐พ๐ค๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐. One-on-one sessions are designed to build resilience, master strategic decision-making, and elevate your leadership presence.
๐๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฌ๐ค๐ง๐ ๐๐ฃ๐. Connect with the decision-makers and leaders who can open doors, expand your influence, and accelerate your career growth.
๐๐๐จ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ช๐๐ฃ๐๐. Learn how to find your voice, stand out as a thought leader, and make an undeniable impact in your industry.
Profile information supplied through Cuppaโs talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.