Sandra Ciavarella

Executive Well-being Coach + Consultant

About

Elevate Well-being Training Coaching supports ambitious individuals like you successfully navigate transitional life changes, cultivate healthy and sustainable habits, reach professional & personal goals and enjoy the benefits of a fulfilled and aligned life.

About Me

Executive Well-being Coach & Consultant · Dubai, UAE · Sydney, Australia
ACC · ICF        Hogan Certified        25+ years experience

I've spent over 25 years working across healthcare, IT, insurance, and investment - including Fortune 500 environments - in leadership, strategy, and business development roles. At some point I realised the most persistent challenges high achievers face aren't technical. They're human. That realisation changed everything about how I work.

I work with high achievers and organisations who want to perform at their best without burning out in the process. That means we look at the whole picture - mindset, emotional intelligence, executive presence, habits, health, and how you actually show up day to day - not just the presenting problem.

My style is direct, warm, and evidence-based. I'll challenge you, but I'm in your corner the whole time. Clients tell me I have a knack for saying the thing they already knew but needed to hear out loud - I'll take that as a compliment.

Focus areas


  • Mindset mastery
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Executive presence
  • High-performance habits
  • Behavioural change
  • Health & fitness
  • Physical well-being

A bit more about me


I'm a former competitive bodybuilder, which taught me things about discipline, identity, and mental resilience that no textbook came close to. Those lessons are baked into how I work.

I'm also the founder of Aussie Women of Dubai - a community of 250+ Australian expat women across the UAE, built around real support and genuine social connection. It started because I moved to Dubai and wanted to make some real friends, put a vulnerable post in a Facebook group, and hundreds of women responded saying "same." That's the kind of community I believe in, and a proud Australian who now calls Dubai home.

As a lifelong learner


  • Postgraduate, Leadership & Organisational Development - UNSW
  • Bachelor of Psychological Sciences - Swinburne University
  • Associate Certified Coach (ACC) - International Coaching Federation
  • Hogan Certified - HPI · HDS · MVPI
  • Master NLP Practitioner - NLP Worldwide Institute
  • Emotional Intelligence Practitioner & ECR 360 Assessor - RocheMartin
  • NeuroChange Practitioner - NeuroChange Institute
  • Transitional Intelligence (TQ) - MEA
  • Advanced Certified Personal & Executive Coach · Positive Psychology Health & Well-being Coach - College of Executive Coaching (USA)
  • Personal Trainer (former) - Australian Institute of Fitness

Testimonials

"Sandra is a dynamic and enthusiastic thought partner. Her passion for her clients is transparent as she is totally present and curious during our sessions. She has guided me to learn more about myself and how to achieve my goals. Sandra is professional, easy to trust and a pleasure to work with."

- — Felicity Coe - Coe Consulting, Principal

"Throughout my sessions with Sandra I felt awakened to thoughts and ideas that I hadn't given myself space to work through. She is an amazing active listener, and I knew I was heard and understood. Sandra helped me to see and articulate values I hold and aspects of myself that I couldn't. I was eager for each new session as we unpacked ways to move forward with goals putting me on a path to make my dreams a reality. It was so reassuring to have someone in my corner cheering me on. I can't recommend Sandra's expertise highly enough."

- — Rebecca F, Compliance Manager, Mum & Landscape Designer

"I reached out to Sandra because I was going through a difficult time and I needed help to get me back on my feet. Through a caring and powerful guided reflection process, she helped me build my self-confidence back up to a level I hadn't experienced in years. I now understand myself better and I am able to recognise my strengths and skills. Sandra also provided me with very practical tools and techniques that I am now using daily to self-care and to maintain my mental health and wellbeing. This journey with Sandra has had positive repercussions on all aspects of my life, be it with my family or in a professional context. I now feel empowered to focus on projects that are important to me without being crippled by self-doubt. It's been a transformational journey and I am very grateful for it."

- — Aleks H.S - Account Executive, Author & Mum

"Working with Sandra has been a transformative experience. Her guidance, support, and wealth of knowledge shared with me means I am now on a path toward achieving my goals. She listened attentively, understood my needs, and tailored her approach uniquely to my circumstances. Her insights and strategies have given me the confidence to navigate challenges that previously I would have shied away from. If you're looking for someone to guide and support you on your journey and get real results, look no further."

- — Kathleen Protheroe - Group Accountant & Mum

"Sandra is super amazing at coaching. She has a natural calm about her that makes you feel really comfortable to open up and share what’s going on in your life with her. She does not judge you in any way and has provided some very valuable tips, information, and resources. I think our sessions have been amazing."

- — Brenda Adams - Director, Commercial Services - Americas, Health & Fitness Coach & Mum

"Sandra has been an exceptional coach. Her warm and approachable demeanour, combined with her expertise, has made a significant impact on my ability to achieve life’s goals. From our very first session she crafted a personalised plan that was both realistic and achievable. Sandra’s communication skills are outstanding; she listens attentively and provides clear, actionable advice. Her insights and guidance have been invaluable, inspiring me to strive for one goal at a time. Her unwavering commitment to my success and her genuine care make her an outstanding coach. I highly recommend Sandra to anyone seeking transformative coaching."

- - Po Ea - Senior Account Manager

"I came to Sandra because I needed accountability and a thought partner to help me move forward with a marketing campaign. I was putting off the notion of getting outside help from consultants or hiring part-time employees. Sandra gave me the confidence and accountability I needed to bring in a part-time marketing contractor and search for a marketing consultant. She also gave me the confidence to raise my prices, which I have done. With Sandra's help, I am now headed in the right direction with my marketing efforts and I'm feeling very confident and empowered in my business. Sandra is also one of the nicest and most caring individuals I have worked with, and I highly recommend her!"

- — Simon Golden, PhD - Organisational Psychology - Book Coach, Executive Coach, Ghostwriter

"Sandra has an incredible ability to listen and analyse what she is being told and turn it into relevant advice. I found Sandra to be structured, professional and knowledgeable. I believe her personal and corporate experience was an invaluable addition to the sessions."

- — Nella Movia - CEO, Tax Accountant & Mum

"Sandra has an ability to quickly create a safe and supportive space, allowing for deep and meaningful coaching to take place. She fosters an environment where real transformation happens, inspiring action and holding her coachees accountable. As a leader of one of her clients, I have been amazed at the quality and speed of the transformation she facilitates. I am deeply grateful for the work Sandra does and the impact she has made in my team."

- - Kristie Holmes - HR Manager APAC. BRP Adventure By Design

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