Some professionals follow a straight path into their careers, while others create their own way when no doors open, taking a path a bit off the beaten track! For Sandi Saksena, the journey began not at a conventional starting point but at the age of 44, when persistence, patience, and passion turned setbacks into stepping stones. What began as an unconventional entry into the workforce soon grew into a career built on resilience, people skills, keen observations of human behavior, an unshakable belief in possibility, and a positive take on the word “NO.” A very powerful word when used to one’s advantage, she has her own interpretation. For her, NO means New Opportunities. And when she says ‘No,’ it is about setting boundaries, limits, and a decision not to give in or give up.
With nearly three decades of experience in life insurance and financial planning, Sandi refined her craft as a consultant, speaker, and mentor, mastering the art of listening, storytelling, and guiding others. Her unique ability to combine professional expertise with human understanding allowed her to build not just a business, but a reputation for empowering individuals to find clarity in both their personal and professional lives.
Today, her focus has expanded into personal development, business structuring, financial awareness, and bespoke workshops that address the evolving needs of clients in a rapidly changing UAE market. Whether it is helping people recognize the importance of succession planning, navigating legal frameworks, or polishing presentation skills, she continues to shape pathways for growth and transformation.
Sandi’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and purpose. Readers are invited to explore the full journey of a leader who proves that age, challenges, or circumstances are no barriers to success, if one chooses to be extraordinary.
An Unconventional Beginning
Could you briefly tell us about your background and how it led you to start your business?
My background is a bit unique as I joined the workforce at the age of 44. I could not write the “all-important CV,” so all doors were shut in my face. The traditional workplace placement is an inflexible, “deaf,” and confidence-stealing place. However, persistence, patience, and passion paid amazing dividends for me. I continued to knock on doors, scour the job postings, and eventually found what I was looking for. No experience, just “people” skills!
My background is in life insurance and personal financial planning. I was a consultant for a renowned broker for 28 years. In my role, I learned and honed my skills as a speaker, presenter, fact-finder, and concept specialist, and mastered the art of fact-finding, story-selling, and most importantly, listening, as well as decoding body language by observing posture, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions, which provide a more accurate understanding of underlying emotions and intentions.
Shaping Growth and Development
What does your business focus on, and how is it positioned in the market?
My business is focused on the personal and professional/business development of individual clients. Based on 28 years of first-hand observations of people’s personalities and identifying weaknesses or shortfalls on the personal and business side, I offer bespoke solutions. These include public speaking, presentation skills, reading body language (the unspoken signals), grooming, and social/business etiquette. On the business side, I assist with research on cost-effective business setups, preparing appropriate business plans, budgets/accounting, legal agreements, insurance, and more.
Based on research, countless fact-finds, and active networking, I can state that many SMEs and sole proprietorships in the UAE face challenges with access to finance, high costs of doing business, intense competition, and cash flow management. Most start out with no budgetary discipline, mix personal and business expenses, have over-optimistic income generation expectations, and use personal savings or multiple credit cards and personal loans to ‘manage.’ They allocate money to ‘window dressing,’ leaving the structure and foundation weak and ready to collapse. Each business has its own set of exposures that may derail its operations. Though the UAE has several insurance policy options designed for SMEs, unfortunately, many SME/sole proprietors are unaware or unwilling, as this is seen as an ‘extra expense.’ They prefer the ‘Ostrich strategy’ or the over-optimistic view of ‘this will never happen to me.’
My connections and excellent relationships with many insurance providers enable me to offer insurance advice and solutions based on need and budget.
I have tie-ups with legal consultancies through which I provide added professional advice on legal aspects of contracts and agreements that people sign. From 28 years of experience, I can state that most individuals, SME owners, and owners of larger companies do not have a will, a legally binding succession plan, or clearly defined, legally enforceable agreements. The majority of the population is not even aware of simple laws that can have a serious negative impact on the lives of families.
Common examples are:
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Personal debt such as loans and credit cards. Most expatriates are not aware that in the event of the death of the account holder, all assets are frozen, and surviving family members (i.e., wife, children, parents) do not have access to any money (savings, salary, terminal benefits) in bank accounts. All money and assets are disbursed as per the local laws of the country of residence.
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Divorce and dividing assets between personal and business assets.
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Partnership disputes arising from the death or disability of business partners.
Future Directions
What are your plans for growth or expansion in the near future?
My plans are based on in-depth research and observation of trends, as the market in the UAE morphs at a fast pace. The influx of newcomers from different nationalities ensures my services remain in demand, as I focus on guiding people in structuring their companies, setting up accounting procedures, and financial management, which includes marketing and other aspects, while prioritizing their resources.
I have strategic agreements with accountants, lawyers, and insurance companies who provide professional services. I am also focused on delivering a repertoire of bespoke workshops on personal and professional development, “Polish to be Brilliant!”
Rising Through Challenges
How has this year impacted your business, and what are your goals moving forward?
I started my company in March 2028, so I would say I’m progressing from gestation to full bloom!
Guidance for Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to startups or entrepreneurs in your industry?
Irrespective of any industry, the basic tenets of business apply to all:
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You are not your business. You and your business are two separate legal entities.
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Research from reliable sources, Instagram and other social media platforms are not always reliable or accurate.
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Facts or hype: be careful what you choose.
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Realistic budgeting, even before you start.
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Discipline and focus: simple yet so hard to maintain.
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Have adequate financial resources for at least one year to pay for your personal and business development expenses.
Words to Remember
Any other thoughts that you would like to share with our viewers?
Don’t let ego, fear of failure, or trying to maintain a façade ruin your life, relationships, and more.
This quote from my favorite individual sums it up:
“I think it is possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary.” – Elon Musk
‘Society thrives on being judgmental, so let them thrive… you are giving meaning to their petty existence!’
I’m invited to several events as guest of honor, keynote speaker, etc., and I repeat my clothes all the time. On several occasions, people have come up to me and sarcastically stated, “Oh, I remember you wore this outfit on such and such occasion.” My response is always polite and goes like this: “Excuse me, who are you? I don’t remember your name, have we met before? My compliments on your amazing memory, I must have had quite an impact on you! I don’t remember when I last wore this outfit.”
Conclusion
Sandi Saksena’s journey is a reminder that success is not defined by when or how we begin, but by the determination we bring to every step. Starting her career at a stage when many would hesitate, she proved that persistence, adaptability, and a clear vision can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Her work today reflects more than just professional expertise, it embodies a commitment to helping others build sustainable businesses, secure their futures, and develop the confidence to thrive in both personal and professional spheres. Through her guidance, individuals and organizations alike are learning the importance of financial awareness, succession planning, and continuous self-improvement.
As the UAE continues to evolve and attract diverse communities, Sandi’s services remain relevant, impactful, and deeply needed. Her bespoke workshops, strategic partnerships, and people-centered approach highlight the power of combining knowledge with empathy.
Her story closes with a simple yet profound lesson: extraordinary results are within reach when we choose resilience over fear, learning over ego, and purpose over hesitation. Readers are encouraged to take inspiration from her path and apply the same principles in their own journeys of growth and success.
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