Sandi Saksena’s Journey from Constraints to Success 

An award-winning and visionary leader, Sandi Saksena’s journey proves how, with resilience and discipline, one can reach new heights of success, regardless of any challenge. As the Founder of Sandi Rich Management Consultancies, she offers bespoke consultancy focused on the personal and professional development of her clients. 

Sandi began her professional journey at the age of 44 as a financial consultant and has never looked back since then. Today, she runs a company, attends seminars and podcasts, does speaker engagements and fitness challenges, and even walks on the ramp as a model. 

“On July 8th 2026, I stepped into my 74th year on the planet! Looking back at the path I carved for myself, in these eventful 74 years, and then looking ahead, I’m  Exuberant, Energized, Eager to explore and enrich my life, ready to continue on my path of Encounters, Episodes, Escapades, and Enterprises,” Sandi states. 

In 2025, after 28 years, she resigned from her role as a financial consultant and, contrary to the common belief, she was retiring to open her own consultancy. She believes the UAE is a place of infinite possibilities and opportunities and she is taking her experiences and expertise to the next level with this initiative. 

She even adds, “Contrary to what we are forced to believe an individual can feel young or old because of mindset, physical health, and life energy rather than a calendar number! A 74-year-old me is young through active habits, curiosity, and good health, while I know females aged 45 who feel old due to chronic stress, poor health, or a rigid routine!” 

Sandi’s attitude towards life has always been the factor that sets her apart from the rest. She enjoys every role life has given her: daughter, wife, mother, and now grandmother! Sandi states, “But the one role that I relish the most is Queen Sandi Rich — just being me. My priority is being financially independent, in optimum mental and physical health. 

I don’t have any of the so-called lifestyle diseases. I’m medication-free and am physically very active. I participate in many physical fitness challenges, trekking at 18,000 feet on Mount Kailash in Tibet twice, mushing with the huskies in the Arctic Circle, enjoying Machu Picchu in Peru, horse riding in Mongolia, (which I learnt in Dubai at age 60), the Dubai Women’s run, and many more. My latest fitness goal after years of weight training is Kalaripayattu, which is a complete system that benefits the mind and body through deep flexibility, core strength, and sharp mental focus.” 

From Sandi’s perspective, there is nothing worse than being financially dependent, and an emotional and physical burden on her family. The very thought of being helpless and knowing she’s taking away the energy, time, and resources of her family because she was not more mindful of her own welfare disturbs her. 

As someone who has realized over time and personal experiences that she is always in charge of herself even though social conditioning wants her to believe otherwise, Sandi firmly believes that she was not born to fulfill the dreams of others, but to fulfill her destiny. 

Sandi reflects, “I confidently follow the mantras. Don’t be in the crowd. Stand out! If you want something, ask, don’t wait for others to give. Some see me as being haughty because most people don’t know the difference between being self-assured and being proud. One is filled with confidence, the other with ego, so drop the e and just GO. 

Having experienced the heights of wealth, the downs of having to compromise, and back to financial security, stability, and money to enjoy, I am of the firm belief that money is one’s lifelong companion; we need it from the day we are born till the day we die. Money is essential to build a strong foundation for our life be it family or business. It gives one a choice in life; the choice to decide what’s best for you. 

I also avoid ‘Burn Out.’ It’s an exercise in futility, wanting to impress people who don’t matter. I stopped stressing and did my adrenal glands a favor; they were at burnout level with all the cortisol and adrenaline I was forcing them to produce. I don’t believe in popping pills; rather, lifestyle changes are long-lasting. Nature is my best cure, and it boosts the immune system, prevents weight gain, strengthens my heart, uplifts my mood, increases productivity, improves my exercise performance, and improves memory.” 

Today, Sandi Saksena’s journey stands as an inspiration for aspiring leaders who choose to believe in themselves above all.