Meet Sanela Osmic GAICD, Founder and CEO of Ethical Governance. Sanela is a highly sought-after consultant, trainer, executive coach, and a powerful voice for resilience and human potential, who has helped a wide range of individuals and organisations achieve transformational results.
She brings to the company twenty years of professional experience across multiple industries including finance, professional services, disability, health, government and education. Over the years, Sanela has served on a number of boards and committees. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to improve governance, streamline processes and increase efficiency, while also leading organisations through significant periods of transformation.
Sanela’s journey began in the shadows of the Bosnian war, where she learned – far too early – that survival is both an act of courage and an act of spirit. Those early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to understanding the inner world of human emotion, empathy, and strength.
As a young woman, Sanela rebuilt her life from the ground up after moving to a new country, navigating a language she did not yet speak and a culture she had never known. Australia became her new beginning – a place where she transformed adversity into purpose. With unwavering determination, she completed a double degree in Economics and International Trade, and a Masters in International Business, earning the Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence, a testament to her discipline, intellect, and resilience.
Her lived experience gives her a rare depth – allowing her to connect across cultures, empower leaders, and inspire new ways of thinking about ethical governance and emotional mastery. She is very passionate about diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice, and loves working with organisations that have a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
As an expert in human nature, boardroom dynamics, and behavioural governance, Sanela authored the book Leading with Emotional Intelligence: A Guide for Board Directors. The book offers practical insights on how emotional intelligence can enhance decision-making, foster collaboration, and improve overall governance effectiveness in the boardroom.
Today, Sanela’s work illuminates the transformative power of emotional intelligence. Through her writing, coaching, and thought leadership, she helps individuals and organisations unlock courage, clarity, and connection. Her story is more than a biography – it is a testament to what becomes possible when resilience meets purpose, and when hardship fuels a lifelong commitment to growth, wisdom, and service.
Industry-related Certification
Sanela’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional development didn’t stop with completing her Masters degree. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has partnered with her mentor, the world-renowned leadership guru John C Maxwell, to become a certified John Maxwell Team Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Sanela is also a certified Emotional Intelligence (EI) Practitioner, which allows her to help individuals and organisations improve ethical governance, develop their emotional intelligence skills and enhance their leadership capabilities.
Sanela’s extensive experience, coupled with her passion for ethical governance and commitment to ethical decision-making, makes her a trusted advisor to individuals and organisations looking to achieve their goals.
Whether you need coaching, consulting or training solutions, Sanela has the expertise to help you navigate the complex challenges of the business world. Get in touch with Sanela today to learn how she can help you transform your organisation.