Why I do this work…

A woman with long blonde hair in white attire is standing alone on a stage, illuminated by stage lights, speaking to an audience in a darkened theater.

I’m Fiona Sanford — speaker, facilitator, mentor, and fierce believer in the brilliance of teenage girls.

I’ve spent over 15 years walking alongside teenage girls, young women, athletes, educators, and change makers.

Impacting 30,000+ lives and hundreds of rooms — from classrooms and community halls to boardrooms and football clubs — I’ve seen firsthand what happens when we create brave spaces where girls can show up fully, be heard deeply, and feel their power.

But this work didn’t start with a job title.

It started in a leotard..

A female gymnast in a pink leotard performing on the floor exercise in a gymnastics competition.

I was a semi-elite gymnast for 18 years. Discipline, pressure, performance — I knew it well. I also knew what it felt like to be silenced, to chase perfection, and to watch teammates struggle without the right support. That experience planted a fire in me: to become the person I needed back then — and to create spaces where girls can rise without burning out.

Since then, I’ve led two national organisations (Game Changers Australia & The Flourish Journey), developed evidence-based programs for youth mental health and leadership, and worked with incredible organisations like Australian Olympic Committee, Foundry Athletics, Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.

I’ve also worked as a:

  • coach,

  • mentor,

  • keynote speaker, facilitator, panelist & panel host,

  • curriculum designer, and

  • advocate across education, sport, and mental health for teen girls.

But more than that, I’ve listened.

  • I’ve listened to 30,000+ teenage girls.

  • I’ve heard what they’re carrying.

  • I’ve seen how underestimated they are.

  • I’ve witnessed the radical change that unfolds when they’re seen, believed in, and supported to shine.

What I believe:

  • Teenage girls are not the problem. They are the visionaries of the future.

  • There is enough space for all teen girls to shine — no competition required.

  • Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from being seen and supported.

  • Leadership is not about titles — it’s about showing up with heart.

A woman is presenting on stage at a conference with a large screen displaying two questions: "What is your inner critic saying?" and "How does it hold you back?"

What drives me

1 in 3

teenage girls report high to very high psychological distress — nearly double the rate of boys.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2023). Australia’s youth: Mental health snapshot.

64%

of girls aged 14–19 experience body image concerns, up from 48% in 2024.

Liptember Foundation. (2025). Annual Mental Health Research Report

25%

of teen girls report experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts, up from 16% the previous year.

Liptember Foundation. (2025). Annual Mental Health Research Report

22.3%

of CEOs in Australia are Women.

Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). (2023). Gender Equality Scorecard.

19.4%

of Board Chairs in Australia are Women.

Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). (2023). Gender Equality Scorecard.

2x

Teen girls are dropping out of sport at twice the rate of boys by age 15.

Suncorp & The Behavioural Architects. (2019). Australian Youth Confidence Report.

94%

C‑suite female executives in Australia played sport growing up

EY. (2021). Why a female athlete should be your next leader.

Increase

Girls who stay in sport, report better mental health, higher self-esteem, and stronger leadership skills.

VicHealth. (2020). This Girl Can – Victoria Campaign summary.

Let’s Work Together To Create Lasting Change

Whether you’re a school leader, coach, brand, or simply someone who believes in a better world for girls — I’d love to hear from you.