From Solo Founder to Communication Powerhouse: How Sanja Hendrick Built Australia’s Most Empathetic Training Collective

Great Story
May 1
2 min read

When public speaking coach Sanja Hendrick lost her entire business revenue in one day during the COVID-19 lockdowns, most would have hit pause. She hit reset. Instead of retreating, she reimagined her mission — not just to teach communication, but to use it as a tool for confidence, leadership, and meaningful human connection.

That pivotal moment became the spark behind Talent Academy, now a thriving national collective that’s transforming how Australians show up — in classrooms, in boardrooms, and in life.

The Business Built on Belief, Not Just Plans

Like many resilient founders, Sanja didn’t wait for perfect timing or polished plans. She started Talent Academy because she saw something others overlooked: highly skilled individuals who struggled with the human side of success — expressing ideas, owning their presence, and leading with clarity.

“I wanted to create a space where people could grow without fear. Where they could powerfully express themselves and be heard.”

Her early days were filled with solo coaching sessions, student workshops, and leadership trainings. Then came 2020. With every in-person session cancelled, Talent Academy’s income dropped to zero overnight. But Sanja didn’t stop — she pivoted, digitised, and scaled. Her adoption of Yoodli, an AI speech-coaching tool, made her the first in South Australia to bring smart tech into soft skill coaching.

A New Model of Growth: Collaboration Over Competition

Instead of competing with other coaches, Sanja invited them in. She built a multi-specialist collective that could serve schools, startups, and corporates with offerings that ranged from crisis communication to team building and emotional intelligence.

“We teamed up rather than competed. Together, we improved client service and learnt from one another.”

That mindset led to national expansion, a second office in New South Wales, and clients from high school students to boardroom executives.

Beyond the Boardroom: Why Talent Academy Works

Every program at Talent Academy is practical, people-first, and deeply customised. Whether it’s a teenager overcoming presentation anxiety or a CEO preparing for an investor pitch, emotional safety and real-world readiness are the pillars of Sanja’s method.

She believes that good communication isn’t about big words — it’s about real connection. When people feel seen, heard, and understood, they lead better, speak better, and live more confidently.

Resilience as a Strategy, Confidence as a Legacy

From facing zero revenue to running a national operation, Sanja's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rising with purpose. Her advice to women entrepreneurs?