Meet SA Woman Member, Sarah Sutter.
Business: Well-being First
Job Role: Founder
Tell us a bit about you
Sarah is an accomplished leader with a distinguished career spanning the corporate, not-for-profit, and elite sports sectors. As a former Chief Executive Officer and senior executive, she has effectively led national and international organisations, promoting strategic growth, cultural transformation, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
With expertise in leadership development, organisational culture, and business strategy, Sarah has successfully steered large-scale initiatives, fostering high-performance teams and sustainable change. Notably, she was the Founder and CEO of Nature Play SA, where she built a thriving organisation from the ground up, influencing policy and community well-being across South Australia.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Sarah brings the mindset of a champion, having represented Australia as a Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and Netball World Champion. She seamlessly integrates her elite sporting experience with executive leadership, specialising in coaching, team dynamics, and performance optimisation.
Tell us a bit about your business or organisation/role:
Well-being First is a leadership coaching business that supports individuals and teams to become more effective, self-aware, and resilient leaders.
Well-being First was born out of personal experience. After more than 25 years in senior leadership roles—and as a former elite athlete who represented Australia on the world stage—I’ve learned firsthand the importance of mindset, resilience, and high performance. These experiences have shaped how I lead and coach others.
Along the way, I’ve also navigated challenging periods both personally and professionally, and I realised that to perform at your best in the workplace, you must also prioritise your well-being—because when you feel good, you lead better.
Participating in the Human Synergistics Leadership Lifestyle Inventory tool had a profound impact on my leadership journey. It provided me with valuable insights and helped me grow significantly, which inspired me to become a certified practitioner and utilise it to support others.
I founded Well-being First to support individuals to reach their full potential by placing well-being at the heart of how they lead. For me, it brings together my two greatest passions: leadership and well-being.
How can we best contact you:
Phone Number: 0439 031 101
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-sutter-67442111/
Let’s get to know you a little more.
What has been a lesson you learnt in your career or business that has stayed with you?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that we’re only as good as the people around us. You can’t achieve your goals without the support, collaboration, and energy of others. Over the years, I’ve come to truly understand that people are our most valuable resource.
When you surround yourself with a strong, trusted support network and create a culture of shared purpose, anything is possible.
What is your favourite place in South Australia to visit?
Black Point
Why is being part of SA Woman important to you?
It’s an opportunity to connect with inspiring South Australian women and learn from the incredible things they are doing. I’m passionate about continuous learning and personal growth, and there’s nothing more powerful than being surrounded by like-minded women who are lifting each other up, sharing stories, and creating impact in their own unique ways.
What is a quote or mantra you live by?
“Have no regrets”
What region of South Australia are you in?:
Adelaide South