Leadership with Sonia

Episode 18: From Adversity to Leadership Excellence: A Journey of Persistence and Growth with Rachael Cook and Tatia Power of Inclusee

In this episode of Leadership with Sonia, we explore an extraordinary leadership journey filled with resilience, courage, and personal growth. Rachael Cook and Tatia Power open up about overcoming childhood trauma, navigating the corporate world, and breaking through cultural barriers to embrace her authentic leadership style. This conversation is packed with insightful reflections on how adversity can become a powerful force in shaping one’s leadership potential.
Key Highlights:
Overcoming childhood trauma and its impact on leadership development
Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurial leadership
The importance of self-trust and confidence in facing adversity
Navigating cultural challenges and finding one’s voice in leadership
Building resilience through personal growth and self-awareness
Tune in to discover how persistence, self-awareness, and authenticity are essential to becoming a great leader, especially in times of challenge.
 
Connect with Rachael Cook on LinkedIn
Connect with Tatia Power on LinkedIn
 
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/

Episode 17: Balancing Leadership and Life: Insights from Paul Scurrah of Pacific National

In this episode of the Leadership with Sonia Podcast, we sit down with Paul, a seasoned leader with profound insights into effective leadership and personal discipline. Paul shares his approach to maintaining a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries and being deliberate about his time management.
Paul discusses the importance of “bookending” your day to avoid the blurring of home and work life, and how switching off notifications can enhance focus and mental health. He also emphasizes the value of humility in leadership and the need for clear communication and feedback loops to foster a productive team environment.
 
Key Highlights:
Bookending Your Day: Paul explains how setting clear boundaries between work and home life can enhance productivity and maintain balance. He advocates for being fully present during work hours and deliberately disconnecting afterwards.
Managing Distractions: Learn why switching off notifications and focusing on one task at a time can significantly boost mental health and productivity.
The Role of Humility: Discover why humility is essential for effective leadership and how it fosters a positive work environment.
Formulating and Communicating Plans: Paul shares strategies for creating clear, actionable plans by incorporating team feedback and ensuring everyone feels ownership of the goals.
Continuous Learning: Emphasizing the importance of curiosity and ongoing learning, Paul discusses how staying curious and open to new perspectives helps leaders adapt and grow.
Leading by Example: Paul stresses the need for leaders to model the behaviors and values they wish to see in their teams, and how authenticity plays a crucial role in effective leadership.
Stay tuned for more episodes filled with practical tips and inspiring stories from leaders who are shaping the future.
 
Connect with Paul Scurrah on LinkedIn
 
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/

Episode 16: Making Stress Your Buddy: Transforming Pressure into Power

In this episode of Leadership with Sonia, Sonia dives into the often overwhelming world of stress and how to transform it from a burden into a powerful ally. As we near the end of the year, many are feeling the weight of life's demands—family, finances, and the endless stream of stressors from social media and the news. Sonia shares her personal journey with stress and how she’s learned to reframe it as a motivator and a sign of caring deeply about life’s challenges.
Key Highlights:
Reframing Stress: Learn how to view stress as a positive sign that your body is preparing to tackle challenges, turning it into an opportunity for growth.
Relaxation Techniques: Discover the benefits of deep breathing, mindfulness, and power posing to help manage and reduce stress effectively.
Self-Compassion & Resilience: Explore the importance of treating yourself with kindness, building resilience, and acknowledging your achievements during stressful times.
Support Networks: Understand the value of having a strong social support network, including friends, mentors, and coaches, to help navigate stress.
Practical Coping Strategies: Gain insights into actionable tips like setting boundaries, decluttering, and finding hobbies to alleviate stress.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands or looking for ways to enhance your leadership skills, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips to help you navigate stress with confidence and kindness. Tune in to learn how to make stress your buddy and lead with courage and compassion.
 
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/

Episode 15: Leading with Courage and Kindness: A Conversation with Jane Phipps

In this episode of the Leadership with Sonia podcast, Sonia engages in an inspiring conversation with Jane, the Chief Operating Officer of Teach for Australia. They explore the power of courage, kindness, and authenticity in leadership. Jane shares her journey from a mathematician in the defense world to a leader in education, revealing the impact of both positive and negative role models on her leadership style. She emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, fostering an inclusive environment, and embracing the values of kindness and courage in leadership.
Listeners will learn about the transformative work of Teach for Australia in low socioeconomic schools and how they can support the organization's mission. Jane also opens up about her personal strategies for continuous learning, including therapy, reading, and staying active. Tune in to hear how embracing authenticity and kindness can create magic in leadership and make a lasting impact.
Key Points:
Courage and Trust in Leadership: Jane discusses how trusting her team to be themselves and allowing room for experimentation and learning fosters courage within her organisation.
The Power of Kindness: Jane shares her belief that kindness is a leadership superpower, creating an environment where magic happens and people thrive.
Impact of Role Models: Jane reflects on two contrasting role models in her career—one who embodied inclusivity and compassion, and another who led through authority and exclusion—shaping her own leadership style.
Authenticity and Self-Confidence: Jane stresses the importance of being authentic in leadership, advising her younger self (and listeners) to embrace who they are and lead with both heart and head.
Continuous Learning: Jane highlights her approach to self-improvement through reading, listening to podcasts, and seeking therapy to maintain her confidence and vulnerability as a leader.
Supporting Teach for Australia: The episode concludes with ways listeners can support Teach for Australia's mission, including spreading the word about the organisation's impactful work in education.
Join Sonia and Jane in this compelling episode as they delve into the core of authentic leadership. Discover how courage, kindness, and trust shape Jane's approach to leading her team at Teach for Australia. 
 
Connect with Jane Phipps on LinkedIn
 
Follow Sonia on Socials:
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/

Episode 14: Embracing Vulnerability and Curiosity in Leadership with Shannan Quain

In this insightful episode of Leadership with Sonia, host Sonia McDonald engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Shannan Quain, a seasoned leader in public service. Together, they explore the delicate balance of setting boundaries, the importance of vulnerability, and the power of trust in leadership. Shannan shares personal stories about navigating feedback, the complexities of performance management, and how neuroscience can reshape leadership practices.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving journey of leadership, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, curiosity, and kindness—both towards oneself and others. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to help you lead with empathy, clarity, and courage.
Key Topics:
Setting and negotiating boundaries with your team
The importance of vulnerability and trust in leadership
How neuroscience influences leadership and performance management
Practical tips for future leaders
The significance of self-care and kindness in leadership
Tune in to discover how to lead with purpose, build meaningful relationships, and create a positive impact in your organisation.
 
Connect with Shannan Quain on LinkedIn
 
Follow Sonia on Socials:
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/

Episode 13: Lead with Love: Embracing Kindness, Courage, and Inclusion in Leadership

In this episode of Leadership with Sonia, Sonia McDonald dives deep into the essence of true leadership. She discusses the importance of focusing on kindness, courage, and inclusivity in today's challenging global environment. Sonia shares personal insights, inspiring stories, and experiences from her journey with Leadership HQ, emphasizing how leadership is about serving others and making a difference, no matter how small.
Key highlights include:
The power of kindness and how it’s often misunderstood as a weakness.
Real-life examples of courageous leadership in action, especially during challenging times like COVID-19.
The significance of inclusivity and embracing diverse perspectives, including the often-overlooked aging population.
The importance of self-kindness and how it translates into better leadership.
Tune in to learn how you can lead with love, serve others, and inspire positive change in your organization and beyond.
 
Follow Sonia on Socials:
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/

Episode 12: Empowering Through Collaboration: Leadership Lessons from Alison Covington of Good360 Australia

In this episode of the Leadership with Sonia podcast, we chat with Alison Covington, the founder of Good360, about the impact of compassionate leadership and resilience in the nonprofit world. Alison shares insights into how Good360 connects surplus goods with communities in need, addressing issues like digital exclusion and hygiene poverty.
Discover how Alison's leadership journey has been shaped by her commitment to empowering others and fostering a culture of self-belief and grit. She discusses the importance of teaching her children and others the value of giving back, resilience, and courage. Alison emphasizes the role of kindness and collaboration in creating meaningful change, urging everyone to take action and support others to thrive, not just survive.
 
Key Highlights:
Building a Family Legacy: Alison discusses how her children grew up volunteering with Good360, learning valuable skills and lessons in leadership and giving back to the community.
Empowering Women: Alison emphasizes the importance of self-belief, especially for women, and how she mentors her team to overcome self-doubt and embrace leadership opportunities.
The Power of Collaboration: Alison explains how Good360 partners with charities and businesses across Australia to provide essential goods to those in need, highlighting the importance of collaboration and community support.
Resilience in Leadership: Hear how Alison's personal resilience and determination have shaped her leadership style, enabling her to navigate challenges and inspire her team.
Kindness as a Catalyst: Alison and Sonia discuss the contagious nature of kindness and how small acts can have a significant impact on both individuals and communities.
Tune in to learn about the inspiring mission of Good360 and discover how you can make a difference through small acts of kindness and community support.
 
Connect with Alison Covington on LinkedIn
 
Follow Sonia on Socials:
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/
 

Episode 11: Building Resilient Leaders: The Power of Authenticity and Courage with Mark O'Brien

In this engaging episode of Leadership with Sonia, host Sonia McDonald sits down with Mark O'Brien, the inspiring CEO of Impression Dental Group, to explore the journey of leadership marked by authenticity, resilience, and transformation. Mark shares his personal experiences and insights from leading and turning around companies, including his impactful work with Petbarn and Impression Dental Group.
 
Key Highlights:
The Power of Intuition: Mark discusses the importance of trusting your gut feelings in leadership and how ignoring those instincts can lead to costly mistakes.
From Failure to Success: He candidly shares his experiences with setbacks and the invaluable lessons they taught him about leadership and business.
Transforming Impression Dental Group: Learn how Mark and his team revived a struggling business by rebuilding trust, fostering engagement, and maintaining a nimble, values-driven approach.
Innovative Changes at Petbarn: Discover how Mark played a pivotal role in transforming pet adoption practices, leading to the successful rehoming of tens of thousands of pets.
Advice for Future Leaders: Mark emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and maintaining a gratitude attitude. He offers heartfelt advice to his children and future leaders on pursuing their goals with courage and determination.
The Role of Family: Reflecting on his father's influence, Mark discusses the significance of sharing achievements and instilling values in the next generation.
Join Sonia and Mark for an inspiring conversation about the essence of great leadership, the importance of staying true to one’s values, and the impact of showing vulnerability and kindness in leadership roles.
 
Connect with Mark O'Brien on LinkedIn
 
Follow Sonia on Socials:
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/

Episode 10: Leadership Unplugged: Courage, Kindness, and Connection with Bridgette di Ferdinando

Join us on Leadership with Sonia as we dive into a captivating conversation with Bridgette, an innovator and leader in workplace technology. From pioneering fingerprint technology to shaping leadership paradigms, Bridgette shares transformative insights and experiences that illuminate the path to effective leadership.
Throughout this engaging conversation, we explore the qualities that define great leadership, including courage, kindness, trust, and the power of authentic connections. Bridgette recounts their own experiences with influential leaders who shaped their path and shares valuable insights into the habits and behaviors that make leaders truly exceptional.
Key Takeaways:
Innovation & Impact: Discover how Bridgette revolutionized workplace technology and what it means for leaders today.
Qualities of Great Leaders: Learn about the essential traits of courage, empathy, and trust that define exceptional leaders.
Connection & Community: Understand the critical role of empathy and connection in leadership and how it enhances team dynamics and organizational success.
Navigating Change: Explore strategies for balancing autonomy and accountability amidst the fast-paced changes in today's world.
"Great leadership can light up the soul of an organization and the communities it serves." - Bridgette
 
Connect with Bridgette on LinkedIn
 
Follow Sonia on Socials:
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/

Episode 9: Leading with Courage and Compassion: Embracing Inclusivity in the Workplace with Tanya Walford

In this episode of the Leadership with Sonia Podcast, host Sonia McDonald sits down with Tanya, a passionate and authentic leader, to discuss the importance of inclusivity in the workplace and the power of self-reflection. Tanya shares her journey as a leader and carer, emphasizing the need for continual personal growth and the significance of comparing oneself only to one's past self.
They explore the challenges and opportunities of creating an inclusive environment, particularly for people with disabilities, and the crucial role of time and support in this process. Tanya candidly talks about the emotional aspects of leadership, the inherent challenges, and the importance of managing expectations.
This episode also highlights the broader impact of inclusivity, the value of positive role models, and the need for a courageous community to drive meaningful change. Whether you're a leader, a carer, or someone striving to make a difference, this conversation is filled with insights and inspiration.
Key Highlights:
The significance of self-reflection and personal growth in leadership.
The challenges and solutions for creating inclusive workplaces.
The role of time and support in helping people with disabilities integrate into the workforce.
The importance of courage, community, and showcasing positive role models.
Tune in to gain valuable insights on leading with compassion and courage, and learn how small changes can lead to significant impacts in creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
 
Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn
 
Follow Sonia on Socials:
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Learn more about Sonia:
Website - https://soniamcdonald.com.au/