What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want… is courage?

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt behind, or wondered if you’re “too much” or “not enough,” today’s episode is just what you needed.

In this conversation, bestselling author and leadership expert Sonia McDonald reveals the mindset shifts, courage rituals, and confidence habits that helped her rebuild her life from scratch after a “life-quake,” become a global keynote speaker, and develop her signature philosophy of leading with kindness, courage, and authenticity.

What we talk about:

• How to build unshakeable self-belief (even when you’re scared)

• Why courage is a muscle and how to strengthen it

• How to lead with kindness without losing your power

• Why authenticity is your greatest competitive advantage

• What the “Courage Compass” is and how to use it in real life

What You’ll Learn:

1. Why courage + kindness are the leadership skills of the future

2. How to reinvent yourself after setbacks, rejection, or starting over

3. The daily neuroscience-backed habits Sonia uses to create confidence

4. How to stop people-pleasing and become unapologetically yourself

5. The one mindset shift that eliminates imposter syndrome

6. How to find your purpose and use it to fuel action, not pressure

7. Why your 8-year-old self and your future self hold the keys to your success

Sonia McDonald is an award-winning global keynote speaker, leadership expert, CEO of LeadershipHQ, and author of Just Rock It, Leadership Attitude, and First Comes Courage. Known for her energetic stage presence and neuroscience-backed approach to confidence and leadership, she has trained thousands of leaders worldwide and works with top organizations to build courageous, human-centered leadership cultures.

Find her at: soniamcdonald.com

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome

03:06 Mindset Reset: Where Focus Goes, Power Flows

06:08 What Audiences Love About Sonia’s Speaking

08:18 The Three Leadership Questions to Ask Yourself

12:03 Practical Confidence Habits You Can Start Today

14:47 The “Courage Compass” Explained

21:01 Kindness, AI & The Future of Human Leadership

24:51 Why Gen Z Will Change the World

29:33 Becoming the Leader You Needed

32:29 Imposter Syndrome & How Sonia Overcame It

36:39 Saying YES: The Power of Taking the Leap

40:07 Night Routines & Priming for Success

42:03 What She’d Tell Her 17-Year-Old Self

43:46 Books That Changed Sonia’s Life

44:12 60-Second Challenge: Why You Should Read Just Rock It

45:47 Final Message: Do What Brings You Joy

47:15 Play, Paint, and Reconnect with Your Inner Child

41:00 Closing

If you learned something new from this episode, double-check that you’re subscribed for more weekly conversations that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out. Also, rate this podcast 5 stars as it’s what helps me grow the show!

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌐 Learn more about Sonia Marta: www.soniamarta.com

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram @soniamartaauthor and connect via linktr.ee/soniamartauthor