Human on the Inside with Sonia McDonald
Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome Sonia, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re the CEO and founder of LeadershipHQ, Worksparks, The Leadership Association, and Menorise. Whoa!
In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 4), what does all this entail?
Sonia McDonald: Running LeadershipHQ (been 17 years!), Worksparks, The Leadership Association, and MenoRise mean I'm all about shaking up the leadership game, sparking dynamic collaborations, rallying leaders to break the mould, and empowering women to own their career transitions with sass and savvy. I’m in the business of making leadership bold, community-focused, and unapologetically fearless! Please keep in mind that I do sleep, and some of these outstanding initiatives are start-ups!
M: Alongside your current work wearing multiple CEO/Founder hats, you’re a renowned global leadership expert, award-winning author, and keynote speaker. And not just any speaker - you’ve been recognised as one of the Top 250 Influential Women globally and among Australia’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs - kudos!
These incredible accolades didn’t arrive overnight, however. Your impressive career is now 30 years strong and spans retail, education, local Government and management consulting in roles from Assistant HR Manager to HR Director, Talent Manager and VP of Professional Development.
As a writer, you’ve authored three books—Leadership Attitude, Just Rock It!, and First Comes Courage—and contribute to the likes of The Australian and HRD Magazine.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
SMcD: Here's my full-hearted truth: My path is paved with courage and so many knocks and my love for leadership fuels every step I take. This isn't just about achieving success; it's about passionately pushing forward, no matter the hurdles. It's about showing my daughter Abby and everyone I encounter that authentic leadership comes from profound courage and a deep love for empowering others. Together, we uncover our inner greatness and do it boldly, with hearts wide open, ready to lead, inspire, and transform. This is the legacy I live for, crafted with every courageous act and every lesson learned in love. This is why I do what I do.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
SMcD: My journey in education began with a passion for understanding what makes us tick—human resources, psychology, and a fantastic dive into neuroscience. I've always dreamed of teaching, of being that guiding light that not only instructs but truly enlightens.
Over time, this dream evolved beyond traditional classrooms into the rich and dynamic world of leadership and corporate culture. Today, I stand at the intersection of my studies and passion, teaching the art of leadership, the science of people, and the intriguing dance of our neural pathways.
Do I miss HR? Sure, there are moments. But this path I've chosen—it's exhilarating, impactful, and profoundly fulfilling. I'm not just teaching; I'm igniting minds, shaping futures, and leveraging every bit of my education to lead others to discover their greatness. And let me tell you, it's a thrilling ride—one I was truly meant to take.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
SMcD: I would love to have coffee with my 21 year old self! I'd lean in and say, “Listen up, you’ve got the spirit of an entrepreneur burning inside you. Don’t just sit on those brilliant ideas of yours because you’re scared or because the naysayers are loud. Trust in those signs that you’re onto something big, and believe in your strengths. Push past the fear, tune out the doubters, and take bold steps. Your future self will thank you for it—big time. Now, go make some waves!
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace or industry right now?
SMcD: We love what you stand for too! Human skills are not just valuable; they are indispensable, especially now with AI. At each of my businesses—from LeadershipHQ to Worksparks, The Leadership Association, and Menorise—human skills like empathy, communication, and adaptability are the lifeblood that fuels our mission. We’re in the business of moulding not just leaders but individuals who can navigate complexity with grace and drive change with compassion.
These skills are crucial because they foster connection and trust, the foundational elements of any thriving community or business. Today we are dominated by technology and fast-paced change, the ability to understand and relate to others, to communicate effectively, and to inspire and be inspired are what set true leaders apart. Across all my enterprises, we leverage these skills daily to empower our teams, inspire our clients, and build networks that are not only successful in achieving goals but also in making a significant, positive impact.
In essence, human skills are the magic that turns potential into reality, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. They make our work not just a job but a passion and a calling, permeating every aspect of our work, love and philosophy.
M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … what’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
SMcD: My strongest trait, without a doubt, is being "kindly courageous." This means I blend the strength to be bold with the grace to be gentle, weaving these qualities seamlessly into my leadership and life. It allows me to face challenges bravely while ensuring compassion is never compromised. It's courageous leadership with empathy, ensuring that every step I take is inclusive and inspiring. This superpower truly sets me apart and amplifies my impact on others, making it a cornerstone of my personal and professional identity.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
SMcD: Active listening has definitely been my mountain to climb, especially with a mind that races like mine—thanks possibly to ADHD, which keeps everything endlessly fascinating. But mastering this skill has been crucial, transforming my leadership and connections. It's not just about hearing others; it's about truly understanding and responding to their needs.
As I've fine-tuned this skill, I've learned to slow down, focus deeply, and engage meaningfully. The results? Stronger relationships, clearer communication, and a more profound impact. Every effort to improve my listening has opened new doors to empathy and leadership, proving that even the fastest minds can learn the art of patience and presence.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to explore the world of leadership coaching, what would it be?
SMcD: If I could share one piece of career advice with recent university graduates or those eager to dive into the world of leadership coaching, it would be this: learn leadership. Not just from books or lectures but through real, hands-on experiences.
Seek out opportunities to lead, whether in small projects or bigger initiatives and observe good leaders in action. Embrace every chance to practice leadership skills in various settings because understanding the nuances of inspiring, guiding, and motivating others is both an art and a science. This journey of learning will not only build your expertise but also shape you into a leader who can truly make a difference. Dive deep, ask questions, take risks, read leadership books, and always be open to feedback—because the best leaders are perpetual students of their craft.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your team, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
SMcD: My focus is primarily on how well their values resonate with our core principles and their tangible actions that reflect these values. I'm looking for someone who aligns with our mission and demonstrates initiative—someone who steps up, takes charge in uncertain situations and shows a proactive approach to challenges. This combination of aligned values, proactive behaviour, and a genuine passion for our work is key to finding not just a new hire, but a future leader in our organisation.
M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
SMcD: John Dewey’s words resonate deeply with me, as I truly believe that learning is a lifelong journey, integral to living fully. There is still so much to learn.
Today, I’m embracing the joys that fuel my spirit and nurture my self-love. Recently, I welcomed a new puppy into my life, and the process of bonding and understanding this joyful little soul is teaching me new levels of unconditional love.
Also, I'm diving deeper into my passion for painting—a pursuit that not only soothes my soul but also challenges me to express my inner visions creatively. These experiences are not just hobbies; they are powerful forms of learning that enrich my life and enhance my well-being.
Ready to develop the human skills within your organisation, team or self? Explore our menu of Maxme Products & Programs or simply download the Hodie app to get started today.
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