Sonia McDonald

Sonia McDonald

Business Consulting and Services

CEO & founder LeadershipHQ & Outstanding Leadership Awards | Award Winning Author 📚 | Global Keynote Speaker 🎤 | Mum

About us

Sonia McDonald is a Global Keynote Speaker, CEO & Founder of McDonald Inc and LeadershipHQ; is an Entrepreneur, Executive Coach and Award Winning Author of First Comes Courage, Leadership Attitude and Just Rock It!. Sonia McDonald was recently named in the Top 250 Influential Women across the Globe. She is one of Australia’s Leading Leadership Executive Coach and Keynote Speakers. Sonia’s expertise in leadership, neuroscience, organisational development, learning & development, facilitating, and board leadership makes her an excellent leader to partner with organisations and CEOs to ensure the full potential of their business is achieved through its people. Sonia has been published in The Australian, HRD Magazine, Business Insider, Business Woman’s Media, Style Magazine, Richtopia and Women in Focus. She is an inspirational and dynamic Leadership and Neuroscience Keynote Speaker. Sonia has spoken across the globe and is a highly sort after keynote speaker. She will engage, educate and change the hearts and minds of your leaders and organisations. She is also the Author of the Neuroscience of Leadership Kindle Book on Amazon and her new book Leadership Attitude is now taking the world by storm. Her company, LeadershipHQ are the Leaders in Leadership and they provide solutions, coaching, programs and interventions that will help your organisation to achieve maximum success. It is about YOU. Whether it is Executive Coaching, Leadership programs for Emerging and Women in Leadership, Cultural Alignment, Leadership Wokrshops and Events – they have it covered. Their purpose and vision is to partner with organisations and leaders in building high performance leadership, culture, diversity and strategic interventions – improving staff engagement, motivation, retention and ultimately – the bottom line! Her company LeadershipHQ has also been named in the Top 50 Fastest Career and Management Blogs and was recently named in the Top 100 Leadership Blogs across the Globe.

Industry
Business Consulting and Services
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Australia
Type
Privately Held
Founded
2007
Specialties
Executive Coaching, Keynote Speaker, Leadership Facilitator, Leadership & Board Advisor, Author Leadership Attitude, Author Just Rock It!, motivational speaker, author First Comes Courage, CEO, and advisor

Locations

Employees at Sonia McDonald

Updates

  • Why Leadership Training Isn’t a Waste—It’s the Secret to Success You might think leadership training is unnecessary, something only reserved for those already in management roles. But here’s the reality: leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about creating impact. And the truth is, good leaders make more impact than a thousand mediocre managers ever will. Leadership training isn’t about learning how to boss people around; it’s about mastering the skills that help you inspire, empower, and drive results. Whether you’re leading a team, a project, or even just yourself, strong leadership skills give you the tools to: ✅ Build trust and foster collaboration. ✅ Communicate your vision with clarity and confidence. ✅ Navigate challenges and make bold decisions. And here’s the kicker—those who invest in leadership training don’t just survive in today’s fast-paced world; they thrive. While others struggle with unclear goals or disengaged teams, trained leaders know how to adapt, motivate, and succeed. So, is leadership training a waste? Only if you don’t care about reaching your full potential. For the rest of us, it’s the edge we need to lead with purpose and transform possibilities into reality. Are you ready to invest in your leadership journey? Let’s discuss in the comments—what’s one leadership skill you think makes the biggest difference? 👇 hashtag #Leadership hashtag #PersonalGrowth hashtag #LeadershipTraining hashtag #Success

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  • Life’s toughest moments can lead to our greatest growth. 🌱⁠ ⁠ In my latest blog, I share how my husband’s abandonment—a moment that shattered my world—turned out to be the greatest gift of my life. It’s a story of resilience, rediscovery, and finding strength I never knew I had.⁠ ⁠ Read it now for a dose of inspiration and a reminder that even in darkness, we can find our light. 💡⁠ ⁠ 📖 https://lnkd.in/g976tUsY#PersonalGrowth #Resilience #FindingStrength #EmpoweredLiving

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  • Leadership isn’t about staying in your comfort zone. It’s about stepping up, standing tall, and owning your space unapologetically. 💪⁠ ⁠ True leaders show up even when it’s tough because making an impact means being bold and brave.

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  • What’s missing in leadership today? 🔥 Stop the Hamster Wheel: Leadership Needs a Connection Makeover! 🔥 So, what’s missing in leadership today? Connection. Real, human connection. 🫂 Let me set the scene: Picture leaders running from meeting to meeting, glued to their phones, overwhelmed by constant busyness. 📱💨 It’s like being stuck in a never-ending hamster wheel, where even a brief pause feels impossible. 🐹🛞 I once ran a leadership workshop where, halfway through, I noticed that no one was truly present. Eyes darted to phones, minds wandered to to-do lists. So, I did something unexpected: I asked everyone to stop, breathe, and put their phones away. 😳 The discomfort in the room was palpable, but I insisted. Then, I invited them to engage in a simple exercise: share a story about a moment that shaped who they are today. At first, there was hesitation, but soon, the room filled with powerful, vulnerable stories. People listened—really listened. 👂💬 The energy transformed, and for the first time, connection wasn’t just a buzzword. It was alive. That’s when it hit me: Leaders often forget that busyness doesn’t equal effectiveness. What drives real impact is showing up with heart, being present, and creating space for others to connect deeply. ❤️✨ Imagine what our workplaces could look like if leaders prioritized meaningful moments over frantic productivity. If we dared to pause, tune in, and show up for each other. 🌱 Leadership isn’t just about strategy and KPIs; it’s about people. Let’s stop mistaking busyness for success and start leading with connection. Who’s with me? 🙋♀️🙋♂️

  • Welcome to the Leadership with Sonia Show – where we don’t just talk the talk, we walk the bold, sassy, unapologetic leadership walk. This isn’t your typical feel-good, fluffy live. Nope, we’re here to get real about what it takes to lead with focus, action, and a mindset that says, ‘I’ve got this.’ Start your day with gratitude, kick those doubts to the curb with affirmations, and pour your thoughts into some solid journaling – because self-reflection isn’t just for poetry, it’s for power. Here, we’re all about learning, growing, and getting stuff done. So, if you're ready to lead with your heart, mind, and a whole lot of grit, you’re in the right place. Let’s make it happen!" So how can you start leading like a woman today? Here are a few practical strategies: • Challenge Your Inner Critic: One of the biggest barriers women face is internal – the voice that tells us we’re not good enough, smart enough, or experienced enough. It’s time to silence that voice. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that you deserve to be where you are. You don’t need permission to lead. • Network with Other Women: Surround yourself with a support system of women who uplift and inspire you. Building connections with other women in leadership not only helps you grow but also creates a ripple effect of empowerment. When one of us rises, we all rise. • Be Bold and Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Leadership requires boldness, and sometimes that means doing things that scare you. Whether it’s applying for that promotion, starting your own business, or leading a tough conversation – trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. • Pay It Forward: As you climb, reach back and lift others. Mentorship and sponsorship are powerful ways to help other women rise. By supporting each other, we create a network of strong, capable women leaders who are ready to challenge the status quo. The journey to breaking leadership stereotypes isn’t easy, but it’s one that we’re more than capable of navigating. Leadership, at its core, isn’t about fitting into someone else’s box – it’s about showing up as yourself and leading in a way that feels authentic to you. Remember: being a woman in leadership is your strength, not your weakness. So lead with courage, lead with kindness, and most importantly, lead like a woman. Learn more at - https://lnkd.in/ffJC4rT https://lnkd.in/gw5QJpap https://lnkd.in/gWyZUF2

    Leadership with Sonia

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  • KINDNESS COSTS NOTHING...Kindness is the quiet force that conquers—steady, unshakable, and unapologetically bold. I am on a flight back right now from Melbourne after delivering our amazing leadership program, and I received this from the wonderful staff - thank you Virgin, Virgin Australia and Ulysses and Steve for your kindness too - you made my day

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    Sonia McDonald Sonia McDonald is an Influencer

    CEO & Founder @ LeadershipHQ, The Leadership Collective & MenoRise | Global Keynote Speaker | Award-Winning Author | Extraordinary Leaders & Executive Coach | Leadership Expert for Emerging and Women Leaders

    KINDNESS COSTS NOTHING...Kindness is the quiet force that conquers—steady, unshakable, and unapologetically bold. I am on a flight back right now from Melbourne after delivering our amazing leadership program, and I received this from the wonderful staff - thank you Virgin, Virgin Australia and Ulysses and Steve for your kindness too - you made my day!!!!

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