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Sonia McDonald            

CEO & Founder of LeadershipHQ, Executive Coach, Advisor & Author

Sonia McDonald is not just a speaker; she is a leadership dynamo. With over 30 years at the frontline of human resources and people management, she has perfected her formula for inspiring and igniting change and in business leaders worldwide. As the founder of LeadershipHQ and the Outstanding Leadership Awards, McDonald has become an undeniable force in the leadership landscape.

McDonald’s success is a testament to resilience and determination, as she navigated the challenges of solo motherhood and entrepreneurship with purpose and courage. Her relatable and unforgettable presentations are a unique blend of humor, honesty, and real-life stories.

Her books, including "Leadership Attitude," "Just Rock It!," and "First Comes Courage," have become roadmaps to becoming a leader who dares to be different. McDonald's insights have been amplified through publications like The Australian and BBC World, and her global recognition includes being named among the Top 250 Influential Women and the Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs by Richtopia.

McDonald's keynotes are not just talks; they are dynamic and relevant experiences. She combines the latest in neuroscience with her natural storytelling to empower her audience to lead with not just their minds but their hearts as well.

Leadership is more than a role for McDonald; it is a journey of courage, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference. Whether it is a conference or workshop, McDonald’s messaging inspires kindness, and purposeful leadership.

Speech Topics


Leadership Attitude: Own It, Live It, Lead It

Leadership isn’t about fancy titles or corner offices—it’s about how you show up every day.

This keynote is an empowering session designed for leaders, aspiring leaders, and anyone ready to elevate their impact—whether in the workplace, their community, or their personal lives.

Sonia McDonald speaks directly to those who are tired of cookie-cutter approaches to leadership and are ready to embrace a mindset that drives authenticity, courage, and resilience.

This isn’t just a keynote; it’s a wake-up call to step into your power and lead like you mean it.

Just Rock It!

Feel like fear is holding you back? It’s time to kick it to the curb. In this high-energy keynote, Sonia shares her proven formula for faking it till you own it, silencing self-doubt, and rocking your leadership with confidence. It’s about courage, not perfection—because imperfect action always beats standing still.

This session is perfect for leadership conferences, corporate team-building events, or any company striving to build a culture where individuals dare to dream, act, and lead boldly.

First Comes Courage

Many leaders often wish they had more courage. This keynote is impactful and highly motivating based on Sonia’s book and explores the Courage Compass around Self, Kindness, Impact, Purpose and Resilience. Sonia will take your audience through the virtues and keys to courageous leadership.

The Super Leader: Building Teams That Thrive

What’s the secret to building teams that not only perform but truly thrive? It’s all about leading with heart, clarity, and unwavering strength. In this dynamic keynote, Sonia reveals the tools and strategies to transform your team into a high-performing powerhouse. From fostering trust and connection to driving results with purpose, this is your playbook for creating a team culture that shines.

Kindness is the Superpower: Changing the Leadership Game

Forget the old-school, hard-nosed leadership approach—kindness is where it’s at. Sonia flips the script, showing how leading with kindness and empathy creates engaged teams, resilient leaders, and organizations that leave a lasting impact. Packed with stories and actionable insights, this keynote proves that kindness isn’t just nice; it’s powerful.

The Power of Neuroscience: Unlocking the Leader Within

What if you could rewire your brain to be a more effective, confident, and inspiring leader? In “The Power of Neuroscience,” Sonia McDonald reveals the groundbreaking science behind how our brains work—and how to harness that power to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and resilience. This keynote blends cutting-edge neuroscience with practical strategies to help leaders unlock their potential, make better decisions, and inspire their teams like never before

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