

Sonia McDonald is a courageous leader. A cutting edge entrepreneur. A high performing businesswoman and seasoned professional. A caring mother. An impactful speaker. All with an action bias.
She is passionate about your success.
From little things…
Following a forced lifestyle change in 2006, founder Sonia McDonald joined the consulting world and discovered her purpose in inspiring people to learn and grow. With a flair for leadership and strong writing talents, Sonia started the LeadershipHQ blog in 2007. It quickly became a must-read for leaders looking for a more people-centred way of leading.
…big things grow!
With a growing following and the desire to make an even greater impact, Sonia established the LeadershipHQ consulting business in 2008 and then McDonald Inc. in 2019. Since then, she has helped thousands of leaders through her advisory work, keynotes, coaching, workshops and presentations across the Globe.
Sonia believes we should lead with kindness and courage, from the heart, doing rather than telling. She is known for her mantra ‘just lead’.
She leads by example. But not content with words alone, Sonia inspires action, helping individuals and organisations grow through one-on-one practical coaching, keynotes, workshops and advisory services.
…she has grown great leaders!
Sonia has helped thousands of good leaders become great leaders; progressing their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire others to join them.
For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of Human Resources, Leadership and People and Culture. She has held leadership positions worldwide. Through experience, research and study, Sonia has come to realise what it takes to be a truly courageous leader.
…she speaks bravely!
Sonia speaks bravely and authentically about her own development as a leader, her personal journey and career challenges. It is this relatable, heart-warming and humorous approach that resonates with her audience and has seen her become an in-demand keynote speaker with a timely message of courageous, kind leadership.
Putting people at ease, Sonia starts important conversations and inspires courageous action in people around the world. She is an award-winning author of Leadership Attitude and Just Rock It! and writes regularly for publications such as The Australian, HRD Magazine, Smart Healthy Women and Women’s Business Media. Her next book First Comes Courage is now launched!
Sonia is an energetic, empathic and relatable speaker, who engages her audience. I very much enjoyed listening to her.
How many breakfast speakers have you Rocking it at 7am? Sonia certainly has you engaged from the moment she takes to the stage. Her engaging communication style has you believing in yourself and ensuring you have the right team around you.
We engaged Sonia as a presenter for a career development seminar. We found her style professional, engaging and warm and feedback from our team was incredibly positive. Thanks Sonia, we look forward to having you back again!
We invited Sonia to speak at our Women’s Conference in 2019, and we still have attendees talking about ‘the lollypop presentation’ – it was very well received. Sonia is warm, kind and an incredibly engaging speaker. She is highly professional and great to work with. We look forward to having her back again soon.
I recently attended an event that Sonia was speaking at. I must admit I don’t normally take too much away from short seminars, but I found Sonia’s content relevant, relatable, and interesting. I left with renewed positivity and ideas on improving myself. Thank you Sonia!!
I attended a Victoria Park function for Sonia’s “Just Rock it” talk. I was very inspired by how we should be kind to ourselves, don’t be too harsh on ourselves as we are all human, we all have our strengthens and weaknesses. One quote Sonia mentioned in her talk has been used by me on…
Sonia is an outstanding motivational speaker who inspires her audience to be inclusive and balanced leaders and you always leave wanting to hear more. Thankfully she also has wonderful books to support your journey to not only outstanding leadership, but courage and growth.
Sonia spoke at our company’s annual International Women’s Day event 2022 and all our team and our guests absolutely loved her presentation. We have received feedback from many people that Sonia was inspiring and created a great positive energy in the room. Sonia really understood our company’s core values and tailored the presentation to our…
Thank you so much Sonia! Your keynote speech was wonderful. You exceeded our expectations. I deeply appreciate you sharing your wisdom, passion, and generosity with our students. It was also so meaningful that you took the time to reinforce the LEAD model. Your courage compass is fantastic. I look forward to spending more time with your book. I hope…
Sonia is one of the best leadership coaches and experts in leadership development in Australia. She practices a brand of leadership with courage and kindness which is needed in this country more and more…she’s also one of the most engaging keynote speakers on leadership.
Sonia held the 300 attendee audiences attention the whole time. She energised them, she made them laugh, she made them think. I would recommend anyone looking for a speaker to empower their staff – Sonia should be your choice. She exudes energy and positivity and leaves you feeling like you can do anything. She is…
Sonia is a superstar! I love her insights and the initiatives she’s at the forefront of in the leadership space.
I am so grateful for Sonia for the learning I have had from her Leadership HQ sessions. The sessions have created influential results in my leadership, and I am more confident in my style and approach to leading. I shared my vision with Sonia and she has coached me on how to successfully execute that…
Sonia is a passionate, genuine, authentic, generous and caring leader, coach, mentor and I’m now proud to be part of her tribe. I am truly inspired to be the best leader I can be by focusing on my strengths. The guidance, support and the all important listening ear is really appreciated. Thank you. Highly recommended.
Contact Sonia
Start With Great Leadership.
Start with the end in mind. Greatness. Courage. Leadership. Success.
Discover with Sonia’s Leadership Planner how to start that journey to Great Leadership.