Is kindness the key to great leadership? Sonia McDonald, Founder of LeadershipHQ and McDonald Inc. Global Keynote Speaker | Ep 8

In this weeks episode of The Mind To Lead podcast, I sat down with Sonia McDonald. Wow! What a conversation. Is kindness the key to great leadership?

Sonia believes we should lead with kindness and courage, from the heart, doing rather than telling and is known for her mantra 'Just lead'. She leads by example in all these areas, and through her one on one practical coaching, leadership training for teams and organisations encourages others to do the same. Sonia has helped hundreds of people on their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire and bring out the best in others.

For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of HR. She has held leadership positions worldwide, and through experience, research and study come to realise what it takes to be a truly great leader.

Sonia speaks bravely and authentically about her development as a leader, personal and career challenges in a way which resonates with her audience.

Sonia is one of the Top 250 Influential Women across the Globe and Top 100 Entrepreneurs across Australia. She is the author of notable books, "Leadership Attitude" and "Just Rock It!" and is currently writing her 3rd book on "Courage and Kindness."

Sonia is a Mum, first and foremost, and runs two businesses.

• Is kindness the key to leadership?
• We have to be courageous to be kind.
• Self-reflection is crucial in understanding who we are.
• Leaders are readers.
• Plus much more.

(1:30) Welcome, and who is Sonia McDonald?

(3:01) You are in the Top 250 most influential woman across the globe, how did that nomination come about?

(4:13) You talk a lot about leadership, and it's called The Mind To Lead for a reason. In your 25 years experience, can you reflect on leadership and what you have discovered, starting with the mindset of what makes a good leader?

(6:05) For someone who is in a leadership position and wants to improve their mindset, where should they start?

(8:21) You mentioned you had books stacked up, any particular book that you've read that has had a significant impact on your life? (book links below)

(10:10) I love that you touched on self-awareness. What steps have you personally taken that has given you more levels of self-awareness?

(14:40) Another word you've bought up a lot is kindness. Can you talk to us about that, especially when it comes to leadership?

(18:01) If you're continually getting push back from a challenging team member, what would you recommend a leader should do to exercise more empathy and kindness to the situation?

(21:18) How as leaders can we be more courageous, and how in life have you done to express courage?

(25:10) What is the next big thing coming up? The awards (link below)

(27:55) What do you personally do every day, any habits or routines that make you show up in a wonderful state every day?

The art of the good life - Rolf Dobelli

Stillness is the key - Ryan Holiday

Good to Great - Jim Collins

The resilience project - Hugh van Cuylenburg

Brené Brown's books

Simon Sinek's books

http://outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/

https://www.outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/nominatenow/

LinkedIn - /soniamcdonald

Instagram - @georgielhubbard

Linkedin - /georgiehubbard