This week, I’m thrilled to chat with Sonja Dragojlovic Oliveira, Professor of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde and a true powerhouse in the fields of sustainability, design and innovation.

Sonia shares her insights on decision-making in today’s complex world, where finding the right balance between data, intuition, and different perspectives can feel like an art form. If you've ever felt stuck in a room full of voices—some of them your own—this conversation is for you.

We look at how to navigate a male-dominated industry, embrace portfolio careers, and avoid the pitfalls of over-relying on what we think we know.

Sonia reveals her approach to making better decisions and building strong networks by listening to those hidden, quieter voices within us and knowing when to experiment and take a chance.

If you’re a leader, aspiring leader, or just looking to expand your thinking, there’s plenty here to spark some fresh ideas.

Here are the highlights:

(5:47) Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities

(7:45) Challenges of Being a Woman in Male-Dominated Fields

(16:32) Communication and Persistence in Leadership

(19:49) Over-Reliance on Known Knowledge Systems

(25:29) Listening to Different Perspectives and Scaling Decisions

(25:49) Advice for Women Entering Leadership Roles

Get in touch with Sonja here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sonja-dragojlovic-oliveira/

Connect with Ruth:

Instagram

LinkedIn 

Website