STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA

By Sonya Choi La RosaBusiness Education Arts Self-Improvement Fashion & Beauty Careers

STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA episodes

April 03, 202414: Creative Insights: Unlocking Your Potential with Emma Walkinshaw
In this episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, I dive deep into the world of transformational coaching with special guest Emma Walkinshaw. Emma, a multifaceted transformational coach, shares her journey and insights into guiding others towards realizing their potential.
Key Highlights:
Emma's Background:Emma shares her journey, starting from her career as a hairdresser to becoming a life coach and yoga instructor.
The Power of Creativity: Emma discusses the importance of creativity in professional settings and how women can tap into their innate creativity to excel in leadership roles and entrepreneurship.
The Creative Process: Emma outlines the stages of the creative process, from ideation to visualization, and shares practical tips for overcoming obstacles.
The Role of Intuition: Emma emphasizes the significance of honing intuition through practices like yoga and meditation for gaining clarity and making empowered decisions.
Shifting Perspectives: Emma explores how adopting a mindset of curiosity and non-attachment can help individuals overcome judgment and negativity, leading to personal growth and fulfillment.
Emma's Signature Style: Emma reveals her go-to style piece—a beautiful floral dress that reflects her romantic and bohemian aesthetic.
Actionable Insights:
Embrace Creativity: Recognize and celebrate your creativity in all its forms, whether in business strategy or personal expression.
Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate intuition through mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, and journaling to access your inner wisdom.
Stay Curious: Approach challenges with a curious mindset, suspending judgment and remaining open to new possibilities.
Express Yourself: Infuse your personal style with elements that reflect your unique personality and values, allowing your authentic self to shine through.
Join Sonya and Emma as they explore the transformative power of creativity, intuition, and curiosity in unlocking personal and professional success. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for embracing your full potential and living a more fulfilling life.

To find out more about Emma Walkinshaw, you can visit her
Website: https://www.emmawalkinshaw.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_walkinshaw/
21 Days of Morning Magic https://www.emmawalkinshaw.com.au/morning-magic-membership

You can also find me:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schoilarosa/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
30 min
March 27, 202413: The Art of Style and Strategy: The White Party Outfit with Sonya
Welcome to a unique episode of the Style and Strategy podcast. In this episode, we're diving into the art of blending style elements with strategic planning, illuminating how style isn't just about what you wear but how you wear it with intention and purpose.
White Party Inspiration
The spark for today's conversation was an invitation to a white party. Picture a scene straight out of Gossip Girl – glamorous, exclusive, and themed entirely around the elegance of white. Not being a habitual wearer of white, especially for dresses, this presented a unique challenge and opportunity to step outside my usual style comfort zone.
Starting with Jewelry
My journey began, unexpectedly, with a piece of statement jewelry from Vanessa Barone. This decision to anchor my outfit around a key accessory piece was the first step in a meticulously strategic outfit planning process. It wasn't just about the jewelry itself but about the story, the mood, and the impact it would help to create.
Strategic Outfit Planning
Selecting the right fabric, length, and silhouette took careful consideration, influenced by the event's location and expected weather. The choice? A strapless Shona Joy dress that promised versatility beyond the event, aligning perfectly with my mantra of sustainable fashion choices.
Completing the Look
A coordinated approach to accessories brought the look together – gold shoes and a handbag that not only complemented the dress and statement necklace but also offered practical versatility for various future occasions.
Why Buying Over Hiring
Opting to purchase rather than hire the outfit underscored a deeper reflection on personal style, sustainability, and the value of investing in pieces that resonate on a personal level and promise multiple wears.
This journey of outfit planning underscores the broader themes of personal expression, strategic fashion choices, and the power of dressing with purpose. I invite you to reflect on your approach to personal style and how strategic choices can enhance not just your wardrobe but your confidence and personal brand.
Thank you for joining me on this style exploration. Your thoughts, feedback, and own style journeys are always welcome here. Together, let's continue to navigate the fascinating intersection of style and strategy, transforming not just our wardrobes but our self-expression and confidence.
Join me next week for another inspiring episode of Style and Strategy, where we continue to explore the intersection of personal branding, style, and career success. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode.
You can also find me:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schoilarosa/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
15 min
March 20, 202412: Radiant Transformation: Owning your Path to Living Life in Full Colour with Jen BeI
In this episode of the Style and Strategy podcast, I chat with Jen Bowers, a dynamic entrepreneur and advocate for personal empowerment. Jen shares her compelling journey, from battling self-esteem issues and societal pressures to embracing her authenticity and flourishing as a business owner.
Jen candidly discusses her upbringing, marked by challenges and societal expectations, including her experience with a narcissistic ex-husband. Despite adversity, Jen found resilience in defying norms and embracing her true self, leading to her entrepreneurial success. The conversation explores key moments in Jen's journey, including her bold decision to start her own business and her ongoing quest for self-acceptance and confidence. This episode focusses on inspiring listeners to shed self-doubt, embrace their uniqueness, and pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination.
Key Takeaways:
Jen's journey from struggling with self-esteem to embracing authenticity and empowerment.
Overcoming societal expectations and embracing uniqueness.
Pivotal moments, including starting her own business and embracing her brand personality.
The importance of challenging self-doubt and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Inspiring listeners to pursue their passions with courage and determination.
The episode highlights the transformative power of self-acceptance and authenticity in unlocking personal and professional success.
To find out more about Jen Be, you can visit her
Website: https://jenbebrands.com/
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/jenbebrands
www.instagram.com/bringbackyour_pink
Flamazing is www.jenbebrands.com/flamazing-waitlist
You can also find me:
linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schoilarosa/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
34 min
March 13, 202411: Beyond the Suit: Sonya's Personal Branding Exploration
In this intimate episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, your host Sonya takes you on a personal journey, unveiling the transformative path from a corporate executive in financial services to becoming a passionate personal brand and style coach.
Key Points:
Early Passion for Fashion: Sonya reminisces about her high school days, where textile and design classes fueled her love for fabrics and sewing, laying the foundation for her passion for fashion.
Transition to Corporate World: Discover how Sonya's love for fashion took a back seat as she entered the corporate world, landing her first job in financial services, yet still holding onto her fondness for stylish suits.
Challenges of Motherhood and Corporate Life: Sonya shares the challenges of juggling motherhood and a full-time career, the emotional journey of parting with her beloved suits after pregnancy, and the struggle to find identity through corporate expectations.
Turning Points and Transformations: Explore the turning points in Sonya's career, from mentorship and development programs to a pivotal encounter at the Australian Style Institute, where the powerful connection between personal style and confidence became clear.
Mission to Empower Women: Learn about Sonya's mission to empower women by helping them rediscover their authentic selves through personal brand and style, drawing on her experience leading large teams and supporting female leaders.
Navigating Imperfections: Sonya reflects on her own journey of navigating imperfections, shedding light on the pressure of corporate perfectionism and the importance of embracing authenticity.
Empowering Professional Women: Sonya's transition to working with individual professional women is highlighted, emphasizing the multifaceted process of unlocking success through personal brand and style
Join Sonya in this deeply personal episode, gaining insights into her background, challenges, and the profound moments that shaped her transformation into a dedicated personal brand and style coach. Discover the empowering journey that led her to this transformative intersection of personal and professional empowerment.
You can also find me, Sonya | Your Styled Collective for all things Personal Brand & Style:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
Your Styled Collecitve Free Resources and Guides: https://www.yourstyledcollective.com.au/free
13 min
March 06, 202410: Leadership Insights: Navigating Career Success with Gillian Fox
In this week's episode of Style and Strategy I sit down with Gillian Fox, a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker. Gillian shares insights from her extensive experience driving gender diversity initiatives and leadership development strategies.
Gillian is the creator and lead of the Rise Accelerate and Rise Elite programs, dedicated to empowering women in their career journeys. With a background as a senior executive at News Corp and Pacific magazines. she's committed to guiding women towards success by helping them unlock their potential and navigate their professional paths.
Key points
Gillian's unexpected entry into the media industry and her rapid rise through the ranks, managing large teams and spearheading growth initiatives at leading organizations.
Gillian shares two significant lessons from her career journey: the importance of learning to say no assertively and the realization that what got you to a certain level won't necessarily get you to the next.
The intrinsic link between personal style and personal brand, and how Gillian used clothing and styling to project confidence and professionalism throughout her career.
Gillian offers three key pieces of advice for mid to senior-level professionals: Own your career, learn to speak up eloquently, and focus on building business and strategic acumen.
Gillian reminisces about two memorable outfits from her career, including a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress that served as her confidence boost during her magazine days and a Colette Dinnigan dress that became her go-to outfit for professional events.
Gillian's journey exemplifies the power of personal branding, strategic thinking, and confidence in achieving career success. Her insights and advice provide actionable strategies for women looking to navigate their professional paths and unlock their full potential.
Join me next week for another inspiring episode of Style and Strategy, where we continue to explore the intersection of personal branding, style, and career success. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode.
To find out more about Gillian, you can visit her
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/gillian-fox
Website: https://www.yourbrilliantcareer.com.au/
Instagram/Facebook: yourbrilliantcareer
Podcast: Your Brilliant Career
Free guide: https://www.yourbrilliantcareer.com.au/how-to-say-no
RISE Accelerate program:https://www.yourbrilliantcareer.com.au/rise-accelerate

You can also find me:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schoilarosa/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
38 min
February 28, 202409: First Impressions and Personal Brand: The Style Connection
Join me in this episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, where I draw inspiration from a profound Chanel quote that recently caught my eye. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. It exists in the sky, in the street. It has to do with the ideas, the way we live, and what is happening."
Key Highlights:
First Impressions Matter: Delve into the significance of first impressions and the rapid timeframe in which they occur—now just one-tenth of a second.
Personal Brand Amplification: Explore strategies to enhance your personal brand through intentional style choices, drawing parallels to the world of editorial styling.
Consistency Across Channels: Understand the importance of maintaining a consistent style brand across various platforms, whether on social media, personal websites, or corporate presentations.
Signature Style and Values: Uncover the power of a signature style and how it can reinforce your brand identity, along with the potential for expressing values, such as sustainability, through your clothing choices.
Let's dive into the world of personal brand amplification through style. Tune in now!
You can also find me, Sonya | Your Styled Collective for all things Personal Brand & Style:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
Your Styled Collecitve Free Resources and Guides: https://www.yourstyledcollective.com.au/free
8 min
February 21, 202408: Empowered in Colour: Authentic Self Expression with Kim Payne
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Style and Strategy! In today's session, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Kim Payne—keynote speaker, trainer, and empowerment coach. Kim is on a mission to empower ambitious professionals to show up, speak up, and step up so they can be seen, heard, and fully valued. Her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is inspiring, and her insights into personal brand and style are truly transformational.
Highlights from the Episode:
Kim's Signature Style: The Hot Pink Suit
Kim's go-to signature piece is her hot pink suit, representing her vibrant and empowering personal brand.
This distinctive style has become synonymous with her brand, making her easily recognizable in the financial services space.
Transformational Reads:
Kim recommends three powerful books: "Brave" by Sheila V., "Believe Bigger" by Marshon, and "Believe It" by Jamie Kern Lima.
These books share the journeys of women who transitioned from corporate careers to impactful and empowering endeavors.
Mindset Ritual: The High Five Connection
Inspired by Mel Robbins, Kim practices the High Five ritual in front of the mirror.
Starting her day with self-affirmation—high-fiving herself and declaring, "You are beautiful, I love you, and you've got this."
Leadership Journey: Embracing Authenticity
Kim reflects on her corporate years and how conforming to a male-dominated environment impacted her leadership.
The importance of embracing authenticity and being true to oneself, especially for women in male-dominated industries.
Empowering Others Through Style: Kim's Impact
Kim's empowering approach is not just about personal transformation but also inspires others to embrace their authentic selves.
Her distinctive style has become a conversation starter, encouraging women to be bold in expressing their uniqueness.
Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Style and Strategy. If you enjoyed this conversation with Kim Payne, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your network. Stay empowered and tuned for more inspiring episodes!
To find out more about Kim, you can visit her:
Website: https://9rok.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimpayne9rok
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimpayne9/
You can also find me:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
26 min
February 14, 202407: Decoding Capsule Wardrobes: Building Your Style Foundations
Welcome to another episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast. Host Sonya dives deep into the concept of a capsule wardrobe, shedding light on its definition and dispelling the common misconceptions surrounding it. She addresses questions about its applicability to various lifestyles and offers a fresh perspective on creating a versatile and personalised capsule wardrobe.
Key Takeaways: Understanding Capsule Wardrobes:
A capsule wardrobe comprises core pieces that form the basis of multiple outfits, providing flexibility and style cohesion.
Tailoring Capsules to Your Lifestyle:
Whether you prefer minimalism or a more diversified wardrobe, a capsule can be adapted to suit your unique style and needs.
Versatility in Numbers:
There's no set number of pieces for a capsule; it can range based on your lifestyle and preferences, offering both simplicity and variety.
Building a Core Foundation:
Sonya suggests starting with around 13 to 14 essential pieces, including outerwear, blazers, shirts, pants, skirts, denim, heels, flats, knitwear, and accessories.
Free Guide for Wardrobe Essentials:
Sonya directs listeners to her website for a free download, "Signature Work Wardrobe Essentials," providing a detailed guide to building a capsule wardrobe.
Assessing Your Current Wardrobe:
Before making new purchases, assess your existing wardrobe to identify pieces that align with the core fundamentals of a capsule.

Maximizing Outfit Options:
The primary goal of a capsule wardrobe is to simplify outfit creation, enabling you to effortlessly mix and match pieces for a variety of looks.
Avoiding the "Too Much Icing" Dilemma:
Sonya uses the analogy of a cake to illustrate the importance of having a balanced wardrobe foundation, ensuring you have the right base before adding trendy or statement pieces.
Creating Elevated Looks:
While a dress can be a go-to piece, building a wardrobe with foundational components allows for more elevated and personalized outfit combinations.
Conclusion:
Discover the power of capsule wardrobes in simplifying your style choices and maximizing the potential of your wardrobe. Sonya's practical insights and guidance provide a roadmap for building a core foundation that aligns with your unique style, allowing you to express your personality through your wardrobe. Don't miss out on the free guide available on Sonya's website to kickstart your journey to a curated and versatile capsule wardrobe.
You can also find me, Sonya | Your Styled Collective for all things Personal Brand & Style:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
Free Work Wardrobe Essentials Checklist: https://www.yourstyledcollective.com.au/checklist

Conclusion:
Discover the power of capsule wardrobes in simplifying your style choices and maximizing the potential of your wardrobe. Sonya's practical insights and guidance provide a roadmap for building a core foundation that aligns with your unique style, allowing you to express your personality through your wardrobe. Don't miss out on the free guide available on Sonya's website to kickstart your journey to a curated and versatile capsule wardrobe.
You can also find me, Sonya | Your Styled Collective for all things Personal Brand & Style:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
Free Work Wardrobe Essentials Checklist: https://www.yourstyledcollective.com.au/checklist
If you are looking to unlock the power of your existing wardrobe, I am running a free masterclass during February, on how to unlock the power of your existing wardrobe without maxing out your time or budget. Register here: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au/masterclass
9 min
February 07, 202406: Challenging the Fintech Uniform: Finding Authentic Style with Amara Haqqani
In this episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, I sit down with Amara Haqqani, who at the time of recording was the Chief Product and Operating Officer for Wealth at IRESS, bringing over 20 years of expertise in financial services. We delve into Amara's diverse career journey, from starting as a makeup artist to her executive leadership role within the technology firm, IRESS.
Key Points:
Authentic Leadership: Amara shares insights into her leadership style, emphasizing the power of authenticity and staying true to oneself in a corporate setting.
Evolution of Personal Style: From her roots in Melbourne to her experiences in North America, Amara discusses the evolution of her personal style, blending femininity with corporate elegance.
Navigating Tech and Finance: The challenge of balancing personal style in a tech-driven environment while respecting the conservative nature of financial clients is explored.
Join Amara and I in this empowering episode as we discuss the intersection of personal style, leadership, and navigating the dynamic landscape of tech and finance.
To find out more about Amara, you can visit her
LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/amara-haqqani
You can also find me:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
25 min
January 31, 202405: Style Beyond Titles: Crafting Your Unique Personal Brand
In this empowering episode, the Sonya delves into the realm of personal branding, breaking free from conventional notions tied to job titles. The conversation underscores the pivotal role of personal style in creating a lasting impression and differentiating oneself in professional settings. Practical tips are shared for uncovering and defining a distinctive personal brand, encompassing talents, skills, and experiences. The episode also explores the importance of values and guides listeners in crafting a mission statement. Concluding with suggestions for complementary tools, the episode invites further exploration into the transformative journey of personal brand development.
Key Takeaways:
Redefining Personal Branding: Challenge conventional notions tied to job titles and explore the expansive landscape of personal branding.
The Power of Personal Style: Understand the crucial role of personal style in leaving a lasting impression and standing out in professional settings.
Practical Tips for Uncovering Your Brand: Receive actionable insights on uncovering and defining your unique personal brand, incorporating talents, skills, and experiences.
Values and Mission Statement: Explore the significance of values in shaping your personal brand and gain guidance on crafting a mission statement that resonates.
Complementary Tools for Development: Concluding with valuable suggestions for complementary tools, the episode encourages further exploration into the transformative journey of personal brand development.

You can also find me, Sonya | Your Styled Collective for all things Personal Brand & Style:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstyledcollective
Website: www.yourstyledcollective.com.au
Your Styled Collecitve Free Resources and Guides: https://www.yourstyledcollective.com.au/free
12 min

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Style & Strategy: the leadership presence podcast for women in leadership who are respected for what they deliver and ready to be remembered for who they are.

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STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA

STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA episodes

About STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA