STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA

STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA

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STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA episodes

  • 84: Have You Ever Sat in a Meeting and Watched Your Moment Pass? What Senior Female Leaders Need to Know

    In this episode, Sonya breaks down new global leadership research and reveals how senior women can close the gap between what they’re capable of and how they’re perceived.

    You’ll learn why traits like hope, trust, and compassion now define strong leadership—and how to communicate your expertise with authentic power.

    Timestamps:
    00:00 – Have you ever watched your moment pass in a meeting?
    02:00 – The new Gallup global leadership study (2025 findings)
    04:30 – What employees really want: hope, trust, compassion, stability
    06:45 – Why women’s leadership style is a strategic advantage
    09:00 – The competence gap and McKinsey’s 2024 findings
    11:00 – Why your capability isn’t always being experienced
    13:00 – The 3D Impact Method™ explained
    17:00 – Redefining executive presence for modern leadership
    21:00 – Brene Brown & Adam Grant on “Pocket Presence”
    23:00 – The truth about imposter syndrome and self-awareness
    25:00 – How to close your experience gap and lead with intention

    #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipDevelopment #StyleAndStrategyPodcast #PersonalBrand #AuthenticLeadership #SonyaChoiLaRosa #WomenInBusiness #leadershippresence

     

    LINKS & RESOURCES

    ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

    Own The Room

    ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
    Checklist

    ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

    ➡ Find out more about programs and services

    ➡ Connect with me on social media 

    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    •  

      26 min
    • 83: Healing, Energy & Leadership: How Intuition Shapes Your Presence with Jolee Mougey

      In this transformative episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, Sonya speaks with Jolee Mougey—a former medical researcher turned Reiki master and psychic healer—about the link between energy, intuition, and leadership.

      After decades in science, Jolee made an unexpected pivot into energy healing. She shares how physical pain, chronic migraines, and burnout led her to explore intuitive modalities that science couldn’t explain—yet profoundly transformed her life.

      Together, Sonya and Jolee unpack:

      • How suppressed emotions can show up as physical tension and fatigue.

      • What it means to “heal in layers” instead of chasing instant transformation.

      • How intuition can help women in leadership release self-doubt and lead from authenticity.

      • Why guilt, fear, and overthinking block ambition—and how to clear those energetic patterns.

      • Simple practices to reconnect with your body, intuition, and emotional wisdom.

        If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in your growth or leadership journey despite doing all the right things, this conversation will help you tap into the one power source that never runs out—your inner energy.

         

        LINKS & RESOURCES

        • joleemougey.com
        • IG @jolee.mougey 
        • Psychic Sidekick ChatGPT Freebie 
        •  

          ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

          Own The Room

          ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
          Checklist

          ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

          ➡ Find out more about programs and services

          ➡ Connect with me on social media 

          • Instagram
          • LinkedIn
          • YouTube
          • Facebook
          • 33 min
          • 82: Shape Strategy Explained: How to Dress Your Changing Body with Confidence

            Have you ever stood in front of your wardrobe and thought, “Nothing feels right anymore”? Maybe your body has changed after motherhood, perimenopause, or years behind a desk — and suddenly the pieces that once felt like “you” just don’t land the same.

            In this episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, Sonya introduces Shape Strategy™—a framework to help women realign their wardrobe with their evolving bodies, identities, and leadership presence.

            She shares her own story of struggling with “piles of potential” in her closet and how understanding shape, proportions, and identity can shift the way you show up. You’ll learn:

            • Why style struggles are actually strategy problems (not a lack of taste).

            • How body shape and proportions influence presence and perception.

            • The confidence boost that comes from dressing in alignment with your current self.

            • Why reframing your wardrobe through strategy, not shame, helps remove decision fatigue.

            • Practical steps to begin curating a wardrobe that supports who you are today and where you’re going.

              If your body has changed but your style hasn’t caught up, this episode will give you the tools to stop second-guessing and start showing up with unshakeable clarity.

               

              LINKS & RESOURCES

              ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

              Own The Room

              ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
              Checklist

              ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

              ➡ Find out more about programs and services

              ➡ Connect with me on social media 

              • Instagram
              • LinkedIn
              • YouTube
              • Facebook
              • 9 min
              • 81: The Leadership Wardrobe System: From Closet Chaos to Daily Clarity

                "I just wanna get dressed without the mental gymnastics”

                If that’s you, this episode breaks down Sonya’s Leadership Wardrobe System—a brand-first, body-aware, lifestyle-aligned framework that turns a collection of clothes into a high-functioning system. Learn why overthinking isn’t a styling problem (it’s a systems problem), what to do before you build a capsule, and how to anchor pieces that work from work to weekend without draining your decision-making energy.

                Key Takeaways:

                • It’s not style—it’s systems: Most leaders get dressed from a collection, not a system.

                • Do this first (before any capsule): Identity work → shape strategy → strategic color identity.

                • System pillars:

                  1. Role & setting anchors (work ↔ weekend versatility)

                  2. Visual clarity (see what works at a glance)

                  3. Seasonal refinement (evolve—don’t overhaul)

                  4. Outcome: Fewer micro-decisions, more presence. You stop asking “Does this look right?” and start asking “What impact do I want to create today?”

                    LINKS & RESOURCES

                    ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

                    Own The Room

                    ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
                    Checklist

                    ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

                    ➡ Find out more about programs and services

                    ➡ Connect with me on social media 

                    • Instagram
                    • LinkedIn
                    • YouTube
                    • Facebook
                    • 8 min
                    • 80: Strategic Colour Identity: How To Build Your Brand Palette

                      In this episode, I'll be sharing a personal before-and-after of “trying every colour” to landing on a brand-aligned palette—and how the right hues can make you look alive, feel confident, and be experienced as the leader you are. Learn the 3-layer colour strategy (Capsule colour Signature, Psychological colour Alignment, High-Impact Palette) so your wardrobe stops second-guessing and starts speaking for you—on camera, in meetings, and IRL.

                      Key Takeaways:

                      • colour is strategy, not just preference: It communicates before you speak.

                      • 3-Layer Framework:

                        1. Capsule colour Signature—core hues that flatter skin, hair, eyes and mix easily.

                        2. Psychological colour Alignment—map colours to how you want to be experienced (calm, creative, authoritative).

                        3. High-Impact Palette—authority hues for keynotes, boardrooms, media.

                        4. Consistency builds presence: A repeatable palette reduces decision fatigue and strengthens personal brand recognition.
                        5. Evolve on purpose: Re-evaluate colours as your role, goals, or hair/skin tone shift.
                        6.  

                          Which 3 colours make you feel most like “you” today—and where you’re heading? Try them near your face this week and note the difference on camera.

                          LINKS & RESOURCES

                          ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

                          Own The Room

                          ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
                          Checklist

                          ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

                          ➡ Find out more about programs and services

                          ➡ Connect with me on social media 

                          • Instagram
                          • LinkedIn
                          • YouTube
                          • Facebook
                          •  

                            9 min
                          • 79: Stop Second-Guessing: Brand-Aligned Clarity for Women Leaders

                            That quiet inner chatter—“Is this too much? Too safe? Too dated?”—chips away at your confidence and your energy. In this episode, Sonya breaks down how second-guessing shows up in three places (wardrobe, leadership micro-moments, identity) and shares a practical, brand-first approach to replace doubt with conviction. Learn a simple 3-question Clarity Check and two moves—build the skill and install the system—to make confident choices on what to wear, what to say, and how to show up.

                            Key Takeaways:

                            • The cost of doubt: Micro second-guesses drain focus and mute presence.

                            • Where it hides: Wardrobe choices, leadership moments, and your evolving identity.

                            • Clarity is a skill: You can train it—like any instrument.

                            • Systems beat willpower: Create routines and guardrails that remove daily guesswork.

                            • 3-Question Clarity Check:

                              1. Is this how I want to be experienced?

                              2. Does it reflect what I stand for (not just what I do)?

                              3. Will I back this—even if it’s unexpected?

                                LINKS & RESOURCES

                                ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

                                Own The Room

                                ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
                                Checklist

                                ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

                                ➡ Find out more about programs and services

                                ➡ Connect with me on social media 

                                • Instagram
                                • LinkedIn
                                • YouTube
                                • Facebook
                                • 13 min
                                • 78: Podcast Beyond Trends: Spring/Summer Style That Speaks Your Brand

                                  When was the last time an outfit looked great and felt like your brand? In this episode, Sonya shares her Spring/Summer ’25–’26 trend edit for Australia—and shows you how to decode trends through a brand-first filter. Expect a mix of strength + soft femininity, blurred dress codes, romantic details, sport-luxe/preppy touches, and smart updates to prints, textures, silhouettes, and shoes. Plus: a simple four-question test to decide what deserves a place in your wardrobe.

                                  Key Takeaways:

                                  • Brand-first > trend-first: No trend list can give you “that feels like me” without your brand filter.
                                  • Big themes: Strength + soft femininity; utility meets fluidity; sport-luxe/preppy continues; double denim becomes a mainstay.
                                  • Texture & fabric shift: Sheer and crepe blouses, soft silks, tactile natural knits; romantic sleeve and bow details.
                                  • Prints & patterns: Polka dots persist; gingham and stripes rise; florals remain but share space with checks.
                                  • Silhouettes to try: Slip dresses (’90s/’00s nod), barrel-leg pants, cropped jackets, tailored side-stripe trousers (petite-friendly vertical line).
                                  • Footwear refresh: Elevated “flip-flop” (heeled thong), airy Mary Janes, delicate peep-toe styles.
                                  • Colour strategy: If gelato pastels wash you out, pull face-flattering tones into prints or layer near the face.
                                  • 4-Question Brand Filter:

                                    1. Is this how I want to be experienced?
                                    2. Does it reflect what I stand for (not just what I do)?
                                    3. Does it feel like me in this season (right now)?
                                    4. Can it support my next move?
                                    5. LINKS & RESOURCES

                                      ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

                                      Own The Room

                                      ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
                                      Checklist

                                      ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

                                      ➡ Find out more about programs and services

                                      ➡ Connect with me on social media 

                                      • Instagram
                                      • LinkedIn
                                      • YouTube
                                      • Facebook
                                      • 17 min
                                      • 77: Before You Say Yes to ‘Almost Right’ — A Style Lesson Every Woman in Leadership Needs

                                        Sonya carves out a rare solo morning and walks into a store “as a civilian”—no stylist hat, no agenda. What unfolds is a masterclass in clarity: when you don’t hold your own, well-meaning people offer their best guess. In this episode, learn how to shop (and lead) with conviction using a simple 3-question alignment check that saves time, reduces decision fatigue, and strengthens your personal brand presence.

                                        Key Takeaways:

                                        • Clarity beats options: Too many choices create confusion; your clarity creates momentum.

                                        • Pre-shop like a pro: Validate fabric, fit, and proportions (e.g., model height vs. inseam) before you go.

                                        • Brief your helper: If you don’t state your criteria, others will guess—kindly, but misaligned.

                                        • 3-Question Alignment Check:

                                          1. Is this how I want to be experienced?

                                          2. Does it reflect what I stand for (not just what I do)?

                                          3. Will I back this—even if it’s unexpected?

                                          4. Presence first, words second: When you’re clear, you explain less and influence more.

                                            LINKS & RESOURCES

                                            ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

                                            Own The Room

                                            ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
                                            Checklist

                                            ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

                                            ➡ Find out more about programs and services

                                            ➡ Connect with me on social media 

                                            • Instagram
                                            • LinkedIn
                                            • YouTube
                                            • Facebook
                                            •  

                                              13 min
                                            • 76: The Art of Story Sharing with Nimarta Verma

                                              In this episode of the Style & Strategy Podcast, Sonya sits down with brand and leadership coach Nimarta Verma to explore the transformative power of story sharing—a refined approach to storytelling designed to build trust, connection, and empathy in leadership.

                                              Nimarta reveals why storytelling alone isn’t always enough and how personal stories—shared with intention—can amplify leadership presence, strengthen professional relationships, and leave a lasting impact. You’ll learn how to mine your own life moments for powerful stories, map them to your leadership message, and share them in a way that is both authentic and impactful.

                                              From actionable frameworks like Story Mining and Story Mapping to tips for overcoming fear and judgment when sharing personal experiences, Nimarta breaks down the art and science of story sharing so you can communicate with confidence, presence, and authenticity.

                                              What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

                                              • Why “storytelling” is too broad—and how story sharing builds deeper trust.

                                              • How personal stories create empathy and connection in leadership.

                                              • Story Mining: prompts to uncover moments worth sharing.

                                              • Story Mapping: aligning stories with your message and audience needs.

                                              • The structure of a powerful, concise story (in under two minutes).

                                              • Overcoming fear and judgment when sharing personal experiences.

                                              • How reliving your story enhances delivery and memorability.

                                              • Why every meeting, stage, or conversation is an opportunity to build trust.

                                                 

                                                Resources & Links:
                                                Connect with Nimarta on LinkedIn: Nimarta Verma

                                                 

                                                Download Nimarta’s free Story Sharing Guide & resources on LinkedIn.

                                                 

                                                ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

                                                Own The Room

                                                ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
                                                Checklist

                                                ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

                                                ➡ Find out more about programs and services

                                                ➡ Connect with me on social media 

                                                • Instagram
                                                • LinkedIn
                                                • YouTube
                                                • Facebook
                                                • 31 min
                                                • 75: Your Current Style: How to close the gap between your current style and Personal Brand Identity

                                                  In this insider masterclass clip, Sonya guides you through a five-step exercise to diagnose your current style, identify gaps, and craft a clear vision for your signature wardrobe. Learn how to articulate how you want to feel in your clothes, pinpoint outfits you love (and why), uncover unworn pieces, and map the gap between your present and desired style identity. Clips from Presentation…

                                                  Key Takeaways:

                                                  1. Define Your Aspiration: Choose 2–3 words that describe how you want to feel in your personal style.

                                                  2. Audit Your Reality: List 2–3 outfits you love (and why) versus 2–3 you never wear—and explore the reasons behind each.

                                                  3. Spot the Disconnect: Compare your aspirational words with your audit to reveal themes—identifying what’s missing and what’s obsolete. 

                                                  4. Measure the Gap: Determine how far you are from your ideal style identity to plan strategic refinements.

                                                  5. Maximise Your Wardrobe: Use this clarity to mix, match, and reinvent pieces you already own—no full overhaul required.

                                                    LINKS & RESOURCES

                                                    ➡ A 4 part private podcast to help you reconnect with how you want to be seen—so your leadership presence reflects who you are, not just what you do.

                                                    Own The Room

                                                    ➡ Download the Wardrobe Checklist for Professional Career Women – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact:
                                                    Checklist

                                                    ➡ Book Your Strategy Call

                                                    ➡ Find out more about programs and services

                                                    ➡ Connect with me on social media 

                                                    • Instagram
                                                    • LinkedIn
                                                    • YouTube
                                                    • Facebook
                                                    •  

                                                      12 min

                                                    About STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA

                                                    From the publisher's feed

                                                    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.