STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA

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

STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA episodes

October 31, 202444: Reinvention and Self-Leadership with Tracy Harris
In this episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, host Sonya sits down with Tracy Harris, the inspiring mind behind Mums With Hustle, to discuss transformative career decisions, self-leadership, and the art of living a life by design. Tracy, once a leader in the education sector, reveals the defining moment that spurred her to leave her established career to pursue entrepreneurship and become a champion for self-leadership.
Key Highlights:
The Power of Reinvention: Tracy shares her journey from a high-level teaching role to becoming a prominent figure in online business. She emphasizes the courage needed to leave stability for a path aligned with personal values.
Self-Leadership Philosophy: Embracing the motto "I am the leader of my life," Tracy discusses her approach to resilience and adaptability, encouraging listeners to take control of their own stories and reject victimhood.
Building a Personal Brand: Sonya and Tracy explore how style and personal branding reflect different "eras" in one's life and professional growth, advocating for authenticity and evolution in both appearance and presence.
FRESH Framework: Tracy introduces her FRESH framework—Fitness, Relationships, Environment, Self, and Hustle—as a guide for living with intention. She encourages listeners to use this structure for daily mindfulness and long-term personal growth.
Embracing Your Zone of Genius and Joy: Tracy highlights the importance of identifying your unique strengths and passions as a foundation for building a fulfilling life and career.
Book recommendations:
Understanding Your Clients Through Human Design – A niche book focused on tailoring coaching and mentorship to individual needs.
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga – A powerful guide on building confidence and embracing authenticity.
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks – Essential for anyone exploring their "zone of genius" and aiming to push past limiting beliefs.
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku – An inspiring memoir by a Holocaust survivor, offering life lessons on resilience and positivity.
Connect with Tracy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mumswithhustle/#
Website: https://tracyharris.co/
Listen in to discover how embracing reinvention can unlock new dimensions of personal and professional fulfillment.

You can also find me:
Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to get your next steps in your brand and style? Book a free brand and style audit call
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
43 min
October 23, 202443: How to Build a Visual Signature for Your Personal Brand
In this episode of the Style and Strategy podcast, we dive deep into the essential concept of creating a visual signature for your personal brand. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or professional looking to stand out, understanding your visual presence can make all the difference. Host [Speaker's Name] shares practical tips on how to align your style with your brand values, craft a unique visual identity, and use it to make a lasting impression. From defining what a visual signature is to exploring how colors and styles can reflect your leadership style, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Key Takeaways:
What Is a Visual Signature? Learn why it's more than just fashion and how it helps you communicate who you are before you even speak.
Aligning Style with Brand Values: Discover how to connect your core brand values with your wardrobe choices to project confidence and authority.
The Impact of Visual Cues: Understand how your style choices shape others' perceptions and how to use this to your advantage.
Steps to Building Your Visual Signature: From identifying your brand values to testing and refining your look, we cover all the essential steps to help you stand out authentically.
If you've ever wondered how to build a personal brand that leaves a memorable impression, this episode is for you. Get ready to take notes and transform your visual presence into a powerful tool for success.
You can also find me:
Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to get your next steps in your brand and style? Book a free brand and style audit call
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
16 min
October 16, 202442: Human Design Strategies for Career Breakthroughs with Julie Ciardi
In this inspiring episode of Style and Strategy, we sit down with Julie Ciardi, a leader in helping women unlock their unique potential using Human Design and the Gene Keys. Julie shares her journey from being a corporate executive at IBM to becoming an entrepreneur and thought leader.
Learn how self-awareness can fuel your success, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or growing your own business.
Key Takeaways:
Julie’s pivotal moment of realizing her career and identity needed a shift after reading "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying."
How the frameworks of Human Design and the Gene Keys can break through what holds you back in your career or business.
The importance of taking action with courage, even when confidence isn’t there yet.
The power of reinvention, especially for women in midlife, and how this stage can be a time to step into your true legacy.
Julie’s personal experience with balancing her corporate identity with her entrepreneurial journey.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest, Julie Ciardi
02:23 – Julie’s personal turning point: Realizing her career and identity needed a shift
04:27 – The power of decision-making in reinventing yourself
07:25 – Transitioning from corporate life at IBM to entrepreneurship
12:32 – What are Human Design and the Gene Keys?
15:58 – How understanding yourself can lead to business breakthroughs
19:01 – Helping clients see their own gifts and potential through Human Design
22:05 – Courage vs. confidence: Why action leads to confidence
25:08 – Advice for women in midlife facing reinvention
29:05 – Embracing the opportunity to build a legacy after 50
34:26 – Julie’s personal style evolution and the role of reinvention
40:14 – Rapid fire: Julie’s signature style and book recommendations
43:23 – Julie’s mindset ritual for staying empowered
45:00 – Where to connect with Julie and grab her free Human Design report
Connect with Julie:
Website: JulieCiardi.com
Instagram: @julieciardi
Free Resource: Curious about Human Design? Julie offers a free personalised Human Design report and audio course to help you discover your gifts and potential in a simple and practical way. Click HERE to get your report!
Business Owner or Entrepreneur: Julie will be hosting a free magic messaging workshop. Click HERE to join.
Thank you for listening! Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Style and Strategy podcast. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations designed to help you elevate your career and personal brand.
42 min
October 09, 202441: Reignite Your Wardrobe: How to Get Inspired by Your Outfits Again
In this episode of the Style and Strategy podcast, today we’ll delve into why so many of us feel uninspired by our wardrobes and how this affects our personal brand and confidence. Sonya shares three common reasons why you might be stuck in a wardrobe rut and offers actionable tips on how to bring that spark back to your style.
Key Takeaways:
Why your wardrobe matters: It’s not just about clothes; it’s how you express yourself and build confidence in your personal brand.
Three reasons your wardrobe feels uninspiring:
You’re wearing the same outfits on repeat.
You’re avoiding pieces that reflect your true personality.
You’re settling for comfort over style, which might sabotage your personal brand.
Actionable steps: Learn how to incorporate new accessories or statement pieces, step out of your comfort zone, and reintroduce personality into your style choices.
Sonia also discusses her three-day Brand and Style Challenge, designed to help you make the most out of your wardrobe before the holiday season. Participants will receive daily activities to put their brand and style into action.
If you’re ready to audit your personal style and align your wardrobe with your future self, you can book a complimentary brand and style audit with Sonia. Details are in the show notes.
Resources Mentioned:
Sonya’s Three-Day Brand and Style Challenge
Complimentary Brand and Style Audit

You can also find me:
Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to get your next steps in your brand and style? Book a free brand and style audit call
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
19 min
October 02, 202440: 5 Fit Mistakes That Are Sabotaging Your Style and Personal Brand
In this episode of Style and Strategy, we dive deep into one of the most overlooked yet impactful aspects of personal style—fit. Sonya explores the five most common fit mistakes that might be quietly sabotaging your personal brand and overall professional presence. Whether it’s the way your blazer fits, or subtle details like the waistline of your outfit, these small missteps can drastically affect how others perceive you.
If you’ve ever worn an outfit that didn’t quite hit the mark, or felt that something was off but couldn’t quite pinpoint it, this episode is for you! Discover how to ensure your style not only looks great but also enhances your authority and influence, whether you’re in a Zoom meeting or on stage.
Key Takeaways:
Fit is King: The way your clothes fit plays a huge role in the impression you make. A poor fit can detract from your professionalism and credibility.
Top 5 Fit Mistakes:
Oversized Pieces: Avoid going too far with oversized trends. If your clothes look like they’re swimming on you, it might create a sloppy and unpolished look.
Pants Length: Pants that are too long or too short can detract from a polished appearance. Tailoring is key to ensure they’re the right length for your body.
Button Gaps: Whether on shirts or dresses, button gaps can throw off an otherwise great outfit and distract from your message.
Tight Shoes: When shoes are too tight, they not only cause discomfort but also affect your posture, making you appear less confident.
Waistlines: An ill-fitting waistline can throw off the balance of your outfit, making even a tailored look appear unfinished.
Why Fit Matters for Your Personal Brand: Fit is about more than just comfort—it's about how you’re perceived. The way your clothes fit affects your authority and confidence. A well-fitted outfit can elevate your personal brand and make you look more polished and professional.
If you’ve been struggling with fit issues in your wardrobe, don’t worry—they’re easy to fix! Start paying attention to these common mistakes and see how they can elevate your style and personal brand.
For more style tips and personal brand insights, make sure you follow the Style and Strategy podcast on your favourite platform. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend and tag me on social media.
You can also find me:
Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to get your next steps in your brand and style? Book a free brand and style audit call
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
18 min
September 25, 202439: Building a Winning Personal Brand: Style Tips for Professional Growth
Today, we are celebrating an incredible milestone — reaching the Top 100 in the Apple Podcasts' Careers category! Thank you to all our amazing listeners who tune in weekly and support the show.
In this episode, we dive into powerful insights on how to elevate your personal brand and style. Whether you’re building a career in business or entrepreneurship, we’re here to provide the tools you need to shine confidently.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The importance of aligning your personal brand with your core values.
How to develop a unique style that reflects your professional journey.
Key strategies for standing out in a competitive market.
Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or you’ve been with us from the beginning, this episode is packed with advice and inspiration to help you level up your brand and image.

You can also find me:
Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to get your next steps in your brand and style? Book a free brand and style audit call
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
13 min
September 18, 202438: Reinventing Happiness: A Conversation with Penny Locaso, the World's First Happiness Hacker
Welcome to another episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast. In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey of Penny Locaso, the world's first Happiness Hacker. Penny has made it her mission to teach 10 million people how to flourish by 2025. After leaving a successful corporate career, she founded Hacking Happy Co. and has since become a leading expert in intentional adaptability.
In this episode, Penny shares how a simple moment with her son reshaped her perspective on life and led her to pursue happiness over success. We explore the key lessons she’s learned along the way, the reinvention of her personal and professional brand, and the raw, unfiltered truth behind personal growth and evolution.
Key Highlights:
Penny’s journey from corporate success to purpose-driven entrepreneur.
How Penny turned her life upside down in pursuit of happiness.
The power of adaptability, reinvention, and intentional living.
Insights on leadership, personal branding, and embracing uncertainty.
Penny’s go-to style and signature fashion piece that defines her unique brand.
Quotable Moments:
“Reinvention isn’t easy, but it’s necessary for growth.”
“I wasn’t ready for any of this, but I believed in myself.”
Tune in now to discover how to hack happiness in your own life and embrace adaptability in an ever-changing world.
Connect with Penny:
LinkedIn: Penny on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennylocaso/?originalSubdomain=au

You can also find me:
Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to get your next steps in your brand and style? Book a free brand and style audit call
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
32 min
September 11, 202437: How Major Life Changes Can Transform Your Personal Brand—and Your Wardrobe
In this empowering episode, Sonya dives deep into how career transitions and major life changes can significantly influence both your wardrobe and personal identity. Whether you’re stepping into a new entrepreneurial role, navigating motherhood, or embracing personal growth, Sonya shares actionable strategies to ensure your style aligns with your evolving brand.
Sonya draws from her own experience and stories from clients, including how one woman transitioned from financial services to a wellness brand, showing how a wardrobe shift can unlock confidence and new opportunities. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls like clinging to outdated outfits or brands that no longer reflect who you are today.
Key Takeaways:
Your wardrobe is a reflection of your personal brand, especially during major life changes like career transitions or motherhood.
Embrace the evolution of your style to align with your new chapter in life.
Practical tips for adjusting your wardrobe to reflect your growth without compromising comfort or confidence.
Avoid wasting money on clothes that no longer represent your identity by shopping with intention.
Quotes from the Episode:
“When your career shifts, your style should shift with you.”
“It’s not just about the clothes—it’s about reclaiming your confidence.”

You can also find me:
Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to get your next steps in your brand and style? Book a free brand and style audit call
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
12 min
September 04, 202436: Leadership, Transformation, and Staying True to Your Style with Stevie Ann Dovico
In this episode, we welcome Stevie Ann Dovico, a dynamic technologist, strategist, and leader with nearly two decades of experience in banking and financial services. Currently serving as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Beyond Bank, Stevie shares her inspiring journey from her early days as a consultant to leading large-scale tech platforms that power some of Australia’s largest businesses.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership Evolution: Stevie discusses her career path, highlighting the importance of gaining diverse experiences to build a strong foundation for leadership. She shares how her roles in different areas, from consulting to banking, have shaped her into the leader she is today.
Navigating Complex Challenges: Learn Stevie's strategies for tackling complex problems in the tech industry, from breaking down big issues into manageable tasks to the importance of hiring the right team.
Personal Branding and Style: Stevie talks about the significance of staying true to your personal style and brand, even in a corporate environment. Discover how she uses her signature red high heels as a powerful statement of confidence and individuality.
Communication and Recognition: Stevie emphasizes the need for clear communication and celebrating team achievements, especially in the tech world where introversion is common. She shares her approach to making sure that both individual and team successes are recognized and valued.
Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders: Stevie offers valuable advice for women aiming to rise in the tech and financial services sectors. From the importance of self-promotion to strategically building the skills needed for leadership roles, Stevie provides actionable steps to help you advance your career.
Memorable Quotes:
"You're only as good as your team, so make sure you hire people who are smarter than you."
"Stay true to your style, but always be conscious of the context in which you're operating."
"Don't let any opportunity slide—if you're passionate about it and think you'd do a good job, go for it."
Resources Mentioned:
Book Recommendation: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss – A must-read for anyone interested in mastering high-pressure negotiations and achieving better outcomes in difficult situations.
Connect with Stevie:
LinkedIn: Stevie on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevieanndovico/?originalSubdomain=au

You can also find me:
Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to get your next steps in your brand and style? Book a free brand and style audit call
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
29 min
August 28, 202435: Is comfort in your clothes really the only key to confidence?
Over the years, I’ve noticed how often we sacrifice comfort for style. That’s why I’m dedicated to creating pieces that make people feel as good as they look.
In this episode, I’ll be sharing the inspiration behind my focus on comfort, the challenges I’ve faced in designing clothes that don’t compromise on style, and my vision for the future of fashion—one where comfort and inclusivity are at the forefront.
Join me as I talk about:
What sparked my commitment to comfort in fashion?
The delicate balance between fashion and functionality.
How the fashion industry is evolving to embrace more inclusive and comfortable designs.
Practical tips for building a wardrobe that feels as good as it looks.
This episode is perfect for anyone who believes that fashion shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable and for those looking to update their wardrobe with pieces that blend style and ease.
Key Takeaways:
How comfortable clothing can boost your confidence and improve your daily life.
Insights into the fashion industry’s shift towards comfort and inclusivity.
Tips on how to curate a wardrobe that’s both stylish and comfortable.

Have a question you want me to answer? Send me an email
Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @yourstyledcollective
Love the show? Leave a review and let us know
Ready to take back the drivers seat of your brand and style? Book a free clarity call
Kick Start your personal style again https://www.yourstyledcollective.com.au/style-guide
Connect with Sonya | Your Styled Collective : Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
10 min

About STYLE & STRATEGY WITH SONYA

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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