Sonia McDonald

Neuroleadership Solutions

Lominger - Leadership Architect

Griffith University

The University of Queensland

CEO & founder - We recruit, create, develop and champion Great Talent, Leaders & Cultures at LeadershipHQ, McDonald Inc. & Outstanding Leadership Awards  -  Author  -  Keynote Speaker  -  Top LinkedIn Voices 2021  -  Mum

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

WE CREATE GREAT LEADERS. We know without great leaders and leadership create brilliant businesses and companies. We partner with leaders, teams and companies find their greatness. LeadershipHQ is one of Australia's leading Leadership Consulting companies. We love that we work and partner with great and growing companies. These companies and businesses are from Small Businesses, SME's and not-for-profits through to ASX top 200 companies and government agencies.

What makes us different? We truly partner with our clients and our work isn't an off the shelf program and strategy - it is bespoke, customised and transformational. Our work is grounded in research and results as we deliver all our work and programs with commitment, authenticity, kindness and courage. This is why our clients continue to partner with us year after year. We work with the emerging leader right through to the CEO and Executive Team.

We know about great leadership and performance because we espouse it. We live our values, vision and mission to build a world of kind and courageous leaders and leadership and we know this translates into our work with you to drive great leadership..

Our exceptional work ranges from our Outstanding Leadership Awards, Leadership Programs, Coaching, Masterclasses and Workshops, Leadership Podcasts, Membership  and Resources, Leadership Certification and Leadership Events.

LHQ can help you get to great leadership and this is backed up by the list of clients we have worked with such as Kane Constructions, McConaghy Properties, Qantas, FuelFix, Energy Super, APNIC, Dexus, Spell and the Gypsy, Super Retail Group, Brickworks, Tyro, CQU, Youngcare, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Keymedia, Genie, Thiess, Main Roads, Kordamentha, Brisbane City Council. Just a snap shot of companies, NFP's and businesses we do great work with.

Great Leadership matters for performance. Reach out anytime via email or a call.

Ph 1300 719 665
<a href="mailto:sonia@leadershiphq.com.au">sonia@leadershiphq.com.au</a>

LeadershipHQ

CEO & founder LeadershipHQ

CHAMPIONING COURAGE & KINDNESS
We believe Courage and Kindness is needed more than ever before and it starts with us. Our mission and vision is to build a world of more kindness and courage so our generations of today and tomorrow can build a greater world. Our team are committed to building and championing this world through our movement and work in creating courageous and kind leaders and leadership.

We believe that courage and kindness truly impact the world in a positive way. We want to share this powerful message through our beautifully designed and high quality products and also believe in doing this in a sustainable and ethically sourced way. Our products are made from green renewable energy and are 100% organic.

We hope you love them as much as we do! Thank you for being part of our mission and vision. x

Find out more about Sonia and her work at <a href="https://www.soniamcdonald.com.au/">https://www.soniamcdonald.com.au/</a>

Courage & Co

Founder

The Outstanding Leadership Awards and Courage Conferences are the embodiment of a dream that commenced more than 20 years ago when I began working to help organisations and individuals achieve their leadership potential.

As we move into a new decade, we are taking with us a legacy of change. Leadership across the globe has been evolving rapidly over the past three years and Leadership HQ is continuing to be at the forefront of that change. To bring you these awards we are partnering with companies whose culture rewards and fosters kind and courageous leadership.

The Outstanding Leadership Awards and Conferences are about championing leaders across organisations who make diversity, inclusion and kindness part of their day to day culture.  They are leaders who have courageous conversations and strive to lead by example. They are leaders that make employees happy to come to work each day because they feel valued. Above all, they are the leader whose example others strive to replicate and who are changing the face of leadership.

By demonstrating and rewarding this type of leadership, we are encouraging leaders now and, in the future, to strive to epitomise these values. We welcome all nominations no matter the size or type of the business or organisation. Leadership HQ encourages you to nominate leaders you feel embody these leadership attributes each and every day.

2022 Awards will are live - <a href="https://www.outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/">https://www.outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/</a>

2021 Courage Conference will be held on 6th October 2021 in Brisbane - <a href="https://www.outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/eventer/courage-conference/">https://www.outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/eventer/courage-conference/</a>

Let’s be the change we want to see in the world and reward kind and courageous leadership.

founder & CEO at Outstanding Leadership Awards & Courage Conferences

McDonald Inc. wants to change the way we connect talent and leaders to organisations. We know the difference great leaders and cultures make to the bottom line. We know great leadership and we know the difference the right people on the bus means to an organisation and their success.

We partner with organisations to bring best leaders and talent in the market with not only the right skills but also with the right values and culture alignment.
These are the keys to greatness.

Recruitment making an impact for ALL.
McDonald Inc. has recognised and developed that the key to great recruitment is great leadership – with a focus on values and culture alignment. The McDonald Inc. solution will “empower everyone to choose a workplace and leader where they thrive.”

The team at McDonald Inc. partners with organisations to make sure they only get the best talent in the market who get your values. As a part of this process, the organisations and leaders we work with get the importance of values, leadership and culture as well as their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Great talent and leaders means great business.

Our Four Points of Difference.

1. Values Based Recruitment

2. Three Months of Coaching and Transition for new hires included in all engagements

3. One of the Most Connected Consulting Firms

4. And most importantly we are your Trusted Advisors

Executive Coaches
We partner with you to help you step in and transition into your great new role and organisation. Our team have over 30 years of experience and we will stop at nothing to bring out your inner leadership and greatness in your new role and career. We will give you the tools, skills, guidance and empowerment to bring out greatness in you and alignment into your new job.

Your success is our client’s success.

Want to know more? Contact the brilliant team at <a href="https://www.mcdonaldinc.com.au/">https://www.mcdonaldinc.com.au/</a>
1300 719 665
<a href="mailto:letschat@mcdonaldinc.com.au">letschat@mcdonaldinc.com.au</a>

McDonald Inc.

CEO & founder

T4Teens is a social enterprise supporting and helping teenagers, parents, corporates, schools and guardians around teenage mental health. It’s an incredible new initiative to help our future leaders and teenagers to combat mental health and encourage awareness and conversations. Stay tuned for our launch in 2022 and if you want to find out more and receive our corporate investment and sponsorship pack and information about this social enterprise - email us at <a href="mailto:sonia@soniamcdonald.com.au">sonia@soniamcdonald.com.au</a>

Tea
Talks
Tools
Tees

T4Teens

FIRST COMES COURAGE - The world is crying out for kind and courageous leadership. In First Comes Courage, Sonia McDonald explores the power of leading with courage, and offers you great insights and tools to develop, nurture and grow courage within you and your teams. You will be introduced to the courage compass which you can use to guide your teams selflessly, building them up and enabling them with the tools they need to achieve success. You will learn to lead through example, using the four points on the courage compass: Kindness Impact Purpose Resilience This book will empower you to be spirited, confident, dauntless and selfless in all aspects of your life.

LEADERSHIP ATTITUDE - If your attitude says that you are a leader then you will behave like a leader. It’s as simple as that. Sonia McDonald has worked with leaders from all walks of life and understands better than anyone that being confident and owning who you are is extremely important. The greatest gift you can give yourself and others as a leader is being yourself. There's a leader inside all of us, yet often we can't see it. Instead we settle for a quiet life on the sidelines. To become a leader who motivates, influences, and inspires others to succeed you need to find that inner leader.

JUST ROCK IT! In this book, Sonia urges you to stop. Stop the excuses! Step up with gusto, envision your life in full colour, with soaring soundtrack, and go farther than you ever dreamed. Here, you will find simple strategies, wisdom and boundless encouragement to help you break through fear and doubt to create the unwavering sense of self you yearn for, so you achieve those BIG visions pulling at you.  Here, you will find simple strategies, wisdom and boundless encouragement to help you break through fear and doubt to create the unwavering sense of self you yearn for, so you achieve those BIG visions pulling at you.

Grab them here <a href="https://soniamcdonald.com.au/books/">https://soniamcdonald.com.au/books/</a>

Award Winning Author - First Comes Courage  -  Just Rock It  -  Leadership Attitude

I would call myself a courageous leader. People have also described me as a cutting edge entrepreneur, high performing businesswoman and seasoned professional. I am also a caring mother, and impactful speaker.

Following a forced lifestyle change in 2006, I joined the consulting world and discovered my purpose in inspiring people to learn and grow. With a flair for leadership and strong writing talents, I started the LeadershipHQ blog in 2007. It quickly became a must-read for leaders looking for a more people-centred way of leading.

With the desire to make an even greater impact, I established the LeadershipHQ consulting business in 2008 and then McDonald Inc. in 2019. Since then, I have helped thousands of leaders through my advisory work, keynotes, coaching, workshops and presentations across the Globe.

I believe we should lead with kindness and courage, from the heart, doing rather than telling. I am known for my mantra ‘just lead’.

I lead by example. But not content with words alone, I also inspire action, helping individuals and organisations grow through one-on-one practical coaching, keynotes, workshops and advisory services.

- I love growing great leaders!

I have helped thousands of good leaders become great leaders; progressing their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire others to join them.

For more than 25 years, I have been on the front lines of Human Resources, Leadership and People and Culture. I have held leadership positions worldwide. Through experience, research and study, I came to realise what it takes to be a truly courageous leader.

- I love to speak bravely!

I am committed to speaking bravely and authentically about my own development as a leader, my personal journey and career challenges. It is this relatable, heart-warming and humorous approach that resonates with my audiences and has seen me become an in-demand keynote speaker with a timely message of courageous, kind leadership.

International Keynote Speaker  -  Advisor  -  Leadership Coach (Fully Booked 2021 - Apply for 2022)

Proud to be represented by Saxton Speakers Bureau - <a href="https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/sonia-mc-donald">https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/sonia-mc-donald</a>

Keynote Topics

Leadership Attitude
Just Rock It!
Leadership in Small Business
Leading the Next Generations
Courageous Leadership
Future Leaders of Leadership
New Kindness of Leadership

Saxton Speakers

Keynote Speaker represented by Saxton Speakers Bureau

lxa is an Australian non-profit organisation founded by Tony Wiggins and we are committed to influencing and supporting Australia’s Older Workers and transforming this talent to drive innovation and prosperity in the Australian economy.

- Position lxa’s strategy, governance and frameworks through the Board.
- Execute forward-thinking strategic initiatives with government, business and the community.
- Leading research on best practice strategies for engaging older workers.
- Engaging with government, business and the community to provide best practice advice
- Deliver and monitor key metrics for business planning, business management and operations.
- Work with the Board and external parties to promote lxa successes of older workers.

Leveraging Experience Australia lxa

Board Member

The 139 Club was established in 1975 by a group of concerned citizens who set up a drop-in centre and a refuge for the homeless.  This was first housed at 139 Charlotte Street, hence the name “139 Club”.

The premises in Charlotte Street were sold in 1977.  Six months later a new home was found at Bowen Street, Spring Hill.  The organization originally   operated under the umbrella of Queensland Council of Social Services with a shoestring budget and a strong commitment and support from a group of individuals and particularly from St Vincent de Paul Society.

In 1983, 139 Club became an independent incorporated association receiving government funding. Over the years, the 139 Club has grown in size and stature.  In 1987, during the International Year of the Homeless, the 139 Club received a Commonwealth Government grant to build a new centre at 505 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley, which was opened in January 1988.

Today the 139 Club provides a range of services for its clients including support to find short, medium and long term accommodation and wrap around services to meet immediate needs, such as meals, showers and day beds.

3rd Space Brisbane

Advisor - Business Development Committee

Voluntary role with AHRI where I assisted the state council with  events, special interest groups  and state wide run programs with AHRI. I also managed the QLD 2010 AHRI Mentoring Program as well as the Gold Coast Convenor as Organisational Development Committee Member for AHRI.

AHRI State Council (QLD)

Vice President (Professional Development)

Talent Manager for the Engineering, Trades and Technical recruitment centre.

Brisbane City Council

Talent Manager

Senior Consultant working in the Organisational and Leadership Development, Alliance Health Coaching, Change Management, Learning and Facilitation, Team Building and Effectiveness, Executive Coaching and Executive Search and Selection. My focus was in high performance leadership, teams and culture.

Worked as a Organisational Development Senior Consultant on:

-  Origin Alliance
-  Queensland Children's Hospital
-  Cairns Base Hospital

R-Evolution (previously Matrix Global)

Management Consultant

Tutor in Business Communication and Training and Development.

Tutor for the Business Department

Managed the HR, Recruitment and Training for Futurestep Asia. Designed, developed and facilitated training and workshops for staff across Asia Pacific. Worked closely with Korn Ferry Europe and America in rolling out training and developing toolkits.

KORN FERRY INTL FUTURESTEP INC

Asia HR Director

This was a brand new role for this expanding company and established systems and procedures for the company and managed the human resources area. Developed and conducted an orientation program for the company, which was launched in March 2005 to all staff. Managed all HR, training and recruitment at all levels in the company. Provided HR and strategic advice to the CEO and management.

Coco Republic

HR Manager

Country Road Group

Assistant Store Manager

Managed the recruitment, generalist HR and training
A world renowned five star deluxe property, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and voted by Conde Nast Travel Awards as the Best Resort Pacific Rim and Third Best Resort World Wide.  Managed all the training, general human resources and recruitment for over 500 staff. Managed Generalist HR for over 20 departments including F&B, Front Office, Engineering and Retail.