In this episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, Sonya, a personal brand and style coach, shares the secrets behind maintaining a grounded presence when speaking in public or on video. Addressing a common question, Sonya explains her framework consisting of physical grounding, vocal grounding, and energetic grounding. She discusses her personal rituals and tactics, such as lighting a candle, using a power pose, and pacing her speech. Drawing from her corporate leadership and presentation coaching experiences, Sonya offers valuable advice for amplifying one's presence and leading with confidence. Listeners are encouraged to practice these techniques and reach out for personalized coaching. The episode wraps up with holiday wishes and a preview of what to expect in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Grounded presence is built through practice, not natural confidence.
• Use three pillars:
• • Physical grounding: Pre-speaking rituals and strong posture.
  • Vocal grounding: Slow down, pause for impact, and speak from your chest.
  • Energetic grounding: Focus on one clear message and be authentic.
• The more you practice, the more comfortable and powerful you’ll become as a speaker.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Style and Strategy Podcast
00:46 Staying Grounded: The Honest Truth
01:54 The Three Non-Negotiables for Grounded Presence
06:32 Physical Grounding Techniques
09:58 Vocal Grounding Strategies
13:36 Energetic Grounding: The Internal Work
17:28 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

Links and Resources:

➡ Find out what is creating the gap between your capability and how your experience in under 5 mins. Complete the Leadership Presence Gap Assessment here: Assessment

➡ Download the Wardrobe Guide for women in leadership – Get a curated list of must-have wardrobe staples that blend versatility, style, and impact: Guide

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In this episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, Sonya, a personal brand and style coach, emphasizes the importance of planning for personal growth and leadership presence before the New Year chaos begins. She discusses the tendency to prioritize others' needs over personal evolution and shares two diagnostic exercises to help listeners align their brand and style with their future goals. Sonya's exercises aim to identify key areas for improvement and establish a clear vision for 2026. The episode encourages listeners to take proactive steps in December to start the new year with a solid, personalized plan for success.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t try to overhaul everything, focus on strategic refinement in the areas that matter most.
• Identify your two to three lowest-scoring areas and make them your focus for 2026.
• Define three to five words that describe the leadership presence you want to embody in 2026.
• Choose one concrete action you can take in the next seven days to align your style and brand with your vision.
• Take time to plan now, before the new year and holiday rush, so you enter 2026 with clarity and momentum.
• Your brand, style, and leadership identity should evolve with you, intentional planning and action are key to meaningful change.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and December Reflections
00:34 The Importance of Personal Planning
02:09 Welcome to the Style and Strategy Podcast
02:56 Why January Planning Fails
04:07 Diagnostic Exercises for 2026
06:43 The Brand and Style Life Wheel
13:19 Vision Exercise for 2026
16:53 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links and 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

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• YouTube
• Facebook

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Style and Strategy Podcast, personal brand and style coach Sonya explores how leadership and personal evolution demand not just career proficiency, but also an aligned personal style. Sonya introduces her concept of the 'Ladder of Elevation' to make small yet impactful wardrobe refinements that reflect your current leadership presence. From understanding why your go-to outfit might feel 'off' to making targeted adjustments without overhauling your closet, learn how to ensure your style aligns with who you are now and the rooms you want to lead. Discover strategies for tailoring, upgrading finishing touches, and embodying your signature style to amplify your presence and impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Your wardrobe reflects your personal and leadership evolution - when it feels "off," it's a sign you've grown beyond your old self.
• You don't need a complete overhaul; small, strategic refinements can make a big impact.
• Focus on tailoring, upgraded accessories, and intentional finishing touches to elevate your style.
• These 3% changes help align your appearance with who you are becoming, boosting confidence and presence.
• The right style choices ensure you're experienced as the leader you are in the rooms that matter most.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Style and Strategy Podcast
00:46 The Power of Your Go-To Outfit
02:15 Understanding the Wardrobe Shift
02:40 The 3% Change: Small Refinements, Big Impact
05:25 The Ladder of Elevation Framework
09:20 Foundation Fit: Ensuring Your Clothes Fit Today
10:27 Finishing Touches: The 3% Upgrades
12:14 Signature Style Embodiment
14:00 Practical Steps to Elevate Your Wardrobe
17:16 Conclusion and Next Steps

Links and 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