Have you ever felt like you’re standing still in your career, not because of the ceiling above you, but the floor beneath you?

Today on The SMARTA Podcast, we dive deep into what’s really holding you back at work and how to unlock your potential by removing the “interference” that clouds performance.

In this episode, we unpack:

💡 Why you need to stop managing change and start building change fitness

💡 How to balance freedom and structure to build trust and accountability

💡 What “performance = potential - interference” really means in practice

💡 How to design a culture that’s both emotional and cognitive

💡 Why leadership doesn’t start with a title, it starts with you

About Yvette:

Yvette Janse Van Rensburg is a Partner at Let’s Talk Talent, specializing in culture, leadership, and talent management. She’s passionate about making organizations irresistible by unlocking people’s potential. You can connect with Yvette and explore her work at letstalktalent.co.uk.

In this episode:

00:00 – Intro

01:19 – What makes organizations irresistible

02:39 – The power of the “performance = potential – interference” equation

06:21 – Building culture that lasts

11:08 – Moving from change management to change fitness

15:18 – Freedom within the framework: structure vs flexibility

18:16 – Rethinking talent management

20:56 – Leadership starts before the title

23:27 – The rise of AI and hybrid workplaces

27:43 – The future of people and culture

30:15 – The sticky floor paradox

32:50 – Books that shaped Yvette’s perspective

35:55 – Unlocking hidden talent

38:52 – Final message to listeners

41:00 – Outro

If today’s episode made you see yourself differently, pause to think, or feel understood share this episode with someone who needs it too.

Double-check that you’re subscribed for more weekly conversations that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out. Also, rate this podcast 5 stars as it’s what helps me grow the show!

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌐 Learn more about Sonia Marta: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram @soniamartaauthor and connect via linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

What if the very things you think are “holding you back” are actually your greatest power?

If you’ve ever felt overlooked in a loud room, struggled to be taken seriously at work, or questioned whether your voice truly matters, today’s episode is going to shift something in you. Today you will learn how to own your voice, communicate with impact, and lead confidently whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between. This conversation will help you understand yourself better and show up differently tomorrow.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with:

1. How to communicate with authenticity (and what that actually looks like in real-life conversations).

2. Why introversion is a leadership strength, not something to “fix.”

3. How to build a work culture where everyone feels heard (no matter the size of the room).

4. 3 practical skills anyone can use to stand out in a new team or organization.

5. How to use storytelling to influence decisions, connect deeply, and grow your career or brand.

Richard Étienne is a storytelling strategist, documentary filmmaker, communications consultant, and founder of The Introvert Space a platform dedicated to elevating introverted voices in leadership.

He has shaped communications at 10 Downing Street, created social strategy that reached over 1 billion impressions, led storytelling at Bacardi, Elsevier, and The Economist, and co-hosts the Trends at 12 segment on BBC London Radio.

▶︎ Website & Resources: https://www.richardetienne.co.uk

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome & Richard’s Journey

01:12 The 3 Key Takeaways for Your Leadership Growth

04:30 Misconceptions About Introverts in Leadership

07:55 Building Inclusive Workplace Cultures

11:15 How to Bring Your “Whole Self” to Work

14:42 Skills to Stand Out in Any Career Stage

17:25 How to Grow Your Voice & Your Community

20:10 The Art of Storytelling for Influence

24:50 The Power of Pivoting Careers

29:17 Books That Transformed Richard’s Journey

32:01 How to Create Space in Conversations

35:30 Final Message to the Listener

If today’s episode made you see yourself differently, pause to think, or feel understood share this episode with someone who needs it too.

Double-check that you’re subscribed for more weekly conversations that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out. Also, rate this podcast 5 stars as it’s what helps me grow the show!

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌐 Learn more about Sonia Marta: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram @soniamartaauthor and connect via linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

Are you stuck between your job and your dream? Wondering how to finally start your personal brand and actually make it profitable? Or maybe you’re curious what truly separates those who talk about success from those who live it?

In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, Sonia sits down with Katrena Friel, the powerhouse behind the Becoming the Expert methodology and founder of the Business Mentor Institute. With over 25 years of experience mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs, Katrena helps professionals move from “thinking about it” to getting it done with authenticity, clarity, and purpose. Together, they explore the mindset shifts that turn uncertainty into action and ideas into income.

💡 What You’ll Learn

1. Why trusting yourself is the first step to becoming the expert.

2. How to start your personal brand business, even on a shoestring.

3. The key differences between mentorship and coaching, and why most entrepreneurs get it wrong.

4. How to package, position, and price your expertise effectively.

5. The seven streams of income every personal brand should have.

6. The secret to building authentic confidence and speaking from your soul.

7. Why living intentionally and focusing on what you can control sets you free.

Katrena Friel is an award-winning business mentor, speaker, and author who has transformed the lives of thousands of professionals worldwide. She’s the creator of Becoming the Expert and founder of the Business Mentor Institute, helping individuals turn their life stories into legacy businesses. Katrena’s approach blends strategy, mindset, and soulful www.becomingtheexpert.com.au.

📚 Her latest book is available directly through her website.

⏱️ In This Episode

00:00 — Welcome & Introduction

01:00 — The Power of Self-Trust and Confidence

03:20 — How to Build a Startup with Limited Resources

08:30 — Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Personal Brand

12:40 — The Difference Between Coaching and Mentoring

20:00 — The Done-For-You Business Model Explained

24:10 — How to Get Unstuck and Find Your Life Purpose

32:00 — The Best Advice for 17-Year-Old Entrepreneurs

36:30 — Living Intentionally & Controlling What You Can

38:00 — Final Reflections

If you learned something new from this episode, double-check that you’re subscribed for more weekly conversations that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out. Also, rate this podcast 5 stars as it’s what helps me grow the show!

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌐 Learn more about Sonia Marta: www.soniamarta.com

📖 Get your copy of Always Free by Jason Graystone.

📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram @soniamartaauthor and connect via linktr.ee/soniamartauthor