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

What if your biggest limitation isn’t a lack of skill… but an unconscious belief you’ve never questioned?

What if selling, leading, and succeeding had less to do with persuasion… and more to do with curiosity?

And what if generosity, not hustle, was the ultimate competitive edge?

The answers lie in this week’s episode of The SMARTA Podcast, where I sit down with Bob Burg, bestselling co-author of The Go-Giver and globally recognized expert on influence, sales, and leadership. Bob’s work has impacted millions, with his books translated into more than 30 languages and sold over a million copies worldwide. A sought-after keynote speaker and mentor, Bob helps professionals and organizations shift from transactional to transformational success by focusing on creating genuine value first.

You can find more about Bob and his work at www.burg.com, and follow him on LinkedIn for his latest insights.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

1. How your unconscious operating system shapes success and behavior

2. The difference between go-getters, go-givers, and go-takers

3. The five laws of stratospheric success from The Go-Giver

4. How to build influence through authenticity and service

5. Why giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin

6. The mindset shifts needed to embrace prosperity and abundance

7. The crucial people skills that technology can never replace

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Bob Burg

01:00 – Understanding Your Unconscious Operating System

04:20 – The Go-Giver vs. The Go-Getter vs. The Go-Taker

09:30 – The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success

14:43 – How Authenticity and Receptivity Shape Influence

18:50 – The Prosperity Mindset: How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs

20:19 – Why People Skills Matter More Than Ever

24:56 – Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI

26:27 – The 60-Second Go-Giver Challenge

28:48 – Books That Transformed Bob’s Life

31:09 – Final Message: Become a Student of Life

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

CHEERS to the 50th episode of The SMARTA Podcast! Today, I’m joined by someone whose work has transformed how thousands of people think about money, mindset, and true freedom: Jason Graystone, investor, entrepreneur, mentor, and author of Always Free.

Jason is best known for helping people master their finances through emotional intelligence and practical trading strategies that go beyond wealth they’re about living on your own terms. With over 8 million views on his viral YouTube video, Jason’s philosophy has inspired a generation to stop chasing money and start creating meaning.

In this conversation, we explore what it really means to be free: mentally, financially, and emotionally and how to build a life around passion, purpose, and smart choices.

💡 What You’ll Learn

1. What financial freedom truly means (and why it’s not about money).

2. How to develop the mindset for wealth and independence.

3. The power of knowing who you are and not living by others’ expectations.

4. How to start investing and managing money as a young professional.

5. Why “hard work” is a myth, and what to focus on instead.

6. The Freedom Lifestyle Formula and how to apply it to your goals.

7. The importance of your environment and how it shapes your success.

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

01:20 – What Trading Really Is (Explained Simply)

03:31 – Three Takeaways to Financial Freedom

04:43 – How Mindset Shapes Money and Freedom

10:19 – The Power of Boredom and Clarity

10:56 – What Freedom Really Means

15:30 – The Freedom Lifestyle Formula

17:53 – The Five-Year Rule for Building Wealth

19:21 – Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

23:22 – Dealing with Negativity and “Haters”

25:36 – Lessons from Sir Richard Branson

27:36 – Making Bold Decisions and Taking Risks

30:15 – The “Always Free” Challenge Pitch

33:07 – Advice to His 17-Year-Old Self

37:57 – Books That Changed Jason’s Life

39:26 – What Schools Should Teach About Purpose

40:58 – Final Message: Don’t Live Someone Else’s Life

If you enjoyed this episode, hit Subscribe for more weekly conversations that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out.

📺 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

Today on The SMARTA Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Pamela Ellis, widely known as ‘The Education Doctor’ an award-winning educational consultant, researcher, and author who has personally visited more than 500 colleges and universities.

If you’re a parent, student, or educator navigating the road to college, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we unpack the real roadmap to college success beyond grades, test scores, and rankings. Dr. Ellis shares how to find your true “fit,” manage the stress of applications, and set up both parents and students for a confident, clear, and joyful journey.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

1. Why the college process starts with the student, not the school

2. How to build the right mindset before applications even begin

3. The five key types of “fit” every student should evaluate (academic, social, financial, vocational, cultural)

4. How to make each high school year, from freshman to senior, strategic for college prep

5. The truth about financial aid and scholarships most families overlook

6. How to help teens take ownership of their journey and reduce parental stress

7. What really matters most in a college application, straight from an expert who’s worked with 500+ campuses

With a PhD from Stanford, an MBA from Dartmouth, and decades of experience guiding students and families through the college admissions process, Dr. Ellis is on a mission to help young people not just get in, but succeed and thrive once they arrive.

Find out more here: https://theeducationdoctor.com/

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Dr. Pamela Ellis

01:04 – The 3 Key Takeaways for Every Family

03:05 – Why Mindset Matters Before the College Process

06:00 – Understanding the Five Pillars of College Fit

12:02 – How to Tell Your Story Authentically in Applications

15:09 – Freshman Year: Building Social Confidence

18:11 – Sophomore Year: Discovering Real Interests

21:40 – Junior Year: The “Make or Break” Year for Research

28:30 – Senior Year Strategy: Common Mistakes to Avoid

30:49 – Navigating Scholarships and Financial Aid

37:49 – What Parents Need to Know About Letting Go

41:36 – Advice to Her 17-Year-Old Self

43:31 – The Books That Changed Her Life

45:57 – What Admissions Officers Really Look For

47:41 – Final Message: Start With Who You Are

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more weekly conversations that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out.

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌐 Find out more about Sonia: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow Sonia’s journey: Instagram @soniamartaauthor | linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with Nikki Butlin, entrepreneur, author of Driven to Achieve, and a powerhouse leader who blends resilience, authenticity, and candour with business acumen. Inspired by her father Peter’s journey of building a multi-million-pound company, Nikki forged her own path, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, leadership, and life as a single mother while launching her business, Athena Business Services.

Nikki shares her insights on what it really takes to succeed, from mastering cash flow and building confidence, to leading yourself before leading others, and embracing resilience in the face of setbacks. With her signature mix of compassion and sass, she delivers no-nonsense lessons for anyone ready to drive their own future forward.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Why character, confidence, and resilience matter more than credentials

• The framework of Cash Flow Mastery and how to apply it in your own life

• Why leadership starts with self-leadership

• The role of authenticity in building meaningful businesses and careers

• How to overcome overthinking and perfectionism to finally start

• Why confidence often outweighs credentials in creating real success

Nikki Butlin is an entrepreneur, director, and author of Driven to Achieve. She has decades of experience building and scaling businesses, turning adversity into opportunity, and inspiring others to take ownership of their future.

Take Nikki’s free quiz here https://driventoachieve.co.uk/the-driven-formula-quiz

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome & Key Takeaways for Listeners

03:01 – Turning Adversity into Your Biggest Asset

05:14 – The Importance of Self-Leadership

07:44 – Building Confidence Through Action (Why It Matters More Than Credentials)

10:09 – The Cash Flow Mastery Framework Explained

12:13 – Misconceptions About Leadership (What Young People Should Know)

13:46 – Building Resilience: Daily Habits & Mindset Shifts

16:25 – Finding Your Passion & Following It

17:50 – Advice for Overthinkers and Perfectionists

19:11 – Overcoming Fear and Taking Action

21:16 – Authenticity in Business and Leadership

23:43 – Following Your Own Path vs. External Pressures

26:59 – The Journey of Self-Discovery and Career Changes

29:38 – Advice to the Younger Generation

31:53 – Imagining a Business Without Financial Constraints

33:12 – Taking Control of Your Life’s Journey

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

📺 Watch the full episodes on YouTube: SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌍 Find out more about Sonia: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow Sonia’s journey on Instagram: @soniamartaauthor | Linktree

How do you get people to feel deeply engaged, motivated, and connected at work?

In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with Ricardo Cabete: global keynote speaker and emotional intelligence expert who helps Fortune 500 companies like Novartis, PwC, and HSBC boost employee engagement through the power of emotional connection.

With 17 years of experience as a rock band lead singer, Ricardo brings a unique mix of stage charisma and evidence-based leadership techniques. His mission: to help leaders build cultures where people feel unstoppable.

Together, we unpack the emotional side of leadership and why mastering it is the key to building trust, retention, and productivity that last.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

– The “cow vs. buffalo” mindset shift for facing challenges head-on

– Why emotions drive performance (and how to harness them)

– Ricardo’s GAP model: the 5 human needs behind engagement

– Why leading yourself first is essential to leading others

– A simple weekly habit that can boost engagement up to 80%

– How authenticity and emotional connection create stronger leadership

📚 Ricardo has spoken on TEDx stages, worked with Fortune 500 executives, and trained leaders across the globe. His work proves that emotions aren’t obstacles in business, they’re the most powerful drivers of success.

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Ricardo Cabete

02:15 From Rock Band Singer to Global Keynote Speaker

06:43 Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership

10:21 The “Cow vs. Buffalo” Mindset for Facing Challenges

14:48 Breaking Down the GAP Model of Engagement

19:56 How Leaders Can Spark Real Emotional Connection

23:45 Practical Tools for Building Trust in Teams

27:30 Leading Yourself Before Leading Others

32:10 Why Authenticity Creates Stronger Cultures

37:52 The Habit That Can Increase Engagement to 80%

42:16 Stories of Transformation from Fortune 500 Leaders

47:28 Advice Ricardo Would Give His Younger Self

50:45 Final Insights & Call to Action

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

📺 Watch the full episodes on YouTube: SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌍 Find out more about Sonia: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow Sonia’s journey on Instagram: @soniamartaauthor | Linktree