What if AI doesn’t replace you…but amplifies exactly who you choose to become in 2026?

As we step into a future shaped by automation, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, the real question isn’t what AI will do to us, it’s how we choose to work with it.

In today’s episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with one of the world’s leading voices on human-centered AI to break through the fear, the hype, and the noise, and get practical about what actually matters.

This is a grounded, honest, future-focused conversation about how humans stay relevant, creative, and in control in an AI-powered world.

What you’ll learn:

• Why AI is an amplifier, not a replacement

• What skills will matter most as automation accelerates

• How to think critically instead of fearfully about AI

• Why soft skills, ownership, and creativity are becoming non-negotiable

• How young people can shape AI policy, ethics, and real-world impact

• What “human + machine collaboration” actually looks like

• How to prepare for a future where learning never stops

Dr. Bryan Reimer is a Research Scientist at MIT, working at both the MIT AgeLab and the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics, and one of the leading global thinkers shaping the future of mobility, automation, and human-centered AI. He has authored 300+ publications, co-directs major MIT research consortia, advises governments and global companies, and was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to the Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee, serving as Vice Chair of the AI Subcommittee. Bryan is also the co-author of the upcoming book

How to Make AI Useful: Moving Beyond the Hype to Real Progress in Business, Society, and Life, where he explores how AI can genuinely improve human life, not replace it.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction & why this conversation matters in 2026

02:50 Top 3 takeaways you shouldn’t miss

03:50 “AI is an amplifier” - what that really means

06:17 Moving beyond the AI hype

09:13 AI as an opinion, not a truth

12:16 Soft skills vs hard skills in an AI world

15:00 Regulation, ethics & guardrails

18:03 How to stop fearing AI and think critically

21:56 Jobs, education & the future of work

26:36 Skills young people must develop now

28:48 How youth can shape AI policy & impact

32:20 How to use AI without losing creativity

35:59 Advice Bryan would give his 17-year-old self

39:48 Books that shaped his thinking

43:07 Final message

If you learned something new from this episode, do me a huge favor: double-check that you’re subscribed, follow the show, and rate this episode 5 stars. It’s the single best way to help us bring you more amazing guests and tools to help you live your best life ever. Now, go out there and make this your best year yet!

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

📲 Follow Sonia’s Journey linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

Music by epic_musictracks on Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-epic-drama-113886/

Do you ever feel like your energy is being drained by the same handful of people, but you have no idea how to stop it?

If you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or completely exhausted by a "challenging" person in your life, this episode is a must-listen.

We all have those people who put us on a pedestal one minute and test our absolute last nerve the next. But here’s the truth: You cannot step into your best version of 2026 if you’re still carrying the weight of other people’s drama.

In today’s episode of The SMARTA Podcast, for the first time ever, I decided to have a solo session to reveal the truth about how you can handle negative people.

I’m giving you the exact, 5-step process to protect your peace, reclaim your power, and stop letting other people’s behavior dictate your emotions.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The real reason negative people test your patience and how to shift your perspective.
• The 5-Part Framework to dealing with challenging people in your life
• How to protect your energy so you can show up as a better leader, founder, or friend.
• Why a simple 15-minute reflection can change the trajectory of your entire year.

Who is Sonia?

Sonia Marta is a 17-year-old changemaker, bestselling author of four books, and the host of The SMARTA Podcast. Recognized as a "Young Woman Changing the World," Sonia has traveled globally to inspire over 5,000 students and leaders to find their purpose and lead with clarity. Her mission is simple: to help you grow smarter together and create the life of your dreams.

Find Sonia here:

• Website: www.soniamarta.com
• Instagram: @soniamartaauthor

If you learned something new from this episode, do me a huge favor: double-check that you’re subscribed, follow the show, and rate this episode 5 stars. It’s the single best way to help us bring you more amazing guests and tools to help you live your best life ever. Now, go out there and make this your best year yet!

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

📲 Follow Sonia’s Journey linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

Music by epic_musictracks on Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/music/main-title-epic-drama-113886/

What if the biggest way to grow in your career was becoming more human?

In today’s episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with Philippa J. White to explore why leadership, innovation, and performance are breaking down in modern organisations, and what it actually takes to rebuild them. We talk about disengagement, quiet quitting, siloed teams, and why so many workplaces are struggling despite more tools, tech, and strategy than ever before.

This is a conversation about returning to humanity at work, without losing results.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why disengagement isn’t a motivation problem, but a leadership one

• How human-centered leadership drives innovation and collaboration

• The real cost of silos and how to break them

• Why purpose, connection, and creativity are now business essentials

• How leaders can create environments where people actually want to contribute

Philippa J. White is an international speaker, bestselling author of Return on Humanity, and host of The TIE Unearthed Podcast. With over 20 years of experience working with global organisations, Philippa helps leaders tackle disengagement, resistance to change, and lack of innovation by putting people, not just profit, at the center of strategy.

Born in South Africa, raised in Canada, running a business in the UK, and now based in Brazil, Philippa brings a truly global lens to leadership and organisational culture. Her work challenges traditional management models and offers a more human, sustainable approach to performance in today’s workplace.

You can find Philippa and her work at www.philippajwhite.com and through her book Return on Humanity.

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome

00:32 Philippa’s Top 3 Takeaways

02:37 What “Return on Humanity” Really Means

05:18 The Root Cause of Disengagement at Work

10:21 Self-Awareness at Work

15:31 What Gen Z Needs to Hear about Starting a Business

21:14 Purpose, Belonging, and Human-Centered Leadership

25:10 Leading Through Change Without Burnout

27:08 What Leaders Must Unlearn to Move Forward

31:21 What Every Teenager Needs To Do Now

33:20 Building Workplaces Where People Thrive

41:04 Philippa’s 2 Life-Changing Books

48:50 End Reflections

51:41 Thank You

🎄 GIVEAWAY NOTE

I’m running a Christmas giveaway with a finance & self-development book, details will drop in the next episode. Stay tuned. Follow my Instagram to stay up to date to any updates and news!

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

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

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

What if the only thing standing between you and the opportunities you want is the way you communicate?

Today’s episode pulls back the curtain on the REAL reason talented people get overlooked, while others get promoted, remembered, and invited into rooms you haven’t entered yet.

Before we dive in, here’s the truth:

Your ideas don’t matter if people can’t understand, feel, or remember them.

And today, we’re fixing that at the highest level.

This episode gives you the exact tools Warwick has used to coach leaders at Microsoft, Coca-Cola, HSBC, Rolls-Royce, and Unilever so you can walk into any room, and speak with authority, confidence, and clarity.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll walk away knowing:

• How high-performing leaders make themselves visible and why it matters

• The most common communication mistakes, and how to fix them instantly

• How to become a “promotion-ready” communicator regardless of your age

• The psychology behind confidence and why behavior change beats talent

• How Warwick transforms “invisible managers” into world-class leaders

• One communication tool from The One Minute Presenter to use TODAY

• What Jack Ma teaches us about influence that schools never mention

• Warwick’s top 3 pieces of advice for young people entering university or early career

Warwick John Fahy is a global leadership communication expert who has spent 20+ years helping executives move from invisible to high-impact. He has led over 3,650 coaching sessions across Asia, working with global companies including Microsoft, Unilever, HSBC, Coca-Cola, Rolls-Royce, and Burberry.

He’s the author of The One Minute Presenter, Speaking with Purpose and Influence: The Jack Ma Way

Find Warwick here:

🌐 https://www.warwickjohnfahy.com

📚 His books – available on Amazon

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome

01:50 – Top 3 takeaways listeners must not miss

05:20 – Patterns of high-performing leaders

09:47 – What leaders get wrong in communication

13:10 – Moving from invisible managers to visible leaders

17:02 – Role of psychology & mindset in communication

20:28 – Warwick’s breakthrough coaching moment

24:55 – Warwick’s top 3 pieces of advice for young people

29:30 – One powerful tip from The One Minute Presenter

32:48 – Lessons from Influence: The Jack Ma Way

36:05 – 60 sec challenge

38:20 – The SMARTA Podcast Traditions

45:20 – Thank You

🎄 GIVEAWAY NOTE

I’m running a Christmas giveaway with a finance & self-development book, details will drop in the next episode. Stay tuned. Follow my Instagram to stay up to date to any updates and news!

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

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

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

What if the key to building a global career isn’t talent or timing…

But your ability to stay curious, adaptable, and true to yourself, no matter the noise around you?

Today on The SMARTA Podcast, we’re diving into a conversation with someone who has shaped the global entertainment landscape from every angle, from Sony Pictures Iberia to Movistar Plus+ to Huawei Technologies.

My guest, Maria Valenzuela, has generated over €2 billion in international deals, built award-winning teams, launched global content, and now leads Brisa Media, her own international production company. She also teaches at IE University and speaks five languages, bringing a rare global perspective to creativity, leadership, and career growth.

What You’ll Learn

• How to negotiate with fairness, reliability, and integrity
• The truth about AI’s impact on content and creativity
• The skills young professionals must develop right now
• How to turn a creative vision into a viable global business
• Why curiosity is the “battery” for success
• Why it’s okay not to have your passion figured out at 17
• How to stay true to your path in a fast-changing world

Maria Valenzuela is a global media executive with 20+ years of senior leadership experience across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. She has served as SVP at Sony Pictures Iberia, General Manager at Movistar Plus+ International, and Global Head of Video Strategy at Huawei. She is the founder of Brisa Media, a multilingual professor at IE University, and a leading expert in content strategy, co-productions, AI in media, and international entertainment.

Find her work here:

🔗 Brisa Media – https://brisamedia.com (or preferred link you provide)

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome

01:00 – 3 Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss

02:17 – How to Build Long-Lasting Global Collaborations

04:10 – What Thinking “Beyond Borders” Teaches Young Professionals

05:43 – How AI Will Transform the Media Industry

09:18 – The Skills Young Professionals Need Today

10:37 – What Maria Looks for in Her Ideal Student

11:52 – Turning Creative Vision Into a Global Business

14:14 – What Audiences Want Across Cultures

16:21 – The Role of Curiosity, Adaptability & Lifelong Learning

17:37 – How Learning Languages Becomes a Superpower

19:09 – Advice to Maria’s 17-Year-Old Self

20:18 – Hot to Balance Creativity With Financial Independence

21:52 – Books That Changed Maria’s Life

23:42 – How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

26:10 – A Challenge for the Listener: Why Do You Want This?

27:18 – Maria’s Final Message

28:31 – Thank You

🎄 GIVEAWAY NOTE

I’m running a Christmas giveaway with a finance & self-development book, details will drop in the next episode. Stay tuned. Follow my Instagram to stay up to date to any updates and news!

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

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

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

What if the only thing standing between you and financial freedom is the story you keep telling yourself about money?

Today on The SMARTA Podcast, we’re cutting through the noise. We’re talking about the money habits keeping you stuck, the mindset shifts that actually matter, and the three mistakes almost EVERYONE makes. Even high-net-worth families Jacqui advises. Whether you’re 17, 27, or 47, this episode gives you the clarity you wish school had taught you.

What you’ll learn:

• The 3 biggest money mistakes and how to avoid them

• How to shift your money mindset (even if you grew up with scarcity)

• Why your financial literacy matters more than your income

• How to build control with one simple habit

• How to handle peer pressure, lifestyle creep, and “wearing and driving your money”

• What financial independence actually looks like at 18+

• Why money is a tool, not your identity

• How to start building your safety net today

Jacqui Clarke is one of Australia’s leading strategic financial advisors, known for guiding some of the country’s wealthiest families. Author of Stop Worrying About Money, she’s built a career demystifying finance, simplifying money for the everyday person, and teaching people how to take back control of their financial lives.

Find her here: jacquiclarke.me

BUY JACQUI’S BOOK

Stop Worrying About Money:

👉 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Worrying-About-Money

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome + Why Finance Feels Complicated

00:51 – The 3 Big Money Takeaways

01:55 – Your Money Mindset Shift

02:40 – Why Talking About Money Matters

04:52 – Money, Values & Goal Setting

07:45 – Taking Back Control of Your Spending

10:20 – Lifestyle Choices & The “Front Door Cost”

11:46 – Healthy Money Habits at 18

13:08 – Money Mistake #1: Wearing & Driving Your Money

17:55 – Emotional Money Pitfalls

20:39 – Money Mistake #2: Head-in-the-Sand

21:07 – Money Mistake #3: Not Knowing Your Baseline

24:39 – Building Financial Literacy Today

26:59 – Lifestyle Creep & Living Within Your Means

33:24 – The Hard Truth About Money

34:42 – How Creatives Can Stay True and Earn

35:58 – Advice to Her 17-Year-Old Self

36:29 – Books That Changed Her Life

37:00 – Final Message to You

🎄 GIVEAWAY NOTE

This is one of the final guests before December! I’m running a Christmas giveaway with three finance & self-development books, details will drop in the next episode. Stay tuned. Follow my Instagram to stay up to date to any updates and news!

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

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

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

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want… is courage?

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt behind, or wondered if you’re “too much” or “not enough,” today’s episode is just what you needed.

In this conversation, bestselling author and leadership expert Sonia McDonald reveals the mindset shifts, courage rituals, and confidence habits that helped her rebuild her life from scratch after a “life-quake,” become a global keynote speaker, and develop her signature philosophy of leading with kindness, courage, and authenticity.

What we talk about:

• How to build unshakeable self-belief (even when you’re scared)

• Why courage is a muscle and how to strengthen it

• How to lead with kindness without losing your power

• Why authenticity is your greatest competitive advantage

• What the “Courage Compass” is and how to use it in real life

What You’ll Learn:

1. Why courage + kindness are the leadership skills of the future

2. How to reinvent yourself after setbacks, rejection, or starting over

3. The daily neuroscience-backed habits Sonia uses to create confidence

4. How to stop people-pleasing and become unapologetically yourself

5. The one mindset shift that eliminates imposter syndrome

6. How to find your purpose and use it to fuel action, not pressure

7. Why your 8-year-old self and your future self hold the keys to your success

Sonia McDonald is an award-winning global keynote speaker, leadership expert, CEO of LeadershipHQ, and author of Just Rock It, Leadership Attitude, and First Comes Courage. Known for her energetic stage presence and neuroscience-backed approach to confidence and leadership, she has trained thousands of leaders worldwide and works with top organizations to build courageous, human-centered leadership cultures.

Find her at: soniamcdonald.com

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome

03:06 Mindset Reset: Where Focus Goes, Power Flows

06:08 What Audiences Love About Sonia’s Speaking

08:18 The Three Leadership Questions to Ask Yourself

12:03 Practical Confidence Habits You Can Start Today

14:47 The “Courage Compass” Explained

21:01 Kindness, AI & The Future of Human Leadership

24:51 Why Gen Z Will Change the World

29:33 Becoming the Leader You Needed

32:29 Imposter Syndrome & How Sonia Overcame It

36:39 Saying YES: The Power of Taking the Leap

40:07 Night Routines & Priming for Success

42:03 What She’d Tell Her 17-Year-Old Self

43:46 Books That Changed Sonia’s Life

44:12 60-Second Challenge: Why You Should Read Just Rock It

45:47 Final Message: Do What Brings You Joy

47:15 Play, Paint, and Reconnect with Your Inner Child

41:00 Closing

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

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

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

What if I told you that your posture could shape your future?

In today’s episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I’m joined by Ben J. Munday, speaker, coach, and public speaking mentor to explore the power of physicality, confidence, and connection.

Ben’s approach to leadership and communication bridges the physical, mental, and emotional. Through his work with organizations and as VP of Education for Berlin’s leading public speaking group, he helps leaders turn self-awareness into influence.

In this conversation, we dive into how your energy introduces you before you speak, the hidden language of confidence, and how to connect authentically with any audience from boardrooms to TEDx stages.

💡 What You’ll Learn

• How to align your body language with your message

• Why confidence is physical, not just mental

• The biggest mistakes leaders make when communicating

• Tools to adapt your tone and energy for any audience

• How to build stronger emotional connection through presence

• The secret to overcoming imposter syndrome

• Why “practice, practice, practice” is the real key to success

Ben J. Munday is a speaker, coach, and emcee who’s hosted and delivered keynotes alongside thought leaders like Michelle Obama and Erin Meyer. Drawing from years of work in corporate fashion, somatic coaching, and public speaking, Ben helps people transform their communication from transactional to transformational.

📍 Learn more at benjmunday.com

⏱️ In This Episode

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

01:40 – The Three Dimensions: Body, Mind & Emotion

02:30 – Your Energy Introduces You Before You Speak

05:00 – The Most Common Leadership Communication Mistakes

07:45 – How to Master Non-Verbal Communication

10:10 – Open Body Language: Building Instant Connection

13:00 – How to Read and Match the Room

17:00 – Lessons from Hosting Major Global Events

19:00 – Confidence and the Power of Posture

23:00 – How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome Physically

25:00 – Why Communication Is the Ultimate Growth Strategy

29:00 – The #1 Skill That Changes Your Life: Connection

32:00 – Preparing for Diverse Audiences as a Speaker

35:00 – End Messages

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

📅 New episodes every Monday at 11 AM EST

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

📺 Watch the full episode playlist: SMARTA Podcast on YouTube

🌍 See more of Sonia’s work: www.soniamarta.com

📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram: @soniamartaauthor