The SMARTA Podcast

What if your future success has less to do with your grades… and everything to do with how well you run the business of YOU? In this very first debate-style episode of The SMARTA Podcast , I sit down with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio , co-authors of The Business of You , to tackle one of the most important conversations for students, young professionals, and leaders navigating an AI-driven wo...

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,...

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...

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...

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 tod...

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 Valen...

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, t...

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 s...

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 Be...

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 fit...

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...

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 I...

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...

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 wealt...

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 succe...

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 mo...

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, Rica...

What does it really mean to uplift service , and why does it matter more now than ever? In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast , I sit down with Ron Kaufman , New York Times bestselling author of Uplifting Service , globally ranked customer service expert, and one of the world’s top keynote speakers on leadership, culture, and service excellence. For over 30 years, Ron has helped organizations from...

What separates good leaders from great ones? How do the best teams thrive while others fall apart? In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast , I sit down with Dr. David Burkus, best-selling author of Build Your Best Team Ever , globally recognized leadership thinker, and trusted advisor to organizations like NASA, Adobe, and PepsiCo. With over 20 years of research and experience, David reveals the sur...

What does it really take to turn a guilty pleasure into a global brand, and why do the “crazy” ideas often become the ones that change your life? In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast , I sit down with Georgiana Ghiciuc , a powerhouse entrepreneur whose career has spanned academia, digital marketing, employer branding, and now high fashion. Georgiana opens up about how burnout and self-doubt pushe...

Do you ever wonder how great leaders stay calm, focused, and effective when everything around them feels out of control? In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast , bestselling author Sonia Marta sits down with executive coach Rob Kalwarowsky to share practical strategies on self-leadership, managing chaos, and finding clarity under pressure . If you’ve searched for how to manage stress, lead with con...

Do you truly know your voice? Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to express yourself fully, without fear or comparison? In today’s episode of The SMARTA Podcast , explore the power of voice with singer, vocal coach, and educator Jimmy Cannon . Through his unique perspective, Jimmy reveals why your voice is more than sound. It’s identity, freedom, and the purest expression of your inner...

You can get richer over time by investing less, earlier. In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast , bestselling author Sonia Marta sits down with Julia Cancro, finance expert and author of More Than Cash , to reveal practical money tips that actually work. If you’ve ever Googled “how to invest for beginners” or “how to retire early,” this conversation is packed with simple strategies you can apply to...

What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with… but something you build? In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast , I sit down with Juan Bendaña: keynote speaker, author, and Gen Z leadership expert to unpack what real confidence looks like and how you can stop waiting and start leading. From school auditoriums to global stages, Juan has shared his story with over 250,000 students and profession...

What does it really take to speak so people listen in meetings, on stage, and in high-stakes moments? In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with Deborah Gardner, former Olympic trial swimmer turned renowned keynote speaker and Hall of Fame inductee, to talk about how women can lead through confident, compelling communication. Deborah breaks down the myths of “professionalism,” shares p...