The SMARTA Podcast

Sonia Marta
Sonia Marta
  • 1.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

Hosted by Sonia Marta, The SMARTA Podcast features TED speakers, bestselling authors, keynote speakers, podcasters, Harvard Law lecturers and doctors of philosophy. The show provides you with all the scientifically based tools to start your journey to success. Take control of your life starting today with industry-leading experts' daily habits and the right goals you can implement today in your routine. Sonia is the Amazon bestselling co-author of 'Women Leading the Way' an award-winning author and podcaster. Find out more at www.soniamarta.com

  1. 3d ago

    3 Daily Habits That Give You an Unfair Advantage over AI

    Welcome to Part 2 of my talk with Henna Pryor! I've got a free gift for you this week!Here's what you'll learn by the end of the 26 minutes:🔹 The danger of executive beige: why blending in with corporate jargon and over-polished communication is making leaders forgettable. 🔹 The leadership blind spot: why silence in a boardroom is not buy-in, and how leaders must structurally invite dissent to uncover real feedback. 🔹 Congruence as a superpower: how aligning your words, body language, and track record eliminates doubt and accelerates career growth. Henna’s upcoming book, The Signal Gap: How to Boost Believability and Influence in the Age of Doubt is out November 10th, reveals the science behind why our communication breaks down and how to keep our signals aligned in a skeptical world. Get chapter 1 for FREE, exclusively on The SMARTA Podcast, now ⁠www.thesignalgap.com/smarta⁠

  2. Oct 21

    How to succeed in your 20s & Overcome being Cringe with Kaia Tham

    What if failing publicly is the single fastest way to build the exact life you want?  Today, I am sitting down with 18-year-old entrepreneur and podcaster Kaia Tham. We are breaking down why getting comfortable with rejection early in life completely removes fear, how to build a massive personal brand on LinkedIn without being fake, and why you never need anyone’s permission to start. What you will learn in this episode: Why constantly seeing "no" in your inbox builds unshakeable resilience. The "Embarrassment Tax”; why cringey beginnings are mandatory tuition for success. How Kaia landed dream podcast guests using creative, human cold DMs. The "Jar Analogy" for organizing daily priorities without burning out. Kaia Tham is an 18-year-old Australian entrepreneur, content creator, and host of The SEEN Podcast, currently based in Lisbon, Portugal. She highlights the raw, unfiltered stories of founders and builders. Connect with Kaia on LinkedIn and listen to The SEEN Podcast across all major platforms. In this episode 00:00 - Welcome 03:00 - Kaia Tham: From Australia to Lisbon  04:15 - Writing a 400-Page Book at 12 & Facing Rejection  06:40 - The Origin & Vision of The SEEN Podcast 09:50 - How She Landed Dan Porter with a 6'7 Joke  12:15 - Common Threads in World-Class Founders  16:00 - Building a LinkedIn Brand: Overcoming Cringe  20:45 - The "Embarrassment Tax" & Authentic Storytelling  26:10 - The Jar Analogy: Prioritizing Rocks Over Sand  30:00 - Why You Don't Need Permission to Start

  3. Oct 15

    Stop Waiting for Permission: The 20-Year-Old Who Pitched Alex Hormozi

    What if waiting for permission is the exact thing keeping you from the life you actually want? Today, I am sitting down with the incredibly disciplined 20-year-old entrepreneur and copywriter, Jay Yang. At just 16, Jay realized that following the traditional path was leading him toward a life he did not want. He stopped waiting for permission and started taking action. We talk about how his permissionless mindset helped him land opportunities with massive entrepreneurs like Noah Kagan, Alex Hormozi, and Tyler Denk before he even finished high school. What you will learn in this episode: Why beginners need to start "writing upwards" to attract high-level mentors. How to use a 19-page pitch deck to make your offers irresistible. The exact "Theory of Constraints" Alex and Leila Hormozi use to scale businesses. Why your daily habits should be obvious, not magical. Jay Yang is a master copywriter, ghostwriter, and the author of You Can Just Do Things and the upcoming Work With the Best. Find him sharing brilliant career strategies on Instagram at @JayYangInspires, and support his newest book launch on Kickstarter. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 03:00 - Messy, Intentional, and Fun: Jay’s Journey  05:14 - You Can Just Do Things: Stop Waiting for Permission  07:41 - The Beehiiv Internship & Cold Email Strategies  12:17 - The 19-Page Pitch Deck for Noah Kagan  17:38 - Building a Personal Brand to Shift Supply & Demand  24:08 - The Hormozi "Theory of Constraints"  26:13 - How to "Work With the Best" & Pitch Mentors  32:36 - Why Beginners Must "Write Upwards"  37:12 - Champions Do Things Differently: Daily Habits Take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Jay, and tell us one "permissionless action" you are going to take today. Subscribe to keep growing 1% smarter every day!

  4. Oct 7

    The 4 Crises That Will Reshape the World (And How to Survive it) with Blair Sheppard

    What if the four massive crises facing humanity right now are actually your greatest opportunity to completely reinvent your future, and you have way less time than you think to act? What you will learn in this episode: Why the four biggest global trends are colliding simultaneously and how to survive them. Why treating your career as a straight vector is a massive mistake, and how to live your life in "chapters" instead. The power of "respectful curiosity" to solve complex problems and navigate diverse cultures. The crucial difference between blind optimism and true hope—and why hope requires agency. Why building a team requires surrounding yourself with people who excel at the things you hate doing. Blair Sheppard is a globally recognized leadership expert, the former Dean of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, and the former global head of strategy and leadership for PwC. He is the author of Ten Years to Midnight and his latest book, Reinventing the World. You can find his books online to help you navigate this massive era of global change. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 03:20 - The "Great-Granddaughter" Test for Major Life Decisions 06:10 - Traditioned Innovation & Reinventing the World 07:44 - The 4 Tidal Waves: Climate, Demographics, Fracturing, & Tech 11:48 - The Right Way to Use AI as Your "Eccentric Best Friend" 16:17 - Fixing the Global System & Changing Outdated Assumptions 20:22 - Building Complementary Teams & Resolving Paradoxes 22:05 - The Asymmetry of Global Aging & The Future of Education 34:41 - Optimism vs. Hope: Why You Need Agency to Succeed 47:00 - Living Your Life in Chapters, Not a Straight Vector 56:52 - 3 Non-Negotiable Habits: Care, Curiosity, & Joy 58:46 - Final Advice: We Don't Have Time, Act Now Take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Blair, and tell us one "chapter" you are excited to start in your own life. Hit subscribe to keep growing 1% SMARTA every day!

  5. Sep 28

    The 17-Minute Rule to Master ANY Skill in the World with David Guttman

    What if the most prestigious college degree in the world is actually a quarter-million-dollar trap holding you back? Today, we are tearing down the traditional paths to success with Dave Guttman, an executive mentor who literally ripped up his original Wharton MBA on a podcast to prove how little utility it actually holds. As I settle into my new life as a university student here in Dublin, Dave's brutal honesty about the education system, resilience, and what actually builds wealth is a massive, paradigm-shifting wake-up call. What you will learn in this episode: Why you are almost always the warden of your own ‘prison’, and how to use the key to let yourself out. How to enter the top 5% of any skill in the world with just 17 minutes a day. The three non-negotiable areas you must master today: 1. AI, 2. personal branding, and 3. networking. How to stop making emotional choices by forcing yourself into “Observer Mode”Why surviving a terminal cancer misdiagnosis at 24 completely redefined his holistic view of success. David Guttman is a highly successful CEO, entrepreneur, and executive mentor who has operated across 45 different industries. A former Division 1 college wrestler, David guides leaders to build massive, nine-figure businesses by focusing on the lifetime value of customers, unshakeable integrity, and holistic health rather than just short-term profit. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 03:25 - Resilience, Focus, & Community  05:48 - You Are the Warden of Your Own Prison  11:01 - Why He Ripped Up His Wharton MBA  13:37 - Why 80-90% of Businesses Fail from Poor Leadership  16:24 - Top 5% in the World: The 17-Minute Daily Rule  18:14 - The 3 Skills You Must Learn: AI, Brand, & Network  23:52 - Maximizing the Lifetime Value of Your Customers  25:05 - Surviving a Terminal Cancer Misdiagnosis at 24  27:37 - "Observer Mode" for Making Hard Business Decisions  32:24 - 3 Non-Negotiable Habits: Exercise, Sleep, & No Alcohol  35:17 - Final Advice: Stop Being in Such a Rush If David’s perspective shifted your mindset today, take a screenshot right now and post it to your Instagram Story!  Tag me and David, and let us know which of the 3 pillars (AI, personal brand, or network) you are focusing on this week. Hit subscribe to keep growing 1% smarter every day!

  6. Sep 21

    Stop Fearing the Unknown: How to Build Negative Capability with Steven D'Souza, Winner of Leadership Book of the Year


    What if everything you have been taught about finding the "perfect" career path is not entirely true? Welcome back to The SMARTA Podcast! In Episode 106, we are flipping the script on uncertainty. I am sitting down with Steven D'Souza, the 2026 Business Book Awards winner for Leadership Book of the Year! Steven teaches at institutions like Oxford and IE Business School, and he is here to prove that "not knowing" is actually your greatest competitive advantage. What you will learn in this episode: How Steven sold 8,000 copies of a book he hadn't even written yet just by talking to strangers. Why the concept of "Shadows at Work”, the hidden parts of yourself running the show, is sabotaging your success. How to spot your shadow through repetitive patterns and disproportionate reactions. Why you need to stop rushing to figure your life out and build "negative capability" instead. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome03:00 - The Power of Not Knowing, Service, & Social Capital 04:29 - How to Sell 8,000 Books Before You Even Write Them 12:50 - Why You Need to Start Talking to Strangers 18:51 - Shadows at Work: The "Me That I Don’t See" 23:40 - How to Spot Your Shadow: Triggers & Repetitive Patterns 30:07 - Why You Don't Need to Have It All Figured Out By 30 36:47 - The Path is Made by Walking 40:39 - The Life-Changing Habit of an Unplugged Morning Walk 47:46 - Negative Capability: Learning to Live with the Questions 52:33 - Life-Changing Books & Final Advice: Trust Yourself AD get your free PR audit now at www.laurenstijssen.com/power-audit If this episode helped you embrace the unknown, take a screenshot right now, post it to your Instagram Story, and tag me and Steven! Let us know what your next brave step is. Don't forget to hit subscribe to keep growing 1% smarter every day!

  7. Sep 15

    The Secret to Building a Legacy (That School Won't Teach You) with The Castle Man

    What if you could spend every vacation in a castle, living like some of the greatest royalty members for your next holiday? Everyone goes away on holiday for summer. Many look for new enriching and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But not many find them. Today, we are exploring the magic of history, resilience, and curiosity with Roger Masterson, famously known as “The Castle Man.” What you will learn in this episode: Why you need to immediately replace the word "failure" with "feedback". How Roger built a niche business booking Celtic castles before the internet was even widely used. Why the best business ideas often come from copying something that already works and simply doing it better. The profound difference between climbing a corporate ladder and building a lasting legacy. Roger Masterson is the founder of Celtic Castles, a unique company that helps guests book stays, weddings, and experiences in historic castles across Scotland, Ireland, and beyond. He is a passionate entrepreneur, gardener, and storyteller who has personally slept in countless castles—including the exact room Helen Mirren slept in! You can find him online at Celtic Castles. In this episode 00:00 - Why you should watch this video02:23 - The Origin of Celtic Castles & The First Booking 07:30 - The Subconscious Magic of Staying in a Castle 11:15 - Behind the Scenes: Unforgettable Owner Stories 17:01 - Sleeping in Helen Mirren’s Bed at Blairquhan Castle 21:27 - Custodians of History: Thoughts on Legacy 24:04 - Taking Action When You Reach a Junction in Life 31:18 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs & Embracing Feedback 43:50 - The Skiing Analogy for Navigating Life’s Lows 50:04 - Book Recommendations & Final Wisdom  AD get your free PR audit now at www.laurenstijssen.com/power-audit Take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me @soniamartaauthor and tell us one piece of "feedback" (formerly known as a failure) that changed your life for the better. Hit subscribe to keep growing 1% SMARTA every day!

  8. Sep 7

    The Secret Behind the Scenes of Oprah Onstage, with Layna Castle

    What if the reason you aren't booking massive opportunities has absolutely nothing to do with your talent, and everything to do with your execution? Today, we are pulling back the curtain on the speaking industry to reveal what actually happens before a world-class leader steps onto a stage. I am joined by Layna Castle, who shares the unbelievable story of how volunteering at an Oprah Winfrey gala led her to manage the backstage experience for Mark Burnett, the creator of Shark Tank. What you will learn in this episode: Why building trust starts long before the contract is signed. How to apply Ritz-Carlton leadership principles to your personal brand. The exact productivity planner habits needed to manage your time and ADHD. Why "Your no is your no”, and why you need to stop overexplaining it. How to deal with "prickly" people using the Mel Robbins "Let Them" theory. Layna Castle is the Founder of a Professional Speakers Concierge Service. She works at the intersection of speaker strategy and team execution, utilizing her Ritz-Carlton training to help experts create seamless, unforgettable brand experiences. Find her connecting with event organizers and speakers on LinkedIn! In this episode 00:00 - Welcome02:23 - From Volunteering for Oprah to Supporting Shark Tank’s Creator 04:45 - Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The Delusion Required for Entrepreneurship 07:57 - The #1 Mistake Speakers Make Behind the Scenes 10:22 - Does Your Brand Experience Match a $10,000 Price Tag? 14:13 - Time-Blocking, ADHD, & The Ultimate Productivity Planner 18:26 - Ritz-Carlton Secrets to Exceptional Service 26:42 - What Event Planners Get Wrong About Hiring Speakers 32:46 - The "Let Them" Theory & Dealing with Prickly People 36:50 - Non-Negotiables: Why "Your No is Your No" 42:04 - Final Advice: You Are Stronger Than You Think Take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Layna, and tell us one thing you are saying a firm "NO" to this week. Hit subscribe to keep growing 1% SMARTA every day!

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Hosted by Sonia Marta, The SMARTA Podcast features TED speakers, bestselling authors, keynote speakers, podcasters, Harvard Law lecturers and doctors of philosophy. The show provides you with all the scientifically based tools to start your journey to success. Take control of your life starting today with industry-leading experts' daily habits and the right goals you can implement today in your routine. Sonia is the Amazon bestselling co-author of 'Women Leading the Way' an award-winning author and podcaster. Find out more at www.soniamarta.com

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