Ordinary To Badass

Marie Sonneman
  • 4.9 (27)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

A podcast for women who are capable—but tired of being overlooked in rooms not built for them. Hosted by Marie Sonneman, a law enforcement lieutenant turned leadership coach, this podcast delivers unfiltered conversations, practical career advice, and leadership strategies for women in predominantly male industries. From quiet confidence to strategic visibility, you’ll hear how women rise without shrinking or burning out—and how to build a life that doesn’t disappear in the process. If you’re ready to be unmistakable at work and protect what matters outside of it, you’re in the right place.

  1. 6D AGO

    438: You Got Promoted… But Something Feels Off at Work

    Ever walked away from a work conversation thinking, “Nothing they said was wrong… so why did that feel off?” In this episode, we unpack the quiet, often invisible shifts that happen when you step into leadership—especially the ones no one prepares you for. From changing team dynamics to subtle disrespect, repeated ideas, and that “tone” you can’t quite call out, this is the stuff that stacks up. You’ll hear real stories—from losing casual friendships after a promotion to navigating moments where you’re talked down to without it being obvious. More importantly, you’ll learn how to handle it without shrinking or snapping. Because the real skill isn’t just confidence—it’s having the language to respond in the moment. If you’ve ever replayed a conversation wishing you’d said something differently, this one’s for you. Reach out to me on IG @Ordinarytobadass and tell me if you can relate.

    11 min

  2. APR 6

    437: You’re Not Broken—You’re Covered Up- From autopilot to alignment with Kathrin Fox

    What if the reason your life doesn’t feel aligned… isn’t because you’re doing it wrong—but because it was never really yours to begin with? Think growth is about becoming better, stronger, more confident?Think again. In this remix episode, Kathrin Fox—a transpersonal psychologist and coach—dives into what it really takes to peel back the layers of conditioning, expectations, and autopilot living… so you can finally reconnect with who you actually are. From feeling unseen and out of place… to building a life rooted in truth, values, and self-trust—this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, leadership, and even yourself. ✨ Theme: Mindset Breakthroughs We’re talking: Why so many high-achieving women still feel disconnectedThe hidden patterns running your life (without you realizing it)How slowing down might be the most powerful move you can makeYou’ll hear:🔥 Why reacting isn’t the same as choosing—and how to take your power back💡 The role your values play in clarity, confidence, and decision-making💬 What it actually looks like to peel back the layers and come home to yourself This isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about realizing…you were never broken to begin with. 💬 If this hit you, DM me “BADASS” on IG @ordinarytobadass⭐ And if you loved it, rate + review—it helps more women step into their power

    9 min

  3. MAR 30

    436: You Learned How to Fit In—Here’s How to Stand Out (Without Feeling Fake)

    You did everything right....Worked hard. Stayed low-key. Easy to work with. So why are you still not the obvious choice for promotion? Because this isn’t a confidence problem....It’s a visibility problem. In Part 2 of this series, we flip the script. You’ll learn why being “easy to work with” is quietly holding you back—and what actually gets you promoted instead. (Hint: it’s about becoming the safest bet in the room.) We’re breaking down: The real difference between being liked vs. being trusted with moreWhy promotions are risk decisions (not rewards for hard work)The dangerous gap between what you do and what your boss actually sees3 powerful shifts to go from reliable → promotableHow to start translating your work so leadership gets itAnd if you’ve ever felt overlooked—even though you KNOW you’re capable—this episode is going to change how you show up starting today. Because you don’t need more confidence....You need to be more understood. 🎧 Listen now—and then send this to the woman who’s been doing everything right but still isn’t being seen. Click the link below to get in the classhttps://go.ordinarytobadass.com/joinbcd

    9 min

  4. MAR 23

    435: You Learned to Blend In… Now Leadership Requires You to Stand Out

    You learned to blend in to survive… but leadership requires you to stand out. ... Think working hard, staying low-key, and “fitting in” is the path to promotion?...Think again. ... In this episode, we’re diving into the invisible rules women learn in predominantly male industries—and how those same rules start working against you the moment you step into leadership. ... Because here’s the truth:...The behaviors that helped you succeed early on—being agreeable, adaptable, and easy to work with—can quietly hold you back when it’s time to lead. ... This is career advice most people won’t say out loud. ✨ Theme: Mindset + Leadership Awareness We’re talking about: The pressure to assimilate at work (and why you didn’t even realize you were doing it)The leadership double bind women face once they step into authorityWhy leadership can feel confusing, exhausting, and like you’re constantly getting it “wrong.”You’ll hear:🔥 Why fitting in feels safe—but costs you more than you think💡 The moment the “rules” flip—and what that means for your career💬 The powerful shift from blending in to leading on your own terms If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to be taken seriously…...or like leadership suddenly changed the rules on you… You’re not broken....You’ve just been playing a game no one explained. 🎁 Want to understand how promotion decisions are really made?...Join my masterclass: Behind Closed Doors...👉 ordinarytobadass.com/behind-closed-doors 💬 DM me on Instagram @ordinarytobadass and tell me—where have you felt this show up in your career? ⭐ And if this episode hit home, share it with another woman who needs to hear this. Because we’re not doing this alone anymore.

    15 min

  5. MAR 16

    434: She Survived 91% Burns — Here’s What It Taught Her About Strength | Flashback Episode

    Life doesn’t always go the way we planned. ... Sometimes the path completely changes—and we’re left figuring out who we are on the other side. ... In this Flashback episode of Ordinary to Badass, I sit down with Michelle Lauren Anderson, a burn survivor who experienced burns over 91% of her body at just two years old. ... What followed was a lifetime of surgeries, physical challenges, and emotional healing—but also a powerful journey of reclaiming her story. Michelle shares how surviving trauma shaped her perspective on strength, identity, and resilience—and why being “tough” isn’t always the same thing as being strong. ... This conversation dives into what it really looks like to move from surviving… to thriving. ✨ Theme: Resilience Stories In this episode we talk about: 🔥 The difference between toughness and true emotional strength...💡 How to set boundaries when people ask about your trauma...💬 Why reclaiming your story is one of the most powerful things you can do...🐎 How passion (like Michelle’s love for horses) can help you heal and move forward ... Michelle also shares the concept of “rehearsed responses”—a tool burn survivors use to confidently respond to difficult questions from others. ... If you’ve ever felt like your past defines you, this conversation will remind you that you get to author your own story. ... Because being a badass isn’t about pretending everything is fine. ... Sometimes it’s about facing the hard things—and choosing to rise anyway. Connect with Michelle:Website: SurvivorNotVictim.com — ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the show and leave a review. To your Badassery,

    50 min

  6. MAR 9

    433: How to Change Your Perspective When Life Feels Hard | Laquita Monley

    Think confidence comes first? Think again. In this flashback episode of Ordinary to Badass, Marie revisits a powerful conversation with Laquita Monley — speaker, coach, and Army wife — who shares how life experiences, identity struggles, and unexpected challenges helped her discover the strength she already had inside. Laquita’s journey didn’t start with confidence. It started with a wake-up moment that forced her to realize she had lost her identity after years of defining herself by roles — wife, mother, daughter — instead of who she truly was. From raising five children to navigating military deployments and rebuilding after major setbacks, Laquita learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship. It’s about changing your perspective. ✨ Theme: Resilience & Mindset Shifts In this episode we talk about: 🔥 Why losing your sense of identity can become the moment that transforms you💡 How perspective can turn life’s hardest situations into opportunities for growth💬 Why asking for help is actually one of the strongest things you can do🔥 The mindset shift that helps you push past imposter syndrome If you’ve ever felt like you’re figuring things out as you go… this conversation will remind you that you’re stronger than you think. Because sometimes the most powerful transformation doesn’t happen when life gets easier. It happens when you start seeing yourself differently. 🎧 Connect with Laquita:https://www.laquitamonley.com 💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman who needs the reminder that she’s stronger than she thinks. ⭐ And if you enjoy the show, don’t forget to rate and review Ordinary to Badass so more women can find these stories and step into their own power.

    56 min

  7. MAR 2

    432: Resilience Isn’t What You Think It Is

    We’re taught that resilience looks like confidence.Certainty.Toughness.Never doubting yourself. But that’s not real life — especially if you work in a high-pressure or predominantly male environment. In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, I break down what resilience actually looks like when you’re in the middle of it — not after you’ve “figured it out.” Not when things feel clean or resolved. But when you’re doubting yourself, replaying decisions, feeling overwhelmed, and still showing up anyway . This isn’t an Instagram-worthy definition of resilience.It’s the kind you don’t usually get credit for. Inside this episode, we talk about: Why resilience isn’t about being confident — and never was How doubting yourself doesn’t mean you’re weak (it means you’re human) The mistake most women make by downplaying everything they’ve survived Why hard things — not comfort — are what actually build strength How self-trust is built through action, not certainty Why rest and recovery are leadership skills, not rewards I also share personal stories — from second-guessing myself early in my career to pushing through moments that didn’t feel resilient at the time, but absolutely were . If you’ve ever thought: “I should be over this by now.” “Other people have it worse.” “If I were really resilient, this wouldn’t bother me.” This episode is for you. Because resilience isn’t something you earn later.It’s something you’ve been demonstrating the whole time — even if no one ever taught you to recognize it. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself one simple question:What have you survived that you’ve never given yourself credit for? Save your seat at the Masterclasshttps://go.ordinarytobadass.com/joinbcd

    20 min

  8. FEB 23

    431: When a Promotion Doesn’t Go Your Way (And How to Stop Letting It Define You)

    A failed promotion can mess with your head—even when you know you’re qualified. ... Suddenly you’re replaying conversations, questioning your value, and wondering what you missed or what’s wrong with you. And if you work in a predominantly male industry, that spiral can feel even heavier. ... In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, Marie breaks down what a promotion setback actually does to your mindset—and how to stabilize yourself emotionally without pretending it didn’t hurt. ... We talk about: What self-worth really means (and why it’s not the same as confidence) How to separate your career performance from your personal value Why a promotion decision doesn’t define your leadership potential What to do when your confidence takes a hit after being overlooked Practical ways to rebuild internal trust after a failed promotion How women in predominantly male workplaces can stop internalizing rejection This isn’t about toxic positivity or “just trying harder.” ... It’s about grounding yourself after disappointment, reclaiming your value, and deciding your next career move from a clear, steady place—not a wounded one. If you didn’t get the promotion and you’re trying to get your footing back, this episode is for you. Check out Behind Closed doors ordinarytobadass.com/behind-closed-doors

    25 min
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4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

A podcast for women who are capable—but tired of being overlooked in rooms not built for them. Hosted by Marie Sonneman, a law enforcement lieutenant turned leadership coach, this podcast delivers unfiltered conversations, practical career advice, and leadership strategies for women in predominantly male industries. From quiet confidence to strategic visibility, you’ll hear how women rise without shrinking or burning out—and how to build a life that doesn’t disappear in the process. If you’re ready to be unmistakable at work and protect what matters outside of it, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Marie Sonneman
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    438
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Marie Sonneman
  • Show Website
    Ordinary To Badass