The SMARTA Podcast

Sonia Marta
Sonia Marta
  • 1.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated 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. 1d ago

    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!

  2. 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!

  3. Aug 31

    Successful people do THIS everyday. With Dr. John L. Terry, III

    You do not need a title to be a leader. At the time I’m posting this, I just got my university acceptance letters. Today, we are shattering the myth that you need a title to be a leader. I am sitting down with Dr. John L. Terry III, the "Black Belt Leader," to explore why true leadership is a discipline, not a position. As I prepare to step into my university journey in Dublin, this conversation about confidence, discipline, and purpose could not be more timely. What you will learn in this episode: How to conquer the three enemies of focus: flinching, freezing, and chasing. The Black Belt Acrostic and the 10 character traits of elite leaders. Why successful people do daily what unsuccessful people do sometimes or not at all. How to apply the concept of Kaizen (never-ending improvement) to your daily life. Who is Dr. John Terry, III? Dr. John is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and a three-time Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee. He blends martial arts mastery with real-world leadership strategies. You can find his work and his book, Black Belt Leadership 101, online https://www.beablackbeltleader.com/ In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 02:49 - Passion, Purpose, and Intentionality 03:47 - John’s story 05:26 - Overcome The 3 Enemies of Focus: Flinching, Freezing, Chasing 07:42 - The Black Belt Acrostic & The Power of Belief 09:57 - Escape the Autopilot Trap 11:04 - Kaizen: The Pursuit of Black Belt Excellence 12:09 - The 10 Essential Character Traits of a Leader 17:51 - Earning a Black Belt is Just the Beginning 25:03 - Why You Must Fail Your Way to Success 27:31 - True Servant Leadership 32:56 - The Global Leadership Deficit 40:50 - How to Maximize Your 1,440 Minutes a Day 45:37 - Advice to His 18-Year-Old Self Take a screenshot of this episode and tag me and Dr. John on your Instagram Story! Tell us one thing you are doing today to get out of your comfort zone. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you grow 1% SMARTA every day!

  4. Aug 24

    #102 How to Build Your Network for 18-24yo with Ashley Leeds⁩

    What if the only thing standing between you and your dream career is the courage to ask: "What is the best that can happen?" Today, we are breaking down why consistency, enthusiasm, and authenticity will always beat perfection. Ashley Leeds, famously known as the "15-Minute Guy," who spent 40 years as an employee, worked 30 different jobs, and finally took the leap to start his own business at the age of 55. As I pack my bags to move in Ireland next week, Ashley’s advice on navigating major life transitions, taking leaps of faith, and ignoring the pressure of other people's opinions hits closer to home than ever. What you will learn in this episode: Why you should never go back to a job or situation you hated. How to build an undeniable personal brand on LinkedIn in just 15 minutes a day.The salesperson's secret to reframing rejection as a mathematical stepping stone to success. How to use AI for content ideation without losing your authentic human voice. Who is Ashley Leeds? Ashley Leeds is a LinkedIn expert and coach who helps professionals and entrepreneurs stand out online. After a 40-year career spanning the catering and sales industries, he built a successful business teaching people how to master LinkedIn with just a 15-minute daily commitment. You can find him connecting and sharing value on LinkedIn. In this episode: 00:00 - Happy 102!02:23 - The 4 Pillars: Consistency, Enthusiasm, Belief, & Never Quitting 07:42 - Starting a Business at 55 After 30 Different Jobs 14:23 - Why You Should Always Ask: "What's the Best That Can Happen?" 19:18 - How to Handle Rejection Like a Sales Professional 22:44 - The Right Way to Co-Create with AI on Social Media 24:17 - Stop Selling: Why Transactional Networking Fails 28:18 - The 15-Minute Daily LinkedIn Routine 31:27 - Financial & Life Advice for 18-Year-Olds 34:48 - Final Advice: Stop Worrying About Everyone Else If you loved Ashley’s rule of 15 minutes a day, take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Ashley, and tell us one small habit you are building this year. Don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you grow 1% smarter every day.

  5. Aug 18

    #101: Being human is your ultimate competitive advantage in the AI era! With Bryan Kramer

    If you are relying on corporate buzzwords, rigid sales scripts, and AI automation to build your brand, your business is already dead. Welcome back to The SMARTA Podcast! In Episode 101, we are tearing down the myth of corporate perfectionism and unlocking why being human is your ultimate competitive advantage. I am joined by Bryan Kramer, legendary speaker, strategist, and author of H2H: Human to Human. What you will learn in this episode: Why there is no B2B or B2C, there is only Human to Human (H2H). The 3 Pillars of modern leadership: Simplicity, Empathy, and Imperfection. How Apple and Amazon take complex processes and make them simple. Why "overnight success” is a lie and how to create crowdworthy ideas. How to become "delightfully disruptive" in a noisy digital world. Who is Bryan Kramer? Bryan Kramer is a renowned keynote speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author who sparked the global "Human to Human" (H2H) movement. Having led a successful marketing agency for 25 years, he has helped thousands of leaders simplify their communication and humanize their brands. Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn or visit bryankramer.com. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome01:34 - The 3 Pillars: Simplicity, Empathy, & Imperfection 02:36 - Why Companies Forget Emotion & Human Connection 03:26 - The Power of Simplicity: Apple, Adidas, & Amazon 04:27 - Why Humans Complicate Everything 06:25 - Embracing Imperfection & Building Real Confidence 08:18 - Killing Corporate Buzzwords & Silicon Valley Jargon 10:02 - What H2H Means for Personal Branding in the AI Era 15:18 - The Myth of Overnight Success & Crowdworthy Ideas 21:29 - Becoming "Delightfully Disruptive" 23:43 - Rapid Fire Questions & Life-Changing Books If this episode inspired you to simplify your message, take a screenshot right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Bryan, and let us know your biggest takeaway.  Subscribe to keep growing 1% SMARTA every week!

  6. Aug 15

    The 100: How to Unlock Your True Potential 


    If you are competing with AI on productivity, you have already lost. Welcome to the 100th episode of The SMARTA Podcast! Today, we are breaking down why human potential is your only real competitive advantage. I am joined by my very first guest, Andrew Bryant, who returns to discuss his new book, Potentialize. What you will learn: The Ignite framework to unlock potential. Why getting out of your comfort zone is terrible advice. How to use AI to amplify human creativity, not replace it. The Goldilocks zone of challenge and support. Who is Andrew Bryant? Andrew is the world's leading expert on self-leadership, a global keynote speaker, and an executive coach. His latest book, Potentialize, teaches leaders how to thrive in the age of AI. Discover more on Andrew Bryant's Speaker Page. In this 100th MILESTONE Episode: 00:00 - 100th Episode Intro 03:04 - Redefining Potential & AI 06:40 - The COW Formula (Capacity, Opportunity, Willingness) 12:05 - The IGNITE Framework Explained 19:15 - Expanding Your Comfort Zone 30:10 - Humans and AI: The Next 10 Years 40:30 - What It Actually Takes to Be a Leader 46:12 - Embracing Stoicism & Adaptability 52:30 - The First Step for Graduates 1:01:08 - Final Advice: Be the Driver of Your Life Screenshot this milestone episode and share it to your story! Tag me @soniamartaauthor and Andrew @selfleadership and let us know your biggest takeaway. Subscribe to keep growing 1% smarter every day! 📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist https://www.youtube.com/@soniamartaauthor 🌐 Learn more about Sonia Marta: www.soniamarta.com 📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram @soniamartaauthor and connect via linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

  7. Aug 14

    The Ultimate 2026 Reset to Rewire Your Nervous System with Angus Nelson

    If you tell me you are completely fearless, you are a liar. Because fear isn't something to run from, it is an invitation to your ultimate potential! Welcome back to The SMARTA Podcast. Today, we are having a raw, unfiltered conversation about why you need to stop waiting for someone else to pick you and finally give yourself permission to be great. I am sitting down with executive coach and author Angus Nelson to unpack why most modern leadership problems are actually just nervous system dysregulation in disguise. What you will learn in this episode: Why experiencing "imposter syndrome" simply means you already belong in the room. The "Nothingness Principle": How having nothing to prove, lose, or gain makes you the most powerful person in the room. Why you need to be a "lighthouse, not a tugboat" in your relationships. How to stop managing your time and start regulating your energy. Who is Angus Nelson? Angus Nelson is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and the author of The Neuro Resilient Leader. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, he helps high-performing founders and leaders regulate their nervous systems to operate from a place of true stability and personal power. You can find his work at angusnelson.com. YouTube Timestamps & Chapters: 00:00 - Why You Should Listen to Today’s Pod02:09 - Permission, Process, & Invitation 03:16 - Stop Waiting to Be Picked 09:24 - The Danger of Isolation & Dysregulation 12:57 - The "Nothingness Principle" 23:58 - Leadership is a Nervous System Problem 41:53 - Imposter Syndrome Means You Belong 47:24 - Why Fear is an Invitation 01:04:52 - Be a Lighthouse, Not a Tugboat If this conversation helped you reframe your fear, screenshot this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Angus, and let us know what you are giving yourself permission to do today. Don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you grow 1% smarter every day. 📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist https://www.youtube.com/@soniamartaauthor 🌐 Learn more about Sonia Marta: www.soniamarta.com 📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram @soniamartaauthor and connect via linktr.ee/soniamartauthor

  8. Aug 12

    How to Communicate Like a Leader with Todd Cherches 


    What if the only thing keeping you from your dream job is the courage to walk up to a stranger on an airplane? Today, we are breaking down why "Visual Leadership" is the ultimate competitive advantage in an era where attention spans are plummeting. I am joined by Todd Cherches, an executive coach, NYU and Columbia University professor, and the author of Visual Leadership. Todd shares his incredible origin story, from a 24-year-old taking a terrifying leap of faith to approach the President of NBC on a flight, to surviving a string of terrible bosses in the TV industry. If you want to know how to solve a multi-million dollar corporate problem using nothing but a 30-second sketch on a napkin, this episode is for you. What you will learn in this episode: Why you should Expect the Unexpected and be "prepared to be unprepared". The ACR Framework (Attention, Comprehension, Retention) and why visual thinking works. How to use the "Pizza Slice Approach" to navigate office politics and influence stakeholders. The "4 Gs of Leadership" (Genuineness, Generosity, Graciousness, Gratitude). Why you should stop trying to be the hero of your own stories. Todd Cherches is the CEO of BigBlueGumball, a management and leadership consulting firm. He is an executive coach, a TEDx speaker, and an award-winning adjunct professor at NYU and Columbia University. His book, Visual Leadership, teaches leaders how to use visual thinking to communicate more effectively. Connect with Todd on LinkedIn to learn more about his coaching. In this episode: 00:00 - Welcome 02:51 - Todd: Expect the Unexpected 03:22 - The Airplane Pitch: Meeting the President of NBC 08:14 - What is Visual Leadership & The ACR Framework 13:40 - A Love Letter to Horrible Bosses 17:40 - Are You in the Right Seat on the Right Bus? 22:00 - The Multi-Million Dollar Napkin Sketch 24:52 - Overcoming the "I Can't Draw" Syndrome 28:51 - The 10 Types of Visual Thinking 34:20 - The Pizza Slice Approach for Influencing People 38:22 - Stop Being the Hero of Your Own Stories 42:04 - Why Critical Thinking is Dying in the Gen Z Era 46:33 - Advice to His 18-Year-Old Self: Fail Faster 50:11 - The 2 Books That Changed Todd’s Life 52:23 - Final Advice: The 4 Gs of Servant Leadership If you loved Todd's advice to "Be prepared to be unprepared," take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Todd, and tell us one bad boss experience that actually made you a better leader. Don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you grow 1% smarter 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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