Sonal Sodha

What is the biggest challenge facing women leaders in our industry today?

Most of the women I work with have some version of a voice whispering (or shouting!) in their head: “I’m not _________enough”. The blank can be filled with many different words including: good, smart, experienced. This internal narrative tells us we shouldn’t ask for a raise, we’re not ready to lead a team, we shouldn’t disagree with a decision because we might come across as not being a team player etc. This voice is often referred to as the Inner Critic or Saboteur. It holds us back and has us play small in our careers and lives.

How do you overcome it?

This voice is a part of us, part of the human condition. It exists to protect us from potential physical and emotional harm. While it’s well-intentioned, it’s often misguided. Trying to “get rid of it” is like trying not to think of a purple elephant. You’re thinking of a purple elephant now, right?

So if we can’t get rid of it, we need to learn how to manage it. To do that, we need to become consciously aware of when/how it shows up.

I’ve found that The Work of Byron Katie is a great starting point. When the thoughts of self-doubt come, she suggests asking The Four Questions:

1. Is it true?

2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true?

3. How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?

4. Who would you be without that thought?

The next step is to turn the thought around. You can find more information on that process here.

What is the leadership/business framework you use most often to help you lead effectively?

There are so many great models out there! In this time of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), I’m really leaning into two frameworks.

The first is the Universal Model of Leadership from Bob Anderson and Bill Adams of The Leadership Circle. The core of it is recognizing when I’m operating from a Creative vs. a Reactive mindset, knowing what are my stories, beliefs or assumptions that keep me in the Reactive, and how to shift.

The second is the Four Ways of Being model by the Conscious Leadership Group that boils down to recognizing whether I’m leading from Above the Line vs. Below the Line and choosing to shift as needed.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

There are so many qualities that great leaders have in common. The four that I feel are absolutely essential are curiosity, courage, compassion (for self and other), and connectedness. If I had to pick just one, it would be curiosity.

How do you inspire others?

I walk my talk. That is, I strive to live my life in alignment with my core values, even when it’s not easy to do so or when my values are at odds with each other.