- FAQS
Frequently asked questions.
Leadership is complex. The answers shouldn’t be. Here’s how we work, what we deliver, and what to expect.
ABOUT US
What is LeadershipHQ?
A leadership development company. We help leaders and teams lead with courage, authenticity and impact. For 35+ years of combined leadership expertise, we’ve worked with leaders, teams and organisations through coaching, programs, keynotes and workshops. Our approach blends neuroscience with practical tools — whether you lead from the boardroom, the classroom or the frontline. Leadership isn’t a title. It’s how you show up.
Who is Sonia McDonald?
Our CEO and founder, and founder of The Leadership Association. Sonia is a global leadership expert, keynote speaker and award-winning author of Leadership Attitude, Just Rock It! and First Comes Courage. Her work blends neuroscience, courage and heart-led leadership, and she speaks and coaches internationally.
What makes LeadershipHQ different?
We don’t tick leadership boxes. We work on how you actually lead when it’s hard. Most leadership training focuses on skills and theory. We focus on the deeper drivers of behaviour — what happens to judgement, emotion and connection under real pressure. Everything is tailored to your organisation rather than delivered off a shelf.
Where are you based?
Brisbane, Australia — and we work globally. Programs run in person anywhere in the world, online, or as a blend of both.
What industries do you work with?
Construction, mining, infrastructure, government, education, banking and professional services, and beyond — see the full list on our Industries page. Our approach suits high-pressure, complex environments where decisions carry weight and people dynamics are critical.
WHAT WE OFFER
What services do you offer?
Coaching, programs, workshops, assessments, keynotes and culture work — executive & leadership coaching, team development workshops, leadership programs (Women Leaders, Emerging Leaders, Leadership Impact, The Leadership Brain™, and bespoke), leadership masterclasses, assessments & diagnostics, culture transformation, keynotes & speaking, and membership communities including The Leadership Association.
Do you work with individuals, or only organisations?
Both. Individuals can join public programs, self-paced online programs, one-on-one coaching, or our membership communities. Organisations engage us for tailored programs, team development, assessments and culture work.
Do you run programs specifically for women?
Yes. The Women Leaders Program is one of our flagship offerings. It combines confidence-building, leadership mastery and a supportive community, and runs as self-paced, group coaching, one-on-one, or a corporate package.
What is Worksparks, and how is it different from coaching?
An on-demand app that supports you in the moment, rather than before or after it. When something difficult comes up — a tough conversation, a decision, conflict — Worksparks helps you pause, think clearly and respond with confidence. It doesn’t replace coaching. It strengthens it.
What is The Leadership Association, and who is it for?
A leadership community, with membership from $95. It’s for leaders who want ongoing growth rather than a one-off program — live sessions, tools, and a connected group of other leaders. Membership is included in selected LeadershipHQ programs.
Can we book Sonia for a keynote or panel?
Yes. Sonia speaks at conferences and events worldwide. Topics include courageous leadership, impostor syndrome, the future of leadership, and leading through change. Enquiries go through soniamcdonald.com.
WORKING WITH US
How do I get started?
Book a strategy session. It’s a conversation, not a pitch. We’ll talk through what you’re trying to shift and recommend an approach — or tell you honestly if we’re not the right fit. You can also join a public program, subscribe to our newsletter, or become a member of The Leadership Association.
How quickly can we get started?
Once we understand your needs we’ll recommend an approach and next steps within a few days. Timing from there depends on scope and whether the program is bespoke or existing — a single masterclass can often be booked within a few weeks; a bespoke multi-cohort program typically needs four to eight weeks to design properly before it starts.
What does it cost?
It depends on scope, cohort size and delivery format — a single masterclass and a multi-year enterprise program sit at very different ends of the range. Membership of The Leadership Association starts from $95. For anything bespoke, book a strategy session and we’ll give you a straight figure, not a brochure range.
Do you customise programs?
Yes — every one of them. We tailor to your strategy, your challenges and your people, so the experience is relevant and practical rather than generic.
Do you offer virtual and in-person options?
Yes. In person, virtual, or hybrid. Formats range from full-day and two-day immersives to half-day sessions and one-to-two-hour virtual masterclasses.
How long do programs run?
From a single half-day masterclass to multi-month cohort journeys — our most-delivered program, the Emerging Leaders Program, typically runs nine months. Executive coaching engagements are usually six to eight months. We’ll size it to what you’re trying to shift, not the other way around.
RESULTS & EVIDENCE
Are your programs evidence-based?
Yes. They’re grounded in neuroscience, emotional intelligence and leadership research, alongside decades of practical leadership experience. We don’t do fluff. We use frameworks that hold up in practice, and tools that turn insight into action.
What results can we expect?
Measurable shifts in leadership capability, team engagement, decision-making and culture. Some organisations have seen up to an 11x return on investment. Independent research also links leadership development to around 20% productivity gains, and identifies managers as explaining roughly 70% of the variance in team engagement.
Why does leadership fail, even with good strategy?
Because leadership doesn’t fail in strategy. It fails in moments. Under pressure the brain defaults to fast, protective thinking. It reacts, defends, and repeats what’s familiar. That isn’t leadership — it’s survival. We help leaders slow down, think clearly, and choose how they show up when it matters most.
Still have a question?
A short conversation will tell you more than any FAQ. We’ll be honest about whether we can help.