I believe the most powerful leaders are the most human. They aren't the loudest voice in the room, but the one who listens. My name is Miriam and my journey to founding Sonder & Self was guided by this simple belief: that leadership begins from a place of deep self-awareness and genuine connection. I believe management styles should be grounded by deeply human leadership, rooted in looking after your people, knowing they will in turn look after you.

For over a decade, my career in sales, marketing, strategic communications, and team leadership taught me the realities of corporate leadership. I worked my way up from a salesperson to a General Sales Manager, which came with a lot of pressure and the need to always deliver. While on the surface my senior leaders were supportive, I was often scared to express how I truly felt for fear of being told I was wrong, judged, ultimately how those conversations would affect future career opportunities. I felt like my guidance was given in riddles, I was only really told what I was getting wrong and I had to try and figure out a lot on my own, with very little positive feedback. It ultimately led to a period of burnout where I felt completely deflated in my own abilities.

My next role as a Communications Advisor in State Government was a refreshing change of pace, a space to find clarity. It was here that I realised what I missed most wasn’t the title or position, but the opportunity to build up a team, support them, and guide them toward their goals. This desire to lead with empathy also extends to my personal life, where I have led teams in various community groups and believe deeply in giving back.

I created Sonder & Self to be the coaching space I wished I had. I use my extensive background and education to help professionals who, like me, were guided into leadership positions without being taught how to lead, manage up, and ask for help.

My approach is grounded in empathy and a commitment to ongoing growth. As a certified Executive Leadership Coach with a background in Psychology, Marketing, Advertising, Communications and Management, I am dedicated to helping you find your own voice and lead with an authentic confidence that is truly yours.

I've shared a bit of my story with you, and I’m ready to hear yours. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you to lead and grow.

The meaning behind the name

Sonder: Noun - the profound feeling of realising that each person has an inner world with their own unique story, ambitions, and struggles.

Self: Noun - the union of elements (such as body, emotions, thoughts, and sensations) that constitute the individuality and identity of a person

The significance - Sonder & Self encourages empathy and compassion by reminding us that everyone is living a life just as significant as our own, even if we are unaware of it. We are responsible for ourselves, our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and emotions. How we interact with and perceive the world is a direct reflection of ourselves.