Name: Dr. Sonja Elise Freeman, EMBA

Title: Founder/Executive Producer

Organisation: Divine Voices Media

Rev. Dr. Sonja Elise Freeman is the Founder/Executive Producer of Divine Voices Media, an inspirational multimedia production firm based in Houston and New York City, specializing in producing live music performances, women's empowerment conferences, podcasting, publishing, theater, film, and music recordings. She is an award-winning scholar, entrepreneur, and musician with a mission to inspire, empower, and encourage all who have an ear to hear!

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Sonja's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

I show my authentic self in all that I do. I make sure to let the ones who are part of my firm understand that I genuinely love what I do and only want to work with others who love what they do. I strive for excellence daily and seek to connect with others who do the same. We have mutual trust, honor, and respect because I am a woman of my word. I am thankful that my employees, customers, and supporters all know my firm is a ministry to inspire, empower, and encourage my community, nation, and the world in all I produce.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

VISION means what a business will do as a long-term idealistic outcome for a company's future, and a MISSION means a roadmap to a VISION that explains how it will be achieved. To use vision and mission in a real-world business is to share specifically what a business wants to achieve during its existence and the way it will reach its target audience. It can be shared on its website, social media, ads, marketing materials, and employee handbook.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

A leader can empower the people they lead by delegating and communicating effectively, setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, encouraging collaboration, providing support, and communicating the team's purpose.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

A mentor who positively influenced my leadership is the late Dr. Ruby N. Hebert, my voice professor at Prairie View A&M University; she taught me on the first day of class that there is no such word as "can't!" She explained that if you do not try, you will never know if you can or cannot. In every class session for four and a half years, Dr. Hebert had me try something new to stretch my voice with a new repertoire in five languages.

She showed me how to come out of my comfort zone, learn from each mistake, and conquer my fear of cracking a note when I sing. She would say, "If you do not crack a note, you will never learn what not to do with your voice." I learned vocal techniques and life lessons in every class. I will never forget her and share that wisdom with my team and clients daily, saying that trying will take you out of your comfort zone, stretch your abilities, and broaden your thinking on what you can accomplish.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

I make sure to take time away from thinking about work all of the time by reading, writing in my blessings journal, talking to my closest best friends and accountability partners, who are all entrepreneurs, and relaxing by watching movies about entrepreneurs! It is called balance for me. These activities focus on me because I become well-rounded through stimulating conversations, reading autobiographies, writing my thoughts about growing as a leader, and watching documentaries and movies about business.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

I recently started creating a digital Prayer Vision Board with three sections: Personal, Business, and Ministry for the year. I include in the vision board what I prayerfully believe God to come to pass within the year for me to prepare and plan. Every week, I make sure to join at least two webinars about leadership or entrepreneurship; every month, I look to connect with at least five new executives via LinkedIn to expand my business network.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

I recommend that you trust your gut decisions. If you feel something is not right, you are correct. You know what you want to accomplish, and choosing your team and team leaders is the most important decision ever. Delegation is the best leadership action you can ever do for your company. Do not allow your ego or pride to hinder you from leading effectively by utilizing your team's strengths to enhance your success.