A Q&A With Sonia Hernandez, Partner, People, Columbus Consulting International

Sonia Hernandez is a partner of the people division for Columbus Consulting International. She’s also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle consultant member! In this member spotlight, we asked Hernandez a series of questions about both her professional and personal lives, including the woman that inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more, so that you can get to know her better.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
   “Weekend Language: Presenting With More Stories and Less PowerPoint” by Andy Craig
2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
   Train people on collaboration tools; don’t leave it to self-train.
3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
   Not asking for help when I needed it.
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Worrying about how to give everyone quality time.
5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
   Provide challenging opportunities and learning opportunities.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
   Ketanji Brown Jackson, the new Supreme Court justice, because of her authentic approach during the hearings.
7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry?
   Embracing change and technology
8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
   Do they ask good questions?
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
   I can become consistent in learning a new habit and breaking a bad habit.
10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    Parts Unknown
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Transparency, empathy, trust
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m private until I get to know you.
13. What’s one habit you adopted while working from home that you kept/would like to keep with you as you return to the office?
    Daily workouts
14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m a highly adaptable and curious leader who prefers to be behind the current, not in front of it.
15. What’s your favorite app?
    Lumen. I love the science blended with knowledge and tracking abilities.
16. What do you do to recharge?
    Go to water and relax with a book.
17. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    Being a mentor and mother to my daughter.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Be on an adventure every day, look at things around you, and seek to understand.
19. What gets you up in the morning?
    My two golden retrievers, Molly and Charlie
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle?
    Learning from others, including hearing about the journey of others.