Keynote Speaker
Leadership, Humility, & Owning Your Gifts
Ona speaks to both secular and faith-based audiences to help them own their unique gifts and take bold, grounded action on their calling, even when they do not feel “ready” yet.
Teams & organizations walk away equipped to build a culture of honest, generous leadership, where everyone consistently brings their best ideas to the table.
Entrepreneurs, students, & women’s groups walk away with the inspiration to shoot their shot, throw away their “not yet” list, and say yes to what they’re made for now.
Speaking Demo
Signature Keynote:
The Little Way to Big Things
Overview:
Everyone has a calling and gifts to share, but most of us are waiting until we’re ready, qualified, or certain enough to take the step that matters most. Ona calls this the “not yet” list, and it’s the most convincing list of excuses we’ll ever write. We believe a big calling requires a big leap, so we wait and “prepare” behind the scenes instead of taking the steps we are being called to take.
Ona found another way in St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a young nun who believed greatness was found in small actions done with love. In this keynote, Ona translates Thérèse’s “Little Way” for ambitious, purpose-driven people.
Through honest stories from her own life, Ona shows that the most powerful steps on your path are usually small, humble, and available right now. When you stop trying to be ready and start saying yes to the next small step, even when it is scary, the excuses lose their grip.
For entrepreneurs and students, this talk brings clarity to their calling and reveals the small but powerful steps they haven’t taken yet.
For teams and organizations, this talk inspires humble, generous leadership and a culture where everyone on the team consistently brings their best ideas to the table.
Audiences leave lighter, clearer, and ready to take meaningful action on their calling.
Key Takeaways:
How to spot your “not yet” list and throw it away
Why waiting until you feel “ready” keeps you stuck, and how humility sets you free
How to identify and take action on the tiny, yet impactful next step you’ve been inadvertently avoiding
How small acts done with love become a meaningful legacy
How to own your unique gifts as they are right now
Who is this for?
Leadership teams, executives and company events; entrepreneurs, students and women’s events; spiritual and faith-based events; and personal growth audiences.
Signature Workshop:
Sincere Selling: A Masterclass in Ethical Sales Conversations
Selling gives a lot of people the ick because so many sales tactics out there are pushy, manipulative, and not service minded. When the focus is on “getting” the sale, we lose what matters most - genuine care and connection with those we are here to serve.
In this masterclass, Ona teaches how to lead effective, ethical sales conversations rooted in service and integrity. Through surrendering to God (or a higher power such as love), audiences learn how to fully detach from the outcome while simultaneously connecting deeply with their future buyers.
This is a skill audiences will use for the rest of their lives, so their ideas, courses, books, and sessions will reach the people they’re meant to while they build a sustainable living.
Key Takeaways:
Learn the foundations of effective, ethical sales
Spot the mental blocks that keep you from applying those foundations
Follow a step-by-step approach to leading sales conversations, plus a PDF guide to reference the next time you sell
Walk away with a fresh perspective on sales that has zero ick
Who is this for?
Leadership teams, sales teams, executives and company events; entrepreneurs, students and women’s events
Speaking and workshop experience:
What people are saying:
“If you're looking for an energetic, thought provoking, engaging presenter for your group, then I highly recommend Ona Sophia!
From the moment she took our stage, our room settled in to listen to her real talk inspiration to take us to the next level!
She inspired & encouraged our group to think beyond ourselves, guiding us to focus on our "why" and be less concerned with
the appearance of having it all together! Her tangible takeaways led to key actions, allowing us to move more efficiently and effectively
to achieve the desired results without sounding too pushy! When you're ready to grow, give her a call-we're certainly glad we did!”
Victoria Stevenson Entrepreneur, 4U2BU.COM and Advisor, Gainesville Area Women's Network Inc.
“My biggest takeaway was realizing that our biggest obstacle is often our own mindset.
We tell ourselves ‘no’ to things we’re actually capable of doing. Take a look at your ‘not now’ moments and ask yourself: What’s truly stopping me from accomplishing this?
You might realize the only thing standing in your way is the story you’ve been telling yourself. Thank you Ona!”
Keynote attendee, 2026
Book Ona to speak at your next event!
Each of Ona’s keynotes and workshops are thoughtfully crafted with your team in mind. They are customizable and designed to inspire practical action and measurable results.
I would love to speak to your organization or group. Please get in touch to speak about the details of your event and see if it is an aligned fit.
About Ona
Hey, I’m Ona! Speaker, writer, and spiritual guide walking the path of Catholic mysticism. I’m also a licensed acupuncture physician and business coach.
I help ambitious people say yes to the calling God placed on them, one small step at a time. I also teach ethical sales and marketing that is true to your unique voice.
In 2017 I quit drinking and began guiding meditations and coaching people privately. I’ve been helping people embrace their gifts ever since.
Right now I’m applying to Master of Divinity programs, eager to let theology deepen my mission of helping people radically accept themselves so their gifts can shine.
I live with two tuxedo cats and two bunnies, and I love reading the saints and mystics and swimming at the beach or the springs in my free time.
I am always happy to connect so please feel free to reach out anytime with questions, inquiries, or collaborations!