Sonia Omar
Change-Maker, Coach, Consultant
I guide visionary people and organisations
to flourish and make a positive impact
in the world.
my vision
Liberation is the mission of change-making ;
but are we free in ourselves?
This is the question that took me on a twenty-year journey of travel and enquiry whilst engaged in activism and human rights.Born to a Scottish mother and Egyptian father, I learned the pain of a fear-based response to difference, as well as the beauty of diversity. I understood that, despite the complexity of differences, there was fizzing potential for collaboration, celebration and action.I was always drawn to speak up for the rights of others. Experiencing racism as a child opened my heart to those facing discrimination, fuelling my mission to contribute to a more loving world. But I often struggled with self-doubt, seeking validation instead of embracing my true self—a challenge that holds many of us back from our potential.I knew I needed to cultivate a lifestyle that supported my emotional resilience, kept me rooted and nurtured my capacity for joy. I knew this was needed individually and collectively to thrive.As change-makers, we need to be great at taking care of ourselves. We need space not only to act, but to imagine, to heal and to grow. Without hope and vitality, we can’t innovate or make lasting impact and build vibrant communities.Balancing hope and despair is part of the journey. We need to trust that our contribution is making a difference, no matter how small or slow it seems. We need to find our community of kindred spirits and feel empowered in their presence.Just like the systems we seek to change, we must shed limiting beliefs about ourselves and our world to let a new “us” and a new narrative emerge. We need the courage to disrupt negativity, express ourselves boldly, and build caring societies.We’re all unique, but we are not meant to be lone warriors. With specialised support, we can align with our purpose, deepen our capacity for empathy and live authentically and collectively. We are crucial to this world! We must and can rise to meet these times, but it involves inner work, openness and courage.
"Without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters."- Rev Angel Kyodo Williams
coaching
What is a change-maker?
how can coaching help?
Change-makers are passionate visionaries driven to make a difference, be that as social entrepreneurs, non-profit CEO's, musicians, artists, activists or humanitarians (they can also be coaches!).Their passion, life experience and sensitivity to what needs to change can often mean they are easily overwhelmed, often over-worked and usually managing guilt and perfectionism. They are often not so good at work-life balance, true self-care or nurturing optimism.Changing the world is fulfilling, but it can be tough as well. It can stir strong emotions. We can feel dispirited and helpless. Through personal growth, travel, and mindfulness practices, I’ve learned to bring balance to my life, reduce stress and lead from the heart with more optimism. This is what I share through my coaching.A great coach shines a light which reveals things hidden or forgotten; they illuminate the truths in our heart and connect us back to our own wisdom. As a coach, I’ll remind you of your strengths, reconnect you to your creativity and passion and support you avoid burnout and self-sabotage. I will ask you questions to reveal your values and passions. I might provoke you sometimes to get to your truth!Together, we’ll uncover your authentic leadership style, bringing more joy and self-care into your life. I’ll share tools and inspiration to help you reconnect with your values and courageously express them. I'll remind you what brings you alive and how to practice that.*Some of the tools I use in my coaching sessions are: meditation techniques, Human Design and Ikagi Mapping. All of these can open the subconscious and create a foundation for exploring your agency in the world.
"Sonia's insights are not only practical but transformative, making her coaching invaluable..."
"'Don’t ask what the world needs.
Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - H Thurman
consultancy
"Sonia's expertise in fundraising is unparalleled..."
International Project Management
Fundraising
Digital Communications
Human Rights Advocacy
Capacity Building
Well - being at work
I bring over twenty years of human rights and international development experience to my consultancy work, having served as a CEO, Head of Fundraising, and in roles spanning human rights advocacy, digital communications, capacity building, workshop facilitation and media production.I’ve worked for organisations of varying sizes and with communities in over 15 countries. This has given me a deep understanding of diverse operational and budgeting realities, skills in cross- cultural communication and qualities of patience, innovation and flexibility!Whether designing communications strategies, supporting fundraising planning or advising on international project management, my consultancy work is infused by my passion for positive impact as well as curiosity and respect for local knowledge and harmonious teams.While change-making is serious business, I can't help but bring joy, passion and creativity into my work. I believe that human connection and grassroots engagement lead to better solutions and more resilient, thriving organisations.
"Sonia's understanding of our mission and goals, as well as respect for our perspective and voice,
were evident."
motivational speaker
Over the last 30 years, I have had conversations with people whose lives look completely different to my own. My travels have brought me into contact with incredible change-makers who have shared their life stories with me over cups of sweet tea in mountain huts, under desert skies, on tropical beaches, in meditation halls, on dance floors and stages. Their stories have made a mark in my life.These are the people whose journeys and wisdom I share in story-telling, to lift our collective spirits and imagine a better world. Like the twins I met from Rwanda, who were separated when they fled genocide as young children and were reunited seven years later by an international tracing service. They never gave up hope.Or a Somali woman and dear friend who became paralysed and is finally moving her legs, through sheer determination, for the first time in thirteen years- despite being told she never would! Pivotal moments in my own life, like leading an organisation through a devastating earthquake, taught me that in moments of shock, hidden strengths and untold kindness can emerge.Thanks to my love for travel and people, I have learned refreshing perspectives, reminding me that we are all innately courageous, creative, and kind; that the world is a beautiful place and that peace is possible- within and without.
Ready to inspire your team or audience to dream big and take action? Let’s make it happen!
Giving Back
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Many incredible individuals and organisations cannot access coaching and consultancy support. I am passionate about mobilising opportunities and resources for those with the skills and motivation to make changes in their communities.My commitment is, that for every paying client, I will generate coaching scholarships and free consultancy sessions for individuals or organisations who are doing great work in the world.I am a Gratitude Network Coach, offering pro-bono support to a fantastic Youth Organisation in Kenya as part of their 2024 Fellowship Programme.I am also collaborating with youth organisations, including Pestalozzi World, to develop leadership coaching programmes for young emerging leaders from their alumni programmes.
testimonials
Jules Lynch
CEO Global Girls Project
"Sonia recently provided a review Global Girl Project’s communications, particularly on our website and social media. From the comms report and our meeting with her, it was evident that she is thorough, dedicated, and proficient. Her review contained clear action steps on how to improve our website, social media, and overall communications to attract and retain donors and other stakeholders. For our website, she provided guides for impactful storytelling telling. Her understanding of our mission and goals, as well as her respect for our perspective and voice, were evident in the thoughtful recommendations she provided."
www.globalgirlproject.org/
Humzah Farrukh
CEO, Farrukh Foundation
"I recently had the privilege of doing a coaching session with Sonia Omar, an incredible human being and former CEO of EFA Morocco. Sonia's expertise in fundraising is unparalleled, having raised millions of dollars during her impressive 10-year tenure at EFA Morocco. Her deep understanding of the nuances of fundraising, combined with her strategic approach and genuine passion for her work, left a lasting impact on me. Sonia's insights are not only practical but also transformative, making her consulting and coaching services an invaluable asset for anyone looking to excel in their fundraising efforts and beyond as well."
www.farrukhfoundation.org/
Matt Black,
Member of Coldcut, Co Founder of Ninja Tune,
Producer, DJ & Environmental Activist
"I did a 4 session set of coaching with Sonia, and found it very helpful. She is a great listener, but active and able to pick up on what Im saying and offer useful insights. She is herself a very open and warm person and this encouraged me to access those same qualities. I liked the way in which she made notes one what we discussed, summarised them and fed them back to me as a clear reference for the work. Sonia's sense of humour also made the sessions fun. After our sessions together I am feeling much more grounded and - dare I say it! - happier. Thank you Sonia!"
Pete Mills
Musician, Composer and Co-founder of SCALE
"Sonia is extremely attentive, knowledgeable, calm and supportive. She really helped me clarify my fundamental passions and goals, and during and after the session I felt really motivated and confident in my next steps. I also knew she was there should I have any further questions. She sent me a very inspiring video after our session -unprompted- which I really liked, as well as a great summary of the session. For me, with so many ideas, and currently developing good systems, this was super helpful, and I can’t wait until our next session!"
www.scale.how