Sonya Barlow
(She/Her)
As seen in:
BBC Asian Network,
Tripadvisor,
Apple Podcasts,
Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel,
LinkedIn,
The Waterstones Podcast,
The Guardian,
The Telegraph,
Yahoo Canada,
Metro (UK),
Substack,
Spartan News Room
and
Covers:
Tech, travel, ai, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, wellness, careers, inclusion, content, personal branding, luxury, hotel reviews, slow travel, solo travel
CEO @lmfnetwork, Author & Motivational Keynote Speaker | BBC Host & Linkedin Top Voice |📕Writing New Rules of Networking w/ @bloomsburybooks | South Asian ADHD
Articles by Sonya Barlow
#businessnetworking #keynotepresenter #leadershipdevelopment #london #womeninbusiness #futureofwork
More from this author Explore content categories
15 Steps to Maximise Success at Any Networking Event
Ever wondered how to turn every networking event into a career-boosting opportunity? It’s not about being the loudest in the room – it’s about being the most prepared. Preparation has helped me land introductions with The White House in the US and deliver keynotes in Malaysia on the power of networking. Over the years, I’ve learned that being prepared isn’t just about what you pack, but about how you show up mentally.
Fail to Win: How I Turned a Voice Over Rejection into a Google Gig
Have you ever had a moment where a big opportunity slipped through your fingers? You prepared, showed up and delivered, only to hear no or be ghosted. Rejection hits hard no matter what age - like a door slamming in your face. But the truth is that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s the first stepping stone. And this is a full-circle moment story: the time I failed a voice-over gig interview… only to land a bigger one with Google a year later.
The Big Business Networking Question: Giving First or Taking Away?
Business networking has always been framed as a long game of opportunity, but here’s the real question: are you building relationships to give, or to take? I've asked myself this countless times throughout my career. When I first started networking at events in London, I thought success meant collecting the most contacts, pitching myself, and getting that "big break." Networking felt like a game of Pokémon with business cards as the ultimate prize.
In this week’s edition, I’m unpacking how AI bias is shaping careers, recruitment, and networking, often in ways we don’t even notice.
In this week’s edition, I’m unpacking how AI bias is shaping careers, recruitment, and networking, often in ways we don’t even notice. After reading about it on Linkedin News and doing my research, I’m also sharing four steps leaders can take to audit AI and build more inclusive networks. #AIBias #Recruitment #CareerAdvice #BusinessNetworking #DEI #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveLeadership #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceEquity #FutureOfWork #SouthAsianHeritageMonth
The 3 Cultural Barriers Holding South Asian Women Back from Leadership
Did you know South Asian women hold less than 5% of leadership roles across most industries?
What is a Workfluencer?
My younger cousin recently messaged me, asking for advice on how to be seen, heard, and recognised at work. I sent her a list of actionable steps. Soon after, I received a similar request from the LMF community, and the WhatsApp group was popping off! Over the past ten years, I've built a positive portfolio career, a strong public brand, and established myself as a thought leader. I've also experimented with various formats to share career insights and aid professional development.
#careergrowth #networkingtips #howtonetwork #womeninbusiness #lmfnetwork…
Sonya Barlow Sonya Barlow is an Influencer Award Winning Tech Entrepreneur @ LMF NETWORK | 📲 Join our App for Career Development | International Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn DEI Top Voice | Side Hustles: Creator, BBC Presenter | 100K Followers, ADHD & SouthAsian 3h Report this post Let’s be honest... small talk is the worst. 😅 But don’t worry—I’ve got you! If you want to make real connections (and not just swap job titles), try asking better questions: 📖 What’s the last book that truly inspired you?
#diversityandinclusion #adhd #workfromhome #news #womeninbusiness…
Sonya Barlow Sonya Barlow is an Influencer Award Winning Tech Entrepreneur @ LMF NETWORK | 📲 Join our App for Career Development | International Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn DEI Top Voice | Side Hustles: Creator, BBC Presenter | 100K Followers, ADHD & SouthAsian 1h Edited Report this post “WFH isn’t real work” 📥 So why am I always working? Replying to emails on my laptop or phone?
#wtmlondon #wtm2024 #businesstravel #businessnetworking #publicspeakers…
Create your free account or sign in to continue your search New to LinkedIn? Join now By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.
November: Katherine Ryan, Jacqueline Wilson, Nadiya Hussain, Holly Branson, Charlene White and MORE
November will be an epic month for learning and networking events. As I made the graphic, I had to take a step back to breathe and realise that I would be in the same rooms with some of the most amazing women we've seen impact our daily lives (Katherine, Nadiya, Jacqueline, Holly and Charlene are just 3 of many I get the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with). If you know me, you know I am not a gatekeeper and love to bring you along for the ride.
Sonya Barlow on LinkedIn
Sonya Barlow’s Post Sonya Barlow Sonya Barlow is an Influencer Award Winning Entrepreneur @ LMF NETWORK 🚀 | International Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn Top Voice: DE&I | Tech, Travel & Trends | Side Hustles: Creator, MC, BBC Presenter, Journalist, 100K Followers | ADHD & South Asian 17m 💫 Full circle Moment - 9 years ago I was using SAP systems at work and now, I'm the official host for the SAP #SuccessConnect Virtual Show on October 28th.
Sonya Barlow on LinkedIn
Sonya Barlow’s Post Sonya Barlow Sonya Barlow is an Influencer Award Winning Entrepreneur @ LMF NETWORK 🚀 | International Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn Top Voice: DE&I | Tech, Travel & Trends | Side Hustles: Creator, MC, BBC Presenter, Journalist, 100K Followers | ADHD & South Asian 19m Edited 32 random thoughts before I turn 32 📝🎈 1. Change is healthy 2. Follow your natural skills 3. You can be good at maths and at art 4. Stop sending essays on text 5. Be proud of your differences 6.
Sonya Barlow on LinkedIn
Sonya Barlow’s Post Sonya Barlow Sonya Barlow is an Influencer Award Winning Entrepreneur @ LMF NETWORK 🚀 | International Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn Top Voice: DE&I | Tech, Travel & Trends | Side Hustles: Creator, MC, BBC Presenter, Journalist, 100K Followers | ADHD & South Asian 35m Edited 🦄 7 thoughts I’ve had since achieving 2 million organic impressions in 7 days 1. Define content why, vision and value add before posting (not for the sake of it) 2.
3 lessons learnt from interviewing Karren Brady
Sonya Barlow’s Post Sonya Barlow Sonya Barlow is an Influencer Award Winning Entrepreneur @ LMF NETWORK 🚀 | International Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn Top Voice: DE&I | Tech, Travel & Trends | Side Hustles: Creator, MC, BBC Presenter, Journalist, 100K Followers | ADHD & South Asian 38m 3 lessons learnt from interviewing Karren Brady Sonya Barlow on LinkedIn 12 3 Comments See more comments To view or add a comment, sign in More Relevant Posts Sonya Barlow Sonya Barlow is an Influencer Award...
3 lessons learnt from interviewing Karren Brady
"What have you learnt about yourself since becoming a grandmother?" I asked Karren. Pause. Laugh. "I am Fun" Baroness Karren Brady replied. In October, I had the pleasure of hosting a fireside chat with Business Mogul Baroness Karren Brady for the Women in Business and Tech Conference, with whom I have collaborated for the last 5 years. The conversation was personable and informative, with the crowd spilling into the stands. I was honoured to lead the discussion and unpack Karren's golden nuggets.
Sorrento to Santorini: nine Mediterranean escapes for autumn sunshine
When in Milan, stay in style at Grand Hotel Villa Torretta Milan Sesto, Curio Collection by Hilton. Photograph: PR/Erica Fadini The “September scaries” are no joke. Nights come quicker, jackets get thicker, and verdant landscapes begin to fade. Thoughts of thermostats, scarves and – dare I say – Christmas, begin to percolate into our consciousness. Wasn’t it May just a couple of weeks ago? Sojourn south, however, and you’ll find summer clings on.
How to improve yourself by 1% daily: slow and steady wins the race.
Have you ever felt stagnant or slow? Slow, as in the main character in a movie scene and everything around you is moving at 2x the speed. I have/did. Instead of sitting around sulking, I shifted my mindset and have used this slower period to improve myself by 1% daily. Below I share some of my insights, learnings and benefits. It's true - Slow and steady wins the race.
9 life lessons April taught me
Isn't time just moving way too fast right now? I woke up to many April wrap-up social media posts and wondered how we'd moved past February. April feels like a month of change, new design and innovation, and yet, listening to Bloomberg this morning, something I am trying to create into a habit, the topline theme was that April was a difficult month for commerce and confidence, with high inflation, low spend and little funding.
11 Ways To Respond When Asked For Free Work?
11 responses for when companies come for free work (especially when you have credibility) On every platform I scroll, numerous women share a story about another (large) profitable company, asking them to serve their time for free this International Women's Day. With the theme of International Women's Day (UN, 2024) being "Invest in Progress", it's ironic that the reward is still exposure over paying the expenses.
Sonya Barlow: Please, Come Online
By Sonya Barlow Get a daily email featuring the latest talk, plus a quick mix of trending content. By subscribing, you understand and agree that we will store, process and manage your personal information according to our Privacy Policy
3 Ways to make your business stand out from the crowd
With less than 4% of female founders receiving external funding, it is no wonder we are increasing the support towards a marginalised community and more initiatives to push women into spaces they need to reclaim. In November 2023, I had the pleasure of hosting a Fiverr and Virgin Startups female founder competition and the opportunity to win £15,000 worth of Fiver credits in the process.
Is entrepreneurship worth it?
Is entrepreneurship worth the rollercoaster ride of feelings and finances? The data suggests a resounding "yes." Female entrepreneurs have the potential to inject a staggering $5 trillion into the economy, a figure equivalent to the size of Japan's economy (WeForum.) But beneath the promising statistics lies a journey with challenges, little networks, and self-doubt.
7 London restaurants for solo diners
Portions for one, window seats with a view, and stellar food. London, my home, is a magical place full of multiculturalism, which feeds into its sprawling dining and drink options. In my 20s, I started to see the city through the eyes of a solo traveler, doing a bit of soul-searching while snacking in every café I could afford.
48 hours in Tallinn, Estonia / Travel
48 Hours in Tallinn: Journey into History, Culture, and Tech When it comes to travel destinations, Estonia may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, let me introduce you to the captivating world of Tallinn—a medieval town steeped in history and culture and now the thriving hub of European tech giants like Bolt, Skype, and Wise.
Set up for success: how to use the BRIO 500 and Zone Vibe 100 to nail your next virtual interview
By Sonya Barlow Interviewing is one of those things everyone on the planet does. Traditionally, discussions were for job interviews and career conversations. So when I started a business, I hadn't considered the interviews I would have to give, which came to life when bringing on new clients, presenting for bids or speaking to the media.
Grand Ledge businesses see changes after COVID-19 - Spartan Newsroom
Most businesses across Grand Ledge experienced both ups and downs as a result of the COVID-19 and a number of them are still viable after surviving changes brought on by the pandemic. Pam’s Pantry Pam’s Pantry, a gourmet food store situated in Grand Ledge, has been open for twenty years. Since they are a licensed food establishment, they were able to stay open legally.
Grand Ledge library engages, connects with community
Like many other public spaces across the country and the world, the Grand Ledge Area District Library (GLADL) was deeply affected by COVID-19, but director, Lise Mitchell, and the staff figured out ways to still stay connected and keep the community engaged. The library’s main mission is to have a wide variety of informational, educational and recreational resources. “We are always looking for ways to be relevant to the community,” Mitchell said.
Board of Education to sell Wacousta; build new school - Spartan Newsroom
Grand Ledge Board of Education voted unanimously to allow Superintendent Bill Barnes to begin negotiations with Watertown Township on the potential sale of the Wacousta Elementary School building. Before the school district sells the old building, it will construct a new, upgraded Wacousta Elementary. The new school will be financed from a bond passed in March 2018.
Flour Child Bakery raises money for important causes
Article | Flour Child Bakery in Grand Ledge, not only serves the community, but raises funds to help support causes as well. Voted the best bakery in the Lansing area by the readers of the Lansing City Pulse, it has also received the award for the best bagels in the Lansing area three years in a row. Beth Augustine, owner of the bakery, started out at the farmer’s market in 2010 and then opened Flour Child Bakery in 2016.
Workplace inequality: The role of gender bias and how to break it
There are many things that organisations can do to break these biases. We have outlined a few steps and actions that leaders can take right now to mitigate the impact of harmful biases and eliminate them from the workplace. Listen and then invest in education. Colleagues must listen to one another and hear each other’s different experiences. Not only does this raise awareness, but it also creates an inclusive space.
Bridging the Gender Gap
Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, founder of the LMF Network, diversity and inclusion coach, TEDx speaker, LinkedIn changemaker 2021, radio host of the BBC Asian Network’s the everyday hustle, and author of Unprepared to Entrepreneur. I remember watching Bollywood movies as a child and noticing the critical dialogues placed on educated girls, the push given by their families to finish their studies and the celebrations at the end.
Things women and women of colour can do to #BreakTheBias
Sonya Barlow, award-winning entrepreneur, shares how you can break the bias on International Women's Day. International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8th to celebrate women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. But, IWD is also a stop in the way to identifying what needs to be done to achieve gender parity - but even among women, there are different gaps.
Breaking Bias: Combat Gender Bias to Create a More Inclusive Workplace
Sam is on a bus Sam is carrying a teddy bear and wearing pink boots Sam is so excited to see their granddaughter again It’s been too long since they’ve seen one another due to Sam’s recent round-the-world sailing trip. Notice as you read these statements- what happened to your image of Sam in your mind. What gender is Sam? Age? Did these aspects of Sam’s identity change as the statements progressed? This is your bias in operation.
The gender pay gap: Three ways organisations can ensure equality for women leaders
Despite the progression of women in the workplace, the latest report on women leaders in FTSE companies confirms the sorry statistics that women are still at a disadvantage when it comes to pay. One step forward, two steps back According to the Hampton-Alexander Review 2021, there are over 36 per cent and 34 per cent of women on FTSE 100 and FTSE 350 boards, respectively. However, this progress has been made up mainly in the non-executive roles. There are too few women who are CEOs or Chairs.
The ‘f’ word: why the best businesses build on failure — Just Entrepreneurs
We don’t talk about failure enough. We tend to share the wins and successes but hide the setbacks and missteps. We don’t acknowledge that we fail more than we succeed, and we should. If we did, we wouldn’t see it as something to be ashamed of. I, Sonya Barlow, challenge this way of thinking in chapter 1 of Unprepared to Entrepreneur.
Unprepared to Entrepreneur
Get a FREE ebook with your print copy so you can start reading immediately. Select the "bundle" option to get yours. T+Cs apply. A Method to the Madness of Starting Your Own Business Uncover how you can be your own boss, launch a successful business and live the life you want, bypassing business school, funding rounds and exclusive members clubs.
Unprepared to Entrepreneur by Sonya Barlow
"Frank, solidly researched and packed with fascinating insights about the reality of building a career around your personal brand - this is the sort of book I wish had been around when I started my career. Sonya Barlow is an exciting voice shaking up the world of entrepreneurship and telling it like it is." - Andrea Thompson, Editor-in-Chief, Marie Claire "An informative guide for anyone looking to become an entrepreneur.
Diversity and Inclusion: what does it mean to belong?
When companies hire you to help with their Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), what are their focus areas? Companies tend to start with the fundamentals; what does D&I even mean? We introduce words like diversity, inclusion, and allyship. It’s hard to fix a problem when you can’t define it. 85% of those in the workshops that I've delivered don't know whatintersectionalitymeans, including the heads of D&I. So the people that are leading programs don't know about a fundamental part of the discussion.
What is? DE&I
Have you seen the recent influx of "DE&I"? If "D" and "I" wasn't enough, they go and add another letter into the mix! Businesses which have diverse & inclusive (D&I) working cultures are 33% more likely to outperform their competitors (Forbes) and 87% more likely to make better decisions (Harvard Business Review). Failure to understand the expertise and experience required to truly lead DE&I strategies.
We don't need your empty gestures; we need action
When the coronavirus pandemic hit Europe and people across the continent went into lockdown, companies spent weeks checking in with their employees. Heads of talent became ‘heads of remote working’, sensitive to the personal struggles their teammates might be going through. As furloughs and layoffs were announced, founders wrote heartfelt messages to their teams explaining the decisions they were making.
We don't need your empty gestures; we need action
When the coronavirus pandemic hit Europe and people across the continent went into lockdown, companies spent weeks checking in with their employees. Heads of talent became ‘heads of remote working’, sensitive to the personal struggles their teammates might be going through. As furloughs and layoffs were announced, founders wrote heartfelt messages to their teams explaining the decisions they were making.
Strategically Winging It on Apple Podcasts
8 episodes This podcast is an honest fun conversation to discuss founder, side hustler & leadership stories; the good; bad and unrepeatable learnings. We aren't ones to take ourselves too seriously and bring the human back into the business. Aimed to inspire and entertain, so other's can take our learnings and create their own magic.
Rihanna: Work Work Work Work Work (From Home)
Career Development Business Wednesday, 8 April 5 – 6 pm BST GA London (Remote Online) Online Class Livestream FREE! Regular Ticket In Partnership With: Can’t Make It? Follow this event to get an email the next time it’s scheduled. Sign-up not required Follow About This Event Join us for a panel of trailblazing women in business as they share their top tips for maintaining your sanity and keeping productivity levels high whilst working from home.
Sonya Barlow: Failure Comes Before Resilience
Get a daily email featuring the latest talk, plus a quick mix of trending content. By subscribing, you understand and agree that we will store, process and manage your personal information according to our Privacy Policy
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sonya
Contact Sonya, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack