Welcome to my very first Blog interview with the adorable Sophie Bretag. It is such a pleasure to share this beautiful woman with you. Soph is warm like sunshine, a breath of fresh air, and I love her and her energy. This series is called ‘Sacred spaces & studios of creative women in business in South Australia’. I love to share a good thing it would be selfish of me not to. Make yourself a cuppa and enjoy the read. From my heart to yours, love and gratitude. Bec x
Introducing this kind-hearted soul … Sophie Bretag Metta Leaders Kindness Consultant. Helping leaders and organizations to create Cultures of Kindness™.
Business name: Metta Leaders
From: Adelaide, South Australia
What part of South Australia are you in? Adelaide Hills
Please tell us a little bit about what you do … yourself and your business. When you started and what led you to this work? Or did it find you?
First and foremost I am a mama to 2 wildling boys, a wife to an amazing man, a barefoot walker, squeezy hugger, sunshine and rainbow chaser. My heart-lead purpose is to show people how they can be seen, heard and supported in workplaces. In my day-to-day work, I am a Speaker, Kindness Consultant, National Mental Health Ambassador, Certified Mindful Mentor, Meditation and Breathwork Teacher, Women’s Circle Facilitator and Happiness Coach – and I LOVE what I do!! I named my business Metta Leaders because a Metta Leader is an individual who leads with love and kindness to maximise workplace wellbeing and build a team’s strength and capacity.
I live and breathe authentic, creative and courageous leadership. I’m a passionate advocate for mental health and psychological safety in the workplace and believe that kindness will change the world. My background in Executive Human Resource Management, mostly in the Aged Care Sector and it has been through this work that I realised that my passion was for supporting those who support others. The reason I started Metta Leaders was because I saw so many people struggling to find a voice in the Corporate world and I knew that I could help change that. I help leaders and organisations to create Cultures of Kindness™, to use kindness as a leadership superpower!
What drives you to do this work?
Kindness – I’m ALL about it. It’s my jam, my purpose, my have-to-do and be – in life and business. I know that kindness will change the face of business, leadership and workplace culture and I’m here to make it happen, even if it’s only one heart at a time.
What truly lights you up and makes you feel alive?
Being with my family and friends, walking barefoot in nature (forests and beaches in particular!), meditation, listening to music and reading.
What is it that you most love to do?
I am always laughing and having fun and I love to share happiness and laughter with people. To be honest, if I could spend my life wandering barefoot and exploring the world with my kids and hubby – I would be in heaven.
Who inspires you? Is it a place, a person, or a combination of things?
A combination of things. I am often in awe of nature, inspiring humans who have overcome difficulties, people who are creating a better world by helping others.
If you could spend a day with someone who inspires you who would that be?
Oprah or Michelle Obama
What do you do when you experience a creative block? How do you get your creative juices flowing?
I meditate, listen to music, get outside, become still and then journal.
Is there something you really want to do or try?
I want to climb Mt Everest Base Camp. I’ve hiked the Annapurna Range but have always had Base Camp on my bucket list. Oh – and Japan – I’m obsessed with Japan and its culture.
What is your favourite food?
Curry – especially green chicken curry – oh and Raspberry Bullets (not food really haha)
What is your favourite Season?
Spring
What is your biggest fear?
Dying alone
Celebrity crush?
I don’t really follow celebrities, to be honest.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Attitude reflects leadership. At work and in life. What you give out you receive back and is reflected in our behaviours and conduct.
How do you handle work/life balance?
In 2021 I decided to move from a full-time People and Culture Manager corporate job into HR consulting and then created my business.
I decided that I didn’t want to miss out on my boys growing up and I also didn’t want them to see that the only way to succeed is by being stressed and working all the time.
My consulting work, both in HR and in my own business gives me freedom, flexibility, happiness and a good income – abundance in all aspects.
I now make sure I have an excellent blend of ‘self-kindness’ time, family time and work. It’s a balance and I don’t always get it right but I know my red flags and attend to my emotional needs first so I can be there for everyone else afterwards.
What are you most proud of?
My children are happy, curious and healthy. I’m also really proud of creating a business that helps others to find their voice.
How do you want people to remember you?
As someone who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what I believed in and didn’t stay quiet when I saw something that I didn’t think was right. That I helped people to become happier and more connected, that people felt loved, seen, valued and heard when they spent time with me.
What are your final words of wisdom for someone starting out in your field?
Don’t be afraid to go after what you want, even if you’re scared you might fail. You might. But you might also find something that sets your soul on fire and you succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
Also, be choosy with who you spend your time. Find people who lift your energy – they either match your energy and your energy rises together, or you feel elated after being around them. These are your people and are the ones who will help you to succeed.
Thank you beautiful for sharing what’s in your heart. Where can the readers find you?
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sophiebretag
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mettaleaders
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mettaleadershipandwellness
Website: www.mettaleaders.com
Email: info@mettaleaders.com
Hey there, so glad you made your way to my blog. This blog is for the dreamers and doers, the creatives, the adventures, the open-minded and the free spirits. A safe & welcoming space for heart-centred women who wish to be inspired. I hope these interviews make you really feel something and inspire you to chase your dreams and live a life that lights you up.
My intention with this interview series is to share other inspiring local women in Business who are making an impact on the lives of others while making their dream their reality.
