Hi, I’m Sonja

With over 30 years of experience in healthcare and higher education including senior executive roles within medical colleges and health organisations I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and not-for-profit organisations.

This understanding inspires me to create personalised coaching programs, as well as tailored staff training and leadership development initiatives, specifically to support healthcare professionals and for-purpose teams.


Whether you're seeking personal support or you're looking to elevate your entire team, my programs are designed to provide practical strategies that unlock lasting growth and fulfillment.

Sonja Cronje, a professional coach for healthcare professionals stands smiling against a gray background with curly hair. She’s wearing a navy blue blouse and patterned pants, accessorized with bracelets and a watch, with hands on her hips.

Qualifications, Credentials and Accolades

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional passionate about helping others, but struggling with self-doubt?

  • Overworking to prove yourself?
  • Avoiding delegation and taking on too many tasks?
  • Saying 'yes' to every opportunity that comes your way?
  • Feeling exhausted and headed towards burnout?

That was my story not too long ago.

Starting out as an optometrist and academic, I quickly found myself in leadership roles that I felt unprepared for. Talk about a serious case of imposter syndrome! No matter what I achieved, I couldn't shake the feeling of not measuring up. To prove myself, I'd bury myself in work, neglect healthy boundaries, and let perfectionism drive me which, ironically, led to more stress, procrastination and ultimately, burnout.

Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burnout are very common in healthcare.

But here's the good news it doesn't have to be that way.

Just like me, you can:

  • Balance your passion for helping others with caring for yourself.
  • Have a thriving career and a fulfilling personal life.
  • Embrace the mindset that you are enough.
  • Prevent burnout.

It's an ongoing journey, even for me. That's why I've made it my mission as a coach to help medical specialists or healthcare professionals navigate these challenges and rediscover joy and fulfillment in their work.

My Approach

My coaching draws from the latest research in positive psychology, mindfulness, and self-determination theory. While I have a solid coaching philosophy, each interaction is tailored to your unique goals and circumstances.

Through my years as a leader, educator, and now coach, I've seen firsthand how consistent small steps can lead to amazing results. I offer my clients a blend of support and accountability to keep them on track towards their personal and professional goals.

I'd be honoured to support you on your journey too. Let's connect and explore how we can work together towards your goals.

BOOK YOUR DISCOVERY CALL

My Approach

My coaching draws from the latest research in positive psychology, mindfulness, and self-determination theory. While I have a solid coaching philosophy, each interaction is tailored to your unique goals and circumstances.

Through my years as a leader, educator, and now coach, I've seen firsthand how consistent small steps can lead to amazing results. I offer my clients a blend of support and accountability to keep them on track towards their personal and professional goals.

I'd be honoured to support you on your journey too. Let's connect and explore how we can work together towards your goals.

BOOK YOUR DISCOVERY CALL

Trusted By Professionals
Like You

“Sonja is truly a very gifted individual with amazing people skills. I was very fortunate to connect with her and her sessions were very insightful. She will broaden your perspective and she helped me create the tools to empower my next career move. Her service is highly recommended. She gets five stars!"
- Daniel V


“Sonja is an excellent coach. I could always feel her belief in my abilities and her focus on moving me forward. We covered so many topics and I developed new perspectives to challenges. She gently supported me to complete the actions I chose, to support actual change happening. I strongly recommend Sonja to anyone looking for a coach.”

- Anne B


“Thank you, Sonja for your incredible work and taking the time to help me hone the skills I already have within. You have an incredible gift, your listening skills and advice on how to improve my skill set is amazing.”
- Anonymous


“Sonja is the most impactful coach I have ever worked with. Genius of the craft. Master of the arts. Anyone who allows her in will witness the wonders of transformation.
She is comforting yet challenging, bold yet empathetic... nothing feels forced with her. She has an uncanny ability to draw out deep, actionable awareness.”
- Camy T


Sonja's style is warm, open and friendly. She holds the space for your thinking and listens intently picking up on energy, words and at times what you are not saying! I thoroughly enjoyed our sessions. I have achieved greater awareness of myself, and have walked away with some great new routines and insights to further embed as a way of life.”
- Tanya C


“I found working with Sonja really helpful in managing my busy life and career, and juggling my many commitments as a Pediatric Intensive Care Specialist with those of my partner, a film director, and a toddler.”
- Dr Greg K


But, I'm More Than Just a Coach...

  • I live in Sydney with my partner, whom I met in high school, and our geriatric, very spoiled cat.
  • I have a deep passion for nature, camping, and bushwalking. While I adore Australia, nothing quite compares to the serenity I find in the African bush it is truly my happiest place on earth.
  • I'm a huge feline enthusiast (some might say I'm a bit cat-obsessed), and leopards hold a special place in my heart. I captured this memorable photo of one in Kruger National Park in 2023.
  • I enjoy merging creative expression with my gratitude practice, which I've been doing consistently for over a decade. Each day, I snap a photo of something I'm grateful for and share it on social media.
  • I'm passionate about self-development and absolutely love collecting books and immersing myself in learning through reading, podcasts, and online courses.
  • On weekends, I tend to overindulge in cheese, and yes, sometimes a few adult beverages find their way into the mix too!
A fluffy white cat is curled up and sleeping on a patterned sofa, embodying the tranquility often sought after a long day in a medical career. Its head is tucked into its body, and it appears relaxed amidst the red and black geometric-patterned sofa and leopard print pillow.
A glass of water with a lemon slice sits on a wooden surface, next to a jump rope—symbols of balance and vitality. This serene setting, with sparse trees and a pastel sky at dusk, inspires thoughts of personal growth and development.
A leopard with spotted fur stands in the fork of a tree, partially concealed by green leaves, staring directly at the camera. Like a mentor coaching its protégé, it embodies focus and patience. The clear sky in the background creates a natural frame for this mesmerizing scene.

Why do I share all this with you?

Remember, your role as a healthcare professional is noble, but it’s only part of who you are. Take time to explore your passions the things that truly make you you.

When you flourish, you'll show up more fully for your friends, your family, and your patients.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. If any of this resonates, please feel free to reach out. I’m excited to see what we can create together!

Ready to Prioritise Your
Quality of Life?

Schedule your free, no-obligation discovery call to get started.

BOOK YOUR DISCOVERY CALL