Liberated Leadership with Sophia Apostol

What if stepping into leadership wasn’t about climbing higher, but about breaking free?

In this episode of Deeply Rested, I sit down with Sophia Apostol to explore the evolution of leadership in a world that desperately needs systemic change. Together, we unpack the personal, social, and spiritual growth required to lead with authenticity, empathy, and integrity.

Sophia shares the pivotal moments that shifted her leadership style from performative to deeply relational, offering insights into how leaders can break free from oppressive systems and create meaningful change. Through candid storytelling and reflection, Sophia redefines leadership as an act of self-discovery—one that allows us to lead with courage, compassion, and liberation.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

How early leadership experiences shaped Sophia’s shift toward authenticity (01:16)

Why true leadership is about personal growth, not just influence (08:35)

How to decolonize leadership and break free from oppressive systems (13:52)

Practical steps to lead with integrity while staying true to your values (19:38)

The role of radical empathy in transforming how we lead (41:04)

The emotional challenges of leadership—and how to navigate them (54:27)

The power of community in supporting leaders through change (59:24)

Also be sure to check out the references mentioned in the episode:

Social Change Ecosystem Map 

Personality Assessments: https://www.truity.com/ 

Sonya Renee Taylor's “body hierarchy ladder” from The Body is Not an Apology

Tricia Hersey’s Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto

Sophia’s website: https://sophiaapostol.com/ 

Sophia’s podcast: Fat Joy with Sophia

You can learn more about Sophia and the work she does at: https://sophiaapostol.com/ 

Tune in for a powerful conversation about leading with intention, challenging harmful systems, and embracing leadership as a lifelong journey of self-exploration and connection.

Mentioned in this episode:

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