Serial Entrepreneur Sonia Wray is the founder of Sterling Results. Sterling Results is the umbrella company from which she runs three business. The ‘Business Brains Club’ where she Mentors small business for growth. ‘Sterling Results Fitness Club’ which focuses on those who are, or who want to be, ‘Fit Fabulous and over 50’ and finally ‘Trekking Adventures’, where she takes people on the trek of a lifetime ensuring they are fit enough to enjoy it.
Sonia’s story:
“Bought up on a farm in rural South Australia, I was told by my mother at the age of 5, that I would be going to university.
I remember my Mum telling me after one parent/teacher night, that my year 11 Chemistry teacher didn’t expect anything from me except working at the local supermarket. I was quickly removed from that school and sent to boarding school!
At the age of 15, I decided to be a Dentist after a work-experience week. A few years later, I thought maybe I could be an Opera Singer; but realised to make money you would need to be super special, plus I didn’t get support from my parents, so back to Dentistry. I missed out on a dentistry degree by 3 points in year 12, very sad. However, as I was gifted in Maths, I completed a degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Although I didn’t want to work as an Engineer, Actuarist or Statistician, I then completed a 2nd degree in Education
I became a Maths Teacher to Secondary school students, first job Permanent role in prestige private school in Adelaide. Resigned after 3 years, as I didn’t like the “boring” culture. I then took a Contract teaching role in State Public Girls School in most disadvantaged area of Adelaide
I moved from there to a SALES role in IT, and my career progressed in that direction for the next 20 years
After moving into Sales, I stayed in roles on average for 3 years either looking for the next challenge or because I was head hunted. My roles progressed as Sales Person, Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, Regional General Manager, Director of Sales, and Director of Government.
I worked for SMB managing a 10Million Budget to Multinational managing a 150Million Budget. Managing from 4 staff to over 160 staff during my career.
After being “passed” over on the next career step and always facing the Glass ceiling with non-supportive Male bosses and after my third Redundancy, I decide to consider what else I could do. Whilst walking to the gym I pondered what hobby I might have that could make me a business. I chose Trekking.
I completed a certificate in Fitness and Personal Training, I completed a series of First Aid courses, and setup “Sterling Results Fitness Club“ a fitness business focussing on clients over 50 and “Trekking Adventures” taking people on the adventure of their lifetime and ensuring they are fit enough to enjoy it
I then decided I needed a day job, as fitness was between 6-9am and pm; and realised I still had a lot to offer from my business career, as such I founded “The Business Brains Club”, which mentors business owners on strategy and business results focussing on the six pillars of growth. All these three businesses come under the umbrella of Sterling Results, which is Personal Brand from which I deliver presentations and MC events
The most rewarding aspect of my current role is helping people to be more successful and having a full and productive day”
Sonia’s top 3 tips for success when setting up your own business:
- Be a learner. Listen to others and learn.
- Ask for help and seek help from those you meet. Give back too.
- Have fun, stay healthy, walk 10,000 steps a day.
