Episode #7
S3 E7: Leading Change Where You Are | How Trust, Advocacy, and Everyday Behaviors Create Lasting Community Impact
What does leadership look like when people are facing grief, uncertainty, housing instability, immigration concerns, or other life challenges? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with Sonia A. Staples, Director of Constituent Services for Prince George's County, to explore how leadership shows up in moments when people need support the most. Drawing from her experiences as an immigrant, advocate, mother, and public servant, Sonia shares lessons about trust-building, communication, cultural humility, community engagement, and the behaviors that help people navigate complex systems. She discusses the importance of meeting people where they are, listening without judgment, advocating for marginalized voices, and helping communities recognize the power of their own voices. Throughout the conversation, Sonia offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to create meaningful change without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: Why leadership begins with service and human connection How trust is built through consistent communication and follow-through The role of advocacy in creating equitable outcomes Why cultural humility matters more than assumptions How everyday behaviors can influence systems and communities A powerful Monday Morning Move to help leaders prevent burnout and lead with intention Whether you lead a team, a family, a community initiative, or simply want to create positive change where you are, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Connect with Dr. Esther Bubb If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible. Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change. If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a rating and review ⭐ Share this episode with a colleague, supervisor, educator, or fellow leader ⭐ Visit Esther C. Bubb ABA Services for additional leadership resources, training, and professional development opportunities Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com Behaviorally Speaking Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story. About Our Guest Sonia A. Staples, MSA, Director of Constituent Services, Prince George's County Sonia Staples was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and migrated to Washington, DC in 1993. She attended Calvin Coolidge High School, where her passion for advocacy and leadership first began through her involvement in student government and the International Students Association. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 2002. Sonia is the proud mother of four and believes deeply that her life has been enriched through advocacy, service, and intentional parenting. She is committed to shaping young minds by providing exposure, opportunity, and encouragement principles that guide both her family life and public service. In 2009, Sonia moved to Prince George’s County, Maryland, where she has remained actively involved in local politics and community advocacy. In response to the current climate of anti-immigration rhetoric and policy challenges, she has taken an active role in helping shape policies that uplift and protect immigrant communities. Sonia recently earned her Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona Global Campus and has immediately enrolled in a Master of Public Policy program at the University of Baltimore. This academic path reflects her commitment to understanding where policy meets the people—particularly when decisions directly impact immigrant and historically underserved communities. By combining financial expertise with public policy training, Sonia brings a practical, informed perspective to governance and community leadership. Grounded in faith and service, Sonia is an active member of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Forestville and Christ Reigneth Chapel in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She is member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
