Tonya Sowles

I’m Tonya Sowles, founder of Sowles Consulting and a trusted partner for small businesses that want to build engaged, loyal teams. With over 20 years in business management and human resources, I’ve helped countless leaders transform workplace chaos into healthy, high-performing cultures.

What makes my talks different? They’re grounded in the daily realities of running a business — not just theory. I share stories, templates, and frameworks that empower leaders to:
Hire smarter and faster
Build buy-in and accountability
Stop the revolving door of turnover
Develop managers who inspire loyalty and performance
Most requested topics include:
Performance Reviews Without the Pain: How to do check-ins right
Hire Like a Pro: Smarter hiring for Business Success
Psychological Safety: How trust boosts engagement and retention
Level Up Your Leadership: Confidently Navigating Difficult Conversations and Conflict

I’m a Senior Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management plus an MBA. I’m also a Speak to Inspire Method™ Certified Speaker and Facilitator, ensuring every talk is clear, engaging, and packed with value.

Audiences say: "Tonya brings HR down to earth and makes it feel doable." "Practical. Relatable. Exactly what my managers needed." "I walked away with real tools I can use today — not just ideas."

Past audiences include:
Oregon SHRM Fall Conference
Rogue Valley SHRM
Women's Leadership Conference
Oregon School Nutrition Association
Southern Oregon Dental Society
Yamhill County HR Association
Southern Oregon Safety & Occupational Health Conference

When you bring me in to speak, your audience will leave inspired, equipped, and ready to take action — and your business will reap the rewards.