We were lucky to catch up with Veronica (Ronnie) Soria recently and have shared our conversation below.

Veronica (Ronnie), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

I have spent an amazing 40 years working for very streamlined institutions. Throughout my 40-year government career (20 years in the military and another 20 in federal service) the most important lesson I learned was how to truly talk to people. And by “talk,” I don’t just mean speaking; I mean communicating in a way that builds trust, respect, and understanding across every level of an organization and human beings.
I remember moments early in my military career when I thought leadership was about barking orders and expecting them to be carried out. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by many different types of people who all communicated differently – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Over time, I realized that real leadership is about listening first. Whether I was engaging with a commanding officer, mentoring a young Marine, or later, working alongside civilian employees in government service, one truth became clear: people respond best when they feel heard.
I learned to adapt my communication style to meet people where they are. For some, that meant being direct and concise; for others, it meant slowing down, asking questions, and creating space for them to share what was on their mind. The more I practiced this, the more I noticed doors opening, conversations flowing more easily, conflicts resolved faster, and people trusted me enough to be honest.
What I carry forward from those years is this: communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to adjust. By taking the time to listen and adapt to others’ styles, you not only get the job done. You build relationships that last and a reputation as someone people can rely on, and that is very important to me. That lesson has shaped everything I do today as a leader, coach, and consultant.

Veronica (Ronnie), before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Veronica “Ronnie” Soria, the founder of MVS Solutions LLC, where our mission is to inspire, educate, and influence individuals and organizations to reach their fullest potential. My path began with a 40-year career of service, 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and another 20 in the federal government, where I learned that leadership is about people first. That foundation shaped my passion for coaching, consulting, and developing leaders at every stage of their journey.
At MVS Solutions, I offer coaching, consulting, and learning experiences that enable clients to unlock their strengths, cultivate growth mindsets, and navigate transitions with clarity and purpose. From leadership development programs, such as The Leadership Mindset: Navigating New Terrain, to customized organizational solutions, I design experiences that address real challenges. Whether that’s building stronger teams, aligning strategy with performance, or helping professionals rediscover their purpose.
What sets me apart is my blend of military discipline, government leadership, and a servant-leader heart. I bring not only strategies and frameworks, such as Kirkpatrick’s 4 Levels of Evaluation Model, StrengthsFinder, and MBTI, but also lived experience and empathy that enable me to meet clients where they are.
I am most proud of the relationships I have built and creating spaces where people feel empowered to see themselves differently, to recognize their “superpowers”, and use them to lead and live with confidence and authenticity. My clients have earned promotions, transitioned into higher positions, and discovered their own personal pathways. Watching their growth is the most rewarding part of my work and the reason I continue to serve in this way. If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and MVS Solutions, it’s this: growth is possible, no matter where you start, and I’m here to help guide the journey.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life occurred when I transitioned from the Marine Corps, after 20 years of service, into the federal government. The military had instilled in me a culture of structure, a clear chain of command, and a strong sense of identity. However, stepping into civilian government work meant navigating a new culture, learning how to apply my leadership in a different environment, and finding my voice in spaces where authority wasn’t worn on your uniform but earned through influence and adaptability.

Now, in retirement, I’m stepping fully into expanding my coaching and consulting business—and I couldn’t be more excited. This season feels different. It’s not just another pivot; it’s a reinvention grounded in everything I’ve learned through my past transitions. Each chapter—military, federal service, and now entrepreneurship—has taught me how to reinvent myself without losing who I am at my core. Every transition has strengthened my growth mindset, reminding me that change isn’t an ending but an evolution. I’m stepping forward with clarity, purpose, and genuine excitement for what’s next.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience has been a theme throughout my life, and it’s something I wrote about in my chapter Duality by Choice in Amigas RISING: Lifting Others as We Climb. I share how I once believed I had to choose between being strong and being compassionate, but I came to realize that true wholeness comes from embracing both.
My resilience was most evident during times of transition. Leaving the military meant letting go of an identity I had built for two decades. Stepping into federal service, I faced doubts about whether my skills and leadership would translate. I had an experience where I presented a proposal, and after I was done, my leadership pulled me aside and advised me that my approach was too intimidating. It left me dumbfounded. From my perspective, I was being very passionate and direct. I had to really think about who I was and how I presented myself. I knew that I had to stay true to myself and navigate this new environment with ease. I leaned into the lesson of duality, which means I must stand firm in my strength while allowing myself grace to grow and adapt.
That resilience is what I now bring into my coaching and consulting practice. I’ve seen clients and organizations wrestle with the same challenges, such as uncertainty, doubt, or the fear of change, and I remind them that resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about choosing to rise with both grit and grace, allowing self to continue moving forward.

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