Episode 110 of The Ceres Podcast with Antonia Smith – A Journey of Transformation

In Episode 110 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios Theocharous is joined by Antonia Smith, a coach with a rich background in finance and hospitality. Together, they delve into the realities of personal and professional transformation, emphasising the challenges of leadership, career change, and the pressures many business owners face.

From the outset, the episode takes a refreshing turn as Stelios and Antonia reconnect in person, an experience that manyhave missed since the pandemic. Their candid conversation reveals the struggles of remote work and the deep need for human connection, a theme that permeates the discussion. Antonia’s insight into how isolation during lockdown led many to rethink their careers is especially poignant. She highlights how, for many, the absence of social interactions and informal work banter led to a reevaluation of their job satisfaction and personal goals.

As a former finance director who transitioned into coaching, Antonia shares her personal journey of self-discovery, overcoming burnout, and finding her true calling. Her story of moving away from perfectionism resonates deeply, especially for listeners in leadership positions. She challenges the common narrative that perfection is a badge of honour, advocating instead for progress over perfection. Her perspective encourages listeners to embrace mistakes as part of learning, a crucial message for anyone navigating the fast-paced business world.

One of the standout moments in this episode is Antonia’s explanation of “fail forward fast,” a concept she encountered in her hospitality career. This mindset, she says, directly contrasts with the perfectionism often ingrained in finance roles, where fear of failure can stifle creativity and innovation. By the end of the conversation, listeners are left with a powerful reminder that growth occurs outside of one’s comfort zone.

For those in hospitality and finance, the episode offers valuable insights. Antonia addresses the unique challenges faced by business owners, especially in hospitality, where burnout and conflict resolution are common struggles. Her expertise in coaching leaders to manage stress, build stronger teams, and handle conflict effectively is a resource for anyone in leadership. The conversation also touches on how finance professionals—often seen as the gatekeepers of a company’s finances—deal with the pressures of responsibility and perfectionism.

A particularly engaging moment comes when Antonia reflects on her work with finance professionals, noting how these individuals often feel isolated in their roles. The pressure to maintain accuracy while managing the financial health of a business can lead to burnout, something Antonia passionately seeks to address through her coaching.

If you’re a business owner, especially in the hospitality industry, or a leader striving for growth, Episode 110 of The Ceres Podcast offers a wealth of practical advice. From learning how to embrace imperfections to understanding the importance of cash flow, Antonia’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to take their leadership skills to the next level. Her coaching philosophy, rooted in personal development and practical change, provides a fresh perspective on leadership and career transitions.

This episode is a must-listen for business owners, especially those in fast-paced industries like hospitality, looking for inspiration and strategies to manage stress, enhance leadership, and embrace change. Antonia’s journey from a finance director to a coach is a testament to the power of self-awareness and transformation. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo in your career or business, this episode provides the necessary tools and mindset shifts.

Tune in to The Ceres Podcast and hear how you can break free from the constraints of perfectionism, learn to thrive under pressure, and lead with authenticity.