In this first episode of Season 3, of The emPOWER Breakfast Podcast, Founder and Host Athene Parker is joined by advertising industry leader, mentor and change-maker Antoinette deLisser for a fascinating conversation about leadership, identity, opportunity and the lifelong process of reinventing yourself.
Antoinette's story is extraordinary. Born into a remarkable family and raised between cultures, she left school at 17 and entered the workforce as a typist, before finding herself at the epicentre of the advertising industry as the trusted right-hand to one of its most influential figures, Trevor Beattie.
For years, Antoinette operated behind the scenes of some of advertising's most iconic campaigns, navigating impossible deadlines, celebrity chaos, international crisis management and extraordinary opportunities. It was a role that gave her a front-row seat to power, creativity and influence at the very highest level.
But this conversation is not simply about success. It is about what happens when the role that helped define you comes to an end.
With honesty, humour and hard-earned wisdom, Antoinette reflects on the challenge of rebuilding her identity beyond the title, stepping out from behind someone else's spotlight and discovering who she was when she became the author of her own story.
Together, Athene and Antoinette explore:
Antoinette also reflects on experiences of racism, workplace inequality and the moments that shaped her understanding of representation, drawing thoughtful parallels between her own experiences and today's conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. Today, Antoinette continues to embrace reinvention with the same fearlessness that has defined her career. Looking back on a life shaped by extraordinary opportunities, hard-won lessons and continual evolution, she offers a powerful reminder that success is not a destination but an ongoing process of growth, self-discovery and learning who you are beyond the roles you hold. We are waiting for her to step into the role of Author because my goodness what a story!
🎧 Listen to the emPOWER Breakfast – Antoinette de Lisser Spotify Playlist
Track 1 – Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas
Track 2 – Work It - Missy Elliot
Track 3 – Smooth Operator - Sade
Track 4 – Sign 'O' The Times - Prince
Track 5 – About Damn Time - Lizzo
Antoinette de Lisser, Trevor Beattie, advertising industry, women in advertising, leadership, career reinvention, women in business, ADHD, neurodiversity, diversity and inclusion, representation, mentoring, female empowerment, women leaders, second act careers, personal growth, confidence, workplace culture, marketing leadership, empowerment podcast
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