Partner Story: Antonia Wise
Where were you born?
Born in London and brought up in Wimbledon..it’s inevitable I would love tennis!
What did you do before becoming a coach?
I was a stay at home mum running 3 kids to and from surf beaches and ballet classes, supporting my husband in small business and keeping myself sane through exercise in-between.
What is an interest fact about you?
I take a dip in the ocean every day come rain, hail our shine.
What do you enjoy doing in your personal time?
“I love connecting with others through outdoor adventures and sport. You’ll often find me up early riding my bike, walking along the dog beach and dipping into the ocean, or attempting to master surfing (still very much a work in progress!). I also enjoy playing tennis, and when I get the chance, I’m off snow skiing or hiking somewhere overseas.”
What causes are you passionate about?
Youth mental health and eliminating the stigma around it…I have ridden over 20,000km raising money for this cause through various charities.
Origin Story: What inspired you to become a coach and facilitator, and can you share one unforgettable moment from your early days?
Even as a child, I was drawn to helping others grow—I seemed to naturally support people in moving forward and reaching their goals. That instinct stayed with me into adulthood. When I experienced coaching for myself, it was transformative. The sense of clarity and empowerment I felt was profound. It didn’t dwell in the past—it propelled me forward. That experience inspired me to train formally as a coach, so I could offer that same powerful shift to others.
One unforgettable moment was when a client became deeply distressed while reliving a past experience during our session. I gently encouraged her to focus on one of her senses—a simple but powerful way to anchor in the present. This helped her regulate her anxiety and return to a calm, grounded state. It was a clear reminder of how presence and attunement can shift even the most intense emotional moments.”
Superpower: What kind of work do you focus on and makes you unique in your profession/what’s your superpower?
Truth Revelation…I hold up the kind of mirror that doesn’t flatter or distort—but reveals. I help people see what they’ve avoided, what truly drives them, and what stands in their way. It’s not just about insight—it’s about transformation through truth.
Your Style: If you had to describe your coaching style or approach to leadership & organisational development with a metaphor or analogy, what would it be and why?
I am both mirror and compass: I reflect what’s there—clearly, without distortion—and I help clients navigate toward what matters, even when the path is uncertain or uncomfortable."
Love: What do you love about your career or this industry?
I find it incredibly rewarding to hear from clients about how the strategies they’ve developed during our sessions have made a meaningful difference in their professional or personal lives.”
HR Perspectives: What’s one misconception you often encounter from HR or L&D managers about leadership development?
That lasting leadership change cab happen in four hours! If that was the case we’d all be doing it already. The truth is, a workshop may inspire change but it takes more than insight—it takes integration, and that requires ongoing effort.
Dream Leadership Program: If you were to design a leadership program from scratch, what’s one non-negotiable activity or exercise you’d include?
The Third Space by Dr Adam Fraser - choosing a conscious response instead of an unconscious reaction.
Hidden Habits: What’s one underrated individual/personal, leadership or team/group habit/behaviour/capability you believe can make a huge impact, but is often overlooked or underdeveloped?
Acknowledging others contributions in a timely manner and making that acknowledgment personal and specific.
Bad Habits: What’s one particularly destructive/negative behaviour that staff, leaders, teams or organisation can do to undermine achieving their goals?
Lightbulb Moments: Can you share a “lightbulb moment” from a client that still makes you smile when you think about it?
When a client realised that they gesticulate with their hands when they are interrupting and talking over others in meetings. They decided to sit on their hands throughout meetings to stop themselves interrupting others!