Antoinette deLisser on Leadership, Opportunity and the Stories That Shape Us
- Athene Parker
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
In the first episode of Season Three of The emPOWER Podcast, Athene Parker sits down with advertising industry leader Antoinette de Lisser for a conversation that spans decades of experience, cultural change and personal growth.
Few people have witnessed the evolution of the advertising industry from as many vantage points as Antoinette. Throughout a career that has seen her rise from leaving school at 17 and entering the workforce as a typist, to becoming one of the most respected figures in advertising leadership, she has built a reputation for championing people, opening doors and helping others realise their potential.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Antoinette reflects on the experiences that shaped her long before she entered the industry. From growing up with a strict and often emotionally distant father, to learning how early expectations can quietly influence our relationship with achievement, she shares stories that are both personal and universally relatable.
Together, Athene and Antoinette explore ambition and the often invisible forces that shape our confidence and decision-making. They discuss the value of backing yourself, recognising opportunity when it appears and understanding that careers are rarely linear, even when they appear that way in hindsight.
Antoinette also reflects on moments that exposed the realities of inequality within the workplace. Recalling an early redundancy experience that revealed uncomfortable truths about representation, she draws thoughtful parallels with current conversations surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion, and the importance of ensuring progress does not quietly slip backwards.
Alongside these reflections are stories that capture Antoinette's warmth, humour and unique approach to leadership. Whether discussing the importance of helping people dream bigger for themselves or sharing memories of some of the industry's most influential figures, her perspective is consistently grounded in curiosity, generosity and possibility.
At the heart of the episode is a simple idea: that leadership is ultimately about people. About seeing potential, creating opportunity and understanding that the most meaningful influence often comes not from authority, but from belief.
Antoinette's story will resonate with anyone navigating leadership, building a career, championing others or simply reflecting on the experiences that have shaped who they are today. It is a conversation rich in perspective, honesty and hard-earned wisdom.
As with every emPOWER Podcast episode, the conversation creates space for reflection, reminding us that some of the most valuable lessons emerge when people are willing to share their stories.
The full emPOWER Podcast Season Three, Episode One with Antoinette deLisser is available now. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe and join the conversation.
With thanks to our podcast partners String & Tins and their brilliant production team for bringing these conversations to life.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5rKKuorLHjx1VPEeXDFTbQ?si=LdK1Iro-SAqR0roNgSHw0g
