Antonia Bowring is a highly credentialed, top New York executive coach who works with founders, C-Suite executives, and leadership teams. One of Antonia’s areas of expertise is helping neurodiverse leaders create the necessary scaffolding to leverage their gifts and maintain their focus.
She is a frequent speaker to companies and groups on topics ranging from mindfulness, ADHD in the workplace, and communication best practices. Her articles through the Forbes Coaches Council are widely read and The American Reporter named her one of the 10 leadership coaches to watch in 2022.
Her most recent book, Coach Yourself! Increase Awareness, Change Behavior and Thrive, offers practical frameworks exploring the power of performance coaching to become the best version of yourself.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Antonia, to know a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q: Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Antonia: I have really come into my entrepreneurial self since launching AB Strategies 10 years ago. I loved building my business because that involved lots of conversations. They are my favorite because I am naturally curious and love to help people solve problems and connect with people. I love being part of the gig economy. I am a solopreneur though at times I have 5-10 people doing various sorts of contract work for me.
Q: What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive?
Antonia: I have an adult diagnosis of ADHD so I often use a timer to help me stay on track.
I also take advantage of early morning for creative work like writing…I don’t waste precious flow time on administrative tasks.
Also, I try to exercise every day. It’s the best way to manage my ADHD, it keeps my system in check.
Q: How do you stay organized with such a busy schedule?
Antonia: Funny enough, I am finishing a book on productivity and planning for ADHDers. (Like I said, I have an adult diagnosis.). Critical for me is the consistent use of my calendar, dedication to my weekly planning process and my use of a weekly organizing form, and my specially designed daily to-do list formats.
Q: What would you wish for if you had a magic stick?
Antonia: These are very lofty but let’s dream BIG.
- The ability of people to listen and hear each other in new and profound ways.
- A global commitment to turn back the clock on climate change.
- National solutions for the economic, social and environmental issues that have caused so many to seek refuge in other countries and end all the misery that migration has contributed to.
Q: If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Antonia: “I Am Enough.” It took me way too long to figure this out. I’m glad I did but I wish I could have shortened that journey. Hey! I could have if I’d had a good coach. Just saying!
Q: What motivates you?
Antonia: My 5 core values: gratitude, service to others, curiosity (learning mindset), productivity and possibility. I try to activate them daily and use them as the most important inputs for my longer-term intentions and related goals.
Q: What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Antonia: Attending the annual Next Practice Institute organized by Mobius Leadership. It’s full of super smart coaches who care about transformational coaching inside the business and executive sector. I always leave feeling deeply nourished.
Q: What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs invest their time in?
Antonia: Building community. I mean prospective clients and colleagues, and quite frankly anyone that you find interesting. I play the long game with my work. I may meet someone today and never work with them but we strike up a friendship or I may meet someone today and work with them a long way down the road. And there are the instinctual connections when I start working with someone before our intro call is over!
Q: What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
Antonia: Know how to articulate your value-add to prospective clients precisely, concisely and confidently.
To keep up to date with Antonia and her journey, connect with her on LinkedIn, and Tiktok.