Antonia Watson

The Resilience Paradox: Why “Being Tougher” Isn’t the Answer “I just need to be more resilient.” A client said this to me recently after a major project setback.

“I just need to be more resilient.”

But what if real resilience isn’t about pushing through?

My latest piece explores The Resilience Paradox — and why kindness, not just grit, helps us bounce back.

Read more: www.linkedin.com/pulse/resili...

Mid-level leaders often feel squeezed between executive decisions and team realities. I've been there too. Check out my "6Cs Framework" for navigating change from the middle - developed from personal experience.

#LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement

www.linkedin.com/pulse/naviga...

What do your hobbies reveal about your ideal career? My 12-year book club commitment shows I value safe spaces for honest opinions, flexibility when life gets messy, and growth through diverse perspectives.

What might you learn from your hobbies and interests?

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #BookClub

Effective networking doesn't mean working a room or collecting business cards. It's about finding approaches that align with your strengths while stretching your comfort zone just enough to create new opportunities.

What networking style works best for you?

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #Networking

What do you love most about your job?

As a career coach, what keeps me going are those moments when someone finds clarity or a fresh approach to a challenge they've been stuck on. Those little breakthroughs ripple through their whole career journey.

#CareerJourney #WomenInSTEM

Didn't get that promotion or new role? 🎯

Quick tips:

- Book dedicated feedback time
- Know your meeting goals
- Prepare specific questions
- Find multiple feedback sources
- Create improvement tracking

Your career deserves more than a rushed chat!

#CareerJourney #CareerDevelopment #WomenInSTEM

Sunday evening thoughts... as half-term holidays end here, approaching that familiar mix of emotion of missing the family chaos while being quite ready for routine (and a calmer house)! 🤔

How are you feeling as another week approaches...?

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #SundayEvening

Quote "The undertaking of a new action brings new strength." - Richard L. Evans. AW - Supporting your career journey.

A chat with my teens about revision sparked thoughts on motivation vs action. Sometimes we just need to start, even when we don't feel ready! What small step could you take this weekend? 📚

#CareerJourney #WomenInSTEM #WeekendThoughts

Testimonial extract: "Antonia supported me with providing a safe but challenging (where needed) thinking space when I was experiencing many challenges." AW: Supporting your career journey.

Sometimes what we need most isn't more advice, but rather a safe space to think things through. The busier life gets, the more vital it becomes to pause and reflect - even though that's exactly when it feels hardest to do so! 🤔

#careercoaching #womeninstem

Sun shining a light on a beautiful landscape making it more visible. The landscape is water with a range of differently sized trees next to it.

Working hard but not being recognised? After years working with women in STEM, I find it often comes down to improving storytelling, overcoming perfectionism, increasing proactivity, gaining clarity & building self-belief. My JIGSAW framework helps break through ceilings

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney

After 20+ years in consulting, I found coaching during my "what next?" phase. Wish I'd had it sooner! It gives what mentors, friends and colleagues can't—a truly safe, objective space to explore career challenges without politics or preconceptions. Do you have the support you need?

#WomenInSTEM

Beyond 'Be More Visible': Finding Your Authentic Path to Career Growth "You need to be more visible." If you've heard this feedback, or a variation of it, in a career discussion, you're not alone.

Ever received feedback that you need to increase your visibility? Traditional advice like "speak up more" or "network more" can feel uncomfortable rather than helpful. Instead of focusing on visibility itself, what if we turn our focus to shared value?

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #Visibility

Snowdrops emerging through winter leaves - a symbol of optimistic change! If your career feels in a wintery phase, try: taking one small action on your to-do list, talking to someone who inspires you, or reflecting on past wins. Give it time, let some light in - spring's coming! 🌼

#WomenInSTEM

The Case for Sabbaticals — and How to Take a Successful One A sabbatical — defined here as an intentional extended leave from your job-related work — may seem out of reach for many workers. But if you can swing it, the potential payoff is enormous. In fact, ta...

This article resonates! I've taken 2 career breaks - one with young kids, one after 20+ years in corporate roles. While they need careful planning, pauses can bring valuable clarity about what matters professionally. Sometimes you need more than a holiday to gain real perspective.

#WomenInSTEM

A curve of white balls with one larger red ball at the front, representing the term curveball. Underneath is the text "AW Supporting your career journey".

A curveball week of unexpected hospital visits with my sons has reinforced valuable lessons: Trust your instincts when something feels off, lean on supportive networks, seek expert help when needed, & keep perspective. These principles apply equally well to navigating career challenges!

#WorkLife

Testimonial quote: "Going through a conscious career development process can be tough, but with Antonia's guidance, it's also been a journey of self-discovery and appreciation for my skills and the possibilities ahead." Underneath the quote is the text "AW Supporting your career journey".

Helping women uncover their unique talents and see new possibilities is the most rewarding part of my work. Having navigated several career transitions myself, I know how valuable a thinking partner can be. Facing a career change? Let's chat. 💫

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney

Ever had a role that looked perfect on paper but felt wrong? Been there! It took coaching training to realise why - I'd never deeply considered how my values connected to my career choices. When multiple values are compromised roles stop feeling right. Time to check your values lately?

#WomenInSTEM

Career, family, health - juggling it all can leave us feeling stretched too thin. I know the struggle all too well. That's why I now help women in STEM create successful careers without sacrificing wellbeing. Because you shouldn't have to choose.

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney

Woman on a climbing wall

Success often comes from small, consistent steps not giant leaps. Break big goals into manageable pieces, take action (even when progress feels slow), and let momentum build.

What one small step could you take this week towards one of your goals?

#CareerJourney #WomenInSTEM

Antonia Watson on LinkedIn: Career Clarity - Introducing JIGSAW "I just wish someone would tell me what to do next with my career!"   I hear this a lot, especially from women who are:   ⭐ At a career crossroads where the…

"I just wish someone would tell me what to do next with my career!"

Sound familiar? While there's rarely a simple answer, I've developed a framework that helps you find YOUR path forward. Full post +framework on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/posts/antoni...

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #CareerStrategy

Thinking about that next career level but worried about managing it? Often the reality surprises us - sometimes in good ways. When I took a senior role with young kids, yes accountability grew, but I got more control over my schedule too. The trade-offs aren't always what we expect.

#WomenInSTEM

A path curves through a green field on a sunny winter morning. Bare trees line one side, casting shadows. My dog walks ahead on the path, his dark silhouette contrasting with the morning light.

Success - what does it really mean to you? After years focused on exam grades, appraisals & promotions and the kids, I've learned success can also mean protecting time for wellbeing. How has your definition evolved?

🌿 Reflections on a sunny dog walk

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #SuccessMindset

Antonia Watson - AW Coaching & Consulting Ltd | LinkedIn I work with mid-career women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) who feel… · Experience: AW Coaching & Consulting Ltd · Education: Henley Business School · Location: Beaconsfield · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View Antonia Watson’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

Hi 👋 A quick intro - I help mid-career women in STEM move their careers forward with clarity & confidence. Coach & mentor with 20+ years tech & leadership experience. You can find out a bit more about how I could help here

linkedin.com/in/antonia-watson

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #CareerCoaching

Feeling stuck in circular career thoughts? 🌀

Sometimes an outside perspective can be a great catalyst to help you find your way forward and have more clarity and confidence about what to do next.

Ready to break the cycle? I'm always happy to have a chat

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #CareerStrategy

"I don’t have time to think about my career—I’m already juggling too much." I felt this for years. But overwhelm is often a signal to pause, not push harder. A small shift in perspective can spark a breakthrough. Feeling stuck? A quick chat might help.

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #ExecutiveCoaching

By exploring career themes, a technical lead I worked with discovered her superpower wasn't just technical expertise - it was making complex technology accessible and bringing teams together to solve problems. Often what we see as "just part of the job" can be our biggest strengths.

#WomenInSTEM

Stuck in career thought spirals? 🌀

I see brilliant women in STEM going in circles:

❌ "What else could I do?"
❌ "What am I really good at?"
❌ "What change should I make?"

Ready to break the cycle? Let's chat.

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney

Antonia Watson on LinkedIn: #womeninstem #careerjourney #careertransition #jobsearch January often brings career reflection - whether that's actively seeking change or just starting to think about what might be next. Through my recent coaching…

Curious about what most concerns people when looking for new roles - whether actively seeking or just thinking ahead? I've got a poll running on LinkedIn if you'd like to share your thoughts! #WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney #CareerTransition

www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

3am career thoughts - when the house is quiet but your mind isn't. Going round in circles about staying or going? Too senior to start over but too young to settle? You're not alone. Sometimes feeling stuck means we're ready for change, even if we're not sure what that change should be.
#WomenInSTEM

Ever feel uncomfortable when asked "Tell me about yourself?"

I used to struggle articulating my value especially when seeking new roles. The key isn't creating a polished pitch - it's understanding your unique story and having a structured way to share it authentically.

#WomenInSTEM #CareerJourney