On any given day, Antonia da Cruz will shift from mother, sustainability advocate, author, and entrepreneur within a span of 24 hours. The work that she currently does for the ESG reward platform, Zero2, is a dream come true. She shares, “Anyone who has ever worked at a start-up will know that it is not a glamorous job. You have to wear many hats, and be prepared for a lot of failures and setbacks. But knowing that we are really changing people's lives with what we do is just so meaningful and worth all the effort.”
Her second children’s book, Off To the Races With Nacho, has also hit shelves of major bookstores around Hong Kong. As if all that were not enough, Antonia reveals that she is about to launch a new business, The Luxury Ad Network. As she navigates a purpose-driven, multifaceted lifestyle, Antonia finds little pockets of everyday luxury to keep her feeling balanced and inspired. “For me, luxury is adequate rest and time spent with family. Making time for a workout, something I’ve really neglected these days.”
1.What keeps you busy these days?
Everything! My son Enzo turns two next month. Work as Head of Community at Zero2, an ESG reward platform that gamifies day-to-day sustainable actions, is to help drive consumer behavioural change. I also have other side projects. Just recently, I launched my second children’s book which is available online and at all major bookstores in Hong Kong. I’m also launching the HK business for The Luxury Ad Network.
2. How did you come to find your current career or life’s work?
I’ve known Zero2 CEO, Arthur Lam, for almost 20 years now. I bumped into him two weeks before I gave birth. When he told me about his new app that’s gamifying sustainability, I said I’m in. I literally joined the company at seven weeks postpartum.
I have always wanted to be in this field if it wasn’t specifically wellness related. I ran the HK market for fitness start-up GuavaPass until it was acquired by ClassPass in January 2019. I also worked in mental health at Mindish during Covid, which was a very fascinating time of self-discovery. Along with being a Certified ESG Planner®, I am also a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner. I’ve completed five levels of the EKAA Hypnotherapy, Reiki Level 2-trained and also a 300 RYT yoga teacher. Working in sustainability is the next best thing I could do.
3. What is it about your work or career that you enjoy most?
Anyone who has ever worked at a start-up will know that is not a glamorous job. You have to wear many hats and be prepared for a lot of failures and setbacks. That said, knowing that we are really changing people’s lives with what we do is just so meaningful and worth all the effort.
4. What for you are the “hazards of the job?”
Burnout is the key thing to watch out for. It can be hard to recover from that. ESG is not just about caring for the environment and offsetting your carbon footprint. The framework itself embodies positive virtues, prioritises health and well-being, doing good for yourself, society and more. A far cry from my brokering days when we had to entertain clients every week.
5. For people who aspire for similar careers, what would be your advice?
Just do your best and don’t give up. Prepare your mindset for blood, sweat, and tears.
6. What are the career milestones that inspire you to break the glass or mold?
Right now, I’m just learning on the job, gaining expertise in more skill sets. Investing in myself so I can become a subject matter expert is something I am striving for. We have to constantly keep evolving, or technology will also surpass us. That said, getting more people across all sectors to adopt our technology is critical. If we can IPO the company in a few years’ time that would be a bonus!
7. How do you balance work and family life? What are activities that enable you to bond with family?
With my much-improved skills in time management and learning to say no to things. In the old days, I often found myself stacking back-to-back appointments and eating lunch around 4PM. As for family bonding activities, lately it’s golf. My son is very into it, and will show you his swing if you ask.
8. How do you unwind or rewind? Any favorite spots in your current city that you consider as your me-time haven?
Spending time with friends and loved ones helps me to decompress and relax. My son is my absolute joy. He’s friendly to everyone he meets, bringing a smile to their faces. Lately, I’ve been more of a hermit, enjoying being at home and vegging on the sofa. I feel I’m truly relaxed when I’m out in nature or at sea which is so calming.
9.How would you describe your personal style? What are your three wardrobe essentials?
During the week, if I don’t have meetings or I’m at a playgroup with my son, I’ll be in loose, comfortable clothing. If it’s an evening event, then I’ll get glammed. Otherwise, I love my three wardrobe essentials–T-shirts, jeans, sneakers. You will also see me carrying a recyclable tote bag because I’m always lugging my laptop around.
10.What for you makes for a good investment piece? Kindly cite examples of pieces in your current wardrobe.
I’ve been Marie Kondo-ing my wardrobe to get rid of all the stuff I no longer wear, which, I realised, was a lot of fast fashion from Revolve. I’ve also been taking to reselling apps like Carousel. Now, I try to invest in timeless, classic, well-made pieces.
11.What do pearls mean to you?
Purity, preciousness, love, empowerment.
12.What is everyday luxury for you?
Adequate rest and time spent with family. Making time for a workout, something I’ve really neglected these days.
