Irini Tzortzoglou is a UK MasterChef winner, author, olive oil and honey sommelier, and retreat host. In this episode, she shares her unlikely leap from the banking world to culinaryexcellence - and the mindset shifts that made it possible. You’ll learn how to recognize your sacred gifts, overcome limiting beliefs, and build a life aligned with purpose, even under high pressure.

What you’ll learn:

💡 The real driver behind Irini’s MasterChef win (it’s about more than the food) and what that means for success in any field

💡 Reframing praise and overcoming imposter syndrome: a practical technique to accept recognition without self-doubt

💡 Emotional intelligence under pressure: how Irini stays calm, connected, and focused in high-stakes moments

Ideal for professionals in high-performance roles who want to:

• Break through performance ceilings
• Lead with confidence under pressure
• Cultivate resilience, clarity, and compassionate leadership

Here’s to your leadership development and personal growth!

Estelle Read  

Bestselling Author, Executive Coach & Speaker

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Irini Tzortzoglou
(00:48) What makes Irini's days exciting and unpredictable
(04:35) The reality behind social media influence
(06:46) How Irini approaches content creation authentically
(08:54) When did things take off? The algorithm and word of mouth
(11:11) The story behind "Under the Olive Tree"
(14:18) How childhood curiosity shaped emotional intelligence
(15:50) From banking to MasterChef: Connecting the dots
(17:45) Life-changing moments and pivotal decisions
(20:34) Overcoming limiting beliefs during MasterChef
(21:13) The "sacred gifts" revelation
(24:27) Learning to accept praise and acknowledge others
(27:57) The moment her name was called as MasterChef winner
(29:23) From MasterChef to meaningful retreats
(38:30) The transformational power of connection
(39:54) MasterChef lessons on teamwork and trust
(41:58) Why emotional intelligence matters for success
(42:00) Three lessons for career success
(43:15) The importance of doing the work
(44:24) Never resent where you are - it's preparing you
(46:03) Practice gratitude behind the wheel
(48:12) If you could invite three people to dinner...
(52:06) The one belief that shaped you
(54:46) Closing thoughts and staying connected

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/irini-tzortzoglou-aab9114/

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⭐Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldnot be considered professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for specific advice.