How Being Alcohol Free Gives Me A Competitive Edge In Business

For 20 years, I flourished in the corporate world, navigating high-pressure environments, building relationships, and chasing success on the terms I thought mattered.

Like many, I saw alcohol as a normal part of networking, unwinding and celebrating achievements. It wasn’t until I removed it from my life that I truly understood the impact it had - not just on my health, but on my clarity, confidence and overall performance.

Now, as a full-time alcohol free coach, business mentor, and community leader, I’m often asked: Does being alcohol-free give you an edge in business? My answer? It certainly has for me - but not in a way that makes me superior to anyone who drinks. Instead, it’s about recognising the powerful benefits that come with a clear, focused mind and a body that operates at its best.

Running a business requires making countless decisions every day - big and small. Since becoming alcohol free, I’ve noticed a profound shift in my mental health and clarity. My thoughts are sharper, my creativity flows more easily, and I no longer experience those sluggish mornings that once left me playing catch up and moving meetings around my diary. With a clear mind, I trust my instincts more, react faster, and make decisions with confidence.

Entrepreneurship demands stamina. Late nights, early mornings, and the relentless pace of building something meaningful can take a toll. Without alcohol disrupting my sleep, my energy levels have skyrocketed. I wake up refreshed, ready to take on the day, and I’m far more productive in the hours I have. My workdays are intentional, and I no longer rely on caffeine or sugar to push through afternoon slumps.

One of the most unexpected yet profound benefits of going alcohol free was the immediate relief from anxiety. I didn’t realise how much alcohol was fueling my anxious thoughts until I stopped drinking. I used to wake up feeling riddled with unease, over analysing conversations, second guessing myself, and struggling with a constant underlying sense of worry. The moment I removed alcohol, my anxiety lifted almost overnight. My mind became quieter, my confidence grew, and I was finally able to focus on my goals without the weight of self-doubt. The impact this has had on my business has been invaluable—making bold decisions, putting myself out there, and leading with clarity has become second nature.

Beyond the mental clarity, the physical transformation was undeniable. Since removing alcohol, I’ve lost 84lbs - not because I was on an extreme diet, but because I was finally in tune with my body and able to be consistent with nourishing myself and movement became a no negotiable. Without alcohol disrupting my sleep, cravings, and energy levels, I naturally made better choices, moved more, and felt stronger. The confidence that came from feeling good in my body directly translated into how I showed up in my business—more visible, more energized, more unstoppable.

In the corporate world, alcohol was often at the center of social and networking events. I used to believe it was necessary to build relationships. What I’ve learned, however, is that being alcohol free has allowed me to connect more deeply and authentically with people. I’m fully present in conversations, I remember details more clearly, and I no longer second-guess things I said the night before. Networking is no longer about keeping up socially - it’s about making meaningful connections that last.

Entrepreneurship is an emotional rollercoaster, and in the past, I might have used a glass of wine to take the edge off a tough day. Without that crutch, I’ve developed stronger healthier coping mechanisms. I process setbacks with a clear head, manage stress more effectively, and bounce back faster. My ability to stay composed under pressure has been one of the biggest advantages in running my own business.

One of the biggest shifts I’ve experienced is a deeper sense of alignment. I’m no longer numbing emotions or dulling my intuition - I’m fully engaged with my work and my purpose. This clarity has allowed me to build a business that truly reflects my values, and I lead with integrity, knowing I’m showing up as my best self every day.

This isn’t about demonising alcohol, or that everyone should follow the same path. It’s about highlighting the ways in which removing it has enhanced my life and business. I respect that everyone has their own relationship with alcohol, and what works for me might not work for someone else. But if you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol is holding you back from your full potential, I encourage you to explore the possibility of going without it even just for a while. The clarity, confidence, energy and life you gain might surprise you.

For me, being alcohol free isn’t a sacrifice. It’s a strategic advantage, a personal choice, and one that has undeniably shaped me into a stronger, more focused entrepreneur.

//  Jodi Clark