Still Evolving

Dr. Amy Athey

Hosted by Dr. Amy Athey, Still Evolving explores the truth behind lasting high performance and resilience. Rather than relying on perfection or superhuman ability, the podcast highlights how real strength emerges through simple, intentional habits, grounded in self-compassion, adaptability, and the ability to grow through life’s inevitable setbacks. Each episode features stories and insights from leaders in sport, the military, and business. Through their journeys, listeners see the shared humanity behind exceptional achievement and the foundational practices that help them keep “Still Evolving” both at the height of success and in moments of challenge.

  1. 3d ago

    Why Great Leaders Don't Hide Their Humanity with Tino Mantella

    Leadership isn't tested when everything is going according to plan. It's revealed in moments of uncertainty, crisis, and vulnerability. This week, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with executive leader Tino Mantella, whose career has spanned nonprofit organizations, technology, executive search, and strategic leadership. From leading organizations through financial uncertainty and community crises to scaling the Technology Association of Georgia into North America's largest technology trade association, Tino shares the lessons that have shaped his approach to leading people through change. Together, Amy and Tino explore why vulnerability isn't weakness, how crisis can become a catalyst for stronger leadership, and what separates authentic leaders from those simply performing the role. They also discuss the growing rise of fractional leadership, the importance of human-centered leadership in an AI-driven world, and why meaningful work is less about work-life balance and more about finding purpose in what you do. Whether you're leading a company, a team, or simply navigating your own next chapter, this conversation offers practical wisdom on building trust, embracing change, and leading with authenticity when it matters most. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why authentic vulnerability builds stronger teams and deeper trust. • How great leaders turn moments of crisis into opportunities for growth. • Lessons from leading across nonprofit, corporate, and technology sectors. • Why human-centered leadership is becoming even more important in the age of AI. • The growing value of fractional leadership and career flexibility. • How purpose, curiosity, and service can sustain a lifetime of leadership. Connect with Tino Mantella: • https://tinomantella.com/ • https://www.linkedin.com/in/tino-mantella/ • https://www.turknett.com/team/tino-mantella/ Learn more about Dr. Amy Athey's executive coaching, leadership development, and performance psychology services at https://atheyperformance.com/. Follow Still Evolving for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and high performance in a rapidly changing world. 02:19 How Crisis Builds Trust and Connection 03:40 Meet Tino Mantella and His Leadership Journey 05:04 Leading in Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Organizations 09:07 Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste 12:46 Authentic Leadership and Learning from Failure 18:07 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 22:48 The Rise of Fractional Leadership 26:24 Finding Purpose Beyond Work-Life Balance 29:21 Final Leadership Lessons for Every Career

  2. Jul 13

    The New Critical Skill: Asking Better Questions in a World of Infinite Answers with Aaron Crews

    The future doesn't belong to the people with the most information. It belongs to the people who know how to ask the right questions. As artificial intelligence transforms every industry, many leaders are wondering what skills will actually matter most. This week, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with Aaron Crews to explore why curiosity, critical thinking, and better questions are becoming the new competitive advantage. Drawing from his work advising Fortune 50 legal departments and helping shape AI education for the next generation of attorneys, Aaron shares practical ways professionals at every stage of their careers can work alongside AI instead of competing against it. Together, Amy and Aaron unpack why human judgment remains irreplaceable, how AI can accelerate learning, and why experimenting with these tools in low-stakes situations builds confidence for high-stakes moments. Whether you're leading a business, building a team, or simply trying to keep up with the pace of change, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on how to embrace AI without losing the uniquely human skills that matter most. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why asking better questions is becoming the most valuable professional skill. • How AI can accelerate learning instead of replacing expertise. • The difference between information and judgment in the age of AI. • Why experienced professionals shouldn't fear AI, but learn to partner with it. • Practical ways to start using AI in your personal and professional life. Connect with Aaron Crews: hklaw.com/crews-aaron linkedin.com/in/esilawyer Learn more about Dr. Amy Athey's executive coaching, leadership development, and performance psychology services at Athey Performance. Follow Still Evolving for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and high performance in a rapidly changing world. 01:25 The New Competitive Advantage in the Age of AI 04:22 Meet Aaron Crews and the Human + AI Partnership 06:13 Why Great Questions Unlock Better AI Results 10:27 Can Young Professionals Develop Judgment Faster? 16:41 Helping Experienced Leaders Overcome AI Resistance 21:33 The Biggest Questions Law Firms Are Asking About AI 27:14 Why Human Expertise Still Wins with AI 31:10 Curiosity as the Ultimate Leadership Skill 32:15 Low-Stakes Ways to Learn AI Every Day 38:02 Final Thoughts on Staying Curious and Future Ready

  3. Jul 5

    The Science of Building High-Performing Sales Teams with Stephanie Broadright

    High-performing sales teams aren't built on instinct alone. They're built by combining data, deliberate development, and leaders who know how to unlock human potential. In this episode of Still Evolving, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with sales growth executive Stephanie Broadright to explore what truly separates top-performing sales organizations from the rest. Stephanie shares why capability matters more than capacity, how scientific talent assessments outperform gut instinct in hiring, and why ongoing coaching and practice are essential for sustained success. Together, they also examine how AI is changing sales preparation while reinforcing that authentic human connection remains the greatest competitive advantage. Whether you're leading a sales organization, hiring your next top performer, or developing future leaders, this conversation offers practical strategies you can implement immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hiring for capability beats hiring for familiarityThe biggest mistakes organizations make when promoting sales leadersHow assessment tools improve hiring accuracyWhy deliberate practice matters more than "learning on the job"The role AI should and shouldn't play in modern salesHabits that help leaders sustain high performance over timeGuest Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebroadright Korn Ferry: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/consultants/stephanie-broadright The Org: https://theorg.com/org/korn-ferry/org-chart/stephanie-broadright YouTube Chapters00:00 Introduction 00:33 Meet Stephanie Broadright 01:15 Capability vs. Capacity in Sales Hiring 03:33 Why Gut Instinct Isn't Enough 06:31 Using Data to Build Better Teams 08:34 Adapting Talent Strategies in a Changing Market 12:23 Why Sales Teams Need Deliberate Practice 17:16 AI's Role in Sales Preparation 20:25 What High Performers Do Differently 24:12 Sustaining Performance as a Leader 26:37 Final Thoughts

  4. Jun 29

    How Do Leaders Sustain High Performance?

    High performance isn't about pushing harder. It's about knowing when to recover so you can perform when the moment matters most. The leaders who sustain excellence over years aren't simply working longer hours. They're building systems that allow them to stay sharp, adaptable, and ready under pressure. Why Recovery Is a Leadership SkillIn this conversation, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with David Walden, Director at Stanton Chase and former Chief People Officer, to explore what executive leadership can learn from elite athletics. Drawing on his experience coaching championship swimmers and advising CEOs, boards, and executive teams, David explains why recovery isn't something leaders earn after burnout. It's part of the performance process itself. Together, they unpack how elite performers prepare for long seasons instead of isolated moments, why focusing on deliverables creates stronger teams than measuring hours worked, and how leaders can build trust through communication rather than control. What Does Sustainable High Performance Actually Look Like?Amy and David discuss why modern leadership requires a shift from traditional management toward adaptable, people-centered leadership. As AI, new technologies, and constant change reshape today's workplace, leaders must become more curious, more patient, and more willing to evolve alongside their teams. If you're leading a team, navigating organizational change, or simply trying to perform at a high level without sacrificing your health, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Key Takeaways• Why sustainable high performance depends on recovery, not constant intensity. • Why focusing on deliverables produces better outcomes than measuring hours worked. • Practical ways to use micro breaks to improve executive performance. • Why flexibility creates stronger leadership during organizational change. • How curiosity and continuous learning have become essential leadership skills in the AI era. • Why recovery supports better decision-making under pressure. • What "Moment Ready" leadership looks like inside today's rapidly changing workplace. Guest BioDavid Walden is a Director at Stanton Chase specializing in executive search and leadership advisory. A former Chief People Officer and collegiate swimming coach, he brings decades of experience helping organizations build sustainable leadership while applying lessons from elite athletic performance to executive teams. Website: https://www.stantonchase.com/consultant/david-walden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjwalden/ RocketReach: https://rocketreach.co/david-walden-email_4384024 Website: https://www.dramyathey.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramyathey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramyathey If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Still Evolving and leave a review to help more leaders discover practical strategies for performing at their best when it matters most.

  5. Jun 22

    There Are No Shortcuts to Greatness with Chris Kowalewski

    What if the secret to high performance isn't a hack, but a commitment to doing the fundamentals exceptionally well? In this conversation, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with Chris Kowalewski to explore the power of clarity, accountability, and preparation in leadership. Drawing from decades of experience leading high-performing teams, Chris shares why concise communication matters, how great leaders take the truth head-on, and why sustained success comes from repetition, discipline, and ownership rather than quick fixes. Together, they discuss what it means to become "moment ready," how culture is shaped through preparation and consistency, and the habits that help leaders stay grounded through both success and adversity. Key takeaways: • Why clarity is one of the most important leadership skills • How accountability starts with taking an honest look in the mirror • Why there are no shortcuts, hacks, or easy paths to lasting success • The role of preparation in high-stakes moments • How humility, perspective, and daily habits sustain long-term performance Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or striving to perform at your highest level, this conversation is a powerful reminder that excellence is built one intentional day at a time. Because when your moment arrives, you don't rise to the occasion. You fall back on your preparation.

  6. Jun 15

    Leap and the Net Will Appear with Joy Jarrett

    What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next level is the fear of taking the leap? In this episode of Still Evolving, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with Joy Jarrett, Chief Marketing Officer at Guidehouse, for a powerful conversation about leadership, mentorship, courage, and navigating disruption in an era of constant change. Joy shares how authentic connection, trust, and a commitment to developing others have shaped her leadership journey and helped her build high-performing teams. From embracing AI instead of fearing it to learning that success is never a straight line, Joy offers practical wisdom for leaders, aspiring professionals, and anyone facing a season of growth and uncertainty. Key Takeaways: • Why great leaders focus on developing future leaders, not just managing performance • How to embrace AI and disruption as opportunities rather than threats • The mindset shift behind Joy's guiding principle: "Leap and the net will appear" Whether you're leading a team, building your career, or standing at a crossroads, this conversation is a reminder that growth happens when courage meets action. Press play and discover how you can make a difference exactly where you are.

  7. Jun 8

    AI Isn't the Strategy with Dan Ortman

    Everyone says they need AI, but very few can answer the most important question: for what? In this episode of Still Evolving, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with technology executive and consultant Dan Ortman to explore the gap between AI hype and meaningful business transformation. Drawing on his experience as both a CIO and trusted advisor, Dan shares why organizations often rush into AI adoption without a clear plan, and what leaders can do to avoid costly mistakes. Together, they unpack the balance between urgency and strategy, the importance of change management, and why the most successful AI implementations start with people, not technology. This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders navigating innovation while maintaining trust, clarity, and long-term business value. Key takeaways: • Why "We need AI" is only half the conversation • How to measure ROI beyond simple usage metrics • The role of change management, governance, and security in successful adoption • Why clarity often outperforms complexity in leadership Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or trying to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers a grounded perspective on navigating innovation with purpose. The future belongs to those willing to learn, adapt, and move forward with clarity. Join us for a conversation that will challenge the way you think about technology, leadership, and what comes next.

  8. Jun 1

    Why Great Leaders Stay Curious with Micahel Nevski

    What separates leaders who thrive under pressure from those who break under it? In this episode of Still Evolving, host Dr. Amy Athey sits down with former college athlete and executive leader Michael  to explore the powerful overlap between sports psychology, leadership, and personal growth. From mental toughness and composure to confidence, preparation, and adaptability, Michael shares how the lessons learned on the court became the foundation for leading through uncertainty in business and life. Together, they unpack why curiosity matters more than comfort, how overconfidence quietly limits growth, and why the best leaders stay human first. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone navigating pressure, change, or high performance environments. Key themes in this episode: How athletes develop resilience and composure under pressureWhy great leaders never stop learningThe difference between confidence and arroganceHow preparation shapes performance in business and lifeWhy relationships and human connection still matter most If you are striving to lead with clarity, stay grounded through change, and continue evolving through every season of life, this episode is for you.

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About

Hosted by Dr. Amy Athey, Still Evolving explores the truth behind lasting high performance and resilience. Rather than relying on perfection or superhuman ability, the podcast highlights how real strength emerges through simple, intentional habits, grounded in self-compassion, adaptability, and the ability to grow through life’s inevitable setbacks. Each episode features stories and insights from leaders in sport, the military, and business. Through their journeys, listeners see the shared humanity behind exceptional achievement and the foundational practices that help them keep “Still Evolving” both at the height of success and in moments of challenge.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Amy Athey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dr. Amy Athey