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. há 6 dias

    Act Before You Feel Ready with Andrea Vardaro Thomas

    What if confidence isn't something you need before taking the leap, but something you build by taking it? Dr. Amy Athey sits down with Andrea Vardaro Thomas, Managing Director at Forvis Mazars, to explore what it really means to take courageous action when you don't feel completely ready. Drawing from a career spanning finance, operations, consulting, IPOs, transformation, and executive leadership, Andrea shares how she learned to trust the experience she had already built, even when stepping into something completely new. Together, Amy and Andrea unpack why confidence is often a lagging indicator, how career experiences quietly build a foundation for future opportunities, and why some of the most important leadership moments happen before we feel prepared for them. The conversation also explores Andrea's commitment to paying it forward, from opening doors for others and creating mentorship opportunities to building teams where different perspectives and strengths make everyone better. Andrea shares why leaders should lead by example, how sponsorship can change someone's career trajectory, and why diversity is about far more than demographics. To close, Andrea offers a practical strategy for sustaining a demanding career: her weekly reset, a simple process for identifying the two or three things that truly require her unique judgment, relationships, or expertise. In this episode, you'll learn: Why confidence often comes after courageous action.How to recognize the experience you've already built before making your next career move.Why taking stretch opportunities can expand your leadership range.How leaders can intentionally pay opportunities forward.Why leading by example is one of the most powerful forms of mentorship.How diverse strengths and perspectives make teams stronger.Andrea's weekly reset strategy for protecting focus and preventing burnout.Learn more about Dr. Amy Athey's leadership development and performance psychology work at Athey Performance: https://atheyperformance.com/

  2. 24 de ago.

    The Leadership Advantage You Can't Buy with Jan Færch

    What if the strongest advantage a leader can create isn't something you can put on a balance sheet? For Jan Færch, building high-performing teams starts with something many organizations underestimate: social connection. After more than 30 years of managing teams across countries and cultures, Jan has learned that people are far more likely to stay, perform, and thrive when they genuinely enjoy the people they work with and feel safe enough to speak their minds. Dr. Amy Athey and Jan explore why social cohesion can become a lasting competitive advantage, how leaders can create environments where employees feel comfortable challenging them, and why disagreement can actually make a team stronger. Jan also shares how he distinguishes productive disagreement from persistent negativity and why something as simple as a walk-and-talk can create the space for more honest conversations. The conversation ultimately comes back to a simple leadership principle: you have to make time for the human side of work. Because when people feel connected, supported, challenged, and valued, that investment shows up in the results. In this episode, you'll learn: Why social cohesion can be a powerful competitive advantage.How leaders can create psychological safety for disagreement and new ideas.The difference between challenging an idea and being consistently negative.Why getting to know employees beyond their work can strengthen teams.How a simple "walk and talk" can open the door to better conversations.Why leaders need to intentionally make time for connection.How Jan balances performance targets with dedicated time for team connection.Learn more about Dr. Amy Athey's leadership development and performance psychology work at Athey Performance. Chapters00:00 Why Social Connection Matters to High Performance 02:43 The Importance of Psychological Safety 04:34 Why Trust Makes Teams Stronger 05:29 Meet Jan Færch 06:48 Why Social Cohesion Creates Value 09:23 Investing in Your People 10:50 The Power of Informal Connection 13:23 Creating a Safe Space to Challenge the Leader 14:58 Why High-Performance Teams Need Disagreement 16:06 The Leader Who Was Willing to Be Wrong 18:19 Challenging Ideas vs. Being Negative 20:24 The Leadership Skills of Followership 22:11 Try a Walk-and-Talk With Your Team 24:19 Why Leaders Need to Make Time for People 25:34 Balancing Targets With Human Connection 27:09 Bringing Performance and Connection Together

  3. 17 de ago.

    How to Lead When Everything Feels Like Noise with Sam Espinosa

    When everything feels urgent, great leaders know what actually matters. In a world filled with notifications, headlines, meetings, opinions, and constant demands for attention, the ability to separate signal from noise has become one of the most important leadership skills. Dr. Amy Athey sits down with Sam Espinosa, a partner and national practice leader at Mercer, to explore how clarity, composure, and awareness can help leaders navigate high-pressure environments without getting pulled into the chaos. Drawing from more than 25 years of consulting experience across complex government and public service environments, Sam shares the leadership lessons that have helped him recognize the energy of a team, make adjustments without taking over, and keep people moving in the same direction. Together, Amy and Sam explore why a leader's energy is contagious, how the right question can reset an entire room, and why knowing when to step back can be just as powerful as knowing when to step in. They also discuss the importance of protecting white space, reframing challenges as opportunities to learn, and building the capacity to sustain high performance over the long term. Whether you're leading a team, navigating a difficult conversation, or simply trying to stay focused in an increasingly noisy world, this conversation offers practical tools for showing up with greater clarity, composure, and intention. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to separate signal from noise when everything feels urgent. • Why a leader's energy can shape the entire team's performance. • How to recognize when a team is aligned, distracted, or out of sync. • Why the right question at the right moment can completely reset a room. • How protecting white space can improve focus, creativity, and performance. • Why shifting from "what's happening to me" to "what's happening for me" can change how you respond to challenges. 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.

  4. 10 de ago.

    Stop Chasing Work-Life Balance with John Wells

    What if the problem isn't your schedule, but the way you've been taught to think about it? For years, leaders have been told to pursue work-life balance, yet many find themselves feeling stretched thinner than ever. This week, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with John Wells, President of RAPP US, to challenge that mindset and explore a more sustainable approach to leadership, performance, and fulfillment. Drawing from his own journey through anxiety, burnout, and decades of executive leadership, John shares how curiosity, creativity, and intentional renewal transformed the way he leads. Together, Amy and John discuss why integrating work and life creates greater freedom than trying to balance them, how small shifts in perspective unlock better decision-making, and why the practices that renew us are essential for long-term success. Whether you're leading an organization, managing a team, or simply trying to navigate a demanding season of life, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building a career and a life that can thrive together. In this episode, you'll learn: Why work-life integration is a healthier framework than work-life balance.How curiosity and creativity strengthen leadership.Practical ways to prevent burnout through intentional renewal.Why music, movement, and reading can become powerful leadership tools.A simple mindset that makes overwhelming challenges feel manageable.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. Chapters00:00 Why Work-Life Balance Falls Short 04:58 Meet John Wells 06:36 From Burnout to Sustainable Leadership 10:08 How Creativity Makes Better Leaders 13:53 Work-Life Integration vs. Work-Life Balance 19:19 The Practices That Prevent Burnout 22:28 Why Music, Running, and Reading Matter 26:05 Finding Growth Through Curiosity 27:23 Where Leaders Should Look for Answers 29:16 Focus on the Next Step, Not the Whole Journey 30:12 Final Thoughts

  5. 3 de ago.

    The Leadership Skill That Changes Every Conversation with Harsha Imrapur

    The best leaders don't always have the right answers. They know how to ask better questions, adapt to the people in front of them, and communicate with clarity when the stakes are high. This week, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with global business executive Harsha Imrapur to explore what leadership looks like across cultures, industries, and high-pressure environments. Drawing from years of leading international teams and navigating complex client relationships, Harsha shares why credibility isn't universal, how great leaders adjust their communication without sacrificing authenticity, and why clarity is often the result of disciplined thinking rather than simple messaging. Together, Amy and Harsha discuss the power of preparation, the difference between rapport and genuine connection, and why judgment can never be replaced by information alone. As AI continues to accelerate access to knowledge, they make the case that experience, reflection, and intentional practice will remain the true differentiators of exceptional leaders. Whether you're leading global teams, managing clients, or growing into your next leadership role, this conversation offers practical tools to communicate with greater clarity, build stronger relationships, and lead with confidence in uncertain environments. In this episode, you'll learn: Why credibility looks different across cultures.A simple three-step framework for communicating with clarity.The difference between building rapport and building real connection.Why judgment is developed through experience, not information.How a weekly reset can improve leadership and decision-making over time.Learn more about Harsha Imrapur: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tredence-appoints-shriharsha-imrapur-as-chief-business-officer-for-uk--europe-302524259.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/techintelpro_tredence-names-harsha-imrapur-as-uk-europe-activity-7359577518032478208-QRg7https://techintelpro.com/news/ai/enterprise-ai/tredence-names-harsha-imrapur-as-uk-europe-chief-business-officerLearn 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.

  6. 27 de jul.

    The Leadership Habit AI Can't Replace with Jenny Lopez Riley

    Technology changes. Great leadership doesn't. As AI reshapes marketing and the workplace at an unprecedented pace, the leaders who thrive won't simply be the ones with the best tools. They'll be the ones who know how to build trust, develop people, and create teams that can adapt to constant change. This week, Dr. Amy Athey is joined by Jenny Riley, Chief Growth Officer at RTM Engineering Consulting, bestselling author, and growth executive with more than two decades of experience leading organizations through every major evolution in modern marketing. Together, they explore why mentorship remains one of the most powerful leadership investments, how AI is changing the way work gets done without changing what great leaders do, and why the best teams are built on adaptability, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Whether you're leading a department, growing your career, or navigating rapid technological change, this conversation is a reminder that while technology will continue to evolve, investing in people will always be your greatest competitive advantage. In this episode, you'll learn: Why leadership matters even more in the age of AI.The two qualities Jenny looks for when hiring top performers.How to build high-performing teams across in-office, remote, offshore, and AI-powered environments.Why mentorship can completely change someone's career trajectory.Practical habits that help leaders stay grounded while navigating constant change.Connect with Jenny Riley: -https://www.instagram.com/p/DEkpJktOGR0/ -https://www.facebook.com/jenny.lopezriley/ -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-riley 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. Chapters00:00 Why Belief Is a Leader's Greatest Investment 03:50 Meet Jenny Riley 05:20 How Marketing Evolved from Print to AI 07:11 Why Leadership Still Matters More Than Technology 08:34 The Two Traits Jenny Hires For Every Time 10:45 Building High-Performing Hybrid and AI-Powered Teams 16:13 The Mentors Who Changed Jenny's Life 19:06 Why Great Leaders Lift Others as They Climb 22:28 Daily Habits That Sustain Great Leadership 25:14 Ask Yourself: Where Can Only I Create Value? 27:09 Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

  7. 19 de jul.

    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

  8. 13 de jul.

    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

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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.