Leadership Unlocked: The Stories That Shape Great Leaders How a Homeless Woman Became This CEO's Greatest Leadership Teacher | Amanda Byrd - E19
Dusty is joined by Amanda Byrd, sales executive turned chaplain, coach, and founder, for a conversation about how compassion and courage can reshape not only our careers but our lives. Dusty traces Amanda’s journey from a pivotal act of kindness outside an emergency room to years spent serving in hospitals and hospice care, where she learned the transformative power of presence, listening, and meeting people exactly where they are. Amanda shares how chaplaincy made her a stronger leader—teaching her to hold space for fear, regret, and vulnerability—and why journaling and reflection are essential practices for growth. She opens up about her mission to help women unlock hidden potential through Courage Circles, creating safe spaces to face fear in community and embrace new possibilities. Along the way, she and Dusty explore what it means to lead yourself first, how curiosity fuels better leadership, and why the greatest impact often comes from small, courageous choices. This episode will challenge you to reflect more deeply, live more fully, and lead with compassion and clarity.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - Amanda Byrd's Transformative Journey
(05:54) - From Sales Executive to Chaplain
(10:00) - Lessons from the ER and Hospice
(15:46) - Leadership Insights
(19:30) - Mentorship
(26:24) - Early Leadership Challenges
(30:55) - Empowering Women to Overcome Fears
(32:55) - The Power of Journaling and Reflection
(42:00) - Rapid Fire Leadership Insights
(46:17) - Meditation and Personal Leadership
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website: https://www.amandasbyrd.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandasbyrd1/
Mentions:
Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change by William Bridges and Susan Bridges
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com