mbition has always been a badge of honor in business — but in today’s AI-driven world, the way we pursue it may be breaking us. Anthony Kennada sits down with Amanda Goetz (CMO, founder of House of Wise, and author of the forthcoming Toxic Grit) to explore why modern ambition needs a reset.
They unpack how grit can turn toxic when it ignores the seasons of life, why hustle isn’t always the enemy, and how intentionally stepping into the different “characters” we play — founder, parent, partner, creator — can restore balance and humanity to our work. Amanda also shares lessons from building community-led brands, navigating portfolio careers, and why leaders’ personal health directly shapes the companies they build.
Topics we cover:
– What “toxic grit” really means — and how to avoid it
– Why work-life balance is a myth (and what to do instead)
– How to embrace ambition without burning out
– The role of humanity in how leaders show up and build brands
– Why portfolio careers may define the future of work
– Practical ways to love what you have while pursuing what’s next
If you’re a CMO, founder, or ambitious professional rethinking how to thrive in the Intelligence Age, this episode will challenge you to redefine ambition on your own terms.
Pre-order Amanda's book Toxic Grit: How to have it all and (actually) love what you have right here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Grit-have-actually-love/dp/146423325X?sr=8-1