has led me here.
Every conversation, every experience, every lesson along the way
The first happened when I was launching the first flat-panel monitors for IBM. I convened technical leaders from several large organizations asking them to share their challenges to learn about what was getting in their way. Sharing your challenges in front of the competition is no small ask.
But one by one they opened up.
But there are two moments that stand out.
It led us to new outcomes and allowed me to see how the organization and myself might best support them.
That moment of vulnerability and courage was magic.
You know, those lightning bolt moments that shift the trajectory of your career. The ones that point you firmly in the direction of the work you’re most passionate about.
The second moment happened when I was working for the Fidelity Charitable®. We were a new team still figuring out how to best navigate the organization, communicate our value and manage change.
They brought in someone to help us and I was blown away by how quickly he recognized the team dynamic and possible organizational impact, and presented clear practical advice for us to work and communicate better with senior teams.
I was hooked...by the people and the possibilities we can create when we come together.
Which meant going back to school four years after completing my MBA to get a Masters in Science and Organizational Development. I consulted all around the world as part of my MSOD program and slowly refined the work I wanted to do.
Understanding organizational strategy gives me an awareness of the larger context while I help teams manage conflict, communicate better and add more value to their company.
Lead Bee Leadership Development is a wonderful way for me to focus on the work I’m most passionate about and support clients in a meaningful way.
I wanted to do THAT.
Bees have been a recurring motif woven throughout my life so it makes sense that they would show up here, in the name of my business. Bees are vital to our entire ecosystem much like great leaders are vital to any organization. I love how bees and hives work together seamlessly. Collaborating and shifting their duties according to the conditions of the hive. While each bee has a specific role they are all essential to the health of the hive.
about the bees...
It isn’t always easy.
Unlike the bees, working together can be challenging. Different perspectives and differences of opinion are to be expected in every workplace. I’ve learned that when we show up to hard conversations with empathy and open minds we arrive at different outcomes.
I’ve found that leaders who successfully navigate obstacles have learned to lean into their strengths and cultivate a strategic approach combined with self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
One of my favorite things is seeing how the individual work (growing self-awareness, giving and receiving feedback, managing conflict and better communication) transforms the collective work and contributes to the success of the company - just like the bees.
Ready to find out how we can work together?
start hEre >
We used it before the hipsters did.
film
Infinite battery life, no loading time, no data fees.
paper
Wouldn't it be awesome if these were wearable?
flowers
ABOUT AMANDA
Amanda Zinke is a coach, trainer, facilitator, and consultant who brings more than a decade of experience to her clients. She has a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science and Organizational Development (MSOD), and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She also serves as adjunct faculty in the Executive Coaching Program at Georgetown University.
Amanda has been an internal leader at Fidelity, Microsoft, IBM, and Talbots. In her last two internal roles, she led Learning & Development. She has worked with companies in various industries from start-ups to well-established businesses. She’s passionate about leadership development, communication, and creating a culture where every voice is heard.
Amanda is a mom of an active young family. In her opinion, there’s nothing better than a good book, a beach chair, and the ocean.
