In this warm and honest episode of Mighty Forces, Amanda brings together two women she’s long admired — Suzanne Ehlers, CEO of USA for UNHCR, and Johanna, a leadership coach and consultant — for a reflection on curiosity, competence, ownership, and what it means to give a damn in complex times. The three explore how curiosity fuels good leadership, how competence breeds confidence, and why giving people (and ourselves) the space to try, fail, and draft again is essential in both work and life. They talk about parenting as a mirror for leadership, redefining competence with compassion, and making peace with boredom, discomfort, and imperfection. This is an episode about spaciousness, integrity, and the courage to put the first draft out there on the page, in the world, and in our lives.

Topics:

• How curiosity shapes leadership and creativity
• The connection between competence and confidence
• Redefining what it means to be “competent” in a post–hustle culture
• Teaching ownership and responsibility through parenting and community
• Why boredom matters — and what it reveals about energy and self-awareness
• Embracing the “draft” as an act of courage and integrity
• Balancing agency with surrender and the art of sitting in discomfort
• “Making the red”: the power of slowing down and disrupting old patterns
• Finding joy and meaning even in pain and uncertainty

Episode Resources:

• The Proust Questionnaire
• Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie

Resources:

• Mighty Forces
• Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
• Follow Amanda on Instagram

Mighty Forces is produced by Amanda Hirsch and Heart Centered Podcasting. The music of Mighty Forces was written and performed by Jordan Hirsch, aka my wonderful husband.