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Job title / company: Fintech Consultant , currently @ Alarm.com (head of credit) and The Free Toaster (general manager of events) Family snapshot: Husband Andrew, corgi Story, hopeful for second corgi, undecided on kids. Education / credentials: Wisconsin-Madison undegraduate business school (finance and marketing major) Professional background: Worked 15 years in financial services (Capital One), across analytics, product management, and strategy. Took a 15mo sabbatical after leaving, and just recently got into consulting. What drives you? Why do you do what you do? I enjoy working with people who are smart and nice to solve interesting problems. 1) Smart, because it challenges me on an intellectual level. 2) Nice, because I want to help those who want to help me. I "grew up” at a company with supportive peers and mentors and an unsaid ’no assholes’ policy. 3) Interesting problems - I gravitate across job types and parts of the industry based on where I can find the most interesting work, rather than staying in one role. You recently came off a sabbatical after working for the same company for nearly two decades. What did you learn about yourself during this career break? When I started at Capital One, I had just graduated from college and was in a new city (DC) with a new class of hires (about 90 of us at the same time). As you might expect, I built both a career and a life that was very tied to my company, with most close friends and even my future husband working there. When I left, I was focused on finding my own identity in the workforce and separating it from my personal identity. However, after 15 years instead found I wanted to spend some time NOT thinking about work! I ended up on a 15 month sabbatical: I volunteered all across Chicago, traveled, picked up new hobbies, and read more books than ever before. After that time off, I became more comfortable with the person I am and realized I didn’t need all of the answers about my ‘identity’ at work - instead I could go back to basics and find the smart/nice people solving interesting problems. I also realize the privilege it took to be able to step away from my career that long; I’m hopeful others can find similar clarity even if stepping away for a short time. What’s a decision you’ve made recently (or not) that reflects who you are now, not who you used to be? I recently took on a part time job leading events for a fintech media company (think: networking dinners, conferences, etc). I inadvertently got this job after seeing an interesting LinkedIn post by the founder, an old colleague, and messaging them saying ‘I would love to give you free advice about this space!’. His response was, ‘what if you didn’t do it for free and you came to work here’? The old Amanda would have considered whether this would help or hurt her chance to advance her career in a linear way (become an executive, lead a larger business, get a raise, etc) but the current Amanda took it because it meets her criteria of what gets her excited. How has your definition of success or fulfillment shifted over time? In a large corporation, the best measure of ’success’ is a promotion. I was promoted four times in my first four years at Capital One, but over time, found myself making lateral moves to keep myself interested in the work and to help me expand my skillset. Now that I’m outside a large corporation, I can see how valuable those career moves were, and that focusing on a more senior title didn’t actually mean that much to me. What do people assume about you that isn’t actually true? That I’m hyper competitive in my career, because I had a lot of early career success and I come from a family that is very competitive with each other. In reality, my best career moments were shared success (a product launch that everyone worked hard on, or a promotion when the whole team was also promoted). And, my competition with my family is much more about winning in pickleball and Monopoly - we’re super supportive of each other in pretty much every other way. What’s something you’ve let go of — a role, expectation, or belief — and why? That one must separate work and life. Early on, both were very intertwined for me, so I later found myself wondering if I should go to the opposite extreme. Now, I try not to overthink it and spend my time with whoever makes me happy, whether it’s a coworker or a new friend. I think it’s a unique answer for everyone and I have a lot of like-minded friends in fintech.
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What question are you currently sitting with in your life? What’s next for you? I’m currently doing two very different jobs in fintech - a traditional role in the lending business, and developing/designing events from the ground up. By the end of the year, I’m hoping to answer which path gets me the most excited, and double down in pursuit of that path. On a personal note, I’m still deciding whether to have kids (my husband and I froze embryos last year to give us a slightly longer window to decide), and even when I put it out of my mind, society tends to remind me that I’m in my late 30s and this “should" be top of mind. Yay! What helps you feel like yourself when things feel loud or overwhelming? I’m an extrovert so it’s usually stepping away and sending funny texts or memes back and forth with a friend. Also, ALWAYS, petting my corgi and reminding myself that she doesn’t give a sh*t about my success as long as I love her and feed her (well, maybe in the opposite order). What’s one truth you wish women talked about more openly, and how do you live that in your life? I’ve learned a lot in the past few years about anti-racism, the active and conscious practice of opposing racism and dismantling its systems, rather than simply being ’not racist’. This is a very complex issue, and without diminishing it, I think we can recognize it exists to some extent for gender, too. Sure, it’s easy to spot a man being overtly sexist. But how many men are "anti-sexist”? We need to know which men will put themselves on the line to shut down sexist assumptions when the doors are closed and the stakes are high, like during VC pitches or promotion panels. When we find our allies, we should encourage them, and when someone fails to act, we should ask them why. I have male mentors and coworkers in both categories and have tried to be outspoken as I can to both groups especially in environments where I am a leader.
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Somewhere along the way, women were sold a version of “having it all” that quietly required doing everything. Build the career. Grow the business. Be present at home. Keep everything running. Show up, look polished, stay on top of it all. And if it feels like too much? Get more organized. Push harder. It’s exhausting. And it’s not the only way. Having it all was never meant to mean carrying it all. The women building full lives and meaningful careers are not doing everything themselves. They are deciding what matters, putting structure around it and letting go of the rest. In life and in business. Start With Systems, Not WillpowerIf your days feel reactive, it is not because you lack discipline. It is because too much is sitting on you to manage in real time. Systems reduce decision fatigue. They create consistency without constant effort. At home, that might look like: A short list of meals you rotate through Laundry and reset days that stay consistent A shared running list for groceries and to-dos
In business, it might look like: Dedicated work blocks instead of squeezing work into open moments A simple weekly priority list you return to Templates for emails, proposals or content so you are not starting from scratch
The goal is not rigidity. It is clarity. When systems are in place, you stop spending your energy on the same decisions over and over again and can focus on what actually moves things forward. Learn to Say No Without Turning It Into a ConversationMost women don’t struggle with saying no. They struggle with how it will be received. So we soften it. We explain it. We leave the door open. But in business and in life, unclear boundaries create more work, not less. A clear no can sound like: “I can’t take that on right now.” “I’m not available for that this week.” “That’s not something I can commit to.”
No long explanation required. Every time you say yes to something out of obligation, you are pulling time and energy away from something that likely matters more. Your work, your family, your own capacity.
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Support Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive to Be StrategicNot everyone has access to a house manager or a full team. That does not mean you have to do everything alone. Support can look like: Trading childcare with a friend so each of you gets uninterrupted time Asking your partner to fully own certain responsibilities, not just assist Letting your kids take on age-appropriate tasks without redoing them Saying yes when help is offered instead of defaulting to “I’ve got it” Lowering the standard in certain areas so everything does not require your full effort
In business, support can be: Hiring a freelancer for a specific project instead of doing it yourself Using tools or templates that save you time Asking for introductions instead of building every connection from scratch
And yes, when it makes sense, it might include paid help. A cleaning service, part-time admin support, occasional childcare. It does not have to be all or nothing. The goal is not to outsource your life. It is to stop being the only one responsible for everything in it. You Get to Define What “All” MeansNot everything deserves equal access to you. Having it all does not mean: Being available to everyone at all times Saying yes to every opportunity Growing your business at the expense of everything else
It can mean: A business that grows in a way that feels sustainable A home that runs without constant oversight Time with your family that feels present Space to think, rest and make decisions without urgency
This is not about doing less for the sake of it. It is about doing what matters, better. Build a Life and Business That Don’t Depend on You for EverythingIf everything depends on you, everything feels heavy. Start small: Identify one thing in your life or business that feels harder than it needs to be Decide what can be simplified, shared or released Practice one clear no this week
You do not need a full team or perfect systems to stop doing everything alone. Having it all was never about proving how much you can carry. It is about building something that actually works for you. Support, Your WayNot all support looks the same. It can evolve with your season. Free Low-Cost Shared Seasonal Support is not about how much you spend. It is about how much you try to carry alone.
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Degree: Indiana University Bloomington in Telecommunications and Communication and Culture. In 2022, I experienced a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle accident that turned my life upside down. I struggled with chronic fatigue, severe migraines, sensory sensitivity, dizziness, and brain fog, making even simple tasks feel nearly impossible. This left me feeling like I lost control over my world and independence. Forced to slow down, I learned to live in the here and now, gradually rebuilding my sense of self, grounding, and connection with the world around me. Instead of returning to my former career, I have embraced a new path that allows me to create, heal, and move forward with intention and peace. My professional background is rooted in youth program development. Before my traumatic brain injury, I worked in leadership roles with girl scout councils and independent schools nationwide, creating and overseeing summer camps, after-school programs, and enrichment programs. Supporting growth, creativity, and emotional well-being has always been central to my work, and those values continue to shape my art today. Business Name: Alicia Christine Art
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Inspiration for this Piece: My work is inspired by this period of deep personal change that required me to redefine success, productivity, and healing. Through photography and hiking, I explore stillness, resilience, and the quiet strength found in nature. My hope is that this feature resonates with women who are navigating transitions of their own and offers a reminder that slowing down can be a form of strength. @alicia_christine_art
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Like the sugarplums of Christmas Eve, it would seem there isn’t a woman for whom the thought of ‘spring’ doesn’t procure visions of deep cleaning and the masterful reorganization of their entire home. For moms, daughters, wives or single ladies, the fresh air of spring while invigorating also indicates yet another hill to climb. We are told by our Instagram feeds, Amazon ads, daytime television shows, and just about every media source geared towards the modern woman that spring means: it’s time to be productive… And hence, we better start cleaning and reorganizing, ladies. It’s the season for renewal, right? And surely, we’ve had winter to turn inwards and rest. So, who can resist the call to arms, now that the sun is once again shining through? Well, as your local life coach, I’ll just go ahead and call that bluff. I would love for the images of wholesome holiday gatherings, followed with weeks of restorative evenings by warm fires with knit blankets and cups of tea to be our truths. However, most women I’m speaking with whether they love them or not are overwhelmed throughout the holidays, exhausted physically and emotionally by the end of them, and at best they clamor through the weeks of dull skies that follow. I have yet had a client report that winter ended with them feeling restored, rejuvenated and ready to tackle the next task. So why do we expect this ’productivity’ of ourselves, and is there perhaps a better way to utilize those fresh spring breezes and ever-lengthening days? For each woman, what is truly important varies from year to year, and certainly spring to spring. And sure, some springs our top priority might actually be to label food bins in our pantries, or to remodel our laundry rooms with wicker baskets and art pieces staggered against a decorative wallpaper. If anyone asks my husband, he’ll be the first to tell you that I am all-for reducing clutter, and making our lived spaces feel peaceful. Nonetheless, does this really mean that spring should forever be predetermined as the time to deep clean spice cabinets and reorganize the garage? I think not. And as such, I am deeply compelled to advocate for a renewal of what visions this season procures for us.
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And my first suggestion for doing this is simple: let’s start with taking time to answer these questions for ourselves. When we act without thoughtful consideration, our lives can quickly become overly automated. While I am a proponent of structure and routine, doing without relevant intention is just being on autopilot for our own journey. As such, it’s imperative that we regularly check-in with ourselves, allowing space to reflect on our current needs. So, this spring instead of mindlessly rolling up our sleeves how lovely might it be, if rather, we utilized the energy of the season to attend to our highest and best priorities? Peaceful reflection can come in many forms, but at its core it requires space to allow our nervous systems to settle and our minds to wander freely. Journaling, walks in a light rain, or actually sitting in front of a warm fire with a hot cup of tea are all beautiful illustrations of how we can tune into our heart’s yearning. Without intentionally taking time to notice what we long for, we will rarely see beyond a list of things to do. In my work with clients, I frequently ask for examples of activities they enjoy, people they admire, and wishes they have for their future. In doing so, I help clients identify the felt sense that they want more of in their lives. For some, it may be a greater sense of connection with loved ones. For others, perhaps their weeks have become predictable, and they yearn for a bit of spontaneity or adventure. Whatever it may be, giving ourselves the opportunity to notice what we really want is the first step towards living an increasingly fulfilling life. The next step and perhaps, the trickiest is to then identify manageable ways to incorporate these kinds of experiences into our present circumstances. This piece requires flexibility in our thinking, some problem-solving skills, and often goal setting. For example, an individual seeking adventure might easily stop there. I mean, what mom of three can jet off to Brazil this summer, right? However, when we don’t push through the obvious hurdles, we deny ourselves the joy of making the most of each day now. If a night in Rio is the dream, how about we create a Latin music playlist to enjoy while we make dinner? Perhaps, we sign ourselves up for a six-week samba class? And if we’re really going for it: we look into flights, Airbnb’s, and create a realistic vacation fund despite knowing it will take five years to get there? These kinds of thoughtful interventions for ourselves when tethered to our heart’s deepest yearnings can bring extraordinary bursts of satisfaction, joy and meaningfulness into our lives. It encourages us to more often be in the present moment, and to keep our cups full. Allowing for substantial restoration, renewal and… dare I say it, even perhaps the energy to clear out those junk drawers. As seen in the March / April 2026 issue of Woman to Woman.
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Americans are obsessed with protein and honestly, there’s a reason. It’s one of the few nutrients that actually works for you all day: stabilizing energy, supporting muscle tone, helping with hormone balance, and keeping you full longer so you’re not constantly reaching for snacks. But here’s where it gets interesting: most women don’t need more protein shakes, they need better, more creative ways to weave protein into real life. The New Way to Think About ProteinInstead of asking, “How do I hit my protein goal?” Start asking:
“Where can I sneak protein into what I already eat?” Unexpected High-Protein Snacks (That Aren’t Boring)Savory, elevated, and actually satisfyingCottage cheese + avocado + chili oil + everything seasoning Salmon + Greek yogurt + mustard (eat with cucumbers or crackers) Crispy roasted chickpeas with sea salt or hot honey Ricotta + honey + pistachios on toast Turkey slices rolled with cream cheese + cucumber Hard-boiled eggs with chili crisp or pesto
Why it works: protein + fat combos keep you full longer and curb cravings. ( Sweet, but still protein-forwardGreek yogurt bark with berries + dark chocolate Apple slices + almond butter (simple but effective) Chia pudding with protein milk or collagen Protein energy bites (oats, nut butter, seeds) Frozen banana + peanut butter “sandwiches” Smoothie with silken tofu (you won’t taste it)
Grab-and-go (for real life, not Pinterest life)Tuna or salmon packets + crackers Cheese sticks + nuts Edamame with sea salt Protein coffee (yes, it counts) Bone broth in a travel mug (surprisingly filling)
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Meals That Quietly Pack in ProteinBreakfast (without forcing eggs every day)Greek yogurt bowl + granola + seeds Protein oatmeal (add nut butter + chia) Toast + ricotta + smoked salmon Smoothie with protein-rich milk or tofu
Lunch (quick)Dinner (family-friendly, still high protein)Salmon + rice + roasted vegetables Chicken + farro + greens Tacos with beans + meat (double protein) Pasta + cottage cheese blended into sauce (trust it) The “Add-On” Trick (This Changes Everything)Instead of overhauling meals, just add: Hemp seeds → salads, yogurt, smoothies Cottage cheese → pasta sauce, eggs, toast Greek yogurt → dips, dressings, bowls Beans/lentils → soups, tacos, even snacks
Even small additions stack up and make meals more filling without feeling heavy.
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Instagram Accounts Worth Following (for real inspiration)These aren’t bodybuilder accounts. These are real-life, aesthetic, doable:
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