Still Evolving

Perfectionism Is Killing Your Momentum with Brittany Greenfield

What if the thing making you successful is also the thing quietly burning you out? In this episode of Still Evolving, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with entrepreneur and leadership strategist Brittany Greenfield to unpack the hidden cost of perfectionism in leadership, business, and high performance. From missed opportunities and burnout to delegation struggles and the fear of “getting it wrong,” Brittany shares the lessons she learned while building companies under pressure and how perfectionism nearly became her biggest blind spot. Together, they explore why excellence and perfection are not the same thing, how recovery fuels performance, and the practical systems leaders can use to stop spiraling and start building momentum. Key takeaways include: * Why perfection is a myth, not a standard * How perfectionism destroys delegation and trust * The “Skills-Leverage-Risk Matrix” for smarter leadership decisions * Why recovery is a performance strategy, not a luxury * The power of “intellectual playtime” to spark resilience and innovation If you’ve ever felt trapped between high standards and total exhaustion, this conversation will help you rethink what sustainable success really looks like.

Lead Without Needing to Be Right with Chad Hesters

What if the best leaders aren’t the ones with all the answers? In this episode, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with Chad Hesters to unpack what leadership really looks like in high-pressure, uncertain environments. Drawing from his experience across the military and global business, Chad shares why traditional “be right” leadership fails when complexity rises and how self-awareness, humility, and team dynamics become the real differentiators. They explore how great leaders manage internal pressure, avoid defaulting to old habits, and build teams that think beyond silos to make smarter decisions together. Key takeaways: * Why self-awareness is a leader’s greatest asset under stress * How to break down silos and create true team collaboration * The power of slowing down to make better decisions If you’re navigating uncertainty or leading through complexity, this conversation will challenge how you think about control, confidence, and what it really means to lead.

Built Different: Lead Beyond the Noise with Doug Locke

What if the real edge in leadership isn’t strategy, but how you think about people? In this episode of Still Evolving, Dr. Amy Athey sits down with entrepreneur Doug Locke to unpack his unconventional journey from consulting boardrooms to building a thriving biotech-focused organization. What started as a leap to help his father turned into a discovery of entrepreneurship, resilience, and redefining how teams are built and led. Doug shares hard-earned lessons on navigating uncertainty, resisting conformity, and why the future belongs to leaders who invest deeply in people over process. From scaling innovative business models to leading through the rise of AI, this conversation is a masterclass in staying grounded while thinking years ahead. Key takeaways: * Why great leaders fight the bias of conformity * How investing in people creates exponential growth * Navigating fear and opportunity in the age of AI If you’re building something, leading a team, or evolving into your next chapter, this episode will challenge how you think about impact and legacy.

Curiosity Over Certainty with Manny Flores

What if the best leaders stopped trying to have all the answers? In this episode, Manny shares his journey from operational roles to leading strategy and transformation, revealing how adaptability, perspective, and curiosity shaped his leadership style. Through personal insights and real-world experience, he breaks down what it truly takes to lead in times of uncertainty. Key takeaways: * Why curiosity matters more than certainty in leadership * How to zoom out and manage pressure with perspective * The importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you This conversation is a reminder that growth does not come from comfort, it comes from staying open, grounded, and willing to evolve.

Lead Better by Slowing Down with Michael Chiock

WHAT IF YOUR BIGGEST LEADERSHIP ADVANTAGE IS SOMETHING YOU’RE NOT USING ENOUGH? Michael Chiock, global supply chain leader and Managing Partner at AlixPartners, shares how growing up as the son of immigrants shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and empathy. From learning to meet people where they are to building a trusted circle that tells him the truth, Michael offers a grounded and practical perspective on what it really takes to grow over a long career. In this episode, Dr. Amy Athey and Michael explore how to stay steady, curious, and effective even when leadership gets hard. Key takeaways: * Why “assume best intent” can transform how you lead under pressure * How curiosity becomes a powerful tool, especially in moments of frustration * The simple mindset of “keep your broom down” and why it drives long-term success If you want to lead with more clarity, calm, and consistency, this conversation will meet you right where you are.