Ambition 2.0

3d ago

In this episode of Ambition 2.0 , host Amanda Goetz sits down with Starbucks' Global Chief Brand Officer Tressie Lieberman to talk about the path that led her through some of the biggest brands in marketing (Pizza Hut → Taco Bell → Chipotle → Yahoo → Starbucks), the mentors who changed her trajectory, and the family system that makes it possible: a true partnership where her husband is the stay-at-home parent. They get tactical about how to divide the cognitive load, why “Sunday check-ins” are a non-negotiable, and how to navigate the social friction that still shows up when you flip traditional gender roles. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Tressie went from aiming for “the next level” to owning the CMO path—and what made that shift happen Why curiosity (and doing “the little extra things”) is key in your career How to build a partnership that’s equitable, not score-keeping The practical systems that reduce mental load at home How to handle judgment, weird school dynamics, and “default parent” assumptions when dad stays home If you’re building an ambitious life—and want a relationship that can grow with it—this episode is a must listen. 00:00 Intro 02:53 The mindset shift that set Tressie’s sights beyond “the next level” 04:02 The mentors who opened doors (including reverse mentoring a CEO) 05:36 How to stand out early: curiosity, doing extra, and teaching what’s next 06:49 Advocating for yourself in executive rooms (and getting over FOE: fear of executives) 09:10 How they chose a stay-at-home partner dynamic 13:59 The at-home teamwork: check-ins, trade-offs, and letting go of perfection and control 17:45 Keeping the marriage strong: date nights, boundaries, and “one blended life” 32:45 Rapid fire: Sunday rituals, go-to Starbucks order, and ideal partnership in one word GUEST LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tressielieberman/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/ For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/ ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9

According to workplace culture expert and author Jennifer Moss, burnout in 2025 is actually worse than it was at the height of the pandemic—with roughly half of the global workforce experiencing symptoms. 🙃 In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with Jennifer to unpack why burnout is still rising, why “hardcore culture” and the 996 movement are actually bad for business (and employee morale), and why self-care rituals like a face mask and a Sunday night bath are band-aid solutions for a systems-level problem. They get into the uncomfortable truth about ageism (both Gen Z and older workers are experiencing bias) and what leaders are getting wrong about “return to office” and productivity. You’ll also hear a much more hopeful take on the future of work: how to design cultures around hope, purpose, and community, what actually moves the needle on wellbeing and performance, and what employees can do when they’re stuck in a bad culture but can’t just quit (because… rent). They also dig into AI, “boreout,” calendar Tetris, and the simple 20-minute rituals that can quietly transform a team. Key Takeaways: Burnout is a systems failure, not a self-care issue Ageism is shrinking the workforce more than AI How to assert boundaries with your boss when you’re burned out (and can’t quit) Clear signs you’re burning out Community at work is a performance driver, not a perk 3 things every company culture should have to prevent burnout Whether you’re a manager, an HR leader, or just someone who’s tired, cynical, and wondering, “Is it me… or my job?” this episode will give you language, frameworks, and actionable steps you can take today to redesign the way you work forever. 00:00 Intro 01:30 Redefining ambition without toxic productivity 06:30 Generational divides, ageism & entry-level careers 11:12 Burnout as a systems failure (not a self-care issue) 13:40 Hardcore culture, the 996 movement, and the real cost it has on companies 23:03 What employees can do when they can’t just quit 29:28 Three warning signs you’re sliding into burnout 32:30 The pillars of great culture 38:09 AI, “boreout,” and designing a lower-burnout future of work GUEST LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jleighmoss/?hl=en https://www.jennifer-moss.com/ Why Are We Here? Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781647826130 The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781647820367 FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/ For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/ ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2

In this episode of Ambition 2.0 , host Amanda Goetz sits down with Erika Ayers Badan, former CEO of Barstool Sports , current CEO of Food52 , bestselling author of Nobody Cares About Your Career , and all-around master of building a career entirely on her own terms. Erika took Barstool from scrappy outsider to a $550M powerhouse with 5 billion monthly video views and 225 million followers, and now she’s teaching us how to take charge of our own career trajectory. Erika shows us the real mechanics of career growth: why nobody is coming to save you, how to make your own luck, why “random” career paths are often the most powerful, and the mindset shifts that separate fulfilled professionals from stuck ones. She also shares candid stories from her time leading one of the most controversial (and successful) media companies in the world, what she’s learned about managing men and underdogs, how to stay emotionally regulated at work, and why she advocates for not bringing your whole self to work (compartmentalization can actually enhance your authenticity). Erika shares her thoughts on: Your career is only for you—not for LinkedIn, not for your resume, and not for anyone else’s approval. Luck is made, not given: initiative, shameless asking, and momentum matter more than pedigree in the early stages of your career. Every job, even the terrible or random ones, contains a skill or lesson you’ll use later. Emotional regulation and compartmentalization are leadership superpowers, not repression. You don’t have to be the “alpha” to lead; service, empowerment, and clarity are often more effective. A great boss can change your entire career trajectory—interview them as much as they interview you. You’ll also hear Erika’s framework for avoiding energy vampires, deciding which “thankless” tasks are worth it, building a personal board of directors, and creating momentum at any stage of your career—from your second job to the C-suite. 00:00 Intro 03:50 The biggest misconception about career progression 09:23 Surviving bad startups and getting the most out of them 14:20 Making your own luck and the power of asking for help 16:36 Personal boards and shameless asks 20:41 How junior employees can stand out and create momentum 23:37 Leading in a male-dominated culture without being the alpha 32:33 Compartmentalization, authenticity, and emotional regulation at work 39:47 Energy vampires, thankless tasks, and protecting your focus 42:37 How to pick a boss and read interviews differently 45:53 Erika’s work at Food52 and Work Life A Girl, and the power of building community 49:15 Rapid-fire questions and Erika’s non-negotiables at work GUEST LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika/ & https://www.instagram.com/workwitherika/ Connect with Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikanardini/ Subscribe to her Substack: https://erikaayersbadan.substack.com/ Listen to her podcast, Work : https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/work-with-erika-ayers-badan/id1503065691 Join Work Like a Girl : https://www.worklikeagirl.com/ Order her book, Nobody Cares About Your Career : https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781250320582 FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/ For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/ ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 25

In this episode of Ambition 2.0 , Amanda sits down with board-certified psychiatrist, researcher, and viral mental health educator Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, to talk about a form of depression that often flies under the radar: high-functioning depression. If you’re the one who “has it together” (the dependable friend, the rock at work, the caregiver who never drops the ball), but feel numb, exhausted, or joyless inside, this conversation is going to hit uncomfortably close to home (in the best way). Dr. Judith breaks down: Why so many high-achieving, caregiving women are especially vulnerable The science-backed difference between happiness (external, elusive) and joy (internal, accessible) Her framework of the five V’s of healing: validation, venting, values, vitals, and vision How people-pleasing and masochistic traits keep you stuck The surprising ways trauma, divorce, and “smaller” emotional wounds shape our ambition and burnout Why anhedonia (a loss of joy) is a red flag How PMDD, postpartum, and perimenopause can amplify everything They also get into practical tools: how to set limits with toxic people you can’t fully cut them off, how to support a friend with high-functioning depression without shaming them, and why scheduling joy is needed. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m functioning… but I’m not okay,” this episode will help you name it, understand it, and start to change it. 00:00 Intro 01:39 Judith’s story of realizing she was depressed 03:19 Why high-achieving, caregiving women are vulnerable to high-functioning depression 04:41 The difference between happiness and joy 08:30 The five V’s of healing 11:06 What masochism really means, how it became “people-pleasing,” and why women self-sacrifice 19:27 Venting vs trauma dumping 24:16 How Dr. Judith reclaimed joy through play 33:08 How to support a friend with high-functioning depression GUEST LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjudithjoseph/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjudithjoseph YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmHQJaOerTsZJfOtiYz4sOg Read High Functioning : https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780316577298 https://drjudithjoseph.com/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/ For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/ ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. DISCLAIMER This episode is sponsored by Bulova Crafted with over a century of heritage, the Bulova Rubaiyat collection fuses timeless design with modern femininity. From diamond-studded dials to sleek gold and silver finishes, these timepieces are proof that luxury should be anything but quiet. So, go ahead. Celebrate your milestones. Invest in yourself. Because time is on your side — and it looks so damn good on you. Discover the Bulova Rubaiyat collection at bulova.com . And get 30% off sitewide until November 28, 2025. https://bulova.sjv.io/c/3557746/3398415/16604 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18

When it comes to money, most of us were taught to work hard, focus on saving, and not take any financial risks. In this episode of Ambition 2.0 , Rachel Rodgers (self-made millionaire, founder of Hello Seven, and author of We Should All Be Millionaires and Future Millionaire ) is here to replace that belief with something way more powerful. Rachel and Amanda get into why wealth is built on risk, not by simply “working harder”, how women are socialized to budget instead of build wealth, and the exact mindset and practical moves that helped Rachel go from living in a low-income household as a child to running an eight-figure business. You’ll hear them talk about: Why “making money is easy” is the belief Rachel wishes she’d adopted at 25 The biggest limiting belief holding ambitious women back Why wealth comes after betting on yourself—not just by investing in stocks and real estate How to know when it’s time to hire help (EA, VA, house manager, childcare, etc.) Turning your natural talents and obsessions into income streams How Rachel designs her life so she can make millions without burning out 00:00 Intro 04:10 Why women are taught to budget—not build wealth 07:30 Failure, risk, and “successful failure” 10:40 Turning your natural talents into income 14:10 When (and why) to hire help instead of doing it all 19:40 Balancing “treating yourself” with long-term financial goals 23:25 Ambition without burnout: Rachel’s non-negotiables 25:30 The power of community, accountability, and momentum 29:41 The money belief Rachel wishes she had learned sooner 31:10 Rapid fire: millionaire habits, splurges, and rich-life rules GUEST LINKS Rachel Rodgers: https://www.instagram.com/rachrodgersesq/ Read We Should All Be Millionaires : https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781400221622 Read Future Millionaire : https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780310158202 Read Million Dollar Action : https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781400243686 Hello Seven Co.: https://www.instagram.com/hello7co/ https://rachelrodgers.com/ The Rachel Rodgers Show : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therachelrodgersshow/the-rachel-rodgers-show-entrepreneurship-uncensored FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/ For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/ ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11

What if ambition didn’t mean chasing the next title, paycheck, or performance review? In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with executive coach, podcast host, and author Amina AlTai (The Ambition Trap) to unpack what ambition really means—and why it might need a full rebrand. Together, Amanda and Amina get real about how culture (and capitalism) have warped our relationship with ambition—especially for women—and how to reclaim it on our own terms. From the “core wounds” that drive our overachieving tendencies to the importance of rest, self-awareness, and setting boundaries, this episode is your permission slip to stop chasing and start living. ✍️What you’ll learn Why ambition is cyclical (seasons of push + rest) The five core wounds (Lise Bourbeau) & how they show up at work “Painful” vs “purposeful” ambition—and how to shift The five "whys" to separate ego goals from what truly lights you up The resentment line: naming needs, stating them, and negotiating How to spot toxic individualism and reframe success as a team sport Why identity is a prism (you’re more than your job title) Whether you’re deep in your hustle era or learning to rest without guilt, this convo will help you spot what’s fueling your ambition—pain or purpose—and redesign it for something sustainable, joyful, and yours. 00:00 Intro 02:14 Two camps of ambition 03:58 Core wounds & masks 08:10 Untangling identity from achievement (and capitalism’s worthiness trap) 14:17 Desire, shame, and policing women’s wants 18:34 Toxic individualism vs. team sport mentality 22:38 Mistaking passion for purpose 26:50 Finding your purpose 32:45 Living above the resentment line GUEST LINKS Amina AlTai: https://www.instagram.com/aminaaltai/?hl=en Read The Ambition Trap: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780593655306 https://www.aminaaltai.com/ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Lise Bourbeau’s Five Core Wounds framework Stephen Cope’s The Great Work of Your Life FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/ For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/ ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. ABOUT HER WORKPLACE UNFILTERED Listen to Her Workplace Unfiltered —a podcast about what it really means to be a woman in the workplace. Instagram: @herworkplaceunfiltered @herworkplace TikTok: @herworkplaceunfiltered @herworkplace Watch on YouTube Join Her Workplace Follow Her Workplace on LinkedIn Subscribe to their newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 4

In this episode, Amanda Goetz sits down with Eve Rodsky—the New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space —to unpack one of the most important (and under-discussed) topics for ambitious women today: the invisible labor that keeps households running and the systems needed to make ambition sustainable. In a world where the lines between home, work, and personal ambition are constantly blurred, understanding the dynamics of domestic labor has never been more vital. Eve gets real about: 💭 The unseen emotional labor women carry every day—and why it drains ambition 💡 How to redefine success through systems, boundaries, and honest conversations 🔥 Why “having it all” isn’t the goal—and what fulfillment actually looks like 🦄 The power of “unicorn space” and how to carve out time for joy and creativity ❤️ How to reset relationship dynamics using the Fair Play Framework Let’s dive into what happens when ambition collides with expectation—and how to tactfully rewrite those rules for yourself. From invisible labor to emotional burnout, from systems thinking to radical self-care, this episode explores how women can reclaim their time, redefine ambition on their own terms, and build lives rooted in equity, purpose, and joy. 00:00 Intro 02:08 Defining modern ambition 03:41 The blueberry story that nearly ended a marriage 08:09 Advice for young women who are dating and are on the fence about kids 11:42 The importance of “unicorn space” 21:37 Navigating relationships and “fair play” 25:15 The oppressive nature of “finding time” 26:35 Boundaries and systems for balance 29:18 The role of “fair play” in relationships 30:39 The practice of setting boundaries 36:30 Radical generosity and protecting your time 38:46 Seasons of life and self-care GUEST LINKS Eve Rodsky: https://www.instagram.com/everodsky Read Fair Play : https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780525541943 Read Find Your Unicorn Space : https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780593328033 FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/ For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/ ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29

In the debut episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni—the visionary co-founders of Phia, the AI-powered shopping assistant backed by Hailey Bieber, Kris Jenner, Sheryl Sandberg, and other major investors. From meeting as college roommates at Stanford and launching Phia as a class project to raising an $8M seed round for their company, Phoebe and Sophia have been through it all together. They get candid about building a tech startup from scratch, navigating friendship as co-founders, and learning how to set boundaries to avoid burnout. They open up about: The real meaning of work-life balance (and does it even exist?) Why personal branding is a superpower for founders The “ground rules” that keep their friendship—and business—thriving Lessons from their fundraising journey and startup leadership The creative philosophy behind their own podcast, The Burnouts Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just love a good founder origin story, this episode dives deep into ambition, friendship, and what it takes to build something groundbreaking. (00:00) Intro (03:50) The origin story of Phia (05:18) Building the Phia team and shaping company culture (11:50) Raising $8M with high-profile investors (14:15) Friendship “ground rules” for co-founders (23:10) Burnout, boundaries, and balance (28:42) Work-life balance (30:45) Why personal branding matters more than ever (32:00) Rapid-fire questions (38:23) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs GUEST LINKS Phoebe Gates: https://www.instagram.com/phoebegates/ Sophia Kianni: https://www.instagram.com/sophiakianni/ Phia: https://www.instagram.com/phiaco/ The Burnouts Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theburnouts/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter, filled with career inspiration and intel for ambitious women: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/ For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/ DISCLAIMER This episode is sponsored by Semrush. Check out Semrush One, the only solution built for the next era of search. It unites Semrush’s leading traditional SEO tools with powerful AI search capabilities, all in one place, so you can make smarter, faster marketing decisions. Search moves fast, and you should have the right solution to stay ahead of the curve. Trusted by 10M+ marketers worldwide, try it today at semrush.com . #Ambition2Point0 #PhoebeGates #SophiaKianni #PhiaAI #GirlbossPodcast #WomenInBusiness #AIShopping #Startups #FemaleFounders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices