Amanda Garza

I attribute my success to the way I show up for people. My goal as a leader is to guide, counsel, and protect my team—whether that means helping them manage competing demands, shielding them from noise, or removing obstacles so they can do their best work. I measure my impact by the goals they achieve, both personally and professionally.

I’ve always believed that we receive things so we can give things. Every opportunity I pursue is rooted in the hope that I can make a difference, even if it’s just one person. Early in my career, I learned the idea of a “count‑on‑me number”—the number of people who rely on you to make good decisions and create space for them to thrive. That number multiplies because the people who count on you also usually have people counting on them. That sense of purpose and responsibility is what drives me.

I also attribute a great deal of my success to the people in my corner—especially my husband. The people you surround yourself with absolutely matter. Brené Brown calls the wrong ones “candle‑blower‑outers,” and I’ve learned how important it is to choose the opposite: people who protect your flame, not dim it. My husband believes in me, challenges me in the best ways, and sees potential in me even on the days I don’t see it in myself. His support, encouragement, and partnership give me the courage it takes to keep choosing the next chapter.

I have two pieces of advice that shaped my career, both from the same person: Erin Scarborough. When I served as her Chief of Staff, she told me to be specific about the roles I want and the future I’m working toward, because that clarity is what people remember—and it’s what allows others to rally around you. If all you say is that you want to “do good work,” it’s hard for anyone to help you get where you want to go. But when you name the role, the dream, or the vision, people can become allies in making it real.

Since then, I’ve pushed myself to be more intentional and specific, even when the opportunities in front of me are bigger than anything I would have imagined five years ago.

The second lesson wasn’t spoken as advice, but it became one through her example. Erin is one of the most inspiring leaders I’ve ever known. When we first met, I wasn’t really interviewing to be her Chief of Staff—it felt like two people who were simply meant to know each other. A few weeks later, she reached out to tell me she was about to be announced as the SVP of Broadband Marketing and asked if I would join her. The timing wasn’t perfect—I was only a year into a role and the timing wasn't great—but the opportunity was undeniable, so I said yes.

What I didn’t know at the time was that she had just finished treatment for breast cancer. Her strength, her perspective, and her belief that we only get one life to live shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. Every year, I had the privilege of helping her lead fundraising and awareness efforts, rallying teams around wellness and early detection. It’s impossible not to be inspired by someone who leads with that much courage and humanity.

Her advice—and her example—continue to guide me. Be specific. Be brave. And don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to pursue the life you want, because you only get one.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to understand the power of choice. Life is a choose‑your‑own‑adventure, and every yes you give automatically becomes a no to something else. That’s not a bad thing — it’s simply the truth. Our yeses matter. Our no’s matter. And the choices we make have a real impact on our careers, our families, and the people around us.

Throughout my career (and life), I’ve made choices that opened doors and others that required trade‑offs. I moved multiple times for opportunities, and by the time my daughter was six years old, she had lived in four different states. Those choices brought growth and possibility, but they also came with sacrifices. That’s why I believe you shouldn’t take your choices lightly — they define the adventure you end up living.

I'd also say not choosing is also a choice. Showing up is a choice. Staying is a choice. When my daughter was born, I surprisingly questioned for the first time whether I wanted to be a stay‑at‑home mom (this had not been something I previously considered). Ultimately, I chose to return to work — but I made a promise to myself that if I wasn’t choosing to stay home, then I would be intentional about my career and make the most of the opportunities in front of me. Otherwise, it felt like I wasn’t honoring the weight of that decision.

So my advice is this: embrace your power of choice. Don’t fear it. Don’t minimize it. Use it with intention, because it’s one of the greatest tools you have to shape the life and career you want.

One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the acceleration of AI and automation—and the responsibility that comes with it. We’re at a moment where technology can transform how teams work and how customers experience our products, but only if we introduce it with intention and humanity. The challenge is making sure people feel supported, not overwhelmed, and that we’re equipping frontline teams with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

Another opportunity is connection. Our industry is moving fast, and the women within it are often navigating big decisions, trade‑offs, and moments of reinvention. I’ve learned how powerful it is to have a network of women who understand that journey, and that’s one of the reasons I’m excited to be part of Influential Women. I want to connect with others who are choosing their own adventure, balancing ambition with family, and leading with purpose. If my story can inspire even one woman to take the next step—or to believe she’s not alone in the choices she’s making—then it’s worth sharing.

Outside of work, I’m grounded by the things that bring me joy: my family, my kids, my commitment to growth, the impact I’m able to make through my work, the leaders who inspire me, and my faith in God. Those influences continue to guide my career path and the opportunities I choose to pursue.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to find ways to scale my impact—helping more people, sharing my voice, guiding larger teams, and continuing to build environments where others can thrive. That’s what motivates me, and it’s why I’m grateful for platforms like Influential Women that create space for connection, storytelling, and shared growth.

The value that matters most to me is kindness. I believe that being clear is kind and being unclear is unkind—whether that’s with others or with ourselves. The world can be a hard place, and while being unkind is free, so is choosing to be kind. I don’t get it perfect every day, but I try, and when I don't get it right, I try again.

Kindness shows up in how I lead: guiding, counseling, and protecting my team, removing obstacles, and supporting their growth both personally and professionally. It shows up in my clarity and accountability. It also shows up in the responsibility I feel for the people who count on me.

Another value that grounds me is having a North Star. When my children’s father and I divorced in 2021, we chose to be kind and to build the healthiest relationship we could for our kids. That became our North Star—something we could align to even in moments of turbulence. Today, we co‑parent with intention, share Sunday dinners, and have built a blended family we’re proud of. His partner has even become one of my closest friends; we recently went on a writer’s retreat together to explore a co‑parenting book idea.

And one of the unexpected joys in my life is the creative world my husband brings into it. He’s an incredible photographer, and I’ve always been inspired by the way he sees the world through his lens. That inspiration is what led us to build our shop, Photographer’s Wife, together. It’s a reminder that love, art, and partnership can create something meaningful — and that joy matters just as much as ambition.

Kindness, clarity, and a strong North Star guide how I lead, how I parent and coparent, and how I try to move through the world—even on the days I’m still learning.