Amy Goodson, CDP, SHRM-CP
Amy Goodson is a Leadership & Culture Strategist with more than 15 years of experience in leadership development, organizational culture, and workforce transformation. She currently serves as Director for Leadership, Workforce, and Culture through the University of Louisville and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership, where she leads initiatives focused on developing leaders and strengthening organizational performance across manufacturing and business sectors in Kentucky. Her work centers on helping leaders move beyond management into high-impact performance and culture-building roles. Throughout her career, Amy has held senior roles in human resources, talent development, and organizational leadership, including Vice President of HR and Talent Development and Assistant Vice President of People and Culture. She is a John Maxwell Certified Speaker, Coach, and Trainer, a certified DISC consultant, a certified diversity professional, and a trauma-informed coach. Her expertise spans leadership coaching, employee engagement, performance management, and organizational development, with a strong emphasis on building inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures. She is also known for her ability to translate leadership theory into practical tools that drive measurable results for teams and organizations. Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Corporate Communications and a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development both from the University of Louisville. In addition to her leadership work, she is an award-winning author of the children’s book Fantastically Special (2024) and is currently developing a business-focused book centered on overcoming burnout and building resilience. Her professional philosophy is grounded in integrity, perseverance, and mentorship, with a strong commitment to developing leaders, especially women, who can unlock their full potential and create lasting organizational impact.
• Certified Diversity Professional
• John Maxwell Certified DISC Trainer and Consultant
• John Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker, Coach and Trainer
• Trauma Informed Coaching Certificate
• Certified GiANT Coach and Consultant
• Diversity, Equality and Inclusion E-School
• SHRM Foundation Employing Abilities @ Work Certification
• GSE2X: Leaders of Learning
• SHRM Foundations Veterans At Work Certification
• Four Rooms of Change / Leading People Through Change
• SHRM-CP
• Achieving Sustainable Development
• European Culture and Politics
• Leadership Coaching Through Turbulent Times - Playing with E-Fire
• Certified Strengths Genius / Strong Communities Facilitator (Strengths Finder)
• Life Coach Certification
• The Effective Facilitator
• Certified Extended DISC Trainer
• University of Louisville - MA
• Award-Winning Children's Author for 'Fantastically Special' (2023)
• University of Louisville Women's Alumni Council
• Women in Manufacturing
• University of Louisville SHRM Chapter
• The Center for Positive Leadership
• Bennie
• Lean In Women In Business Circle
• SHRM Foundation
• Sjogrens Syndrome Foundation
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic shaped by growing up in a military family, which instilled discipline and resilience early on. I’ve also been supported by female mentors who encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone and recognize my own strength during difficult seasons of my life. As a single mother raising two daughters for much of my adult life, I was driven to lead by example, which meant consistently pushing through challenges and never allowing myself to give up.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received came from a former mentor during a time when I was overthinking a decision my instincts had already clarified. They told me, “You already know the answer. Follow your gut. It will never lead you astray.” I’ve carried that guidance throughout my career, from serving as Vice President of HR to my work in coaching, and I’ve consistently found that trusting my intuition has led me in the right direction. It’s a reminder that instinct is there for a reason, and it’s important to listen to it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to not only secure a seat at the table, but to be confident in leading the conversation at that table. I encourage women to intentionally place themselves in spaces where they are not always traditionally represented and to pursue opportunities in fields where their presence is still underrepresented. There is significant untapped potential for women across many areas of the workforce, and I believe we are needed in those spaces. It’s about stepping into roles that may feel uncomfortable at first, but ultimately allow us to grow, contribute meaningfully, and help shape the future of those industries.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I see in leadership today is the rapid pace of change within organizations and the difficulty leaders face in keeping up with that change. Too often, high-performing individuals are promoted into leadership roles without sufficient time, training, or development to truly prepare them for what effective leadership requires. As a result, they are expected to lead without the necessary tools or support, which can have a significant impact not only on their own effectiveness but on the organization as a whole. In today’s fast-moving environment, this gap in leadership development remains one of the most pressing challenges across many industries.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity and perseverance. Integrity is foundational for me. I strongly value honesty and find it difficult to engage with situations where it is not present. Alongside that, perseverance has been a defining value in my life and career. I believe that when individuals consistently show up, stay committed, and push through challenges, they can achieve meaningful outcomes and reach goals they set for themselves.
Locations
University of Louisville
Alvaton, KY 42122