Amy Quesenberry

I attribute my success to more than 25 years of experience in executive coaching, consulting, speaking, and writing, along with the consistent application of my Start with Compassion® framework. My work is grounded in the belief that compassion is a powerful leadership tool that can drive measurable outcomes, including increased productivity, revenue, and employee engagement. Publishing my book, It Starts With Compassion: Meaningful Change Begins Within, has also been a meaningful milestone that reflects both my personal and professional journey in this field.

The best career advice I’ve received came from my first mentor, Kelly Kohler, who emphasized the importance of learning to fail fast, reflect, and move forward without losing momentum. That guidance reinforced my approach to leadership and coaching—staying curious, accountable, and committed to growth. In my work as a process improvement expert, I’ve applied this mindset by conducting on-site observations, identifying opportunities for optimization, and helping individuals and organizations reframe challenges into actionable improvements. I’ve also learned the importance of building strong professional relationships through networking, including through my work as co-host of the Infuse Compassion Podcast, which has been a valuable platform for connection and shared learning.

I would encourage young women entering this field to trust their voice, take up space, and recognize the value they bring to organizations and clients. This work offers a meaningful opportunity to inspire, lead, and create real impact while also building a sustainable and fulfilling career or business. Confidence, consistency, and a commitment to serving others through your strengths will open doors and create lasting influence.

One of the ongoing challenges is balancing the demands of running a business while maintaining time for meaningful connection—both professionally and personally. As an entrepreneur, it requires intentional effort to prioritize networking, client work, and thought leadership while also protecting time for my personal life, including my husband Freddy and our two dogs, Kalai and Kodi. At the same time, this balance represents an opportunity to model sustainable leadership and demonstrate that success does not have to come at the expense of well-being or relationships.

The values most important to me are compassion, service, and community impact. I am deeply committed to making a difference through leadership development programs, mentorship, and my work with organizations such as Anvil of Hope, which supports at-risk children beginning in third grade and beyond. I also value hands-on community service, including monthly care package distributions that I started with my husband Freddy, originally inspired by his practice of preparing care packages for underserved individuals during Thanksgiving. These experiences continue to ground my work in purpose and remind me that meaningful change often begins with small, consistent acts of compassion.