We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Cho and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never thought I would be starting my own company, but after relocating to Arizona from the east coast 6 years ago, I began to experience an unraveling of many of my belief systems and values, which led me to question everything I was doing. Much of what I had focused on over my career – helping to operationalize sales and marketing support teams – was no longer fulfilling. And on top of that I felt like a constant failure as a wife and as a mother to my two young sons. I knew something had to change. Although I had practiced yoga on and off for years, I had never meditated. But as I began to learn about meditation and rekindle my spiritual understanding of life, I began to reconnect to my creative energy, which was missing in my corporate role! As I deepened my practice and completed yoga teacher training, I knew I wanted to bring these tools to the corporate world in a way that was approachable, grounded in practical knowledge, and not so “woo woo.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in a very small town in upstate NY where examples of careers, especially for women, were lacking. I never really knew what I wanted to do. When I was young, I wanted to be a writer, but one of my core limiting beliefs that I developed at a very young age was “I’m not good enough.” What I was though, was a very hard worker, driven by a desire for achievement and perfection. That led me to Cornell University and ultimately to New York City where I began a career in sales and marketing communications.

The biggest lesson I have learned, and am still learning, is to never allow the negative self-doubting voices in your head to be in the driver seat. Through my yoga, meditation, and spiritual work, I have learned that we are made of limitless potential! Our true self is in there just waiting to express. We are often told that we can’t follow what lights us up – it’s impractical, won’t pay the bills, not what we “should” do – but I know now that the only true way to live is to follow your inner voice, listen when your body lights up (you know what I am talking about!) and don’t let self-doubt or fear get in your way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Gilbert, so I would start with downtown Gilbert! The prickly pear soft serve at Topo is a must. I also love showing people around the unique community of Agritopia. Many people who visit from the east coast are surprised to see so much agriculture in the desert. I love Phoenix as well and we would eat our way through the city starting at Pizza Bianco, maybe hit up Ocotillo, and grab a mocktail at the classic Valley Ho hotel in Scottsdale.

Then we’d head up north to really experience what I love about AZ – Sedona, Flagstaff, and Prescott! I love that you can drive two hours north and be in a completely different environment. Spending time in nature is so important to me, so we would hit the road with our RV and enjoy some beautiful Arizona camping.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I, like many other entrepreneurs, am my own worst critic, but my husband, Willie, always told me I can do whatever I put my mind to. Navigating marriage, parenthood, and a career is extremely challenging, but we both are committed to helping each other grow into our best selves, and that for me has included stepping into the scary world of entrepreneurship.

Living in NYC and Maryland, I sometimes felt a bit like the odd one out when it came to my philosophical life views, but after moving to Arizona I connected with a group of women who understood me, supported me, and encouraged me to embrace my unique gifts that span the spiritual and the business worlds.

I am so grateful for this journey west and into my own business because it has reconnected me to myself, my husband, and my friendships.

Website: https://www.soulfulleadershipco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfulwithamanda/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-cho-81b4634/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulfulwithamanda

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.