23. Tenacity, Storytelling, and Leadership: Real Talk on Careers and Growth with Amy Cheronis

In this episode of Unfiltered Leadership, Lindsay sits down with Amy Cheronis, advertising and PR leader and co-founder of The Scratch Collective, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, mentorship, and building a meaningful career over time.Amy was also Lindsay’s very first executive coaching client, making this conversation a full-circle moment grounded in trust, growth, and shared history.Together, they explore what it means to lead in today’s advertising and communications industry, not just through performance, but through how you show up for others.Amy shares how she actively creates access for emerging talent, what makes someone stand out early in their career, and why tenacity, clarity, and thoughtful communication matter more than ever.They also go beyond early careers, diving into:how to build a career that evolves with youthe importance of storytelling in shaping your pathwhy leadership is about investing in othersand how to navigate uncertainty, change, and growth over timeThis episode is both practical and deeply human, offering insights for anyone at any stage of their career, whether you’re just starting out, leading teams, or rethinking what’s next.About your host: Lindsay YellinLindsay Yellin is an executive leadership coach, dynamic speaker, and certified ACC and CPCC who helps high-achieving creative leaders trade fear for possibility and self-doubt for self-trust. A former advertising executive, she has led in high-pressure, high-visibility environments and knows the challenge of staying connected to oneself while leading others.✨ Book a Coaching Chemistry Call with Lindsay: https://calendly.com/yellin-coaching/chemistry-call ✨ Get your espresso shot of leadership insight, join the Grounds for Growth newsletter: https://yellingroundsforgrowth.myflodesk.com/groundsforgrowth About Amy CheronisAmy is a global communications and stakeholder engagement pro who co-founded The Scratch Collective after working and leading at top agencies Leo Burnett, DDB and MSL. For the past five years, she has delivered business-building PR, executive visibility, social media, influencer marketing and corporate communications for both iconic and niche brands at Scratch. Her sweet spot is personal brand work for the C-suite, coaching and advising leaders from Kimberly-Clark, Nature’s Fynd, Shiru, Ulta Beauty and Wow Bao. Amy lives in Chicago with her husband, three teenagers and in close proximity to other favorite things - Lake Michigan, tennis and golf.Connect with Amy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycheronis/Learn more about The Scratch Collective www.thescratchcollective.comEpisode Highlights Lindsay and Amy’s full-circle journey from coaching client to podcast guestWhat leadership looks like in practice through mentorship and accessHow Amy supports emerging advertising and PR professionalsWhat actually makes someone stand out early in their careerThe importance of tenacity, consistency, and polishWhy networking is about clarity and intentionalityHow to make thoughtful, direct asks that build real relationshipsThe role of storytelling in shaping your career pathWhy you don’t have to start exactly where you want toHow every role builds skills, perspective, and future opportunityNavigating change, growth, and evolving identity in your career