Episode 7: How Amanda Ware Built a Career Around Hype, Confidence, and Follow-Through

Amanda Ware’s career shift is a masterclass in knowing when to quit, when to pivot, and how to build something better on the other side. From leaving a cushy corporate job with nothing lined up to leading women entrepreneurs at the University of Texas, she shares the scrappy, deeply honest path that turned burnout into purpose.Katie McAndrews sits down with Amanda Ware, who is an Assistant Director at the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at UT Austin, where she supports the next generation of women building businesses. But this conversation goes far beyond titles. Amanda opens up about walking away from a role that was draining her, rebuilding her confidence, and discovering that the skills she’d been using her whole life - hype-girling, networking, advocating, and following through - were actually the foundation of her career.You’ll discover:Why Amanda gave up hard caffeine and what it changed about her energy, sleep, and mindsetHow she went from “personality hire” to trusted leader and mentorThe real difference between hustle and unhealthy pressureWhat it took to quit a stable job during a mortgage, wedding planning, and major life changeHow she helps women pitch themselves, negotiate, and speak with confidenceWhy “work-life harmony” resonates more than balanceThe small boundaries that protect her energy, including no Slack on her phone and an 8:21 p.m. phone-off alarmAmanda also shares the childhood ambition, work ethic, and big dreaming that still shape how she leads today. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overextended, or unsure whether your next move is too risky, this episode is a reminder that progress is rarely linear and timing is rarely perfect.Perfect for anyone navigating burnout, career pivots, leadership growth, or the messy middle of building a life and career that actually fit.