The New Rules of Dating for Ambitious Women with Amy Chan

Dating in 2026 can feel… bleak. Everyone is analyzing “red flags,” burned out on dating apps, and building emotional walls to stay safe out there. Sound relatable? In this episode of Ambition 2.0, Amanda Goetz sits down with relationship expert Amy Chan—founder of Renew Breakup Bootcamp, bestselling author of Breakup Bootcamp, and author of the upcoming book Unsingle: How to Date Smarter and Create Love That Lasts—to talk about what’s actually going wrong in modern dating (especially for ambitious women) and how to date smarter. Amy breaks down why high-achieving women can accidentally bring “CEO energy” into their love lives—turning dating into a project, over-functioning, and doing 90% of the work. You’ll learn how to stop over-giving, create space so someone can show you who they are, and why it’s not your job to coach someone out of their insecurity.  Plus, Amy shares her “dating funnel” framework (lead generation → evaluation → commitment) and the underrated stage most people skip: the evaluation phase (a.k.a.: dates 3–20, where character is revealed). If you’re dating right now—or you want a smarter path to partnership—this episode is for you. You’ll learn:  Why modern dating feels broken—and how hyper-fixating on red flags is blocking connection How “CEO energy” can sabotage dating and what to do instead Why it’s not your job to fix or coach a partner out of insecurity What emotional wealth really means (and why it matters more than money) Amy’s “dating funnel” framework and why dates 3–20 are crucial How “ick culture” keeps people single How to reopen your heart if dating has made you guarded, burned out, or distrustful  00:00 Intro 03:22 Women’s standards are rising—and “survival coupling” is over 05:04 What is the “CEO energy” problem? 07:26 How to leave space and let them show who they are 10:12 Emotional wealth > financial flex: what men can do differently now 14:50 Amy’s dating funnel framework 21:08 The internet’s worst dating advice GUEST LINKS Instagram:  www.instagram.com/missamychan TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@missamychan Read Breakup Bootcamp: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780062914743  Pre-order Unsingle: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781419779848  www.renewbreakupbootcamp.com  www.missamychan.com www.hearthackersclub.com  FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Repeat after us: You can love your job and still be a workaholic. In this episode of Ambition 2.0, Amanda Goetz sits down with Dr. Malissa Clark, a professor at the University of Georgia, Director of the Healthy Work Lab, and author of Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business—and How to Fix It, to break down what workaholism can look like in real life (spoiler: it’s not just about working long hours). They get into the sneaky “working light” tasks that we tell ourselves don’t count as work (like sending emails while watching TV or checking Slack between errands), how leaders accidentally create always-on teams, and so much more.  If you’ve ever felt guilty while resting, struggled to stop thinking about work, or worried that your ambition is turning into something unhealthy, this episode is worth a listen.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  00:00 Intro  01:33 What workaholism is (and the four components) 04:32 Early signs your work habits are becoming unhealthy 07:21 What to do if you think you might be a workaholic  11:23 How leaders unintentionally create “always-on” teams 13:26 How to bring boundaries up with your boss 20:46 Redesigning work culture 24:04 Surviving a 40-hour workweek without losing your life 32:56 Rapid fire: urgent emails, Slack, PTO, and commute baths GUEST LINKS Read Never Not Working: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781647825096  https://www.malissaclark.com/  FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with Alexa von Tobel—the founder of LearnVest (where she raised $75M and successfully sold it to Northwestern Mutual) and current founder and managing partner of Inspired Capital—to unpack the resilient mindset that has shaped her successful career, from founder to venture-capital veteran.Alexa dropped out of Harvard Business School and poured her life savings into LearnVest, a multimillion-dollar business idea—despite warnings from nearly everyone around her that she was making a big mistake. She did it in the middle of the 2008 economic recession, no less. Alexa shares why her 90-year-old self (and the fear of regret) fuels her to take big risks, the qualities she looks for when investing in a founder, and practical tips for pitching your business to VCs for the first time. She also shares an unpopular truth: if you’re becoming an entrepreneur for the status or the “quick money,” it’s going to be a rough ride. There’s only one reason why you should start your own business: because you can’t do any other job. Key takeaways Regret is usually about the swings you didn’t take—not the mistakes you made. Raising capital gets easier when you combine mission + proof + obsessive category insight. Feedback is a competitive edge (and ego is the fastest way to lose it). Entrepreneurship shouldn’t be “cool”—it should be inevitable for the person doing it. Sustainable ambition comes from doing what you love + what you’re excellent at, then turning the intensity toward your whole life. 00:00 Intro 02:46 Reclaiming ambition as a positive force 04:11 The LearnVest origin story and dropping out during the economic downturn of 2008 07:53 Raising $75M and the difference between capital vs. “world-class” capital 15:24 What founders get wrong in pitches (and what great answers sound like) 24:20 Identity beyond titles, exits, and the founder doom spiral 33:54 Speed round: The one quality she looks for before investing in founders (and the one that’s a major red flag)  GUEST LINKS IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexavontobel/?hl=en  Listen to her podcast here: https://www.inspiredcapital.com/content/podcasts  Learn more about Inspired Capital: https://www.inspiredcapital.com  FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ambition 2.0, Amanda Goetz sits down with psychotherapist and Toxic Productivity author Israa Nasir to unpack why so many high-achieving women feel constantly behind, overwhelmed, and unable to rest—even when they’re doing “everything right.” Israa explains how productivity often becomes a coping mechanism for shame, fear, and feeling “not good enough,” and why no system, planner, or habit hack can fix that. Together, they talk about the early warning signs of toxic productivity (including resentment and the phrase “I just need to get through next week”), how unhealed wounds show up at work through perfectionism and feedback sensitivity, and why rest isn’t a reward—it’s a requirement. They also talk about how convenience culture and “main character energy” are quietly eroding community, why boundaries shouldn’t be rigid walls, and what it really takes to build a sustainable, values-aligned relationship with ambition. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why productivity is often emotional avoidance, not motivation The earliest signs your productivity has turned toxic How reparenting shows up in your career (feedback, perfectionism, taking up space) The 7 types of rest (and no, scrolling doesn’t count) Why convenience is costing us connection and how to build community again 00:00 Intro 04:17 When productivity becomes toxic 09:07 Reparenting at work 15:11 Boundaries 101 18:16 Hyper-optimizing “self-improvement” 26:21 Contentment vs complacency (and the “both/and” mindset) 28:06 The 7 types of rest 31:42 Convenience vs connection 38:28 Rapid-fire questions  GUEST LINKS IG: https://www.instagram.com/well.guide/  Subscribe to Well Guide: https://israanasir.substack.com/  https://www.israanasir.com/  Read Toxic Productivity: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781962305358  FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with Starbucks' Global Chief Brand Officer Tressie Lieberman to talk about the path that led her through some of the biggest brands in marketing (Pizza Hut → Taco Bell → Chipotle → Yahoo → Starbucks), the mentors who changed her trajectory, and the family system that makes it possible: a true partnership where her husband is the stay-at-home parent. They get tactical about how to divide the cognitive load, why “Sunday check-ins” are a non-negotiable, and how to navigate the social friction that still shows up when you flip traditional gender roles. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Tressie went from aiming for “the next level” to owning the CMO path—and what made that shift happen Why curiosity (and doing “the little extra things”) is key in your career How to build a partnership that’s equitable, not score-keeping The practical systems that reduce mental load at home How to handle judgment, weird school dynamics, and “default parent” assumptions when dad stays home If you’re building an ambitious life—and want a relationship that can grow with it—this episode is a must listen. 00:00 Intro 02:53 The mindset shift that set Tressie’s sights beyond “the next level”  04:02 The mentors who opened doors (including reverse mentoring a CEO) 05:36 How to stand out early: curiosity, doing extra, and teaching what’s next 06:49 Advocating for yourself in executive rooms (and getting over FOE: fear of executives) 09:10 How they chose a stay-at-home partner dynamic 13:59 The at-home teamwork: check-ins, trade-offs, and letting go of perfection and control 17:45 Keeping the marriage strong: date nights, boundaries, and “one blended life” 32:45 Rapid fire: Sunday rituals, go-to Starbucks order, and ideal partnership in one word GUEST LINKS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tressielieberman/  FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to workplace culture expert and author Jennifer Moss, burnout in 2025 is actually worse than it was at the height of the pandemic—with roughly half of the global workforce experiencing symptoms. 🙃 In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with Jennifer to unpack why burnout is still rising, why “hardcore culture” and the 996 movement are actually bad for business (and employee morale), and why self-care rituals like a face mask and a Sunday night bath are band-aid solutions for a systems-level problem.  They get into the uncomfortable truth about ageism (both Gen Z and older workers are experiencing bias) and what leaders are getting wrong about “return to office” and productivity. You’ll also hear a much more hopeful take on the future of work: how to design cultures around hope, purpose, and community, what actually moves the needle on wellbeing and performance, and what employees can do when they’re stuck in a bad culture but can’t just quit (because… rent). They also dig into AI, “boreout,” calendar Tetris, and the simple 20-minute rituals that can quietly transform a team.  Key Takeaways:  Burnout is a systems failure, not a self-care issue  Ageism is shrinking the workforce more than AI How to assert boundaries with your boss when you’re burned out (and can’t quit) Clear signs you’re burning out  Community at work is a performance driver, not a perk 3 things every company culture should have to prevent burnout Whether you’re a manager, an HR leader, or just someone who’s tired, cynical, and wondering, “Is it me… or my job?” this episode will give you language, frameworks, and actionable steps you can take today to redesign the way you work forever. 00:00 Intro 01:30 Redefining ambition without toxic productivity 06:30 Generational divides, ageism & entry-level careers 11:12 Burnout as a systems failure (not a self-care issue) 13:40 Hardcore culture, the 996 movement, and the real cost it has on companies 23:03 What employees can do when they can’t just quit 29:28 Three warning signs you’re sliding into burnout 32:30 The pillars of great culture 38:09 AI, “boreout,” and designing a lower-burnout future of work GUEST LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jleighmoss/?hl=en  https://www.jennifer-moss.com/  Why Are We Here? Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781647826130 The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781647820367 FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with Erika Ayers Badan, former CEO of Barstool Sports, current CEO of Food52, bestselling author of Nobody Cares About Your Career, and all-around master of building a career entirely on her own terms.  Erika took Barstool from scrappy outsider to a $550M powerhouse with 5 billion monthly video views and 225 million followers, and now she’s teaching us how to take charge of our own career trajectory. Erika shows us the real mechanics of career growth: why nobody is coming to save you, how to make your own luck, why “random” career paths are often the most powerful, and the mindset shifts that separate fulfilled professionals from stuck ones.  She also shares candid stories from her time leading one of the most controversial (and successful) media companies in the world, what she’s learned about managing men and underdogs, how to stay emotionally regulated at work, and why she advocates for not bringing your whole self to work (compartmentalization can actually enhance your authenticity).  Erika shares her thoughts on:  Your career is only for you—not for LinkedIn, not for your resume, and not for anyone else’s approval. Luck is made, not given: initiative, shameless asking, and momentum matter more than pedigree in the early stages of your career. Every job, even the terrible or random ones, contains a skill or lesson you’ll use later. Emotional regulation and compartmentalization are leadership superpowers, not repression. You don’t have to be the “alpha” to lead; service, empowerment, and clarity are often more effective. A great boss can change your entire career trajectory—interview them as much as they interview you. You’ll also hear Erika’s framework for avoiding energy vampires, deciding which “thankless” tasks are worth it, building a personal board of directors, and creating momentum at any stage of your career—from your second job to the C-suite. 00:00 Intro 03:50 The biggest misconception about career progression 09:23 Surviving bad startups and getting the most out of them 14:20 Making your own luck and the power of asking for help 16:36 Personal boards and shameless asks  20:41 How junior employees can stand out and create momentum 23:37 Leading in a male-dominated culture without being the alpha 32:33 Compartmentalization, authenticity, and emotional regulation at work 39:47 Energy vampires, thankless tasks, and protecting your focus 42:37 How to pick a boss and read interviews differently 45:53 Erika’s work at Food52 and Work Life A Girl, and the power of building community 49:15 Rapid-fire questions and Erika’s non-negotiables at work GUEST LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika/ & https://www.instagram.com/workwitherika/  Connect with Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikanardini/  Subscribe to her Substack: https://erikaayersbadan.substack.com/  Listen to her podcast, Work: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/work-with-erika-ayers-badan/id1503065691  Join Work Like a Girl: https://www.worklikeagirl.com/  Order her book, Nobody Cares About Your Career: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781250320582 FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ambition 2.0, Amanda sits down with board-certified psychiatrist, researcher, and viral mental health educator Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, to talk about a form of depression that often flies under the radar: high-functioning depression. If you’re the one who “has it together” (the dependable friend, the rock at work, the caregiver who never drops the ball), but feel numb, exhausted, or joyless inside, this conversation is going to hit uncomfortably close to home (in the best way). Dr. Judith breaks down: Why so many high-achieving, caregiving women are especially vulnerable The science-backed difference between happiness (external, elusive) and joy (internal, accessible) Her framework of the five V’s of healing: validation, venting, values, vitals, and vision How people-pleasing and masochistic traits keep you stuck The surprising ways trauma, divorce, and “smaller” emotional wounds shape our ambition and burnout Why anhedonia (a loss of joy) is a red flag  How PMDD, postpartum, and perimenopause can amplify everything They also get into practical tools: how to set limits with toxic people you can’t fully cut them off, how to support a friend with high-functioning depression without shaming them, and why scheduling joy is needed. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m functioning… but I’m not okay,” this episode will help you name it, understand it, and start to change it. 00:00 Intro 01:39 Judith’s story of realizing she was depressed 03:19 Why high-achieving, caregiving women are vulnerable to high-functioning depression 04:41 The difference between happiness and joy 08:30 The five V’s of healing 11:06 What masochism really means, how it became “people-pleasing,” and why women self-sacrifice 19:27 Venting vs trauma dumping  24:16 How Dr. Judith reclaimed joy through play 33:08 How to support a friend with high-functioning depression GUEST LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjudithjoseph/?hl=en  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjudithjoseph  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmHQJaOerTsZJfOtiYz4sOg  Read High Functioning: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780316577298  https://drjudithjoseph.com/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. DISCLAIMER This episode is sponsored by Bulova Crafted with over a century of heritage, the Bulova Rubaiyat collection fuses timeless design with modern femininity. From diamond-studded dials to sleek gold and silver finishes, these timepieces are proof that luxury should be anything but quiet. So, go ahead. Celebrate your milestones. Invest in yourself. Because time is on your side — and it looks so damn good on you. Discover the Bulova Rubaiyat collection at bulova.com. And get 30% off sitewide until November 28, 2025. https://bulova.sjv.io/c/3557746/3398415/16604 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to money, most of us were taught to work hard, focus on saving, and not take any financial risks. In this episode of Ambition 2.0, Rachel Rodgers (self-made millionaire, founder of Hello Seven, and author of We Should All Be Millionaires and Future Millionaire) is here to replace that belief with something way more powerful. Rachel and Amanda get into why wealth is built on risk, not by simply “working harder”, how women are socialized to budget instead of build wealth, and the exact mindset and practical moves that helped Rachel go from living in a low-income household as a child to running an eight-figure business. You’ll hear them talk about: Why “making money is easy” is the belief Rachel wishes she’d adopted at 25 The biggest limiting belief holding ambitious women back Why wealth comes after betting on yourself—not just by investing in stocks and real estate How to know when it’s time to hire help (EA, VA, house manager, childcare, etc.) Turning your natural talents and obsessions into income streams How Rachel designs her life so she can make millions without burning out 00:00 Intro  04:10 Why women are taught to budget—not build wealth 07:30 Failure, risk, and “successful failure” 10:40 Turning your natural talents into income 14:10 When (and why) to hire help instead of doing it all 19:40 Balancing “treating yourself” with long-term financial goals 23:25 Ambition without burnout: Rachel’s non-negotiables 25:30 The power of community, accountability, and momentum 29:41 The money belief Rachel wishes she had learned sooner 31:10 Rapid fire: millionaire habits, splurges, and rich-life rules GUEST LINKS Rachel Rodgers: https://www.instagram.com/rachrodgersesq/  Read We Should All Be Millionaires: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781400221622 Read Future Millionaire: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780310158202  Read Million Dollar Action: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9781400243686  Hello Seven Co.: https://www.instagram.com/hello7co/  https://rachelrodgers.com/ The Rachel Rodgers Show: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therachelrodgersshow/the-rachel-rodgers-show-entrepreneurship-uncensored FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if ambition didn’t mean chasing the next title, paycheck, or performance review? In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with executive coach, podcast host, and author Amina AlTai (The Ambition Trap) to unpack what ambition really means—and why it might need a full rebrand. Together, Amanda and Amina get real about how culture (and capitalism) have warped our relationship with ambition—especially for women—and how to reclaim it on our own terms. From the “core wounds” that drive our overachieving tendencies to the importance of rest, self-awareness, and setting boundaries, this episode is your permission slip to stop chasing and start living. ✍️What you’ll learn Why ambition is cyclical (seasons of push + rest) The five core wounds (Lise Bourbeau) & how they show up at work “Painful” vs “purposeful” ambition—and how to shift The five "whys" to separate ego goals from what truly lights you up The resentment line: naming needs, stating them, and negotiating How to spot toxic individualism and reframe success as a team sport Why identity is a prism (you’re more than your job title) Whether you’re deep in your hustle era or learning to rest without guilt, this convo will help you spot what’s fueling your ambition—pain or purpose—and redesign it for something sustainable, joyful, and yours. 00:00 Intro 02:14 Two camps of ambition 03:58 Core wounds & masks 08:10 Untangling identity from achievement (and capitalism’s worthiness trap) 14:17 Desire, shame, and policing women’s wants 18:34 Toxic individualism vs. team sport mentality 22:38 Mistaking passion for purpose 26:50 Finding your purpose 32:45 Living above the resentment line GUEST LINKS Amina AlTai: https://www.instagram.com/aminaaltai/?hl=en  Read The Ambition Trap: https://bookshop.org/a/116169/9780593655306  https://www.aminaaltai.com/  RESOURCES MENTIONED:  Lise Bourbeau’s Five Core Wounds framework Stephen Cope’s The Great Work of Your Life  FOLLOW THE PODCAST IG: https://www.instagram.com/girlboss/ | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlboss  Amanda Goetz: https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  https://girlboss.com/pages/ambition-2-0-podcast  SIGN UP Subscribe to the Girlboss Daily newsletter: https://newsletter.girlboss.com/  For all other Girlboss links: https://linkin.bio/girlboss/  ABOUT AMBITION 2.0 Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have. ABOUT HER WORKPLACE UNFILTERED Listen to Her Workplace Unfiltered—a podcast about what it really means to be a woman in the workplace. Instagram: @herworkplaceunfiltered @herworkplace TikTok: @herworkplaceunfiltered @herworkplace Watch on YouTube Join Her Workplace Follow Her Workplace on LinkedIn Subscribe to their newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices