mbition has always been a badge of honor in business — but in today’s AI-driven world, the way we pursue it may be breaking us. Anthony Kennada sits down with Amanda Goetz (CMO, founder of House of Wise, and author of the forthcoming Toxic Grit) to explore why modern ambition needs a reset.
They unpack how grit can turn toxic when it ignores the seasons of life, why hustle isn’t always the enemy, and how intentionally stepping into the different “characters” we play — founder, parent, partner, creator — can restore balance and humanity to our work. Amanda also shares lessons from building community-led brands, navigating portfolio careers, and why leaders’ personal health directly shapes the companies they build.
Topics we cover:
– What “toxic grit” really means — and how to avoid it
– Why work-life balance is a myth (and what to do instead)
– How to embrace ambition without burning out
– The role of humanity in how leaders show up and build brands
– Why portfolio careers may define the future of work
– Practical ways to love what you have while pursuing what’s next
If you’re a CMO, founder, or ambitious professional rethinking how to thrive in the Intelligence Age, this episode will challenge you to redefine ambition on your own terms.
Pre-order Amanda's book Toxic Grit: How to have it all and (actually) love what you have right here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Grit-have-actually-love/dp/146423325X?sr=8-1
What is The Brand Humanity Show?
Artificial Intelligence is rewriting every rule in business — and the old marketing playbook no longer works.
The Brand Humanity Show explores how B2B founders, CMOs, and operators can build brands that stay human in an age defined by machines — and how the humans behind those brands can stay grounded, creative, and whole while the world accelerates around them.
Hosted by Anthony Kennada and Scott Salkin, co-founders of Goldenhour, each episode features honest conversations with influential voices across business, technology, and culture — decoding what’s changing, what still matters, and how authenticity, emotion, and purpose become real competitive advantages.
Because in the age of AI, the most human brands — and leaders — will win.