A founder and CEO fulfills a longstanding dream — to write a book — and nurtures her longstanding relationships along the journey.

“When Scott Woolgar was my manager 15 years ago, he pushed me to look at things differently. He simultaneously saw the big picture, the minutest details, and everything in between. He taught me how to look in different directions, how to see things I hadn’t previously noticed. He kept me on my toes with his ability to see me as I could be and to hold me accountable to a higher standard. He believed in me before I did, and he told me so.

He empowered me to fire on all cylinders, despite the dysfunctional company around us. He gave me ‘permission’ to take initiative, to point out problems, to try something completely new, to lead others, to travel around the world, and to stand up for myself. And he did all of this from within the most toxic work environment I’ve ever experienced. Had I gone through that time with anyone else, it would have left me broken. But I came out of it strong and ready for everything that has happened since. Because of him.

Last year, I consulted Scott about wanting to take my career in an entirely new direction. He has once again become my mentor: encouraging, sincere, and helpful. He nudges me in the right direction without making me feel like I’ve made a mistake. He takes the time to tell me specifically what I’m doing right so I can keep doing it. And because of the respect I have for him, I always take his words to heart.

Once again, I’m forced to believe in myself because HE believes in me. Because of his support, I have the courage to put myself and my ideas out into the brutality of cyberspace. Because of his support, I have the confidence to write the book(s) I’ve been thinking about for over a decade, and to fulfill a dream I’ve had since I was twelve years old. He’s made me better – in big ways and small ways – every single time I’ve talked with him.

I want to be clear to those reading this: my husband’s first name is also Scott, and he, too, is my ally and champion. My husband, Scott Waninger, is an amazing father, husband, and friend. His support is critical, and the example he sets for our daughter and two sons is beyond compare. I am grateful every day for his support, and I want to be everything he tells me I can be.”

– Amy C. Waninger, Founder and CEO, Lead at Any Level, LLC
Indianapolis, IN

Amy C. Waninger is the Founder and CEO of Lead at Any Level LLC, which helps busy professionals develop skills in leadership, diversity and inclusion, and career management. She is the author of Network Beyond Bias: Making Diversity a Competitive Advantage for Your Career.  

As a leader, speaker, author, and coach, Amy is passionate about helping others achieve their full potential at work.