Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda HarNess.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
The decision to become a business owner culminated one night with a best friend, a bottle of wine, and a pandemic. But I’ll back it up…
First and foremost, I am a nerd. I’ve always had a fascination with the human body and how the brain works. So, in a former life, I entered a career in healthcare and became an Occupational Therapist. What I enjoyed most was helping people get back to who they wanted to be after experiencing a life-altering challenge.
As a very close second, I am a dweeb. Optimizing tasks, solving problems, creating processes – these are things that bring me immense joy. Who doesn’t love a good pie chart?! (Especially when paired with a glass of Bourbon, ammi right?). Eight of the ten years that I was a therapist, I was also in roles involving operational improvement. These roles asked me to address department silos, communication gaps, process improvement, roadblocks, people performance, etc. I was in a position to ensure that the organization fostered a culture of progress, that employees were seen and valued, and the clients received the highest quality of service.
Here enters the bottle of Cabernet and Karyn’s back patio. A decade into my career I hit burnout in a major way. And as happened with many people I know, the Covid-19 Pandemic brought a lot of what was causing my unhappiness to the surface. I wanted to take a step away from healthcare, but what in goodness-me was I going to do?! And then boom-shaka-laka! Why not take my passion and skills in business optimization and help many businesses rather than just one? Now I help business owners get their spark back! The one they had when they started their business before things went to shenanigans!
With a focus on operational efficiency and people performance, I help enable organizations to recover lost revenue, breakthrough roadblocks, and create a more gratifying work environment. Doesn’t that sound ravishing?! In addition, I also get owners to a position where they can take a real vacation, one where they actually get to relax and have peace of mind. I bring a bright energy and a systematic approach to help business owners light up their industry. I’m here to help and I’ve got their back!
Thank you, Karyn, for your support, the shoulder, and the vino. And thank you to TC for saying “it’s about time, babe” when I told him what I decided.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
If there is an entrepreneur that says it’s been a smooth road, they either have a selective memory for optimism or they are lying. By no means do I believe that my struggles have been excessively unique from other entrepreneurs, but they have been mine, they have been real, and I have smooshed them all with my cute ankle boots.
Several of my struggles have included experiencing imposter syndrome, fear, exhaustion, an empty wallet, lack of confidence, overwhelm, and an underabundance of coffee (I drank it all, we need more).
I constantly move onward toward my goals with my ankle boots and by surrounding myself with wonderful people. I have found people I trust, and those who believe that rising tides lift all boats. I owe a particular spotlight to Megan, Dafne, Stephanie, and Karyn (the same one). We learn from one another, we hold each other accountable, and we play “real or not real?” If one of us says something like, “I’m the worst and the sky is falling!” – “NOT REAL!” If on the other hand, someone says something like, “I think I can help this business owner, and shrimp Pad Thai is amazing, but I’m not sure…” – “REAL!” This game challenges your thinking, encourages a shift in perspective, and brings you back to reality.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kinetic Spark?
Kinetic Spark is a business optimization firm focused on the strategy and people that create a successful business. We work with service-based businesses that generate $1M in revenue or more and are trying move into the next revenue milestone. Our clients are filled with leaders who see a high value in investing in operational efficiency, and team development in order to foster employee satisfaction, retention, and improved performance.
I strive to do serious work without being too serious and ensure the human aspect of business is encouraged. We have to remember that the teams that work in our businesses are leasing parts of their life to us. They choose to show up every day, and we have to honor that by giving them a significant purpose and brining clarity to the daily impact they make.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Well, there are 3 rules that I live by and that I think apply to most any situation:
1. Don’t panic
2. Be tenacious
3. Party
Additionally, I’ve learned not to underestimate myself. My mom, TC, and my brother taught me that, and continue to reinforce it. “Quitting is never an option on the road to success… If you have a positive mindset and are willing to persevere, there is little that is beyond your reach… Attitude is that little thing that will make the most difference in the accomplishment of your goals… The attitude of being ready to work even in the face of challenges and despite odds is what will make all the difference in your life,” Dr. Roopleen.
Contact Info:
- Email: amanda@kinetic-spark.com
- Website: https://kinetic-spark.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-harness-kinetic-spark-llc/
