Amanda Miles Of Bitchin’ Sauce On How We Can Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and Management
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Cultivate a Supportive Work Culture: Fostering a supportive work culture that values family is essential for removing barriers for women in corporate leadership. Encouraging open dialogue and allowing for extended family leave can create an environment where women feel empowered to pursue leadership roles without sacrificing their family commitments.
Despite strides towards equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership and management roles across various sectors. In this series, we would like to discuss the barriers to female advancement in these areas and explore actionable strategies for change. We are talking with accomplished women leaders, executives, and pioneers who have navigated these challenges successfully, to hear their experiences, tactics, and advice to inspire and guide the next generation of women toward achieving their full potential in leadership and management roles. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Miles.
Amanda Miles, Chief of Staff at Bitchin’ Sauce, is a wife of Carlsbad Fire Engineer, Mike Miles and mother to 3 children, Nolan (9), Henry (6), and Tyler (3). She attended Point Loma Nazarene University, where she obtained her BS in Food & Nutrition and MBA with a focus in Organizational Leadership. Through the years, Amanda developed a passion for helping organizations identify and tackle opportunities for improvement within the scope of labor and compliance. She champions business and community needs on the board of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and maintains a PHR certification.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
Thank you for having me! My career journey has been quite an adventure. It all began with my undergraduate focus on Food and Nutrition, followed by a deep dive into Organizational Leadership during my Master’s program. Alongside my studies, I dedicated over a decade to coaching various teams, refining my communication and leadership skills along the way. Then came a pivotal moment when my childhood friend, Starr Edwards, invited me to join the Bitchin’ Sauce team. They were experiencing rapid growth and needed someone to manage their Farmers Market operations, eventually leading to a transition into the Human Resources department. Starr’s encouragement, reminding me that if I could coach high school girls, I could certainly coach adults in the workplace, propelled me forward. Now, as Chief of Staff, I reflect on the journey with gratitude, driven by my passion for teamwork and mentorship, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
My most amazing and interesting stories are all about the growth journeys of our most Bitchin’ people. We have hired some exceptional individuals very early in their careers and have had the opportunity to watch them blossom into executive leadership roles that contribute to tangible company growth. This might be my second favorite part of the job (aside from bringing my kids to work with me).
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your path to leadership?
One pivotal moment in my career that significantly influenced my path to leadership was when I was tasked with scaling up our workforce to meet a sudden influx of manufacturing needs. It was a daunting challenge but also an exciting opportunity to step into that leadership role. My first priority was hiring for manufacturing roles and figuring out how to optimize labor efficiencies to meet production demands effectively. As I dove into staffing and managing the workforce, I juggled the demands of the job and the responsibilities of being a new parent. Balancing the demands of work and family life while still ensuring the business’s needs were met became a crucial learning experience for me.
All of this taught me the importance of adaptability, effective time management, and prioritization in leadership. It forced me to find a balance early on, ultimately strengthening my ability to effectively lead and manage people and projects.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
There’s one person who stands out in my journey, and that’s Starr, our fearless leader. What sets Starr apart is her unique ability to see beyond titles and credentials. Instead, she focuses on harnessing individuals’ best strengths to grow a company and help them reach their personal goals. One particular instance that exemplifies Starr’s support is when she recognized and celebrated my journey as a working mom. In a world where society often overlooks the strengths of working mothers, Starr saw it as a superpower. Her belief in me and ability to see strengths where others may not have fueled my confidence and determination. Because of her support and influence, we value people for their skill sets and dreams, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered and supported. I’m incredibly grateful for Starr’s guidance and belief in me, as she played a pivotal role in shaping my career and personal growth.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
I read “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie in my young adult years, and it still significantly impacts me, reshaping my approach to interpersonal interactions. It taught me the importance of empathy and perspective in understanding others, leading to more meaningful connections. Carnegie says, “Success in dealing with people depends on a sympathetic grasp of the other person’s viewpoint.” This quote captures the essence of empathy and the importance of considering other’s perspectives in building successful relationships.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
John Wooden’s quote, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation,” truly resonates with me. It is a powerful reminder to prioritize authenticity and integrity above external perceptions. In a world where societal pressures and opinions can often distract us, focusing on our inner values and efforts is essential. By staying true to our principles and drowning out the noise of external judgments, we can navigate life with clarity and purpose.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
My success has been a tool for positive change, primarily through my family. I believe in leading by example and showing kindness, respect, and perseverance. Children are keen observers, learning from the actions they see rather than just the words they hear. So, I prioritize demonstrating these values in my interactions and work ethic. I recognize the impact my behavior at work has on younger generations, teaching them the importance of integrity and leadership. Ultimately, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the world, one action at a time.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this report, only about 31.7% of top executive positions across industries are held by women. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from leadership and management?
Despite advancements in gender equality, childcare accessibility persists as a significant barrier for women striving to climb the corporate ladder. Many women face the agonizing choice between nurturing their careers or prioritizing their children’s well-being.
The lack of affordable, high-quality childcare options poses a substantial challenge for working mothers. From exorbitant costs to limited availability, navigating the childcare landscape can be daunting and often forces women to make difficult decisions about their career trajectories. The burden of childcare falls disproportionately on women, exacerbating gender inequalities in the workplace and hindering women’s advancement into leadership roles.
The impact of childcare responsibilities on women’s careers is profound. Many talented and ambitious women are forced to scale back their professional aspirations or opt out of the workforce altogether due to the unavailability of suitable childcare options. This deprives organizations of valuable female talent and perpetuates the gender gap in leadership positions.
This might be intuitive to you but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become leaders and managers?
Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and insights to leadership roles, enriching decision-making processes and driving innovation. Women also serve as powerful role models for future generations, inspiring young girls and women to aspire to leadership positions and pursue their ambitions without limitations. Seeing women in leadership positions helps break down gender stereotypes and encourages girls to envision themselves as leaders.
Can you please share “5 Things We Need To Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and Management?”
1. Implement Flexible Work Policies: Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible hours, can empower women to better manage their childcare responsibilities while advancing their careers. By providing greater flexibility, businesses can enable women to juggle their professional and personal commitments more effectively.
2. Subsidize Childcare Costs: Employers can alleviate the financial burden of childcare by offering reimbursement programs or on-site childcare to assist working parents with childcare expenses. Investing in these benefits that support working parents demonstrates a commitment to supporting women’s career advancement and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.
3. Cultivate a Supportive Work Culture: Fostering a supportive work culture that values family is essential for removing barriers for women in corporate leadership. Encouraging open dialogue and allowing for extended family leave can create an environment where women feel empowered to pursue leadership roles without sacrificing their family commitments.
4. Addressing Gender Bias and Stereotypes: Addressing gender bias and stereotypes in the workplace is important for creating an inclusive environment where women feel valued and respected. This involves raising awareness, providing unconscious bias training, and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives at all levels of the organization.
5. Mentorship Initiatives: Establishing mentorship opportunities that specifically support women in their career development can provide them with guidance, support, and opportunities for advancement. These programs should pair women with mentors who can advocate for their career progression and provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
In your opinion, what systemic changes are needed to facilitate more equitable access for women to leadership roles?
Companies should require equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements and promote a culture of inclusivity and accountability. These changes are essential to address barriers such as unconscious bias and work-life balance challenges, enabling women to thrive and succeed in leadership positions.
What strategies have you found most effective in mentoring and supporting other women to pursue leadership positions?
I am so thankful to work for an employer that supports working parents. Bitchin’ Sauce has provided a career path that never asks me to compromise my most important job: raising 3 young children. Our Bitchin’ Founders, parents of 5 children, have built a business on uncompromising values of generosity and stewardship. Gender is a non-issue, and families are celebrated, so supporting and encouraging women to grow into leadership roles has become natural. It’s woven into the DNA of our company, and I feel lucky to work alongside so many women leaders.
How would you advise a woman leader about how to navigate the challenges of being a woman in a leadership role within a male-dominated industry?
Confidence is key! Stay secure in your abilities while remaining resilient in the face of challenges. Establish a work-life balance that suits you best, and don’t hesitate to uphold it. Build a strong support network of mentors, friends, and peers who understand your experiences and can offer guidance and encouragement. Seek opportunities to showcase your expertise and leadership skills, and always remember that your perspective and contributions are valuable.
How do you balance the demand for authoritative leadership with the stereotypical expectations of female behavior in professional settings?
I have learned to embrace a leadership style that is both assertive and empathetic, fostering respect while challenging gender norms. It’s important to communicate confidently, set clear boundaries, and make wise decisions, all while encouraging collaboration and inclusivity.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
One movement I’d love to inspire is a global shift towards practicing gratitude in our daily lives. Imagine if everyone approached each situation and each day with a genuine sense of gratitude. It could truly change a lot of things. Gratitude has the power to transform our perspectives, fostering empathy and kindness. When we’re grateful, we’re more inclined to appreciate what we have rather than focus on what we lack. This mindset shift can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment, both individually and collectively. It has a ripple effect. When we express gratitude, it not only uplifts our own spirits but also spreads positivity to those around us. It strengthens relationships, fosters a sense of community, and promotes a culture of kindness and generosity.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I can be found on LinkedIn, and for more information about Bitchin’ Sauce visit bitchinsauce.com.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Amanda Miles Of Bitchin’ Sauce On How We Can Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.