Meet Amanda Duff

We recently connected with Amanda Duff and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from knowing that, at the end of the day, the only person I can truly rely on is myself. It’s up to me to decide how I want to move forward in any situation and what I’ll do with the cards I’ve been dealt. I believe it’s important to give myself the space to feel whatever emotions come up—frustration, sadness, or anything else—because those feelings are valid and deserve to be acknowledged. But once I’ve allowed myself that space, the next step is to decide: now what?

Resilience for me starts with clarity. I take a moment to think about what I’m ultimately trying to accomplish and what small decisions I can make today to get closer to that goal. I’ve always been focused on the long term. While my ultimate target might shift slightly over time, the foundation of it is consistent: I want a life where I’m proud of the work I do, where I’m making a difference, where what I do truly matters to someone, and where I have the freedom, flexibility, and financial stability to maintain the lifestyle I want with my friends and family. That vision drives me forward.

Setbacks, big and small, are inevitable. I might not always be happy with the hand I’m dealt, but I know that the only way I’ll reach my goals is by picking myself up and continuing. For me, resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential. I’m not yet the person I want to become, so I have to keep going—for myself and for my family.

Growing up in a divorced household, struggling to find my path in college, and craving a life that was different from the ones I saw modeled around me were all key drivers of this mindset. Something I do intentionally to stay grounded and resilient is setting clear goals. At the beginning of each year, I write down what I’d like to accomplish in the next three months, one year, three years, and even in my lifetime. I revisit this list throughout the year to remind myself of what I’m working toward and to make sure my day-to-day actions align with my long-term goals. This practice keeps me focused on the bigger picture, helping me stay resilient even when the journey gets tough.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder of Now What, an HR consulting and coaching business designed to help individuals—leaders, business owners, and professionals at every stage—figure out how to be the best version of themselves and get closer to their goals. I’m passionate about being the resource people turn to in their “Now what?” moments—the times when they feel uncertain, stuck, or in need of clarity about their next steps.

Throughout my life and career, I’ve been fortunate to have people who stepped in to guide, support, and challenge me when I needed it most. They helped me navigate tough decisions, find my confidence, and see opportunities I might have otherwise missed. Those experiences were integral to my success and they inspire me to pay it forward by being that kind of resource for others.

What excites me most about what I do is the opportunity to help people align who they are with what they want to achieve. Whether I’m coaching a leader who’s trying to build their confidence, a business owner navigating growth challenges, or a professional figuring out how to take the next step in their career, my goal is always to help them find clarity and move forward with purpose.

I recently launched my business and I’m thrilled to offer coaching packages tailored to help individuals achieve their goals, as well as HR consulting services for businesses. My work is grounded in the belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every decision—no matter how small—can bring you closer to where you want to be.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resourcefulness, emotional intelligence, and patience.

1. Resourcefulness
I’ve learned that the best opportunities often don’t come to you—you have to create them yourself. Being resourceful means not being afraid to identify where you can make an impact and just start doing the work, even if you don’t have all the answers upfront. It’s about figuring things out as you go, learning on the fly, and being proactive in shaping your own path. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to advocate for myself. No one is going to hand you what you want, so you have to be willing to go out and make it happen. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to start small. Look for gaps or areas where you can contribute, even in unexpected ways, and build your confidence through action.

2. Emotional intelligence (EQ).
Developing strong EQ skills has been pivotal to my success. Understanding how to identify and manage emotions—both my own and others’—allows me to navigate a wide range of situations with empathy and adaptability. This has been especially important in my work, where I connect with people at all stages of their careers. Learning how to communicate effectively, build trust, and truly relate to others has opened doors I never expected. For those starting out, I recommend reading, practicing self-reflection, and seeking feedback to grow your EQ. It’s a skill that pays off in every area of life.

3. Patience
I’ve come to understand that meaningful progress takes time. Patience has been essential in keeping me grounded and focused on the bigger picture, even when results don’t come immediately. I know that good things are worth waiting for, and that consistency and persistence are key to achieving long-term goals. My advice here is to embrace the process. Celebrate the small wins along the way, and trust that the effort you’re putting in today will pay off down the line.

These qualities—resourcefulness, emotional intelligence, and patience—have shaped my career and allowed me to navigate challenges and opportunities with confidence. I’d encourage anyone starting their journey to focus on cultivating these traits, as they’ll serve you well no matter where your path takes you.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

The book Dare to Lead by Brené Brown has been one of the most impactful books for my professional development. My copy is well-loved—it’s dog-eared, highlighted, and filled with notes in the margins. Every time I revisit it, I discover another nugget of wisdom that resonates even more deeply.

Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve taken from the book include:

“Our ability to be daring leaders will never be greater than our capacity for vulnerability.”
This principle completely reframed how I approach leadership. True courage doesn’t mean being fearless—it means being willing to show up authentically, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. Vulnerability is the foundation of trust, connection, and innovation, and as a leader, embracing it has made me more effective and relatable.

“Get clear on whose opinions of you matter.”
This was a game-changer for me. Brené talks about keeping a small list of people whose opinions truly count—the ones who love you for who you are, not what you achieve. This helped me filter out unnecessary noise and focus on the voices that genuinely matter, which has been incredibly freeing.

“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”
This idea shifted how I communicate, both professionally and personally. Being clear might feel uncomfortable in the moment, but it’s a kindness to others. Ambiguity, on the other hand, can lead to confusion, frustration, and unnecessary conflict. I strive to live by this mantra, especially when giving feedback or setting expectations.

“People, people, people everywhere are just people, people, people.”
This reminder is both grounding and empowering. At the end of the day, no matter our titles or roles, we’re all human. Understanding this helps me approach others with empathy and humility, which has been vital in building strong relationships and navigating tough situations.

These insights have profoundly shaped how I lead, communicate, and build connections with others. If you’re looking for a book that will challenge you to think differently about leadership and offer actionable advice, I can’t recommend Dare to Lead enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nowwhathr.com/
• Instagram: @nowwhathr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaedduff/

Image Credits

Becca Dwyer