We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Tronchin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Amanda with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up in the United States as a first-generation American with parents from the United Kingdom and the Caribbean came with its own set of challenges and expectations. From an early age, I felt a constant pressure to excel academically, driven not only by my own aspirations but also by the hopes of my family. This pressure was compounded by my involvement in multiple programs and organizations, including church, school, YMCA, and AAU, among others. Each of these experiences, while demanding, played a crucial role in shaping my character.
Navigating these demands taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and work ethic. I learned to balance my responsibilities, prioritize my time, and persevere in the face of adversity. Whether it was juggling school assignments with sports commitments or participating in community service, I developed a strong sense of discipline that has been instrumental in my journey.
Ultimately, it is this foundation of resilience and hard work that has propelled me to achieve my success. I’ve learned that challenges can be stepping stones to greatness, and I carry those lessons with me as I continue to pursue my goals. My background has instilled a sense of determination and a deep appreciation for the diverse experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My entrepreneurial journey began with a profound realization: I had a unique ability to spot how small, strategic adjustments could unlock massive growth potential in both individuals and businesses. This insight didn’t just excite me—it became my calling, leading me to found Pinnacle Strategy Group, a consultancy dedicated to transforming potential into performance.
At Pinnacle Strategy Group, we’ve built our reputation on delivering results through precision and personalization. Our expertise spans three core areas: financial optimization, growth strategy, and marketing innovation. Our hybrid approach truly sets us apart—we combine rigorous data analysis with creative problem-solving to develop solutions that others might miss. This methodology has proven particularly effective across diverse sectors, from community banks to government contractors.
One recent success story particularly illustrates our impact. We partnered with a national bank looking to provide local branches with a Microsoft Excel tracker on deposits made greater than a certain dollar amount. By implementing the tracker and using targeted operational strategies and adjustments, we helped them increase efficiency by 80% and establish an easy to use tool for tracking and displaying results. This is the kind of transformation that drives us—seeing our clients not just meet their goals, but exceed them.
Our commitment to client success goes beyond traditional consulting. We view ourselves as growth partners, deeply invested in each client’s journey. This philosophy shapes everything from initial in-depth discovery sessions to long-term strategic planning. We’re proud that our clients continue working with us long after their initial projects conclude, as we value the long-term relationships we build.
For me, the most rewarding aspect of this work is witnessing the ripple effects of success. When we help a business reach its full potential, we’re not just impacting that organization—we’re contributing to the vitality of entire communities. This is what continues to inspire me every day at Pinnacle Strategy Group, and I hope it inspires you too.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my entrepreneurial path, I realize that three fundamental qualities stand out as genuinely transformative in building Pinnacle Strategy Group and creating lasting impact for our clients.
The first quality that profoundly impacted my success was the ability to blend emotional intelligence with strategic thinking. Understanding the human element behind business challenges has allowed us to create solutions that don’t just work on paper but resonate deeply with our clients’ needs.
For emerging professionals, developing empathy in business contexts takes intentional effort. I recommend starting with active listening exercises—try summarizing conversations back to speakers to ensure true understanding. Consider volunteering for cross-functional projects where you’ll interact with diverse perspectives. These experiences build the emotional intelligence crucial for creating meaningful business solutions.
The second quality is my ability to recognize patterns and spot opportunities for strategic adjustment, which has been, without question, my most valuable asset. What began as a natural inclination to see connections others missed evolved into a refined skill for identifying precise leverage points in business operations.
For those early in their journey, developing this skill isn’t about having an innate gift but deliberate practice. Start small: analyze one business case study weekly, focusing on identifying cause-and-effect relationships. I still remember how studying successful turnaround stories helped train my eye to spot subtle but significant opportunities for improvement. Join discussion groups to share observations and learn from others’ perspectives. The key is consistency—make pattern recognition a daily habit, and you’ll be amazed at how this muscle grows.
The third quality I’ve come to value more with each passing year is adaptive resilience. It’s not just about bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about maintaining flexibility while staying true to your core mission. This quality has enabled us to pivot strategies, embrace new opportunities, and consistently deliver value even as markets evolved.
My advice for developing adaptive resilience? Start by embracing small challenges outside your comfort zone. Take on projects slightly beyond your current capabilities. Build a strong support network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance during difficult transitions. I’ve found that joining professional associations and participating in leadership workshops accelerated my growth in this area tremendously.
Remember, developing these qualities is a journey, not a destination. What matters most is consistent progress and a willingness to learn from every experience. Looking back, I wish I’d known earlier that it’s okay to be imperfect as long as you’re growing. Start where you are, use what you have, and build from there.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Start with Why by Simon Sinek was a book that opened my eyes to feelings filled each and every day, including the hours of the day dedicated to working. This book was so impactful based on a few concepts shared in the book, which were:
1. The Importance of Purpose
2. The Golden Circle
3. Building Trust and Loyalty
In the “Importance of Purpose” section, Simon Sinek stresses that individuals and organizations need to have and understand their “why,” their core purpose, or their belief in their existence.
“The Golden Circle” is a concept consisting of three concentric circles: Why, How, and What. While it is common to start with the What, which is outward-facing, it should start with Why, making an emotional connection with the audience and then working outward.
The ‘Building Trust and Loyalty’ section is a powerful reminder of an entrepreneur’s purpose and authenticity. It underlines the transformative potential of shared values, which can create a community of advocates rather than mere transactional relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yourpinnaclestrategy.com
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/pinnacle-strategy-group
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Julian B Photo
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