Amanda Brandon shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Amanda, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
We have a 3 year old Golden Retriever named Millie, she is a bundle of energy and loves to run. Over the last 6 months my husband and I have committed to waking at 6am, putting on our tennis shoes and going for a 2.4 mile walk with Millie. This time is not only great for Millie, but it has brought us closer together having this morning time to catch up, chat about what’s planned for our days ahead and more – to really listen to each other while the rest of the world is quiet and disruptions are few. Heck, we even see a bit of wildlife while waking in the morning with the sunrise and have lost a few pounds and gained some muscle along the way!
While the house might be dark at 6am and your bed warm and cozy, I challenge you to choose a morning in your near future, strap on your walking shoes and observe the world around you. Clear your mind, prepare yourself not only for the day ahead but set your tone, attitude and challenge yourself to try something new today or tackle that task you’ve been putting off, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to reward yourself for getting up and trying something new, you might just like it!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My job is best described as a “Jack of all trades”. I wear many hats and perform a variety of tasks here at CGI International, Inc. dba Color Glo International and I love it! Not only do I get the opportunity to work with franchisees from all over the globe, but I get to really connect with them, their families, what is important to them, makes them tick and smile – that is the best part! I have been fortunate enough to travel to several countries to meet many of them in person including Greece, Italy & Israel – WOW! Simply incredible. I cannot wait to add more to my bucket list and spend time with more franchisees in their hometowns across the globe in the coming years!
Color Glo is a 3rd generation family owned and ran business started by my grandfather, Everett Smith in 1975.
What started as a really creative business plan grew to a worldwide sensation run by my father, Gary Smith and uncle, Scott Smith with me by their side supporting them along the way. Recently Gary and Scott have taken on Board of Directors rolls while bringing on new leadership with an inspiring visionary trio of Anthony Verch, Mike Altamimi and James Miller now at the helm.
At Color Glo International, our mission is to create magic with our services everyday by restoring the worn and damaged leathers, vinyl’s plastics and fabrics found in every sector of the market with a new look and added usefulness while being an environmentally friendly business using state-of-the-art products. It is a business with global reach but a local presence. A business that can become a legacy and will span multiple generations as it has for so many of our franchisees and their families. With our new leadership team and backed by our entire team and franchise family, the future looks very bright for our brand and franchise family!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Lack of trust: Violating trust is a major break. This can be a single event or a pattern of dishonest or untrustworthy behavior. A pattern of lying, keeping secrets, or withholding important information undermines a person’s sense of security. This also includes gaslighting, a form of manipulation where someone makes you question your own reality.
Restoration should start with a sincere apology. It acknowledges the hurt caused without making excuses. It should clearly state what you are sorry for and show that you understand the impact of your actions. If secrecy or lies caused the breach, you must commit to a new norm of transparency. This might involve sharing your schedule or communications willingly and answering any difficult questions without becoming defensive. Trust is rebuilt through reliable, trustworthy actions, not just words. By consistently following through on your commitments, you show your renewed dependability and willingness to change.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
For me, suffering has taught me a greater understanding of humility and depth: Suffering has a way of humbling people, stripping away superficial pretenses and introducing a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. It reveals your true capacity to survive and overcome obstacles, building a different kind of strength than what success offers. When everything else is stripped away, suffering shows you who you are when external validation is gone, fostering authenticity. Suffering forces a choice to keep going despite a lack of guaranteed reward, teaching the value of persistence in a way that comfort does not.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Overvaluing intelligence and underestimating social skills: Highly intelligent people can struggle in social and professional settings by undervaluing kindness, empathy, and communication. They may excel in their field but fail to connect with colleagues, customers, or partners effectively.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
Distinguishing between being “out of your depth” and simply being in a challenging situation that promotes growth can be difficult. It requires honest self-reflection and attention to your emotional, cognitive, and performance-related signals.
For me, there are a few indicating factors; Cognitive overload being one of them. Your thoughts race and jump between worries, making it nearly impossible to concentrate. You frequently lose track of what you are doing or forget important details.
Another is increased defensiveness. You become resistant to feedback and dismiss valuable input from more experienced people. When questioned, you either insist you were perfectly clear or retreat into vague, evasive language.
Lastly is exhaustion and burnout. This goes beyond simple fatigue. You feel drained even after a full night’s rest and lose interest in things you used to enjoy. This can be a sign that you have been operating beyond your capacity for too long.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandibrandon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandi.smithbrandon
Image Credits
All taken by myself or family
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