Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Marks

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

From a young age, I felt a fire within me, a drive that couldn’t be extinguished. In high school, I discovered my passion for business. When I found out that the local two-year business school offered a way to “test out” of most classes, I saw a chance to fast-track my education. However, when the school decided not to honor this option, I didn’t give up. I fought for my right to accelerate my studies and managed to graduate in just 13 months instead of the usual 24.

Balancing my studies with a job at a local call center, I was determined to make the most of every opportunity. As I neared the end of my degree, I was offered an unpaid internship. Unenthusiastic about the lack of pay, I requested a meeting with the HR Director. I pitched the idea that having an “intern” could be a great marketing and PR opportunity for the company. Although they couldn’t accommodate my proposal, they offered me an entry-level Health/Safety Coordinator position that needed to be developed. This role became the foundation of my career.

For a year, I poured my heart into building and operating the Health/Safety Coordinator position, which doubled as my internship. I graduated with my Associate’s Degree and soon after, I landed a job as a Personnel Director for a local union shipbuilding company. Unfortunately, the company was dismantled shortly after I started. But fate had other plans. The HR Director I had met earlier recommended me for a position at General Electric, Transportation in Erie, PA.

At just 19 years old, I found myself in the “Fishbowl”—working as an Executive Assistant to three VPs. This role provided me with invaluable on-the-job training and experience, far beyond what any four-year college could offer. I was soon moved into Human Resources, where I spent 11 years as a process expert, touching every pillar of HR and Labor Relations. I survived two rounds of layoffs, but eventually, burnout set in. After taking time off to have my second child, I returned to a very different company culture. With a heavy heart, I knew it was time to move on.

During the next few years, I stayed home with my children but continued to learn and grow. I supported local businesses, worked for a realty company, and took a non-profit position within the Catholic Diocese, eventually moving into a Development role. During this time, I faced significant personal challenges, including battling a benign tumor, losing my son late-term, and my twin daughter Arya being born sleeping. I also lost my only sibling to a drug overdose and struggled with alcohol addiction. Despite these hardships, I promised my late brother that I would share my poetry with the world. I self-published a volume dedicated to addiction and grief. Although it didn’t do well, I kept my promise and achieved something I never thought I would.

Then, I was recruited by iHeartMedia. Initially hesitant due to the sales aspect of the role, I decided to take a chance. My HR and development experience proved invaluable. I realized I wasn’t selling; I was helping solve problems. My clients and I were just people trying to do great work. With the support of amazing leaders, I found myself doing what I love on a much larger scale, all while balancing my family life.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that you can redefine yourself and your career at any age. I don’t think too much about strength—I just “do.” Each step, each challenge, has shaped me into who I am today.

My journey is as unconventional as it gets but showcases how resilience, adaptability, and the power of following your passion.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Oh no, my strengths are also my weaknesses and I tend to stand in my own way.

The same drive and determination that propelled me to fast-track my education, secure pivotal roles, and navigate through personal and professional challenges have also led to moments of burnout and imbalance.
I still struggle today to find the right balance between my ambition and my well-being.

Each step of my journey has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, but it has also highlighted the need for self-care and balance. This ongoing struggle shapes who I am and reminds me that growth often comes from finding harmony between our strengths and our vulnerabilities.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats, but my core focus has always been on humans and problem-solving.

Currently, I work at iHeartMedia, where I leverage my extensive HR and development experience to help clients solve their unique challenges. My role is about building relationships and providing solutions that make a real difference, or “crack some ceilings” as I like to put it.

I specialize in creating and implementing effective strategies. I’m known for my resilience, adaptability, and outside-the-box thinking. My journey has been unconventional, but it has equipped me with a diverse skill set and a unique perspective.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to redefine myself and my career at various stages of my life. From fast-tracking my education to overcoming personal hardships and finding new opportunities, I’ve demonstrated that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and make a meaningful impact.

What sets me apart is my unwavering determination and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. My experiences have taught me the importance of balance (which is still a real struggle), resilience, and the power of following your passion. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, working in non-profits, or taking on new roles in the corporate world, I bring a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and a relentless drive to succeed.

Motherhood has profoundly influenced my work. Raising my three daughters—Brianna (18), Sylvanna (12), and Mila (8)—has taught me invaluable lessons in patience, empathy, and multitasking. These skills translate directly into my professional life, where understanding and addressing the needs of others is crucial. Motherhood has also given me a deeper appreciation for work-life balance and the importance of creating supportive environments both at home and in the workplace.

But, overall, my life is centered around the family my husband and I have built together. Watching my daughters grow and seeing them navigate the journey of life brings me the peace I yearn for in the chaos. Motherhood has been the most rewarding and grounding experience, providing me with the strength and perspective to tackle any challenge that comes my way.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?

Navigating through the uncertainties of COVID-19 reminded me of the value of being flexible and open to change. It reinforced the need to balance ambition with self-care.

Professionally, the pandemic highlighted the critical role of human connection. The challenges of remote work and the shifting business landscape required innovative problem-solving and a renewed focus on effective communication.

Motherhood played a significant role during this time. Balancing work with the demands of homeschooling and caring for my three daughters—Brianna, Sylvanna, and Mila—taught me patience and the importance of creating a nurturing environment. The pandemic reinforced the need for a supportive community and the power of empathy in overcoming adversity.

On a personal level, the pandemic was a period of reflection and growth. It reminded me of the importance of family and the strength that comes from facing challenges together. I also used this opportunity to dive back into my poetry, self-publishing Compiling Emotions, which highlights the tragedy of addiction during the pandemic, the grief of losing oneself and loved ones, and the overall experience of being a human, a woman, in this ever-changing world.

Ultimately, the pandemic taught me that resilience, adaptability, and empathy are not just professional skills but essential life skills. It reinforced the idea that we can redefine ourselves and that true strength lies in our ability to support and uplift those around us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chenzgrl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.marks.39/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-marks-878550144/
• Other: https://iheartmedia-onmicrosoft-com.access.mcas.ms/aad_login