In this episode of The Things We Have Learned, I sit down with my pal Amy Illarde (she/hers), a healthcare marketing professional, certified career coach focused on LGBTQ+ professionals, and community-builder in Chicago. We chat about something that drives both our work: what it truly means to practice people-centered leadership.

Amy shares her non-linear career path, the lessons she learned shifting from individual contributor to manager, and how she discovered that fulfillment lives not in titles, but in supporting the humans behind the work. Together, we reflect on centering values, challenging traditional leadership models, and honoring identity as a source of strength.

We also explore the power of chosen family, queer community, mentorship, and why leaders who invest in relationships — not just results — build workplaces where people thrive.

If you're navigating career growth, embracing your voice as a leader, or learning how to lead with empathy and courage, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom from the world of people-first leadership.