Most people believe growth requires destruction. Quit the job. Start over. Burn the bridge.

That is not always true.

In this episode, Amanda Dake sits down with Julie Rowlett, a mathematics professor whose work spans theoretical math, physics, game theory, and entrepreneurship. Julie shares how a lifelong career in abstract mathematics expanded into building Kluero, an AI-driven platform designed to help teams understand how they actually function together.

Rather than pivoting away from academia, Julie stayed with her work long enough for it to evolve. Her research into cooperation and strategy, originally studied through plankton and game theory, now informs how teams grow, adapt, and improve over time.

This conversation explores growth without collapse, risk without recklessness, and why building something better does not require burning down what already works.

In This Episode

• Why growth does not have to begin with dissatisfaction

• How abstract math becomes practical, human systems

• What plankton and teams have in common

• Why most team tools miss the point

• Building a company alongside a stable career

• Taking risks without sacrificing stability

About the Guest: Julie Rowlett is a mathematics professor, researcher, and entrepreneur. Her work connects theoretical physics and game theory to real-world leadership through her platform, Kluero.

LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-rowlett-b49690231 Website: https://www.kluero.com/

Connect with Amanda: Website: https://amandadake.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandadake/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-dake/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OKCAmanda/