Amanda Downs: On Ikigai, Leadership, and Why Sales Isn’t a Dirty Word

In this episode of Coach Class, I was joined by Amanda Downs — commercial leader turned coach, facilitator, and soon-to-be author of Stepping Up to Sales Leader.

Using the Japanese concept of Ikigai — your reason for being — as a guiding theme, Amanda reflects on what lights her up, how she helps others grow, and why leading a commercial team is a bit like tending a garden.

Expect rich conversation on:

• How purpose, values, and integrity guide Amanda’s work
• The link between psychological safety and leadership success
• Why sales is about value, story, and service — not pressure
• How to spot a career crossroads and start unravelling your metaphorical jumper
• Her love for gardening, and why it’s the perfect metaphor for people development

Amanda also shares the lessons she’s learned from Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, how she helps leaders rediscover what they’re good at, and why vulnerability is the new superpower.

This episode is for anyone who’s led a team, faced a fork in the road, or simply wants to do meaningful work with integrity and heart.

🔊 Soundbite:

“Selling and helping people to buy things is not a dirty word… It’s the lifeblood of what makes economies boom or fail. And the most authentic way to sell? It’s to find the value and turn it into a story you can tell.” — Amanda Downs

📌 Useful Links:

• Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
• Learn more about The Uspire Group
• Watch for Amanda’s upcoming book Stepping Up to Sales Leader (coming 2026)

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please rate or share if it resonated.