Amanda thrives at the intersection of improvisation and organizational psychology to help transform organizations. She believes the vulnerability required to improvise and create something together on stage as a team can be translated to a professional group of any size. She uses the philosophy of improvisation and the power of "Yes, And" as a catalyst for positive change within an organization. Her active listening approach to coaching focuses on teaching individuals and teams the difference between listening to respond and listening to understand.
Amanda was the Founder/CEO of Dallas Comedy House (2009-2020), where she oversaw day to day operations of DCH. She was the founder and Executive Producer of the Dallas Comedy Festival (2009-2019). She's the Co-founder of ComedyHouse, a professional training and coaching service, and the co-author of the REALway® leadership training program. She was the Director of Human Resources and People Experience at Dialexa, an IBM Company (acquired by IBM) and a Senior Managing Consultant-HR Strategic Business Partner at IBM Consulting from 2021-2025.
Amanda completed her Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Harvard University, where she also earned her Graduate Certificate in Organizational Behavior. She earned a Certificate in Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace from Cornell University. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Minor in Business Administration from Texas A&M University.
Amanda is currently an Adjunct Professor at the SMU Cox School of Business MBA program where she teaches a management course: Innovation and Change by Design.
Amanda is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas Cohort and the 2025-2026 Business Council for the Arts Cohort. She's a graduate of the 2018 Leadership Dallas Cohort with the Dallas Regional Chamber, where she continued her commitment as the Leadership Consultant for 2019-2020. Amanda was a 2020 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, a recipient of the 2020 Asian Texas Chamber Arts and Culture Award, and Dallas Business Journal’s 2016 Women in Business Award recipient. She has served on several past non-profit board of directors and currently serves on the board of directors for Jubilee Park and Community Center.