You followed the “right” path—career growth, leadership roles, meaningful work—and still, something feels off. The ambition that once fueled you now feels heavier, especially as your choices start impacting the people you love. And suddenly, the question isn’t just “What’s next?”… it’s 'Do I even want what I once worked so hard for?”

In this intimate and honest conversation, Lis Best sits down with Amber Stryker, founder and CEO of Bespoke ESG, to explore what it really looks like to reimagine ambition as you grow and evolve.

Amber shares the messy middle of building a business, charting a new path, and learning to ask: What do I want now? What do I want to try?

Together, they unpack how to let go of definitions of success that don’t serve us, lean on a human support system, honor “quiet progress,” and trust that your choices don’t have to be forever.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth isn’t always loud—sometimes it’s quiet, steady, and only truly visible in hindsight.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode Outline:

• [00:03] Why doing the thing you “said you’d never do” can unlock a new identity
• [00:06] How to rethink ambition when your priorities shift (career, family, life)
• [17:58] The power of asking “What do I want now?”—and letting go of past ambitions
• [26:40] What starting a business really looks like (including doubt, pivots, and post-it reminders)
• [31:47] How to navigate uncertainty without losing yourself—and why support systems matter
• [42:16] The idea of “quiet progress” and how to recognize wins even when they don’t feel big

Connect with Us:

• Lis Best's website
• Learn more about the Girls Club Collective
• Connect with Girls Club Collective and Lis Best on LinkedIn
• Join the next GCC Community Power Hour
• Inquire about coaching with Lis

Follow along with Amber Stryker and Bespoke ESG:

• Amber’s Linkedin
• Bespoke ESG on LinkedIn
• Bespoke ESG website and newsletter sign-up

This episode was post-produced and edited by Yanina Mora.

The intro and outro music was created and produced by Daniel Mark.

About Lis:

Lis Best is an executive coach for impact leaders, founder of the Girls Club Collective, and host of the Women Changing the World podcast.

Since launching her business in 2020, Lis has helped hundreds of leaders navigate ESG and sustainability careers, launch heart-centered businesses, and become more effective change agents.