WEBVTT 00:00:00.270 --> 00:00:03.009 Welcome to Leveling Up with Lindsay, the podcast 00:00:03.009 --> 00:00:05.110 where we dive into leadership, small business, 00:00:05.269 --> 00:00:07.809 and everything in between. I'm Lindsay, your 00:00:07.809 --> 00:00:10.169 host and the proud owner of White Beauty Boutique, 00:00:10.269 --> 00:00:13.250 a space created to empower women, build confidence, 00:00:13.369 --> 00:00:16.030 and foster meaningful connections. Whether you're 00:00:16.030 --> 00:00:18.809 an entrepreneur, a mom, a friend, or someone 00:00:18.809 --> 00:00:21.469 just looking for a little inspiration. This is 00:00:21.469 --> 00:00:24.489 your space to feel seen, supported, and inspired. 00:00:24.730 --> 00:00:27.670 Join me as we share stories, strategies, and 00:00:27.670 --> 00:00:30.190 a little bit of life's chaos while navigating 00:00:30.190 --> 00:00:32.729 what it truly means to level up in starting a 00:00:32.729 --> 00:00:35.229 business, relationship, and personal growth. 00:00:35.390 --> 00:00:38.369 So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's 00:00:38.369 --> 00:00:43.200 level up together. Welcome back to Leveling Up 00:00:43.200 --> 00:00:45.679 with Lindsay. Today's episode feels especially 00:00:45.679 --> 00:00:48.299 meaningful to me because I'm sitting down with 00:00:48.299 --> 00:00:51.340 someone I've admired for a very, very long time, 00:00:51.399 --> 00:00:55.030 even before we ever officially connected. Sometimes 00:00:55.030 --> 00:00:57.210 you come across a person and you can just tell. 00:00:57.369 --> 00:01:00.049 Their presence carries depth, their leadership 00:01:00.049 --> 00:01:02.130 carries integrity, their work carries intention. 00:01:02.570 --> 00:01:05.170 That's how Amanthi has felt to me. I haven't 00:01:05.170 --> 00:01:06.930 known Amanthi for years, but I've watched her 00:01:06.930 --> 00:01:09.409 from a distance. I've watched how she shows up, 00:01:09.469 --> 00:01:11.609 how she leads, how she works with excellence 00:01:11.609 --> 00:01:13.950 while still leading with heart. And remember 00:01:13.950 --> 00:01:17.310 thinking, that is definitely someone I want to 00:01:17.310 --> 00:01:19.489 learn from. What I admire most about Amanthi 00:01:19.489 --> 00:01:21.709 isn't just her accomplishments, and there are 00:01:21.709 --> 00:01:25.480 definitely many. It's her work ethic, her clarity, 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:28.159 and the quiet confidence she carries into every 00:01:28.159 --> 00:01:31.219 space she enters. She's the kind of leader who 00:01:31.219 --> 00:01:33.219 doesn't need to announce herself. You feel her 00:01:33.219 --> 00:01:36.180 presence instead. Today's conversation is honest, 00:01:36.420 --> 00:01:39.799 grounded, and deeply inspiring. We talk about 00:01:39.799 --> 00:01:42.200 leadership, growth, health, purpose, and what 00:01:42.200 --> 00:01:45.319 it truly looks like to evolve, not just professionally. 00:01:45.680 --> 00:01:48.829 So before we dive in, I want to say this. I'm 00:01:48.829 --> 00:01:51.849 genuinely grateful she said yes to this conversation. 00:01:52.250 --> 00:01:54.829 Amanthi, I'm so honored to have you, and I'd 00:01:54.829 --> 00:01:56.930 love for you to start by introducing yourself 00:01:56.930 --> 00:01:58.969 and sharing a little bit about your journey. 00:01:59.189 --> 00:02:01.390 I grew up in Sri Lanka and came to the U .S. 00:02:01.390 --> 00:02:03.430 with just two suitcases and a whole lot of belief 00:02:03.430 --> 00:02:05.709 that I could build something meaningful. I studied 00:02:05.709 --> 00:02:08.590 at Iowa State University, then went on to grad 00:02:08.590 --> 00:02:11.610 school in Davenport, Iowa, where I got my doctorate 00:02:11.610 --> 00:02:14.389 in chiropractic, and then the plan was to get 00:02:14.389 --> 00:02:17.610 experience here and move back home and open a 00:02:17.610 --> 00:02:20.310 clinic. but life had other plans. I met my husband 00:02:20.310 --> 00:02:23.530 from Minnesota, and together we decided to plant 00:02:23.530 --> 00:02:26.849 our roots here, start a family, and I built my 00:02:26.849 --> 00:02:29.289 practice, Demon Spinal Can Concussion Center. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:32.740 That's a little bit about me in a nutshell and 00:02:32.740 --> 00:02:35.719 how I got started. I love it. And you're obviously 00:02:35.719 --> 00:02:39.219 a wife and a mom. You have the sweetest little 00:02:39.219 --> 00:02:43.099 boy. Thank you. I love it. So you definitely, 00:02:43.379 --> 00:02:46.439 your story, Amanthi, has always inspired me like 00:02:46.439 --> 00:02:49.080 deeply. I think what you've done and what you've 00:02:49.080 --> 00:02:52.939 accomplished and your deep roots and values of 00:02:52.939 --> 00:02:56.020 your family life are so incredible. I just want 00:02:56.020 --> 00:02:58.039 you to know, I definitely look up to you in so 00:02:58.039 --> 00:03:00.379 many ways. But I would love to talk a little 00:03:00.379 --> 00:03:02.680 bit more. When you look back on your early life 00:03:02.680 --> 00:03:05.219 and your upbringing, what do you think those 00:03:05.219 --> 00:03:07.979 years taught you about resilience or responsibility, 00:03:08.319 --> 00:03:10.979 caring for others? Yeah, so growing up in a developing 00:03:10.979 --> 00:03:13.860 country taught me that resilience is built through 00:03:13.860 --> 00:03:17.120 community. Our culture was very collective. Family 00:03:17.120 --> 00:03:19.719 and friends were always together, sharing meals, 00:03:19.860 --> 00:03:23.330 and people just... stopping by whenever there 00:03:23.330 --> 00:03:26.669 was always room at the table that sense of togetherness 00:03:26.669 --> 00:03:30.370 and caring for others shaped who I am and it's 00:03:30.370 --> 00:03:32.750 something I bring into my work every day creating 00:03:32.750 --> 00:03:35.710 spaces where people feel supported and cared 00:03:35.710 --> 00:03:38.490 for you know that is one thing so I follow you 00:03:38.490 --> 00:03:40.370 on social media of course and I talked to you 00:03:40.370 --> 00:03:42.770 about this before and Mandy a good friend of 00:03:42.770 --> 00:03:47.099 both of ours I love seeing your family gatherings 00:03:47.099 --> 00:03:50.800 and you are quite the cook hey thanks I like 00:03:50.800 --> 00:03:52.939 cooking you do such a good job when you talk 00:03:52.939 --> 00:03:56.039 about family gatherings and like your values 00:03:56.039 --> 00:03:59.099 I can see that clear as day and I actually love 00:03:59.099 --> 00:04:01.520 what because you make a lot from scratch don't 00:04:01.520 --> 00:04:04.240 you yeah you guys have got to come over yeah 00:04:04.240 --> 00:04:08.060 I was like you but you if anyone is listening 00:04:08.060 --> 00:04:11.319 right now honestly follow Monty on social media 00:04:11.319 --> 00:04:15.259 because it's really cool to connect all of your 00:04:15.259 --> 00:04:17.439 achievements and your accomplishments to who 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:21.019 you are. And it's very clear without even trying, 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:23.720 like it's very clear what your values of family 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:26.920 are. And I just love seeing your get togethers 00:04:26.920 --> 00:04:28.980 and I love seeing your food that you make from 00:04:28.980 --> 00:04:31.319 scratch. I was like, Oh, you put me to shame. 00:04:32.920 --> 00:04:36.019 Oh my goodness. So a month that you've been invested 00:04:36.019 --> 00:04:38.160 deeply in learning and growth over the years, 00:04:38.199 --> 00:04:41.740 of course, from your education. your advanced 00:04:41.740 --> 00:04:44.259 training, to continue your leadership development, 00:04:44.439 --> 00:04:46.660 of course, to speaking I've seen in professional 00:04:46.660 --> 00:04:50.819 spaces. From your perspective, what does real 00:04:50.819 --> 00:04:54.139 expertise actually require from a person? Someone 00:04:54.139 --> 00:04:56.500 can go through the process and have the title 00:04:56.500 --> 00:04:59.060 of being a doctor, of course, an extensive process 00:04:59.060 --> 00:05:04.259 at that. But real expertise in your area, your 00:05:04.259 --> 00:05:07.899 business, what does that actually mean? besides 00:05:07.899 --> 00:05:11.300 the title. Yeah. I think real expertise is fueled 00:05:11.300 --> 00:05:14.639 by passion, but grounded in humility. It's not 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:17.120 just about accumulating knowledge or credentials. 00:05:17.439 --> 00:05:20.100 It's about staying curious and being willing 00:05:20.100 --> 00:05:23.300 to keep learning even when you're already considered 00:05:23.300 --> 00:05:26.860 an expert. Yeah. I love that. I love that. I 00:05:26.860 --> 00:05:31.220 think no matter what field you're in, if you 00:05:31.220 --> 00:05:34.060 truly like an expert or expertise is such a strong 00:05:34.060 --> 00:05:37.649 phrase, but You know, the true genuine, like 00:05:37.649 --> 00:05:39.870 being curious about something you love or something 00:05:39.870 --> 00:05:41.910 that fuels you with passion is so important. 00:05:42.230 --> 00:05:44.790 And I think that's when people turn to you is 00:05:44.790 --> 00:05:47.810 when they can feel that sense of heart and love 00:05:47.810 --> 00:05:50.370 for what you're doing. So I couldn't agree with 00:05:50.370 --> 00:05:52.110 you more. I think that's really powerful. Now 00:05:52.110 --> 00:05:53.689 you've built and led your own healthcare business. 00:05:54.110 --> 00:05:55.889 You've definitely collaborated with community 00:05:55.889 --> 00:05:58.110 organizations and spoke to leaders, you know, 00:05:58.129 --> 00:06:00.389 about innovation, collaboration, resilience. 00:06:01.149 --> 00:06:03.730 When you moved from doing the work, because you 00:06:03.730 --> 00:06:06.149 have done put the time and the work into getting 00:06:06.149 --> 00:06:08.110 to where you are right now. But what shifted 00:06:08.110 --> 00:06:10.610 for you personally when it went from doing the 00:06:10.610 --> 00:06:14.089 work? To leading the work. Yeah. So even as I 00:06:14.089 --> 00:06:17.110 stepped more into leadership, I never fully stepped 00:06:17.110 --> 00:06:19.670 away from patient care. I still see patients 00:06:19.670 --> 00:06:22.509 part -time because that connection keeps me grounded. 00:06:22.810 --> 00:06:25.410 What shifted was realizing I could also impact 00:06:25.410 --> 00:06:28.389 healthcare at a bigger level, shaping systems, 00:06:28.829 --> 00:06:32.569 leading conversations, and improving how a care 00:06:32.569 --> 00:06:35.649 is delivered. That's why I actually pursued my 00:06:35.649 --> 00:06:38.050 postgraduate program at Harvard, so that I can 00:06:38.050 --> 00:06:40.899 learn to grow, to lead, and to... serve more 00:06:40.899 --> 00:06:43.500 effectively. That's incredible. So what is it 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:45.759 like with your care with your patients? Like 00:06:45.759 --> 00:06:49.339 what makes you different? I mean, your practice, 00:06:49.860 --> 00:06:51.939 what is different from the rest, do you think? 00:06:52.139 --> 00:06:55.300 Yeah. So we're mainly an upper cervical chiropractic 00:06:55.300 --> 00:06:57.819 practice, and we do baseline testing for concussions, 00:06:57.860 --> 00:07:00.500 and we do some nutrition counseling and things 00:07:00.500 --> 00:07:03.459 like that too. We have a very precise and gentle 00:07:03.459 --> 00:07:06.399 approach to chiropractic. There's like over 200 00:07:06.399 --> 00:07:09.319 techniques out there. So what we practice is 00:07:09.319 --> 00:07:11.399 a little bit different. It's called Atlas Orthogonal 00:07:11.399 --> 00:07:13.500 Chiropractic. Most of the people that we see 00:07:13.500 --> 00:07:15.920 come with neck pain, headaches, migraines, post 00:07:15.920 --> 00:07:18.199 -concussion. I was just going to ask you about 00:07:18.199 --> 00:07:20.600 that. Actually, I had a conversation. One of 00:07:20.600 --> 00:07:23.379 my employees, her husband had gone through a 00:07:23.379 --> 00:07:26.180 very traumatic brain injury this year. And with 00:07:26.180 --> 00:07:28.600 our discussion, and a light bulb came on when 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:30.420 I saw some of the work that you've done online 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:33.540 or your team. And Autumn was like, oh my gosh, 00:07:33.540 --> 00:07:36.240 what a great resource for her husband to come 00:07:36.240 --> 00:07:39.579 for continued care. Because it actually is incredible. 00:07:41.019 --> 00:07:43.300 This isn't negative on anyone, but unfortunately 00:07:43.300 --> 00:07:45.920 people do get lost in the system a little bit. 00:07:45.939 --> 00:07:50.759 And for her, and she's like, what a great resource. 00:07:51.759 --> 00:07:55.139 to come see you with Erin because, you know, 00:07:55.180 --> 00:07:57.579 like once you're done and out of their care, 00:07:57.680 --> 00:07:59.540 you're done. You're gone. Right. And then who 00:07:59.540 --> 00:08:01.680 do you turn to, especially for a traumatic brain 00:08:01.680 --> 00:08:04.660 injury? And healing is a process. It is. And 00:08:04.660 --> 00:08:07.339 your brain is always evolving. Like you have 00:08:07.339 --> 00:08:10.720 to do certain things to continue to heal. Yes. 00:08:10.759 --> 00:08:13.319 Yeah. So, Amanthi, you've had moments where your 00:08:13.319 --> 00:08:16.759 work has made, obviously, a real visible impact 00:08:16.759 --> 00:08:20.329 in your community. obviously the people you serve 00:08:20.329 --> 00:08:22.129 and through the conversations that you've been 00:08:22.129 --> 00:08:24.829 invited to but when you pause and reflect on 00:08:24.829 --> 00:08:26.910 those moments what actually stands out to you 00:08:26.910 --> 00:08:28.889 most about why you do the work that you do yeah 00:08:28.889 --> 00:08:31.790 so what stands out most is how rewarding this 00:08:31.790 --> 00:08:34.490 work is seeing people struggle with migraines 00:08:34.490 --> 00:08:37.929 headaches post -concussion symptoms for years 00:08:37.929 --> 00:08:40.509 and then finally they're getting some relief 00:08:40.509 --> 00:08:44.710 and even if you get like 50 progress or improvement 00:08:44.710 --> 00:08:48.690 that's huge yeah yeah that can change how somebody 00:08:48.690 --> 00:08:52.429 shows up in life and those add up and it's very 00:08:52.429 --> 00:08:55.590 rewarding. Do you have pretty long -term patients? 00:08:55.710 --> 00:08:58.750 Yes, we do. That just continue to come back. 00:08:58.750 --> 00:09:01.090 For maintenance care, yeah. Because, I mean, 00:09:01.110 --> 00:09:04.769 you have so many stresses nowadays and it helps 00:09:04.769 --> 00:09:06.830 you adapt to stresses better when you're aligned 00:09:06.830 --> 00:09:09.529 and your nervous system is functioning optimally. 00:09:10.110 --> 00:09:12.750 A friend of ours, Mandy, gave me insight to her 00:09:12.750 --> 00:09:15.509 experience coming to see you. And she kind of 00:09:15.509 --> 00:09:17.149 was like, she told me about the thing that you 00:09:17.149 --> 00:09:20.649 used on her neck. I don't know. I don't know 00:09:20.649 --> 00:09:24.710 words for those contraptions. It's the Atlas 00:09:24.710 --> 00:09:26.850 orthogonal instrument. It's called a stylus. 00:09:27.129 --> 00:09:30.549 Okay, there we go. But she was telling me how 00:09:30.549 --> 00:09:32.210 that worked. And she goes, it's actually changed 00:09:32.210 --> 00:09:35.250 my life. And I was like, wow, that's incredible. 00:09:35.490 --> 00:09:37.769 So I would love to know a day in the life of 00:09:37.769 --> 00:09:41.759 Dr. Amanthi. What does that look like? Just general, 00:09:41.879 --> 00:09:44.159 like work, personal life, just a little rundown. 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:46.519 What that looks like for you because you are 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:51.490 busy. Wake up and then get baby ready. My husband 00:09:51.490 --> 00:09:53.950 helps out quite a bit with like getting him ready 00:09:53.950 --> 00:09:56.909 because he runs around. Brushing his teeth is 00:09:56.909 --> 00:10:00.149 a whole process. And then he'll get him to daycare 00:10:00.149 --> 00:10:02.309 and I go to work and he goes to work. He works 00:10:02.309 --> 00:10:05.269 in Painesville. And then work, serving patients 00:10:05.269 --> 00:10:10.669 or leading team. And then I do a few like... 00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:12.639 The people that I collaborate with, I would like 00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:15.220 meet up with professionals. At the end of the 00:10:15.220 --> 00:10:18.759 day, picking up is my part. So I pick up our 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:22.320 son and then start to make dinner. And then we 00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:25.240 spend a little bit of family time together. And 00:10:25.240 --> 00:10:27.860 then it's bath time for baby and putting him 00:10:27.860 --> 00:10:30.179 to bed. When I did the Harvard program, it was 00:10:30.179 --> 00:10:32.679 a one -year program. So then I'd study at night 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:36.100 or early in the morning. And now though, I'm 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:40.840 like, oh, I don't, what do I do? time that you 00:10:40.840 --> 00:10:43.519 know what to do please don't start something 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:45.980 again like give yourself a break a little bit 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:49.279 of break so I love that are you an over like 00:10:49.279 --> 00:10:52.240 an well I would say you are but like are you 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:55.899 to your core an achiever like Asian parents like 00:10:55.899 --> 00:10:58.779 you like you don't get to sleep in or anything 00:10:58.779 --> 00:11:01.679 you just you know you're a doer I love that like 00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:04.799 yeah so like growing up in like Asian culture 00:11:04.799 --> 00:11:08.299 too like you have to do more be more it's funny 00:11:08.299 --> 00:11:10.889 because I've had this conversation with me. So 00:11:10.889 --> 00:11:13.690 as you reflect on everything that you've built 00:11:13.690 --> 00:11:17.730 on monthly and experience so far, what out of 00:11:17.730 --> 00:11:20.590 like looking back at everything from education 00:11:20.590 --> 00:11:24.830 to, you know, your journey to your leadership, 00:11:24.889 --> 00:11:27.669 to owning your practice, to being a mom and a 00:11:27.669 --> 00:11:31.309 wife, what do you think truly has made you stronger? 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:34.179 Especially, obviously, there are always seasons 00:11:34.179 --> 00:11:37.159 that have stretched everybody individually. But 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:38.799 what does that look like for you? Yeah, I think 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:41.759 my daily rituals and that foundation makes me 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:45.179 really strong. Exercise, meditation, family time, 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:49.299 all those are like my daily rituals. And I think 00:11:49.299 --> 00:11:52.139 having a strong support system like your family 00:11:52.139 --> 00:11:55.929 is so huge. So what do you kind of work out? 00:11:55.990 --> 00:11:57.509 I'm just curious. Like what do you do in the 00:11:57.509 --> 00:12:00.210 morning? I go to Orange Theory or Cape Hover. 00:12:00.330 --> 00:12:03.169 Yeah. Those are the two things. So running and 00:12:03.169 --> 00:12:06.289 like the hot yoga and then your meditation. Do 00:12:06.289 --> 00:12:08.169 you do that at home or what does that look like? 00:12:08.190 --> 00:12:10.730 I do. I have this app, like a mindfulness app. 00:12:10.909 --> 00:12:13.389 And then I do that like 10 minutes. It sets my 00:12:13.389 --> 00:12:16.330 sets of my days so well. And then the days that 00:12:16.330 --> 00:12:19.009 I miss it, I'm like, oh, why didn't I do that? 00:12:19.129 --> 00:12:22.929 Like that gets you started like in the right 00:12:22.929 --> 00:12:26.149 foot. You view everything like a little differently. 00:12:26.309 --> 00:12:28.690 You don't get irritable. I love that. Something 00:12:28.690 --> 00:12:30.850 can go really wrong and you just chill. You're 00:12:30.850 --> 00:12:36.330 okay. Yes. Okay. Noted. Everyone listening, let's 00:12:36.330 --> 00:12:39.929 add this to our 2026 resume. No, I actually, 00:12:40.029 --> 00:12:42.450 that has been something kind of, you know, this 00:12:42.450 --> 00:12:45.190 last like year or two business has like changed 00:12:45.190 --> 00:12:47.950 in many, many ways in within economy kind of 00:12:47.950 --> 00:12:50.330 being up and down. That has been one thing on 00:12:50.330 --> 00:12:53.570 my mind. I have a place in my office. pretty 00:12:53.570 --> 00:12:57.330 much set up for it perfectly yeah but you know 00:12:57.330 --> 00:13:00.570 have I done this so I'm gonna put it out here 00:13:00.570 --> 00:13:02.970 in the podcast world right now and in front of 00:13:02.970 --> 00:13:06.690 you that I will do a minute. I'm going to start 00:13:06.690 --> 00:13:08.789 the meditating. I'll send you a text. Hey, did 00:13:08.789 --> 00:13:11.590 you meditate? I'm going to make me do it tomorrow. 00:13:11.850 --> 00:13:15.809 Otherwise we can't do this starting a Monday 00:13:15.809 --> 00:13:20.190 thing because it'll never happen. But truly I 00:13:20.190 --> 00:13:22.450 have heard nothing but great benefits about just 00:13:22.450 --> 00:13:24.809 grounding you and bringing that peace to your 00:13:24.809 --> 00:13:26.929 core before you start the day before the chaos 00:13:26.929 --> 00:13:30.399 starts. Yeah. That's really neat. Is there any 00:13:30.399 --> 00:13:32.639 other advice as far as you'd give to someone 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:35.059 as far as their routine? I think movement is 00:13:35.059 --> 00:13:38.659 so important. In the Western world, you look 00:13:38.659 --> 00:13:41.799 at exercises like, oh, like how you look, but 00:13:41.799 --> 00:13:44.460 there's so much more to it. It's not the way 00:13:44.460 --> 00:13:46.399 you look, but it's the peace of mind and clarity 00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:49.460 that it gives. And also how, like for spinal 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:51.200 hygiene, it's kind of like dental hygiene. It's 00:13:51.200 --> 00:13:53.519 so important. And then when the endorphins are 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:56.259 released, like you feel super good. Like why 00:13:56.259 --> 00:13:58.480 not start your day that way? I actually loved 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:01.620 what you just said about your, did you say spinal? 00:14:01.740 --> 00:14:04.340 What did you say? Spinal hygiene. Yeah. Never 00:14:04.340 --> 00:14:07.509 thought of it that way. That's incredible. Can 00:14:07.509 --> 00:14:09.549 you elaborate on that a little bit more? Like 00:14:09.549 --> 00:14:11.549 your thoughts about that? Like it being like 00:14:11.549 --> 00:14:14.090 a dental hygiene, I totally have never thought 00:14:14.090 --> 00:14:16.029 of it that way. Yeah. So you have to take care 00:14:16.029 --> 00:14:18.509 of spinal health, like your dental health. So 00:14:18.509 --> 00:14:21.009 that's why like I love chiropractic care. When 00:14:21.009 --> 00:14:23.570 you align, you function better. And then movement, 00:14:23.750 --> 00:14:26.690 because like your joints need movement. So if 00:14:26.690 --> 00:14:30.110 you were just like sitting all day at work, I 00:14:30.110 --> 00:14:33.250 mean, that does impact you and affect you. So 00:14:33.250 --> 00:14:35.730 movement, the right type of nutrition, being 00:14:35.730 --> 00:14:37.200 in alignment, all that. That's super important 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:40.480 for spinal health so that you can live a good 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:43.259 quality of life. I love that. I think that's 00:14:43.259 --> 00:14:46.159 a really great way of thinking because, you know, 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:48.940 I'm always like eager to get a teeth cleaning 00:14:48.940 --> 00:14:51.639 on the books. But you think of, you know, exercise 00:14:51.639 --> 00:14:53.779 and making a routine for yourself as being honestly 00:14:53.779 --> 00:14:56.679 chores when it should be thought about opposite. 00:14:56.720 --> 00:15:00.179 Right. Absolutely. Yeah. So this is kind of the 00:15:00.179 --> 00:15:03.519 perfect transition, I think, because, you know, 00:15:03.559 --> 00:15:06.340 Amanthi and I talked a little bit about our theme 00:15:06.340 --> 00:15:09.200 at White Peony Boutique is New Year, Stronger 00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:12.600 You. And that theme is different than ever before. 00:15:13.139 --> 00:15:15.460 Everyone's heard of the theme New Year, New You. 00:15:15.539 --> 00:15:19.039 This year, it is not anything new about you. 00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:22.460 It's actually we've all tackled an interesting 00:15:22.460 --> 00:15:25.759 2025. I have been a part of many conversations 00:15:25.759 --> 00:15:29.370 where people. health or wellness or financial 00:15:29.370 --> 00:15:32.070 or business or no business you know it's been 00:15:32.070 --> 00:15:34.730 a bit of a roller coaster when we came up with 00:15:34.730 --> 00:15:37.789 the new year stronger youth theme it was about 00:15:37.789 --> 00:15:40.929 standing in your values looking back at 2025 00:15:40.929 --> 00:15:44.230 and saying I conquered whatever that year looked 00:15:44.230 --> 00:15:46.970 like for you and standing tall and owning it 00:15:46.970 --> 00:15:50.070 and saying what are the lessons I learned what 00:15:50.070 --> 00:15:52.389 are my beliefs what are my values what am i bringing 00:15:52.389 --> 00:15:55.269 to the table so the new year's stronger you going 00:15:55.269 --> 00:15:58.529 into 2026 is really really about standing more 00:15:58.529 --> 00:16:01.750 confidently and being an even better version 00:16:01.750 --> 00:16:05.690 of you right nothing changes just knowing and 00:16:05.690 --> 00:16:08.409 learning and taking what you've learned and being 00:16:08.409 --> 00:16:11.210 the strongest you for 2026 but when people say 00:16:11.210 --> 00:16:13.990 they want to be stronger this year what do you 00:16:13.990 --> 00:16:15.909 hope they really understand about that word would 00:16:15.909 --> 00:16:18.669 you say like what's your take on that Yeah, strength 00:16:18.669 --> 00:16:21.610 isn't about doing more or pushing harder. Real 00:16:21.610 --> 00:16:25.149 strength is feeling grounded and regulated and 00:16:25.149 --> 00:16:28.309 aligned. When the mind and body are supported, 00:16:28.450 --> 00:16:32.350 strength becomes more sustainable. Absolutely, 00:16:32.750 --> 00:16:35.950 absolutely. It's definitely deeper than the surface 00:16:35.950 --> 00:16:38.659 level. So many people step into the new year 00:16:38.659 --> 00:16:40.860 pushing harder and you just kind of said it. 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:43.039 What would you say to someone who actually needs 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:45.879 permission to slow down or to become stronger? 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:48.559 Like what would you say to them? So growing up 00:16:48.559 --> 00:16:51.039 in Asian culture, I was always taught to push 00:16:51.039 --> 00:16:54.039 harder and do more. So through my marriage, I've 00:16:54.039 --> 00:16:56.299 learned that slowing down actually makes you 00:16:56.299 --> 00:16:59.179 stronger. Slowing down brings more clarity, presence, 00:16:59.360 --> 00:17:01.720 and intention. And I've learned that through 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:04.640 my husband, Nicholas. I love that. Mostly it's 00:17:04.640 --> 00:17:07.839 how his behavior. and how he approaches life. 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:11.160 And it's such a great example. Yeah. I love that. 00:17:11.319 --> 00:17:13.160 I love that. We talked about this a little bit, 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:15.619 but when it comes to health. How do you encourage 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:18.740 people to think beyond pressure, goals, and perfection? 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:21.359 I would imagine you have these conversations 00:17:21.359 --> 00:17:23.799 in your practice with friends and family, but 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:26.759 what would you say? Definitely, health isn't 00:17:26.759 --> 00:17:29.240 about pressure or perfection. It's about listening 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:31.940 to your body and choosing what genuinely supports 00:17:31.940 --> 00:17:34.940 you. Progress happens when you work with your 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:37.839 body, not against it. I'm sure you probably see 00:17:37.839 --> 00:17:40.839 a lot. Every person is so different. Absolutely. 00:17:41.660 --> 00:17:44.880 I actually had more success in my health when 00:17:44.880 --> 00:17:48.480 I stopped thinking and talking about scales and 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:52.900 sizes and anything about that and started understanding 00:17:52.900 --> 00:17:57.299 what fuels me and how I could sleep better and 00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:59.240 those kind of things. So I'm sure you have those 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:02.000 conversations every day. Absolutely, yes. Is 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:05.059 there any tidbits or other advice that you typically 00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:09.599 give or conversations that you would have? Healing 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:12.779 is a process. It's never linear. So you're going 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:15.359 to have those ups and downs. But when you have 00:18:15.359 --> 00:18:17.660 those downs, remembering all the wins and the 00:18:17.660 --> 00:18:20.819 high points in life so that you can get through 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:23.160 it, you know that you can get through it, it 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:26.839 does help a ton because mindset is a huge part 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:29.420 of it. Yeah, that's true. So it's never linear. 00:18:29.700 --> 00:18:32.359 So, Amantha, you lead in very powerful spaces. 00:18:33.559 --> 00:18:36.160 But leadership also, of course, shows up. We 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:37.920 talked about this a little bit in everyday life. 00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:39.920 What does leadership look like for someone listening 00:18:39.920 --> 00:18:42.900 who isn't running a company or isn't running 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:45.500 a team? Leadership shows up in the way you treat 00:18:45.500 --> 00:18:48.680 people every day. It's about presence, kindness, 00:18:48.859 --> 00:18:52.819 integrity, and respect. And we all want to treat 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:55.539 others like how we want to be treated. It could 00:18:55.539 --> 00:18:57.740 be that you're not leading a business, but you're 00:18:57.740 --> 00:19:01.660 leading your family or a group in a school. So 00:19:01.660 --> 00:19:04.309 you're always... leading in some way and I think 00:19:04.309 --> 00:19:07.589 if you do it in a kind and respected manner that 00:19:07.589 --> 00:19:11.539 that says a lot It does. We talked about this 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:13.920 in one of our last episodes, like how you leave 00:19:13.920 --> 00:19:16.019 a room, how you enter a room, how you make people 00:19:16.019 --> 00:19:18.220 feel, how you leave a room and make people feel. 00:19:18.460 --> 00:19:21.400 But it is in every aspect of your life, whether 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:24.920 you're at home with your family or whether you're 00:19:24.920 --> 00:19:28.599 walking into a store or a grocery store or walking 00:19:28.599 --> 00:19:31.059 out. If it is a school group that you're a part 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:33.640 of or you're an athlete in school, if you're 00:19:33.640 --> 00:19:35.819 listening to this and you're an athlete and how 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:38.779 you, you know, your team. how you make them feel 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:41.440 when you're pressing. Absolutely. Yeah. So this 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:45.220 year isn't about fixing everything. What do you 00:19:45.220 --> 00:19:50.420 believe it is about? So fixing to me is, it creates 00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:53.420 a lot of overwhelm, at least to me. So I think 00:19:53.420 --> 00:19:57.079 this year to me is about alignment, peace and 00:19:57.079 --> 00:20:00.319 growth. That's my focus and that's how I look 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:03.019 at it. When you're well rested and when you trust 00:20:03.019 --> 00:20:06.059 the process, usually things go a lot better. 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:10.019 And growth becomes pretty natural and sustainable. 00:20:10.420 --> 00:20:13.259 Yeah, I agree. I love that you said alignment. 00:20:13.359 --> 00:20:16.569 Like alignment is... To me, when we talk about 00:20:16.569 --> 00:20:18.250 the new year, stronger you, and you talk about 00:20:18.250 --> 00:20:21.390 alignment, what brings you peace? For me personally, 00:20:21.490 --> 00:20:24.089 there was moments in 2025 that brought me to 00:20:24.089 --> 00:20:27.670 dive into the hardest of what brings me peace, 00:20:27.789 --> 00:20:29.789 like really focusing on what that looks like 00:20:29.789 --> 00:20:33.769 and what that feels like. And so I think if anything, 00:20:33.990 --> 00:20:35.769 like I can say personally, I'm standing stronger 00:20:35.769 --> 00:20:39.990 in who I am. And that means that I am letting 00:20:39.990 --> 00:20:43.329 things come in front of me or welcoming new ideas 00:20:43.329 --> 00:20:47.140 or new people. But it has to align. It has to 00:20:47.140 --> 00:20:49.900 align with who I am, my values, and all of that. 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:52.460 So I think that that's perfect. I think we're 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:54.119 on the same page with the New Year's Stronger 00:20:54.119 --> 00:20:56.579 You. The one thing I think about you when I think, 00:20:56.660 --> 00:21:01.480 without even knowing you for very long, is that 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:04.799 you stand grounded in your values and what aligns 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:06.619 with your beliefs. When I think of New Year's 00:21:06.619 --> 00:21:09.599 Stronger You, there's nothing like if I said 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:12.140 a month, what would you say to that, honestly? 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:15.519 You just stand stronger in exactly who you are. 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:19.680 So good. Okay. For someone listening who wants 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:22.500 this year to feel steadier, healthier, and more 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:26.039 aligned, where would you encourage them to begin? 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:28.839 I would say start with rest. I feel like everyone's 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:34.960 so... ain't manned at that and stressed so yeah 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:37.900 start with rest and then some movement and alignment 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:41.180 when you're not rested you don't make good decisions 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:44.359 you don't have clarity you just yeah like a zombie 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:47.220 i couldn't agree with you more you can't think 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:49.839 right so you make better decisions and you live 00:21:49.839 --> 00:21:52.660 a better quality of life so yeah i agree you 00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:54.579 know i went through a process with this for someone 00:21:54.579 --> 00:21:57.480 who couldn't sleep very well is up tossing and 00:21:57.480 --> 00:22:00.539 turning and anxiety kind of took over some nights. 00:22:00.619 --> 00:22:02.339 Is there a recommendation for someone to get 00:22:02.339 --> 00:22:08.799 better rest? Yeah. Start with alignment. I can 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:13.920 help you. Step one. There are certain... herbs 00:22:13.920 --> 00:22:16.119 and formulas and so many things that you can 00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:19.180 take to help support rest but if you're thinking 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:22.279 like better ways that you can do it at home having 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:24.960 like a sleep routine getting to bed on a certain 00:22:24.960 --> 00:22:28.019 time reducing screen time a couple of hours ahead 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:31.099 of time even doing a small meditation to just 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:34.799 get your neurons to not be firing so much and 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:37.220 just for things to calm down there are certain 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:40.200 teas you can do to help slow down and unwind 00:22:40.200 --> 00:22:43.000 so I should have done the meditation the other 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:48.180 night. My mind was going a thousand miles an 00:22:48.180 --> 00:22:49.960 hour with all these things I'm working on behind 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:53.359 the scenes and all these ideas. And if I would 00:22:53.359 --> 00:22:55.660 have taken five minutes out of, you know, to 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:58.380 go in my office and just do a small meditation, 00:22:58.440 --> 00:23:01.200 I honestly think that is exactly what have just 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:06.220 calmed well. I will be coming to see you for 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:08.819 more recommendations. Honestly, as we wrap up 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:10.859 today's episode, I want to pause for a moment 00:23:10.859 --> 00:23:13.740 and say a monthly thank you. Thank you. Thank 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:15.900 you for your honesty, your vulnerability, your 00:23:15.900 --> 00:23:19.079 wisdom. Thank you for the way you lead, not just 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:20.819 with knowledge, but with intention, humility, 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:23.339 and heart. This conversation reminded me that 00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:25.160 leadership doesn't have to be loud to be powerful, 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:28.019 that growth doesn't have to be rushed to be meaningful, 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:30.339 and that the most impactful leaders are the ones 00:23:30.339 --> 00:23:32.779 who stay rooted in who they are, even as they 00:23:32.779 --> 00:23:35.279 continue to become more. to everyone listening 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:37.839 if today's conversation resonated with you I 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:39.599 hope it reminded you that your path doesn't need 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:42.279 to look like anyone else's your pace is allowed 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:45.660 to be your own and your purpose will unfold in 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:48.099 the moments where you choose integrity over pressure 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:51.279 Amanthi is such a beautiful example of what it 00:23:51.279 --> 00:23:52.799 looks like to lead with clarity, discipline, 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:55.400 and heart. And I know this won't be her last 00:23:55.400 --> 00:23:58.400 time her voice stays with you. Thank you Amanthi 00:23:58.400 --> 00:24:00.299 for being here and for the example you continue 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:03.700 to set. And thank you to everyone listening for 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:06.680 spending your time with us today. If this episode 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:08.960 encouraged you, share it with someone who needs 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:12.849 a reminder. And, of course, reach out to Miss 00:24:12.849 --> 00:24:15.710 Amanthi. Follow her on social media or you can 00:24:15.710 --> 00:24:19.309 email me, drdamon .damonspinalcare .com. Yeah, 00:24:19.349 --> 00:24:21.690 and follow me on social. I love it. So until 00:24:21.690 --> 00:24:24.549 next time, keep growing, keep leading with intention, 00:24:24.849 --> 00:24:27.470 and keep leveling up. Thank you for listening. 00:24:27.630 --> 00:24:29.750 If you found this information helpful, please 00:24:29.750 --> 00:24:32.049 share it with a friend. If you're looking for 00:24:32.049 --> 00:24:34.369 more information on the topics we covered, please 00:24:34.369 --> 00:24:37.410 head to the show notes below. And if you wouldn't 00:24:37.410 --> 00:24:39.390 mind leaving a five -star rating and review, 00:24:39.609 --> 00:24:42.289 this would help this mission and our journey 00:24:42.289 --> 00:24:45.450 to get started. Let's make today and every day 00:24:45.450 --> 00:24:48.829 an opportunity to level up. Until next time, 00:24:48.890 --> 00:24:52.130 keep dreaming, keep striving, and keep making 00:24:52.130 --> 00:24:52.690 a difference.