Summary

Ambra holds an MA in English and a project management professional (PMP) certification. She spent fifteen years working with Accenture, AECOM, and other Fortune 500 companies both in the US and abroad, building expertise in change management, knowledge management, communication, and training. Then Ambra embarked on a new journey.

This new era of Ambra’s life began when she and her husband headed off to celebrate their youngest son’s college graduation, only to find he could not get out of bed. Not knowing where to go or who to turn to, Ambra embarked on a journey of discovery. Her new book, Escape from Dark Places: Guideposts to Hope in an Age of Anxiety and Depression, chronicles her journey and what she learned about the causes of anxiety and depression and what mums and others, typically sidelined from the recovery process, can do to help young people manage their disorders and thrive.

Intrigued by the promising millennial generation, Ambra is pursuing her passion for helping these anxiety-ridden young people find their way.

Enjoy this chat. Peace, passion and purpose.

Key Take Outs

• We are all different. As we are all exposed to different realities and upbringings so develops the way we deal and cope with life’s challegnes. This is important to be aware of in your personal journey as what may work for others may not necessarily work for you.

• Do not judge. We shall not judge others for that we don’t know. Our perception of others will be shallow without our own self-experience and insight into their lives and this will always remain limited until we walk in another’s shoes. Seek understanding and avoid judging simply because your beliefs or opinions may be different.

• Have meaning and purpose in life. This is a fundamental foundation of living life. If you have no purpose you will lack desire and ambition to really connect with life in a deep and meaningful way. Lack of purpose will mean you loose the essence of what it means to be human. Seek, through personal transformation, your purpose. Religious or not, find something to get you out of bed each day.

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Not strict routines as she like to live her life with more flexibility nowadays.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Keep looking forward.

Her interpretation of success

Being able to contribute to society, helping others and being positive towards all life’s challenges.

What is your number one productivity advice?

Plan, visualise and map out/document the project and follow through until complete.

Quick round questions

Favourite Food

Italian – Pizza

Favourite Leisure Activitiy

Biking and hiking

Favourite book(s)

Fear and Trembling (Penguin Classics) by Soren Kierkegaard

Escape from Dark Places: Guideposts to Hope in an Age of Anxiety & Depression (Morgan James Faith) by Ambra Watkins

Quote

Quote

“When you were born has more influence over your personality than the family you grew up with.”  Jean Twenge

What does living life with passion and purpose mean?

If means living and giving 110% to everything you do.

How to find Ambra and other links

You can reach out to Amrba and share your experiences on this topic at her website here.