We’re told to be team players. Not to make waves. To shrink ourselves to fit someone else’s version of success. But what happens when playing small stops working—and your body starts telling the truth?

In this episode, Cristina Amigoni shares how years of feeling invisible led to one powerful moment of walking out of a meeting and into a new chapter. She’s the co-founder of Siamo, a human-centered consultancy helping organizations navigate change by putting people—not processes—at the center. Siamo exists to unlock the full potential of individuals and organizations through authentic leadership, aligned values, and meaningful connection at work.

From navigating toxic work environments to launching her own company, Cristina reveals what it really takes to lead with courage, integrity, and self-trust.

If you’ve ever questioned your worth at work or stayed in the wrong room too long, this one’s for you.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:00] Teenage Cristina: introverted, invisible, and uncertain of her future
[00:03:30] The bold move to the U.S. that shifted everything
[00:07:15] Letting go of her father’s plan and choosing her own path
[00:12:00] The opportunity she “wasn’t qualified” for—and why she went for it anyway
[00:18:00] Becoming a leader abroad through courage and self-trust
[00:24:00] The meeting that broke her—and sparked a turning point
[00:29:00] Her son’s question that made her walk away for good
[00:31:00] Building Siamo to bring humanity back into the workplace
[00:36:00] Why authenticity is Cristina’s non-negotiable in leadership
[00:43:00] What companies get wrong about culture—and how Siamo changes that
[00:48:00] The deep self-trust it takes to choose yourself (over and over again)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• You don’t need to be “qualified” to make the ask
• Feeling invisible is a warning sign, not a life sentence
• Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about showing up as your full self
• Integrity means backing your values with action
• The right people and opportunities will find you when you stop shrinking

KEY THEMES

• Women reclaiming their voice in male-dominated environments
• Authentic leadership and human-centered workplace culture
• The cost of invisibility—and the power of choosing yourself
• Building self-trust and walking away when it’s no longer aligned
• Creating a life and business that reflects who you really are

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

“I was told not to speak to people… while I was doing change management.” — Cristina Amigoni
“That was the moment I knew I was done. And I never looked back.” — Cristina Amigoni
“Choosing yourself isn’t a finish line. It’s something you do every single day.” — Cristina Amigoni

GUEST CONTACT

Website: https://www.wearesiamo.com/
Podcast: https://uncoverthehuman.wearesiamo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearesiamo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearesiamo/

CONNECT WITH EIMEAR

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