Life & Work with Amanda Ross of Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Ross.

Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve carried this story with me for most of my life. I always knew one day I’d share something about my childhood, but it wasn’t until my mom passed away in my early thirties that I seriously considered telling it in a real, tangible way. Still, I wasn’t sure when or how it would take shape.
Professionally, I’ve spent the last twenty-five years working in leadership development, helping individuals and teams understand how they show up, how they communicate, and how they lead under pressure. That work has been incredibly meaningful, and stepping away from it recently created space for me to think about my next chapter and what I wanted to create for myself.
The turning point came from my daughter. She inspired me to see that the time was now. Knowing that she could play the younger version of me, there was a feeling that this moment wouldn’t come again. That gave me the courage and clarity to move forward.
The collaboration unfolded from there. Lara is my daughter, and Tim is our good friend and neighbor, so working with them was intentional from the start. Tim introduced me to Calvin, who immediately understood the heart of the story, and Ashley came into the project through an audition and captured the essence of my mother with an almost uncanny accuracy. Once those pieces came together, everything aligned. We had the actors, the resources, the timing, and the production team. It became clear that it was a “go now” moment.
“Stay in the Car” exists because that window opened, and I chose to step through it. It feels like the right story at the right time, shaped by the people who helped me bring it to life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were a few bumps in the road. One of the first challenges was the budget. The film was completely self-financed, so every decision carried weight. We originally had a different director and production crew lined up, but the fires in early 2025 completely derailed those plans. Nothing in comparison to families who were displaced, loss of businesses or worse – lost loved ones but at the time it felt like a setback, but going back to the drawing board ultimately led me to Calvin and the production team we ended up creating and that turned out to be the best thing that could have happened.
Once the team came together, the actual production process was incredibly smooth. In many ways, they made the hard parts feel easy. Their energy, professionalism, and collaboration allowed me to stay grounded through the process, and working with them was genuinely fun.
The harder struggles were internal. Telling a personal story carries its own kind of weight. How much do you reveal? How vulnerable do you want to be? I’m a very private person, so asking myself whether I was truly ready to put this story out into the world was a real emotional hurdle. The writing process was especially difficult. There was pressure to get the facts right, but the act of revisiting those memories was painful. There were moments I found myself uncontrollably crying from the emotional baggage that surfaced, and at the same time, some of it was unexpectedly healing. Putting the experience on paper allowed me to process pieces of my past I had never fully spoken out loud.
Overall, I’m grateful for the journey, even the difficult parts.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
For the last twenty-five years, my work has centered around people, helping individuals and teams understand how they lead, communicate, and make decisions under pressure. Most of my career has been in leadership development, partnering with organizations to build alignment, strengthen trust, and create environments where people can truly thrive. I’m known for my ability to listen deeply, see patterns quickly, and help leaders access the kind of inner clarity that creates sustainable change.
I recently stepped away from full-time work and am now semi-retired, which has given me the space to explore new creative chapters and to serve in ways that feel meaningful. One of those is my volunteer work with SoCal French Bulldog Rescue, where I support their fundraising efforts. It’s a very different kind of contribution, but deeply fulfilling and a way to help animals and the families who love them.
But above anything professional, the most important work I do is being a mom to four incredible and successful kids. Watching them grow into who they are, and supporting them in their own journeys is the role that grounds me the most and brings me the greatest pride.
What sets me apart is the through-line that connects all these parts of my life: a commitment to understanding the inner world, honoring people’s stories, and creating spaces where truth and growth can emerge. Whether through leadership coaching, rescue work, parenting, or storytelling, that’s always been at the heart of what I do.
Whether I’m working with leaders, supporting my family or creating a film, the through-line is the same: I care about the inner world, about what shapes people, and about the moments that define us.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I didn’t know what making a film would feel like, and I never expected it to unlock so much clarity, healing, and connection. I’d mainly like to share my gratitude. This film came together because a small group of people believed in the story and believed in me. “Stay in the Car” is deeply personal, and it means a lot to know that others connect with it in their own way.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this process, it’s that you don’t always get to choose when a story is ready to be told. The moment shows up, and you can either step into it or let it pass. I’m glad I chose to step in. I hope that encourages anyone reading this to trust the timing of their own story, whatever form it takes. I’m grateful to everyone who’s been part of this journey, and I’m excited to see where the story goes from here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stayinthecar.com
• Instagram: @stayinthecarfilm