Meet Amy Stephens of Arif Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Stephens.

Hi Amy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve spent over 25 years helping Fortune 500 companies and government agencies navigate large-scale change—starting with consulting roles at Accenture and Booz Allen in Washington, D.C., and continuing that work in Los Angeles with organizations like Southern California Edison, PwC, and Cognizant. Throughout my career, I found myself drawn not just to the systems and strategies behind transformation—but to the people at the heart of it.

Becoming a parent was a turning point. Like many working parents, I began reevaluating how I wanted to show up in the world—at work, at home, and for myself. I wanted more flexibility, more impact, and more space to do the kind of leadership work I believed mattered most. That soul-searching led me to launch my own consulting and executive coaching practice—one rooted in real-world practicality, human connection, and the belief that brave leadership is learned, not born.
The inspiration for my book, Practicing Bravery with MOXIE, came from years spent sitting on the sidelines of a gymnastics gym, watching my daughter train. Her coaches broke complex movements into small, manageable drills. With structure and repetition, those drills built her strength, resilience, and courage. It was a quiet, powerful lesson in how bravery is built—not all at once, but little by little.

That idea became the foundation for my MOXIE framework—Mindset, Ownership, eXecution, Integrity, and Empathy—a practical way to break leadership growth into manageable, repeatable parts, just like the drills my daughter practiced in the gym. It offers leaders a structured approach to building bravery over time, especially when navigating uncertainty or change. Whether I’m working with senior leaders, high-potential managers, or global teams navigating complexity, the goal is the same: to help people practice bravery in ways that are meaningful, sustainable, and real.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—and I wouldn’t expect it to be. Like most people, I’ve hit roadblocks that were external (tight budgets, difficult clients, unexpected restructuring) and internal (imposter syndrome, burnout, second-guessing my choices). But those moments have also been some of the most defining.

Leaving the stability of corporate consulting to start my own practice wasn’t easy. I had to rebuild my identity, create new systems of support, and learn how to be visible in a way that felt authentic. And becoming a parent added a whole new layer—trying to grow a business while raising a human can test your confidence in all kinds of ways. But it also sharpened my clarity. I knew I wanted to build something on my own terms, and that meant doing the uncomfortable, unglamorous work of showing up even when I didn’t feel ready.

That’s part of why I wrote Practicing Bravery with MOXIE. I wanted to be honest about how leadership actually looks—less like a flawless highlight reel and more like a series of small, deliberate steps taken over time. Brave leadership doesn’t mean you always know what to do. It means you keep showing up, aligning your actions with your values, and trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

We’ve been impressed with Arif Consulting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of Arif Consulting, a boutique leadership development and change management firm that works with Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and government agencies. We specialize in executive coaching, team development, and large-scale transformation efforts—and we do it with heart, rigor, and real-world practicality.

Clients often come to us during times of significant change—new leadership, shifting priorities, culture transformation, or rapid growth. What sets us apart is that we don’t just offer inspiring ideas or theoretical models. We provide structured, tactical tools that help leaders take action, build momentum, and measure progress. Whether it’s through our consulting engagements, 1:1 coaching, or our group programs like the MOXIE Mastermind and MOXIE Executive Leadership Circle, our goal is always to meet leaders where they are and help them move forward with clarity and confidence.

Brand-wise, I’m proud that our work feels supportive and actionable. A lot of leadership content is high-level or motivational, but doesn’t offer a clear path for application. That’s what inspired my book, Practicing Bravery with MOXIE. It’s full of pragmatic tools, reflection exercises, and a structured framework—MOXIE: Mindset, Ownership, eXecution, Integrity, and Empathy—that helps leaders break down big challenges into manageable steps. We apply that same thinking in our coaching and consulting. Our clients leave with more than insights—they leave with a plan.

Above all, I want readers to know that brave leadership isn’t about being fearless—it’s about practicing. And that’s what we help leaders do every day: practice bravery in small, meaningful ways that lead to big impact.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship and networking both thrive on intentionality. One of the best pieces of advice I can give—especially around mentorship—is this: sometimes, you just have to ask. If there’s a leader whose perspective you admire or who’s doing work that inspires you, don’t be afraid to reach out. I know it’s not always easy, but “don’t ask, don’t get” holds true. A thoughtful, specific message can open the door to a conversation—and sometimes, to a lasting connection.

Networking, for me, has always worked best when it’s rooted in mutual value. It’s not just about collecting contacts or asking for help. The most meaningful relationships I’ve built came from genuine curiosity, a willingness to listen, and a mindset of “What can I offer here?” That could be insight, encouragement, a connection, or just being someone who follows up thoughtfully.

And while big networking events can have their place, I’ve found that smaller, more focused spaces—masterminds, peer advisory circles, even collaborative projects—tend to foster deeper connection and long-term support.

Ultimately, whether you’re looking for a mentor or building your professional network, it’s about showing up with bravery, empathy, and a willingness to grow together. That’s what I try to model in my own practice, and it’s also what I teach in Practicing Bravery with MOXIE.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arifconsulting.com
• Instagram: @practicing_bravery
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amydstephens/
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arif-consulting/