My name is Amanda Havard, and I want to talk to you about innovation and mental health.

Why I do what I do.

I’m Amanda, and I care about one thing: Womxn being mentally healthy and socially supported enough to do their life’s work.

Building companies, making art, raising the next generation of citizens — whatever the call, that’s the work we all deserve to do well and do healthily. 

That ONE thing is why I do two things: design Kith + Kin, the app to help families balance life, caregiving, and work; and lead Oria to make sure people have access to mental healthcare, wherever they are. 

From time to time, I help innovators (think: entrepreneurs, startups, innovation labs in larger companies) go from “Idea” to “Thing.” If you’re interested in strategy consulting services, reach out. 

The way we work is changing. Some of the most talented people on the earth walk away from “perfect” jobs because the company doesn’t align with their values. Others because they’re struggling with their mental health and have never had leaders who helped them navigate it. With the pandemic, many of us took a hard look at how we spend our precious time, energy, and resources.

The result?

Companies who want dedicated, passionate, talented team members need to meet that team where they are — and take them higher.

Company culture isn’t an afterthought; it’s the DNA. Technology isn’t a department; it’s the infrastructure of everything. Clarity isn’t just helpful for the role, a lack of it is damaging and unkind. Trust isn’t obligatory; it’s earned.

Watch this interview where I talk out some of the realities of building a company culture-first and values-forward the way we have at Oria.