About

Leadership for what’s next

Growing your capacity to take on what matters most, especially when it’s messy, complex, or uncertain

Amanda Steffan, leadership development expert and founder of The Ayo Group, attending an international delegation visit in front of Addis Ababa City Hall—bringing adaptive leadership and public service expertise to a global stage.

Meet Amanda

I began my career in South Florida newsrooms, taught in a public school, and spent more than a decade working across state and local government. Along the way, I built leadership training programs, passed innovative legislation, and guided nationally-recognized community improvement efforts.

I love a good dumpster fire (really!) There’s joy in helping my clients make progress on what matters.

Today, I bring that same energy to my clients: helping them tackle tough challenges, navigate change, and exercise leadership with purpose and courage. I’ve partnered with entrepreneurs, public figures, nonprofits, and government agencies alike, always meeting clients where they’re at.

I believe better is possible—and I help people get there.

Amanda Steffan speaking at a community leadership event, sharing insights on strategy, coaching, and capacity-building as part of her work with The Ayo Group.

Let's work together

Grounded in purpose.

Guided by experience.

My work is rooted in the adaptive leadership framework and shaped by my background as a journalist—curious, clear, and willing to ask the hard questions. I’m a trained coach, strategist, and facilitator with more than 20 years of experience across various sectors.

Credentials & education:

Harvard Kennedy School (Gates Family Foundation Fellow)
Kansas Leadership Center
University of Miami
International Coaching Federation (ACC in progress)

What guides the work

COURAGE

facing what is. imagining what could be. Taking Action.

CURIOSITY

staying open. Asking powerful questions.

CONNECTION

with self, others, community, systems, and purpose.

CREATIVITY

experimenting and reinventing.

what does “ayo” mean?

After a visit to my local Boys & Girls Club, I told a friend, “My heart is full.” He laughed and asked, “Full of what?” I said “joy!” and he gave me a nickname: Ayo—the Yoruba word for joy. When I launched this practice, I wanted a name that spoke to my why and how, and could grow along with the practice.

why the bird?

The ibis is native to South Florida, where I grew up. It’s known for being last to leave and first to return after a hurricane, making them local symbols of resilience and courage. It’s also a nod to my journalism background - in ancient Egypt, ibis represented writing and wisdom - and my global perspective.

what about community?

I serve on several nonprofit boards, including as the Board Chair for the Denver Fire Department Foundation. I also support the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club and Mile High Lab Mission, as well as the Denver Botanic Garden — my unofficial downtown office.