Meet Amanda Haddaway, our newest Girl Crush!
Amanda Haddaway is an award-winning HR consultant, corporate trainer and certified executive coach. In her role as the managing director of HR Answerbox, she specializes in solving complex workplace problems for business owners and leaders. She also manages a referral network that connects employers to more than 250 consultants, trainers, coaches and speakers.
Photos: AK’s Grafix & Photo
Amanda has more than 50,000 hours of experience in HR and holds the two highest professional certifications, SPHR and SHRM-SCP, as well as a Master of Jurisprudence degree in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane University Law School, a Master’s degree from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University.
When she’s not doing all things HR, Amanda is in the process of launching a ready-to-drink cocktail brand and recently published her first children’s book.
What are you most excited about right now?
Writing the sequel to The Pie Spy and getting ready to launch a line of canned bourbon cocktails. We’ve been working on this project for a little over a year and just finalized the formulations for the first three Lucky D canned cocktails.
In your life, who have been your biggest role models? Why?
My parents and grandparents. They all taught me the value of hard work, caring about others and trying to do your best every single day.
What do you love about your job or life?
Everything! If you don’t like something, change it. I’m happy and content with work and life.
What has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment?
Launching my own business. It has been the hardest I’ve ever worked, but I love my clients and how I’m able to help them solve their workplace challenges.
One thing most people don’t know about you?
Hmmm, I’m a pretty open book, but here are a few fun facts that people may not know:
- I’m an only child.
- I primarily grew up in Thurmont, MD. At the time, there was only one stop light in the entire town. Prior to that, we lived in Hillcrest in Frederick City.
- I’m distantly related to Reese Witherspoon.
- I’ve traveled to more than 40 states in the U.S.
- I’ve written and published three books. Two are non-fiction and one is a children’s book, with a sequel on the way.
- I worked at a TV station (an ABC affiliate) when I was in college.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
There are still a lot of European countries I’d like to explore. Checking off the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland at the end of October on a river cruise.
When/where do you get your best ideas?
In the shower. Seriously.
Name three things you can’t live without.
- My phone
- My car
- Running water and electricity. I wouldn’t last long as an Amish person or in the wilderness. #notacamper
Most unique or unexpected thing in your purse right now?
A Sharpie! To sign copies of my recent children’s book, The Pie Spy: Grandma’s Secret Recipe.
Current fashion/beauty/ other obsession?
CHILLAB Lavender Matte Powder. My personality is shiny enough; my face shouldn’t be! This product is voodoo magic and keeps a matte finish all day, even in the Maryland summer humidity.
Favorite thing to do in your area?
Enjoy all that downtown Frederick has to offer! Arts, culture, amazing restaurants, breweries and distilleries.
