Works In Progress: Facing Smaug

Welcome to the very first episode of Works in Progress, a new Leadify video podcast hosted by Lucy Dannewitz. This series is about honest, in-process conversations with emerging leaders.In this episode, Lucy sits down with Amanda Mulkey—a Leadify voice and lifelong fan of The Hobbit. Amanda opens up about the ways J.R.R. Tolkien’s reluctant adventurer Bilbo Baggins has helped her navigate her own dragons (or, as she calls them, her “Smaugs”). From facing life-altering diagnoses to choosing joy, purpose, and love, Amanda’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles or perfection—it’s about showing up with courage, even when the future is uncertain.