In this episode of Ambition 2.0, host Amanda Goetz sits down with Starbucks' Global Chief Brand Officer Tressie Lieberman to talk about the path that led her through some of the biggest brands in marketing (Pizza Hut → Taco Bell → Chipotle → Yahoo → Starbucks), the mentors who changed her trajectory, and the family system that makes it possible: a true partnership where her husband is the stay-at-home parent.
They get tactical about how to divide the cognitive load, why “Sunday check-ins” are a non-negotiable, and how to navigate the social friction that still shows up when you flip traditional gender roles.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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How Tressie went from aiming for “the next level” to owning the CMO path—and what made that shift happen
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Why curiosity (and doing “the little extra things”) is key in your career
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How to build a partnership that’s equitable, not score-keeping
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The practical systems that reduce mental load at home
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How to handle judgment, weird school dynamics, and “default parent” assumptions when dad stays home
If you’re building an ambitious life—and want a relationship that can grow with it—this episode is a must listen.
00:00 Intro
02:53 The mindset shift that set Tressie’s sights beyond “the next level”
04:02 The mentors who opened doors (including reverse mentoring a CEO)
05:36 How to stand out early: curiosity, doing extra, and teaching what’s next
06:49 Advocating for yourself in executive rooms (and getting over FOE: fear of executives)
09:10 How they chose a stay-at-home partner dynamic
13:59 The at-home teamwork: check-ins, trade-offs, and letting go of perfection and control
17:45 Keeping the marriage strong: date nights, boundaries, and “one blended life”
32:45 Rapid fire: Sunday rituals, go-to Starbucks order, and ideal partnership in one word
GUEST LINKS
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tressielieberman/
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ABOUT AMBITION 2.0
Powered by Girlboss, Ambition 2.0 is a podcast where we’ll be exploring what it really means to “have it all” in work, family, identity, and self… and if it’s actually worth it. Each week, you'll hear from hardworking women who’ve walked the tightrope of ambition. They'll share their costly mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to have it all and actually love what you have.
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Ambition 2.0