278: Sustainable Ambition: Shaping Life and Work on Your Terms with Kathy Oneto

Jul 9, 2025

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In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, I’m so excited to welcome back Kathy Oneto. Kathy is the founder of Sustainable Ambition, a coach, speaker, and now the author of Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work. Her new book is a thoughtful and deeply practical guide for redefining what success and ambition can look like on your own terms. In our conversation, Kathy shares how the idea for the book was born out of years of reflection, coaching, and personal experience. We talk about what it means to honor your ambitions not just in work, but in all areas of life.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was how Kathy differentiates between staying busy and being intentional. She reminds us that ambition isn’t only about professional goals, it’s also about creating a fulfilling life. From nurturing creativity to becoming a better sleeper, she offers a broader and more compassionate view of what it means to pursue something meaningful. Kathy walks us through her process of writing the book with sustainability in mind, and the power of pacing, spaciousness, and grace along the way.

We also explored how so many people are operating on autopilot, rushing from one thing to the next without asking why. Kathy encourages us to pause, reflect, and claim the ambitions that genuinely matter to us right now. Her work is a refreshing reminder that slowing down isn’t a weakness. It’s a strategy. If you’re seeking clarity, realignment, or simply a more nourishing path forward, I know this conversation will speak to you. And don’t forget—her book launched last June 10th!

In this week’s Work From The Inside Out podcast, learn more about:

Generating your own ideas for success: Break through old habits of following what others suggest and focus on what matters most and feels right to you.
How taking it slower can help you clarify your direction: It can help you to focus your thoughts, feel less stressed, and enjoy what you're doing.
Why life goals are just as important to your ambitions as school or work: Wanting to be a better friend, developing hobbies, or improving sleep are all important ambitions.
How asking yourself “why” can help you focus your choices in more authentic ways: By pausing to think before acting, you will choose what you want, not just what others expect.
How simple tools can help you reach your goals: Kathy shares fun and easy exercises in her book to help you figure out what you want and how to get there.

Learn more about Kathy:

Visit Sustainable Ambition
Listen to the Sustainable Ambition Podcast
Follow Kathy on Instagram: @koneto12
Follow Kathy on LinkedIn: Kathy Oneto
Read: Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work

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