From Silence to Strength: How One Defining Morning Sparked a Mission to Amplify Voices That Matter
- Jul 28, 2025
- 2 min read
By Amanda Zantal-Wiener
Founder & Managing Partner of Butcher, Baker, Beatmaker
One morning, my boss publicly berated me in front of my colleagues, dismissing weeks of painstaking work, dedication, and strategic planning.
The shift seemed sudden, but familiar. Up until that week, he had pretended to be my friend. Sure, I knew better. I’d seen this movie before. And after spending more years than I’d like to admit answering to managers like him, it was far from the first time I’d observed or endured this toxic cycle of praise followed swiftly by humiliation. But something about this day felt different. Conclusive. Weirdly illuminating.
Despite knowing better, I still spent time that day questioning my professional choices. And for whatever reason, that thought spiral parlayed into documenting everything: every insult, every act of intimidation, and every undermining tactic. It was cathartic, but infuriating, especially as I started to notice a pattern: I was fighting battles that didn’t matter. They were the battles of corporate toxicity, and not the good fight that aligned with my purpose and values.
I wasn’t meant to be doing this, to use my years of experience to help improve a corporation’s valuation. I was meant to use my skills to empower those whose stories deserve to be heard. I was meant to amplify voices that push boundaries, reclaim narratives, and drive meaningful change through authentic storytelling and creative courage.
The very next day, after just six and a half weeks of being retained by this company, I was called into a meeting to learn that my role was being eliminated. Ah, yes. There was the illuminating finality. The choice was made for me. Continuing to invest my skills, passion, and energy into an endless capitalist churn, where impact mattered less than profit margins, was a complete misuse of my energy.
Today, I'm committed to building something radically different: an entity rooted in creative expression, integrity, and inclusivity. I founded Butcher, Baker, Beatmaker, dedicating myself to projects that honor diverse voices, genuine stories, and artistic courage. And today, that defining moment guides every decision I make as a leader.
Silently enduring verbal abuse at the hands of corporate leaders serves no one. A lot of silence serves no one. Instead, I’ve realized, amplifying the stories and voices that matter is a responsibility. It’s my calling, not my choice.
That one particular morning, which was somehow simultaneously harrowing, illuminating, confusing, and enlightening, endures. It drives me to pursue and champion bold storytelling rooted in authenticity and humanity. I practice listening first, with a promise to lead with empathy, strength, and an unwavering commitment to creating environments where no one ever feels voiceless, erased, or dismissed.
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