Amanda Bernardo | Canada | Leading Change, Creating Stories That Matter
Senior Executive | Transformation Leader | Speaker
Independent Children’s Book Author | Storyteller
From studying English Literature and History to becoming a senior public-sector executive, and from leading organizational transformation to writing children’s books, Amanda Bernardo has built a unique journey around one simple idea: use your skills, your voice and your experiences to make a difference. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Amanda began her journey through a love of reading, writing, English Literature and History before finding her way into public policy and the federal public service. Nearly 12 years into her career, she has worked across strategy, public policy, operations, program delivery and large-scale transformation, developing a broad perspective on how organizations navigate change. Today, Amanda is a senior executive and transformation leader, helping organizations move through complex change with clarity, alignment and purpose. Her work involves collaborating with senior leaders, building multidisciplinary teams, strengthening organizational readiness and turning priorities into meaningful results. But beyond her executive career is another important part of Amanda’s story: she is an independent Canadian children’s book author and storyteller. Her love of writing eventually evolved into the creation of her own books. In 2014, she published Little Voice / La petite voix, a story inspired by the inner voice that encourages children to believe in themselves, dream, speak up and grow with confidence and resilience. In 2017, she followed with The Lighthouse / Le phare, a gentle story designed to help children understand and navigate big emotions while encouraging conversations around mental health.
Her newest book, The Road to You, explores the emotional journey to parenthood - from the dream of having a child to the moment that child finally arrives. The story gives a voice to the often-unspoken struggles and triumphs of building a family while celebrating love, patience and resilience. For Amanda, these books are about much more than publishing. Her goal is to spark meaningful conversations at home and in the classroom, particularly around subjects that can sometimes be overlooked, underrepresented or difficult to navigate. She believes stories can create connection and give children and the adults around them a safe and accessible way to explore emotions, values and real-life challenges.
Her two worlds may seem very different, but Amanda sees a strong connection between them. As an executive, she helps organizations and people navigate change. As an author, she creates stories that help children and families navigate conversations. Both require curiosity, empathy, communication and, most importantly, an understanding of people.
Building a publishing career independently also meant learning everything from finding an illustrator and developing a brand to editing, design, production, ISBNs, distribution, marketing and outreach. There was no traditional publishing deal or perfect roadmap. Amanda learned by doing - breaking big challenges into smaller steps, asking questions and refusing to let uncertainty stop her.
One of the biggest lessons she has taken from the experience is simple: you don't need permission to create. You don't need a publishing contract to become an author, and you don't need a perfect plan before you begin. What matters is starting with what you have, learning along the way and focusing less on perfection and more on impact.
Balancing a senior career, writing, an MBA and motherhood - including life with a very active toddler - isn't always easy. Yet Amanda continues to make room for creativity, stories and new ideas.
Her advice to young people and emerging talent is equally straightforward: start with what you have. Use your voice, your experiences and your creativity. Don't wait for the perfect time or the perfect idea. Start where you are, stay open to learning, remain humble and trust that your story matters. Amanda Bernardo's journey is a reminder that we don't always have to choose between the different parts of who we are. Sometimes, the skills we develop in one chapter give us the courage to create something completely new in another.
By day, Amanda helps organizations navigate change. Beyond her executive career, she creates stories that help children and families navigate their own journeys - one conversation, one page and one story at a time.
For Amanda, storytelling is about creating meaningful impact. She donates a portion of her book proceeds to causes close to her heart, including mental health and community initiatives. To date, she has donated over $11,000 in support of local community programs, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Follow Amanda
Amazon Storefront: Amazon
LinkedIn: Amanda Bernardo
X (Twitter): @AmandaBernardo
Instagram: simplytold
Website: AmandaBernardo.ca