Dr. Amantha Imber’s extraordinary story demonstrates the power of passion, determination, and innovation. During her time at Caulfield Grammar School in Years 11 and 12, Amantha discovered opportunities that fostered her personal growth and self-expression. At the heart of her Caulfield experience was the vibrant drama program, which allowed her to explore creativity, build confidence, and form lasting friendships.
Drama enabled Amantha to explore her creativity, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. Amantha fondly recalls her time rehearsing for productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Away by Michael Gow. The theatre stage was not just a place for performance but also transformation, helping Amantha emerge from her shell and express her authentic self. She credits this exploration to the inspiration and mentorship of Mr. Marchos, whose teaching left a mark on her development during these formative years.
While theatre and creativity shaped her school life, Amantha also discovered a deep interest in psychology late in her Caulfield years – a spark that would eventually define her career. This passion, paired with an inherent curiosity and self-belief, propelled her beyond the walls of Caulfield and into a future filled with boundless possibilities.
Today, Amantha is a distinguished organisational psychologist and founder of workplace consultancy Inventium. Through her work, she has partnered with some of the most recognisable companies in the world, including Google, Apple, Disney, LEGO, Atlassian, and Commonwealth Bank. Amantha and her team develop programs that inspire innovation, enhance productivity, and improve workplace well-being.
Her achievements stretch across many domains. Amantha is the co-creator of the Australian Financial Review’s Most Innovative Companies list and the AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list. Recognised as one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence in 2019, she won the prestigious Thinkers50 Innovation Award in 2021—a global accolade often referred to as the ‘Oscars for Management Thinking.’
Amantha also hosts ‘How I Work’, the number-one-ranking business podcast that has captivated audiences with over 5 million downloads. She interviews world-leading figures on this platform to uncover the habits, strategies, and rituals that drive their success. A prolific author, Amantha’s books, including her international bestseller Time Wise and, more recently, The Health Habit, have resonated with readers seeking practical and impactful advice.
Reflecting on her Caulfield experience, Amantha is grateful for the school’s drama program, which instilled confidence and created friendships. Though these experiences represent only a tiny window of her education, they sparked a broader understanding of the importance of following one’s passions.
Her dedication to making a difference in people’s lives carries through at work and home. A day in Amantha’s life is a lively balance of keynote speaking, consulting with leading organisations, podcasting, and writing. Exercising her curious mind and aligning her work with her passions has been a constant theme throughout her career. To Amantha, her work serves a deeper purpose – to improve lives in meaningful ways.
Outside of work, Amantha is just as dynamic. She treasures spending time with her daughter, immersing herself in books, enjoying the theatre, and investing in her health and well-being. Melbourne is still her home, providing a grounding and inspiring backdrop for her busy and fulfilling life.
If she could offer advice to her 17-year-old self, Amantha would remind her younger self not to worry about others’ opinions and to hold on to the belief that anything is possible with focus and determination. Driven by this mindset, Amantha inspires those around her, proving that pursuing creativity, curiosity, and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements.
