Amber Erickson-Hurdle

Amber Hurdle is the CEO of Amber Hurdle Consulting, a multi-award-winning talent optimization firm that pioneers using both science and marketing principles to strengthen brands from the inside out. She personally understands what it takes to accelerate success as a former teen mom who evolved into a powerhouse business woman, having worked with international celebrities, executives and Fortune 100 companies alike, connecting people strategies to business strategies. Described as a, “talented and creative executive that helped create a compelling internal public relations strategy to keep the spirits of 3000 Gaylord Opryland Hotel employees high after the unprecedented Nashville flood,” Amber quickly developed a far reaching campaign that served as the rallying point to achieve Opryland’s new and urgent business objectives. After leading the internal rebrand when Marriott acquired the iconic hotel and its attractions, Amber continued her enthusiasm for internal relations by launching her own consulting firm, serving large brands such as FedEx Ground, Loews Hotels, and Stella & Dot, as well as small to medium-sized businesses who want to play big. She was recognized in 2019 among the “Top 40 Under 40” by the Nashville Business Journal, as well as by the The Nashville Area Chamber’s Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELA) as the winner in the Business Services category. She holds a b.s. in Public Relations and Advertising and dual minors in Marketing and Organizational Communication. As a professional speaker, Predictive Index Certified Partner, talent optimization certified consultant, author, and podcast host, Amber “the Velvet Machete” Hurdle creates content-rich experiences that energize leaders to boldly live their organization’s culture, attract top talent, and next-level their employee engagement.

Just for fun: When Amber is not helping individuals and employers share their unique value, she is “momming so hard,” embracing her inner gym rat in the weight room, and entertaining her family and friends. While she is known for being a super extra dog mom and hot wing snob, Amber Hurdle is most known for connecting personal, employer and business brands via her proprietary Velvet Machete® Brand Strategy.