The Pursuit of Happy: Amy Miller on Purpose, People, and Ikigai at ASICS

In this warm and inspiring episode of Shady Characters, hosts Evan Burgher and Tim DeBrincat sit down with Amy Miller, Director of People Capability, Culture & Global Engagement at ASICS, to explore what it really means to find happiness at work—and in life.

A natural storyteller and connector, Amy shares her journey from retail training at Oakley to shaping culture at one of the world’s most recognized athletic brands. She talks about ASICS’ founding philosophy, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano—“a sound mind in a sound body”—and how that guiding principle has shaped not only her leadership style but also her personal outlook.

From her global role bridging cultures between the U.S. and Japan to her efforts in building ASICS’ first-ever global career development program, Amy gives a candid look at what drives true engagement: joy, purpose, and connection. She reflects on lessons from Japanese concepts like Ikigai, the sweet spot where passion meets purpose, and shares how she’s bringing that philosophy into modern corporate life.

Outside of work, Amy’s adventures are just as intentional—from weekend escapes to her century-old Big Bear cabin, van trips in Goldie, her trusty VW camper, and life with her 16-year-old “adventure cat,” Soba. Together, they embody the same spirit of curiosity and balance she champions professionally.

This episode is a reminder that success isn’t about climbing faster—it’s about pausing long enough to ask the question Amy built her career on: “Am I happy?”