Why Not Now? With Amy Jo Martin

Noramay Cadena has a resume many people would envy—she has three degrees from MIT, spent many years at Boeing as an aerospace engineer and is a venture capitalist.  But Noramay has had her fair share of adversity. In this wide-ranging conversation with Amy Jo, she shares powerful advice on how to navigate inflection points in your career.  Noramay shares the importance of muscle memory—doing one hard thing enables you to do another hard thing, and another and so on. She describes how her experience as a teen mom built up her own ability to navigate hard situations in life and business. Those early experiences also taught her to look at difficult times as an ecosystem of possibilities in which the opportunity ahead of her is expansive, and not diminished by her circumstances. And she talks through a key Why Not Now? moment. Noramay was approaching burnout and at a crossroads in her career, considering leaving her corporate life for entrepreneurship. For the first time in a long time, she put her own desires to

Amber Allen is a true badass. Her energy and zest for life are contagious. Amber loves to play. Her personal motto is, “Every day that childlike Amber high-fives adult Amber, I’ve won.” She believes that if we can ingrain more play in learning, we will remember what we learn for so much longer.  Amber is the founder and CEO of Double A Labs, a software company that is a catalyst for human connection. She was named one of the 30 most influential people in the metaverse.  This wide-ranging conversation covers the biggest lessons Amber has learned as an entrepreneur, her upbringing as the daughter of a Baptist preacher and a Why Not Now? moment that ranks as one of Amy Jo’s all-time favorites. Amber decided to move one day while having brunch—as in literally got up from the table and packed up her car. A renegade to her core, she's an idea-to-action woman. When Amber says “Now!”, she means it. Amber breaks down the metaverse and Web 3.0 in simple terms that anyone can understand. She talks through the desire to

Matt Lombardi is a former Professional Athlete and the Co-Founder of Beam, a company that makes functional wellness products to help you reach your potential. It's quickly disrupting the category with ingredients like nano hemp, nootropics and adaptogens.    Matt goes deep fast, and toward the end of the conversation he has Amy Jo in tears. Matt and Amy Jo cover topics from inspiration to heartbreak and everything in-between, including mental health.    When it comes to being successful in business, Matt believes risk and reward go hand in hand.    He talks about the importance of failing and going through challenging times in order to create something great, whether that be in business or in life, and how understanding that is a key to success.    Matt shares how the death of his Dad taught him to be unshakeable and to keep finding a way to move forward. He discusses how his experience in pro sports helps him find joy in the struggles he encounters on the entrepreneurial journey.   You’ll also hear Matt’s ti

Juliet Funt is a Productivity Wizard. She is a renowned Keynote Speaker, CEO, Author and tough-love advisor to the Fortune 500.   In this episode, Juliet gets into the tactics of how and what to do in order to create more space in your day and life. You’ll learn how to recognize that you’re doing too much, how Juliet helps companies and individuals reduce busyness and why space to recover, think, and be strategic, is the key to your efficiency.   If you are a person in constant rush, throwing your hands in the air right at the brink of burnout, Juliet discusses what you can do to create more space and give yourself permission to “Opt-Out”.   If you are employer, Juliet gives you actionable tools to avoid being a casualty of the great resignation, and retain your talent.   You’ll also hear Juliet break one of her own rules, and share her ultimate Why Not Now? story; a story that she has never shared during a podcast interview before that involves her traveling to 14 countries in 2 years whilst still running he

We’re back and we have some big news!  For Amy Jo, 2022 is all about living life on offense, playing full out and falling in love with her life a little more every day. Imagine how that can compound over time? Regardless of where you're starting from, whether you're at a deficit or a surplus of joy, imagine falling in love with your life just a little bit more every single day. Little and often. That consistency definitely compounds over time. Which bring us to the reason we took a break to begin with. In true Why Not Now? and Renegade form, we’ve launched a new company - Renegade Global. In this episode you’ll learn why we started Renegade Global, who we are, what we do and how our Renegade approach is bringing true joy and fulfillment to our clients in this time of "The Great Resignation", or as we like to call it, The Great Rebellion. Next week we’ll be back with our usual interview format. For more info head to renegade.global.

Dan Khabie is the Co-Founder of CourtAvenue, an operating network helping transform the digital landscape. CourtAvenue doesn’t predict the future, they create the future. The people behind the company are literally laying the ground work and pave the way into the unknown. Dan is a master storyteller with a contagious zest for life.    In this episode, Dan talks about one of his most impactful Why Not Now? moments that came when he was only 24 and starting his first company, Digitaria. He tells the incredible story of how he won the business of Digitaria’s first big client & how that moment transformed the trajectory of his career.    Dan and Amy Jo discuss navigating major downturns in business. He shares the unbelievable story of his first child’s birth when his business partner snuck into the delivery room to inform Dan that they were out of cash and didn’t have the funds for payroll. This moment could’ve been the end of his entrepreneurial journey, but instead, he chose to seek out the advice, knowledg

Virginia Suliman is the Executive Vice President and CIO of Invitation Homes. Prior to joining Invitation Homes, Virginia was Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at Hilton Worldwide, where she held a variety of escalating roles across Digital and Technology.   In this episode, Virginia shares a Why Not Now? moment that came after working with Hilton Worldwide for 22 years. She was offered a position with Invitation Homes, and while she initially had no intention of taking the job, she decided to go to the interview. She shares the story of meeting with the CEO and how a Pop-tart led her to say “Why Not Now”?   Virginia and Amy Jo discuss creating culture and building an environment in the workplace where people can feel comfortable to be themselves and let their creativity flow. She looks at her team as a collection of souls and works to understand who they are in order to help fully unlock their potential.    She talks about how she draws from her own personal life experiences to make her a stronge

Stephanie Paterik is editor in chief and SVP of Adweek, the industry’s most trusted source for news and insights about advertising, marketing, and media innovation. She is an award-winning journalist who rose from freelance copy editor to a member of the office of the CEO in only 6 years.    In this episode, Stephanie shares a Why Not Now? story with Amy Jo that shaped the journey of her life and career. She had been working as a journalist in Phoenix for several years when she made the decision to quit her job, move to New York City, become a poet, and start an editorial consulting business on the side. This part of Stephanie’s journey felt like a detour, but it ultimately led to the role of editor in chief of Adweek.    Stephanie believes that success can be found in the intersection of business and creativity. She discovered that after receiving her MFA in poetry, her business began to thrive. She shares how she was able to apply the creative tools and skills she developed through her art to her work life.

Samantha Busch is an author, entrepreneur, influencer, co-owner of a professional racing team and wife to NASCAR driver Kyle Busch.   On this episode of Why Not Now?, Amy Jo and Samantha talk about their respective fertility journeys.   Samantha said Why Not Now? to writing a book, "Fighting Infertility", which details her experience with miscarriage and unexplained infertility. By sharing her story on social media, on her blog, and in her book, she even brought attention to a specific fertility issue she was having that had previously been under researched.   Amy Jo and Samantha discuss the importance of bringing more attention to and funding research for fertility. A third of couples going through infertility have unexplained fertility. Samantha’s foundation, The Kyle and Samantha Busch Bundle of Joy Foundation, helps couples build families through IVF treatment.   Samantha also shares her tips on going through the fertility journey, including “interviewing” your doctors before committing to one and writing

Jeni Britton Bauer is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. She’s a pioneer of the artisan ice cream movement.   On this episode of Why Not Now?, Jeni shares the creative process behind inventing ice cream flavors. She says she draws inspiration from our ever-changing culture, so there’s no shortage of flavor ideas.   Jeni’s Why Not Now? moment involves the first time she mixed scented oils with ice cream, creating delicious concoctions for a dinner party and realizing the untapped potential of ice cream.   Jeni tells Amy Jo about following the intuition that she has refined and earned over 26 years in business. Jeni can even feel it in her body when an ice cream flavor is right- it literally moves her.   Jeni also shares her collaborative approach to business. She places a lot of importance on teamwork and asking for help in order to create something that is greater than the sum of her team’s parts. She talks about collaborating with celebrities like Dolly Parton and Tyler, th

Michael Stich helps marketers understand and apply innovation to their work. He is an expert in combining applicable data with creativity.    After leading the global Dell business for WPP, Michael now serves as General Partner and CEO of Services for CourtAvenue, a new and rising operating network. On this episode of Why Not Now?, Michael talks about the transition and new challenges involved in leaving a big company for a small startup.   Michael also tells Amy Jo that there’s no formula for innovation, but he shares his process for making decisions that involves both an excel spreadsheet and listening to your gut. Michael shares the four phases of innovation waves that have hit the marketing world, and how you and your company can take advantage of this newest wave.    Michael and Amy Jo also talk about how the pandemic has affected innovation and driven change, finding a balance between staying in processes that work and creating new processes, and advocating for more women to get involved in investing op

Nastia Liukin worked toward her goal of becoming a professional gymnast for the first couple decades of her life. She is the 2008 Olympic All-Around champion, a five-time Olympic medalist, the 2005 and 2007 world champion on the balance beam, and the 2005 world champion on the uneven bars. But a critical fall from the uneven bars shattered Nastia's 2012 Olympic dreams, and inspired a powerful Why Not Now? moment. Nastia is now an influencer and blogger with a following of more than 2 million people. She covered this year's Olympic gymnastics competition for NBC. In this episode of Why Not Now?, Nastia and Amy Jo talk about everything from navigating a 180 career shift to the topic of quitting, body shaming and mentoring. Nastia also shares something that her Mom always used to say to her when she wanted to quit, which will have you rethinking your decision when you want to throw in the towel.   Learn more about Nastia: https://nastialiukin.com Follow Nastia: www.instagram.com/nastialiukin/   Learn more about

Angie Banicki is a tarot card reader to the stars. Her client list includes celebrities, politicians, entertainment industry executives, and CEOs of major corporations, some of whom she has guided to close multi-million dollar deals.   But Angie’s client list wasn’t always filled with such high-profile individuals. Her Why Not Now? moment involves leaving her PR job in order to pursue tarot card reading. She didn’t know how she was going to pay her bills, but she knew that this career path was made for her.   At first, Angie didn’t feel comfortable charging high prices for her intuitive services. She didn’t even want to promote her services because she was scared they wouldn’t be worth it to her clients. On this episode of Why Not Now?, Angie tells Amy Jo about her journey to owning her worth, slowly raising her prices and promoting her genius in the process.   Angie tells Amy Jo that the connections she made as a PR representative eventually turned into client leads, proving your experience and connections a

NASA Astronaut and Marine Corps Colonel Douglas Hurley is on the show this week!   Doug was the Spacecraft Commander on last year’s SpaceX Crew Dragon. It was the first crewed spaceflight from American soil in almost 9 years.   Doug’s Why Not Now? moment involves applying to the astronaut program, and how that decision changed the trajectory of both his professional and personal life. Doug’s favorite part about his time in the program is that he met his wife who is also a NASA Astronaut and they now have a son together.   Doug tells Amy Jo about the week-long interview process and what NASA looks for in its candidates. He also talks about that surreal moment when he got the phone call telling him he would be an astronaut.   Doug and Amy Jo discuss how Doug overcame the mental challenge of living in space for extended periods of time. A lot of the ways he kept his mind healthy in space can easily be applied here on earth.    Doug also shares that he’s at an inflection point in his career. He recently retired f

Kyle Nel injects innovation into everything he does. He’s the President of Singularity Labs at Singularity University, the former CEO and co-founder of Uncommon Partners (acquired by Singularity University in 2019), and the former Executive Director of Lowe’s Innovation Lab.    On this episode of Why Not Now?, Kyle tells Amy Jo about applying neuroscience research to help organizations break out of incrementalism. He says innovative technology like virtual reality can disrupt education by speeding up learning, including making strides in diversity and inclusion by increasing empathy.    Kyle’s Why Not Now? moment involves leaving a comfortable job when he no longer felt challenged or fulfilled to start his own company. He tells Amy Jo about an exercise he uses to manifest his goals and avoid distractions that you can try out yourself. Every December, Kyle writes the narrative for how he wants the year ahead to unfold.    Kyle and Amy Jo also discuss surrounding yourself with people who will push you to be you

Cindy McCain, widow of the great John McCain, is a powerful Businesswoman, Philanthropist, Humanitarian, a retired Special Education Teacher, Author and US Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture nominee.   During this conversation with Amy Jo, Cindy shares two huge Why Not Now? moments. The first being the risk she took to cross political lines in the 2020 Presidential Election, why that move was so far out of her comfort zone and her advice to you when tough decisions need to be made.    Cindy also shares how the pandemic allowed her to slow down and take the time to grieve the loss of her husband, Arizona Senator and 2008 presidential nominee John McCain. Shortly after his funeral, she had gone back to work and hadn’t given herself the space to process his death and adjust to life moving forward. It was in this time of looking back through old photos and memories that led her to her second Why Not Now? moment; writing her new book “Stronger: Courage, Hope, and Humor In My Life Wi

On this episode of Why Not Now?, we're diving into the archives and revisiting a conversation with Suzy Batiz. Suzy is the wealthiest person I know. When I say wealthy, I don't just mean money. Yes, she's got plenty of that, but I mean spiritually wealthy & rich in energy. Suzy is also my mentor. In this episode, Suzy & I discuss mentorship, how to approach finding a mentor & I share the key things she has taught me over the last two years, including why a mentor will rarely give you answers & how you can learn to mentor yourself. Suzy's mentorship has literally changed the way I approach business and life. Suzy debuted on the Why Not Now? podcast back in Episode 28 and that episode is still hugely valuable today. Suzy Batiz, founder and creator of Poo Pourri, declared bankruptcy twice before the age of 40 and vowed to never deal with business again. Since then she has built Poo Pourri into a $300(plus) million dollar company.   Learn more about Suzy: https://suzybatiz.com/ Follow Suzy on Inst

Scott is one of the most successful and decorated sports executives out there. He's currently the CEO of Philadelphia 76'ers, New Jersey Devils, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and the author of the book "Be Where Your Feet Are". On this episode of Why Not Now?, Scott recounts his complicated feelings following the loss of one of his closest friends to suicide, and how this emotional event inspired him to write the book.   Scott O’Neil has been through extreme ups and downs in his life, but finds joy in the struggle, connections, and lessons learned along the way.    Scott and Amy Jo have an in-depth conversation about mental health and social media’s effects on happiness. One of the main themes in Scott’s book is that isolation is kryptonite. He urges listeners to ask for help during times of struggle and reach out to loved ones to check on them. Scott shares some exercises he uses to help compartmentalize and connect in order to stay truly present.    Scott also tells Amy Jo about getting fired fr

Kristen Bell and Monica Padman join Amy Jo on Why Not Now? this week! Don’t miss this incredibly honest conversation about gender equality, mentorship, confidence, and asking for support.   Kristen and Monica share some insight into their upcoming podcast, Shattered Glass. They’ll interview inspirational women like Oprah Winfrey, Gloria Steinem, and Malala Yousafzai about how they have put cracks in the glass ceiling.   The women share their Why Not Now? moments. Monica’s involves getting out of a situation that was too comfortable in order to see growth in her career, and Kristen’s involves finding more independence in quarantine.   The three women also talk about including men and accepting imperfect allies in the fight for gender equality. Kristen and Monica also say how important it is to continually lift other women up, citing each other as mentors. Kristen says one of her main goals is to help women see what have traditionally been viewed as weaknesses as their strengths.   Kristen and Monica also talk

Rachel Drori was gainfully employed and pregnant when she had the idea for Daily Harvest. She says she had all the reasons not to start the company, but knew the perfect “right time” would never come.   Beside saying “Why Not Now?” to her idea, Rachel shares the more tactical strategies she used to measure whether she was ready to start her company. She identified the worst possible case scenario that could come out of this journey (one of Amy Jo’s five Renegade Rules!) and realized it was worth taking the risk. When Rachel’s customer base was 5x the size of her inner circle, she knew it was time to go all in on Daily Harvest.   Rachel shares so many tangible tips for entrepreneurs on this episode of Why Not Now? She says she learned more from starting a company than she did during the two years of her MBA program!   Rachel also tells Amy Jo about the responsibility she feels toward her customers and her employees, the pros and cons of raising money from investors when starting a business, and investing in fe