Why Not Now? With Amy Jo Martin

Liz Matthews is the Senior Vice President of Global Brand, Creative & Experiential Marketing at Dell. Her Why Not Now? moment involves saying yes to joining the Renegade Accelerator program. Liz has found that, the higher up the corporate ladder you go, the less you invest in learning. She says joining a group of women from all different industries sparked her own innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.   On this episode of Why Not Now?, Liz talks to Amy Jo about how important a company’s culture is to attracting talent. During this period of remote work, Liz and her team have seen the importance of creating a culture of connection. Liz shares a quick but impactful exercise she uses in meetings to create this connection.   Liz also talks about her experience leading the work stream for Dell when they acquired EMC, a $67 billion acquisition.   Liz and Amy Jo chat about how to be your truest self in any work environment, ego getting in the way of decision making, and overcoming imposter syndrome. They also c

Colonel Dr. Roxanne Wallace serves to heal. She’s an Orthopedic Surgeon serving in the United States Army. Dr. Rox is also a Renegade Accelerator graduate. She went through the program while stationed in Afghanistan!   On this episode of Why Not Now?, Dr. Roxanne shares tactical tips with Amy Jo about leadership that she has learned in both the operating room and through her rank in the Army. Her number one tip for leaders of all industries? Be humble and kind. Dehumanizing any process will lead to trouble.   Colonel Wallace also explains some of her “Wallace-isms” that have become favorites among many of the women in the Renegade Collective. These include going from “furious to curious” to preserve relationships, how “gravity always wins” can relate to business, and “if I intimidate you, step up your game.”   Dr. Roxanne shares how she navigates working in a male dominated industry. She also shares two Why Not Now? moments, one involving her college decision and another about starting a family during her fou

Justine Lucas creates impact through innovation. She’s the Executive Director of Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation and a graduate of the Renegade Accelerator Program. Formerly, Justine was the Global Director of Programs for Global Citizen and produced the 2012 - 2015 Global Citizen Festivals and the 2015 Global Citizen Earth Day event.   Justine and her small but impactful team focus on the effects of climate change on those most marginalized, funding groundbreaking education and emergency response programs around the world. In 2020, the foundation mobilized $47M in grant-giving to aid the COVID-19 relief efforts and racial justice movements.   On this episode of Why Not Now?, Justine tells Amy Jo about practicing innovation in the philanthropic space to create systematic change instead of just putting temporary band-aids on issues. She also talks about the importance of listening to local communities in order to find the best solutions to help them. Justine’s extensive travel has allowed her to connect and

Shannon Lee continues to evolve her dad, Bruce Lee’s, philosophy and legacy while adding her own learnings. Her book, Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee, started as a Why Not Now? idea and is now a reality. It’s a compilation of lessons and quotes from her father, showing how martial arts can be a metaphor for personal growth and living a fully realized life. Shannon shares her father’s teachings in a tangible way.   On this episode of Why Not Now?, Shannon tells Amy Jo that, in addition to running all of the divisions of the Bruce Lee Family Company for over 20 years, she is ready to work through her own identity and do something that is completely her own.   Shannon also tells Amy Jo about her current focus on her own spirituality. She says that intuition can mean being intune with what your body feels and the messages that it’s sending you. Shannon is also working on being in her day. She uses the opportunities that days hold to mold them as they come. Shannon and Amy Jo also talk about having

If you leave the workforce for just two years, there's less than a 50% chance you'll ever get a full time position again. Samantha Ettus realized that, when mothers take time away from corporate America to have a baby, it's one of the most financially risky things they can do.   As a speaker, Samantha felt she could motivate a room full of women, but she couldn’t offer them any opportunities. So she founded Park Place Payments: a flexible, work from anywhere credit card business that increases financial independence for populations that historically haven't had the opportunities to access it.   On this episode of Why Not Now?, Samantha tells Amy Jo how Park Place Payments injects more financially independent people into the world while also helping small businesses. Samantha also says she has been very intentional about choosing her investors, saving half of her cap table for women and people of color. She even found her last investor after pitching him on Clubhouse.   Amy Jo and Samantha also talk about work

Heather Ouida, Laura Deutsch, Rebecca Dixon, and Verta Maloney founded the*gameHERs to give women who game a place to connect. Not one, but all four of the co-founders join Amy Jo on the show this week!   Heather, Laura, Rebecca, and Verta created the*gameHERs because, when they Googled a community for female gamers, nothing came up. They saw a need in the gaming space to amplify women. Almost half of gamers identify as women, but the speaking panels at most gaming conventions are dominated by men.   The co-founders tell Amy Jo they’re passionate about creating an inclusive space in gaming and business, as it’s so important that traditionally marginalized communities are represented in spaces where there is profit to be made. Heather, Laura, Rebecca, and Verta realized their work goes deeper than a service that makes life a little easier. the*gameHERs provides a community that has changed people's lives. The co-founders also talk about the*gameHERs Awards, lessons they keep learning, the ups and downs of sta

Steven Kotler studied journalism, poetry, and writing in school. When he told others about his plans to conduct a neurobiological study, some literally laughed in his face. But Steven’s interviews with Flow State experts made him an authority on the subject, and he set out to help others reach peak performance.   He now works with entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders of some of the biggest companies in the world, helping them reach this state of “Flow” to become up to 500% more productive. According to Steven, Flow is how you turbo boost your results beyond all expectations.   In this episode of Why Not Now?, Steven and Amy Jo talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, how to get into Flow and how living a “Flow” Lifestyle can bring more purpose and happiness into our lives. They also talk about the difference in mindset between peak performers and non-peak performers.   Steven tells Amy Jo that we have 5 major intrinsic motivators: curiosity, passion, purpose, autonomy, and mastery. To perform at our best, the

Nick Taranto is a former Marine turned entrepreneur. He was fired from his sales job when his boss found a business plan on his work computer, kick-starting Nick’s entrepreneurial journey.   Getting fired was a blessing in disguise. It was just the motivation Nick needed to create Plated, America’s first meal kit company. Nick and his co-founder ideated, grew, and then sold Plated to Albertsons for over $200 million.   On this episode, Nick tells Amy Jo that early entrepreneurs don’t receive a lot of external validation, so it’s extremely important to be internally motivated.   Nick loves building businesses that create good in the world so much that he launched a second product, HOP WTR, during the pandemic. HOP WTR is a healthy alternative to beer. It has zero calories, zero sugar, and no alcohol. It’s filled with adaptogens and nootropics that will help you destress and unwind without the next-day hangover. It even helped Nick lose the 20 pounds he had gained from drinking beer!   Nick is definitely an exp

Lisa Stone creates opportunities for women that they can take to the bank. She’s so passionate about championing women, particularly women of color, because extensive research supports the fact that diversity on teams is better for business.   After a career in journalism, Lisa founded BlogHer as a way to lift up the voices of women in response to a lack of awareness of great female writers. During the last 5 years of Lisa’s time as CEO, she was able to pay $50 million to 6,500 bloggers. Talk about opportunities that women can take to the bank!   In this episode, Lisa tells Amy Jo she realized she was never going to make a big enough difference in putting money into the wallets of women unless she went into private equity. She came to this conclusion because women manage only 1.3% of the institutions that make up this $69 trillion industry. Lisa became a Managing Partner of a Venture Capital firm. She’s passionate about the extensive research showing that the more diversity you have on an investing team, the

Jordan, Jake, and Jimmy DeCicco are three brothers with a great story. They founded what is now the $400 million company behind Amy Jo’s favorite morning drink, Super Coffee, from their college dorm room. In this episode of Why Not Now?, the brothers tell Amy Jo about the “boots-on-the-ground” days of the company. Jordan left his college athletic scholarship and Jimmy quit his job on Wall Street to fully commit to starting Super Coffee. They even did their own manufacturing in the company’s early days. The founders also chat about the steps the company took during the pandemic to not only increase their own sales, but to also help others. Jordan, Jake, and Jimmy tell Amy Jo about the values they share with the rest of the company. They realized the company needed more diversity, so they hired an ethics advisor. They also have an honest, vulnerable discussion with Amy Jo about the importance they place on mental health, and taking care of themselves even on their best days. The Super Coffee products are pac

Regan Walsh quit what she thought was her dream job after only a week. This earned her the nickname “One Week Walsh” and was the beginning of her journey to find more meaning in her life. Regan found a job where she worked more hours, but that she truly loved.   This is one of the many events in Regan’s life that inspired her book Heart Boss, a compilation of stories where she took action to turn the life she had been dreaming of into her reality.   Now, Regan is a Life Coach, a Speaker who roots fiercely for others, and a graduate of the Renegade Accelerator. She helps women who are asking “is this it?” reclaim their lives.   In this episode, Regan tells Amy Jo that we all deserve joy in whatever we do for the majority of our days. Regan says we shouldn’t punish ourselves by sticking in careers that no longer serve us. Working with powerful women everyday is what serves Regan.   Regan and Amy Jo also talk about having the courage to free yourself from obligations, having your own back, and telling your stori

Nicole Walters quit her 9-5 job live in front of 10,000 people. Talk about burning your boat! It may have seemed spontaneous, but Nicole had been dating her side hustle for a long time. In her words, she wasn’t quitting her job. She was hiring herself. Over the span of the last 5 years, Nicole has turned that side hustle into a multi-million dollar business. She helps entrepreneurs turn their big ideas into sustainable, debt-free businesses.   Nicole grew her community online by sharing everything from crying in her bathtub to a celebration after making $1.5 million in a weekend. Her new show, She's the Boss, is about how she juggles running a thriving business while raising 3 kids with her husband. On this episode of Why Not Now?, Nicole shares the productivity tips that are crucial to working 12-15 hour days while also finding time for her family. Nicole also tells Amy Jo that being her own boss allowed her to be more involved and present when dealing with a family health scare.   Learn more about Nicole

Carter Reum left his job at Goldman Sachs to pursue an entrepreneurial career because he was, in his words, “just young enough and just stupid enough, but in a good way, to think it was a good idea.”   Leaving the corporate world ended up being a great idea for Carter and his brother. They founded an innovative alcohol company called VEEV which sold to a multi-billion dollar strategic acquirer.   Carter now runs M13, an angel investment firm with a portfolio totaling over $137B in enterprise value and including companies like Lyft, Ring, Daily Harvest, and FabFitFun.   On this episode of Why Not Now? Carter and Amy Jo talk about investing in companies with products that can directly improve people’s lives, the importance of being a storyteller as an entrepreneur, and making the impossible possible.   Carter tells Amy Jo about his company’s policy that every new hire must pass the “Airport Test,” meaning you’d want to be stranded at the airport with that person, in order to preserve their team’s positive cultu

Leah Walters is the Head of Communications at monday.com.    In this episode, Leah and Amy Jo discuss how moving from New York to Tel Aviv, Israel led Leah to her Why Not Now? moment. She found herself having an identity crisis once she got to Tel Aviv, and wasn’t sure how to fully take advantage of the experience. Without any previous experience, she began applying for jobs in the tech start up industry which presented her with 3 very different options. One of those options would change the trajectory of her life and identity.   Leah and Amy Jo also talk about the impact a company's culture can have on its consumers. Leah shares how much she enjoys the impact monday.com can have on people's lives. In addition to added organization, she says the company's positive culture rubs off on monday.com's users.   Leah shares the journey of starting her family. She was a one-woman show and finding someone that could fill her roll while she was on maternity leave was a difficult task. You’ll get to hear the story of ho

Jamie Kern Lima is the Co-Founder of IT Cosmetics as well as the author of “Believe It.”   In this episode, Jamie and Amy Jo discuss Jamie’s Why Not Now? moment that is a story of resilience. Jamie was working as a news anchor and found herself in what she describes as “a season of setbacks.” She had developed a skin condition and had difficulty finding makeup that could help conceal it, while she was on camera. She learned that her skin condition doesn’t have a cure which caused her to go down a path of self doubt.   This path led her to the realization that if she can’t find makeup to help her, then there has to be so many other women with the same problem. With zero prior experience in the cosmetics industry, Jamie created IT Cosmetics.   Her first few years of business weren’t easy, and even after hearing no after no, she didn’t give up. Jamie had a gut feeling that she should approach QVC. After being told no multiple times she was finally given the chance to showcase IT Cosmetics on the network and it q

Amy Stanton & Amy Jo Martin explain everything you need to know about the new social media app, Clubhouse. Clubhouse is a drop-in audio only platform that can be described as part podcast, part zoom call, and part house party. It can be very confusing at first and you can quickly find yourself lost on the platform, but luckily we have Amy Stanton to be our guide.   Amy has been called “The Queen of Clubhouse”, and for good reason. She has learned more about the platform than most and is sharing everything she knows with us. She walks through creating your profile, finding people to follow, finding rooms and clubs that fit your interests, as well as starting your own clubs.   Amy also shares a few of her personal experiences using Clubhouse, from joining a room with Elon Musk, to hosting Katie Couric’s welcome party, and the most random room she’s experienced yet.   This may sound overwhelming and foreign but after listening to this conversation things will start to make sense and you’ll find yourself navi

In this bonus episode, we're diving into the Why Not Now? archives to revisit Amy Jo's conversation with Heather Allen. Heather Allen is the founder of Kaleidacuts. Heather used to be a school teacher, then started a greeting card company. That company didn't work out as she had planned, but her second company - Kaleidacuts - is thriving. She is living where her passion, purpose & skill collide. In this episode Heather talks through running a 7-figure company without a website, building a loyal and engaged community, following and honoring your internal compass, owning up to your mistakes and learning from them, designing what makes you happy and much more.   Follow Heather on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleidacuts/   Learn more about the Renegade Accelerator:  http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/   Get Amy Jo’s newsletter:  https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Follow Amy Jo… Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook:  https://www

Special Episode: Vic Keller offers Renegade Accelerator Scholarships   In this episode, Vic Keller is back on the show and he makes a big announcement. He’s not just offering a Renegade Accelerator scholarship, there’s much more. Listen to learn the details and visit the scholarship page here to apply: https://amyjomartin.com/rascholarship. To learn more about the Renegade Accelerator program, head here: http://renegadeaccelerator.com/   Vic Keller is one of Amy Jo’s personal “investor mentors”. He has always supported the advancement of women in business, in fact he shares a very tangible, and unusual, story in this conversation. This scholarship is just another way Vic continues to walk the talk. In the Renegade Accelerator, Amy Jo shares some of the impactful learnings he has directly taught her.   The great thing about mentorship is that it’s transferable from generation to generation. Amy Jo is honored to pass on this mentorship to women in the Renegade Accelerator.   The scholarship is officially offere

We've got a bonus episode for you this week! We're diving into the Why Not Now? archives to revisit Amy Jo's conversation with Lauren Holiday. Lauren Holiday is our guest this week. Lauren is a 2-Time Olympic gold medalist & FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup Champion. Amy Jo & Lauren have one of the most intense conversations we’ve heard on the Why Not Now? show. Lauren shares her journey from winning Olympic gold to winning the Women’s World Cup, to being diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening medical condition while she was 5 months pregnant. Lauren’s strength, perseverance, & love for her family shine through in this amazing conversation. Follow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenholiday12/   Learn more about the Renegade Accelerator:  http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/   Get Amy Jo’s newsletter:  https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Follow Amy Jo… Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Amy

David Meltzer is the Co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and host of The Playbook podcast.   In this episode, David and Amy Jo discuss his Why Not Now? moment when he decided to start his own company.   Between 2006 and 2008, David had lost 100 million dollars. More importantly, David said he hit emotional rock bottom. This moment caused him to look within and take inventory of his values. In doing so, he realized his new values didn’t align with his current job. He wanted to create a company that reflected this.   David talks about how he balances data and intuition. He views intuition as a muscle and shares ways to strengthen it.   He also discusses his relationship with time & when he chooses to use it as a factor to make decisions.   Learn more about David: https://dmeltzer.com/ Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmeltzer/   Learn more about the Renegade Accelerator:  http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/   Get Amy Jo’s newsletter:  https://amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21   Follow A