Why Not Now? With Amy Jo Martin

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

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