Why Not Now? with Amy Jo Martin

Latest Episodes:

Episode 244: Samantha Ettus - Making Financial Independence Tangible May 10, 2021

Show notes

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-life balance, intentional parenting, and Samantha's podcast What's Her Story which she co hosts with Amy Nelson to amplify women's stories. Samantha is a strong believer that, the more strong women you surround yourself with, the faster you can all rise.

Learn more about Samantha:

https://www.samanthaettus.com/

Follow Samantha on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/samanthaettus

Super Coffee is hooking up Why Not Now? listeners with an exclusive 25% discount on all products! Head to https://bit.ly/AmyJoSuperCoffee and use code WHYNOTNOW for your 25% discount. https://bit.ly/AmyJoSuperCoffee is the ONLY place this offer is available and your discount works for ALL products. No restrictions.

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Episode 243: the*gameHERS - Creating Inclusive Communities May 01, 2021

Show notes

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 starting a business, and building a company that feels uniquely right to you.

Learn more about the*gameHERS:

https://thegamehers.com/

Follow the*gameHERS on Twitch:

https://www.twitch.tv/thegamehers/

Follow the*gameHERS on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thegamehers/

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Episode 242: Steven Kotler - Living in "Flow" to Reach Your Peak Performance Apr 24, 2021

Show notes

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, they must all point in the same direction. That is when we reach our Flow State.

Learn more about Steven:

https://www.stevenkotler.com/

Follow Steven on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kotler.steven/

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http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/

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Buy Amy Jo's book:

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Episode 241: Nick Taranto - Turning a "Crazy" Idea into a $200 million+ Business Apr 17, 2021

Show notes

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 expert in the early stages of a company and developing ideas. He shares his tactical, tangible step-by-step tips to go from idea to product creation.

Learn more about Nick:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicktaranto

Follow Nick on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/semperanto/

Learn more about the Renegade Accelerator:

http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/

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Buy Amy Jo's book:

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Episode 240: Lisa Stone - Opportunities That Women Can Take to the Bank Apr 10, 2021

Show notes

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 more money you are likely to make. She works to incorporate these findings into her team and the work that they do.

Lisa tells Amy Jo about a time of resilience when she lost her job and some advice on building confidence. She also shares her experience managing conflict in hostile boardrooms, and tips for others to do the same.

Follow Lisa on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisastonew00t

Follow Lisa on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/lisastone

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http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/

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Buy Amy Jo's book:

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Episode 239: Jimmy, Jake, & Jordan DeCicco - Super Coffee Founders Providing Positive Fuel and a Positive Message Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

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 packed with healthy ingredients, no sugar, and a great taste to fuel you with positive energy all day. Amy Jo drinks it religiously because she loves the taste, but her belief in the founders' strong values motivated her to invest in the company, too.

Follow Jimmy on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jimmydecicco5/

Follow Jake on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jakedecicco/

Follow Jordan on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jordan_decicco/

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Buy Amy Jo's book:

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Episode 238: Regan Walsh - Heart Boss. The Ultimate Voice of Authority Mar 27, 2021

Show notes

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 stories instead of containing them.

Learn more about Regan:

https://reganwalsh.com

Order Heart Boss on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Boss-Trust-Shoulds-Create/dp/1544518722

Follow Regan on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reganwalsh_lifecoach/

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Buy Amy Jo's book:

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Episode 237: Nicole Walters on Hiring Herself to Turn Her Side Hustle Into a Multi-Million Dollar Business Mar 20, 2021

Show notes

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:

https://nicolewalters.com

Follow Nicole on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/nicolewalters/

Learn more about the Renegade Accelerator:

http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/

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Episode 236: Carter Reum - Investing in Those Who Improve Lives & Make the Impossible Possible Mar 13, 2021

Show notes

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 culture.

Carter also shares the importance of setting boundaries as a leader, including quitting email on the weekends and not letting your inbox be your to-do list.

Learn more about Carter:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carterreum/

Learn more about the Renegade Accelerator:

http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/

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Episode 235: Leah Walters - How To Create An Impactful & Positive Company Culture Mar 07, 2021

Show notes

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 how she navigated this journey and what happened on the day she went into labor.

Leah also shares productivity tips (apart from monday.com) and some advice she would give her younger self.

Learn more about Leah:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahwalters

Learn more about the Renegade Accelerator:

http://www.renegadeaccelerator.com/

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