Join us on this episode of Why Not Now? as we delve into Melanie Strong's extraordinary journey from a 17-year tenure as a top executive at Nike to co-founding Next Ventures, a venture capital firm, with Lance Armstrong. Melanie shared her pivotal Why Not Now moment that ignited her career reinvention, propelling her into the realm of angel investing and funding. Despite her initial lack of venture capital experience, Melanie's intuitive approach, coupled with her background as a teacher and journalist, paved the way for a revolutionary strategy that challenges traditional VC norms. Melanie and Amy Jo explore embracing fear as a compass, the art of self inspiration and the leadership philosophy that has driven Melanie's Success.   For more info and to join Renegade, head to renegade.global.   Follow Renegade Global on Instagram Get Amy Jo’s newsletter.   Follow Amy Jo:  Instagram Twitter Facebook Why Not Now? Instagram Buy Amy Jo’s Book

Welcome to a special episode of  Why Not Now? where we are lifting the veil on the investing spectrum.. Recorded live at 2023 SXSW, Amy Jo is joined by two remarkable Renegades: Noramay Cadena, Managing Partner at Supply Chain Capital, a venture capital firm investing at the intersection of food and technology, and Britt Hiller, Renegade Global’s COO, attorney, founder, and executive lead on multiple private equity and strategic transactions.. Together, the dynamic trio open source information on raising capital, investing in private deals, and the pivotal role women play on the investing spectrum. From early stage angel investing to private equity transactions, we’re opening the playbook and lifting the veil on the investment process   For more info and to join Renegade, head to renegade.global.   Follow Renegade Global on Instagram Get Amy Jo’s newsletter.   Follow Amy Jo:  Instagram Twitter Facebook Why Not Now? Instagram Buy Amy Jo’s Book

Constance Schwartz-Morini is the co-founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment, a talent management firm, business incubator, and Emmy-nominated production company she has created in partnership with Michael Strahan. Constance has developed the modern playbook for how athletes and entertainers navigate their multifaceted careers while developing businesses and strategic partnerships that expand reputation and onboard audiences.In this week's episode, Constance reveals her strategic negotiation tactics, ensuring clients like Snoop, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Nikki and Brie Bella, walk away from the negotiation table with a deep sense of satisfaction and a strong foundation of trust in their partnerships. Amy Jo and Constance also discuss the power of nurturing both the mind and body and how that serves as a key driver in their success and overall fulfillment. Constance dives into the correlation between prioritizing health and wellness with achieving enhanced business outcomes, and offers valuable advice that she wishes she had given her younger self about trusting that inner compass and embracing your gut and intuition. Join Constance and Amy Jo as they share tangible negotiation tips, the secrets to maintaining a healthy relationship with time, and what it takes to push you over the entrepreneurial starting line.   For more info and to join Renegade, head to renegade.global.   Follow Renegade Global on Instagram Get Amy Jo’s newsletter.   Follow Amy Jo:  Instagram Twitter Facebook Why Not Now? Instagram Buy Amy Jo’s Book

Jesse Draper is one of the 50 most connected women in America, and a true trailblazer.    Jesse is not only a highly successful venture capitalist, but is also a dedicated mother of three. As the founder of Halogen Ventures, a female focused venture fund, she has built an impressive portfolio of over 70 companies, focusing on accelerating access to capital and deal flow while championing the empowerment of female investors and female entrepreneurs.   In this week’s episode, Jesse shares her inspiring journey, exploring the challenges she faced while entering the venture capital space and running a successful operation. She also addresses the need for more women managing capital and offers advice on fostering a more equitable and diverse landscape.   You’ll also hear Jesse’s take on the unique struggles faced by working mothers, the constant juggle between professional demands and family life, and her passion towards transforming the realm of child care.   Join Jesse and Amy Jo as they unpack the state of the union with women in investing and funding, and discover actionable steps you can take to shift the dynamic.    Learn more about Jesse and Halogen Ventures here: https://halogenvc.com/team   For more info and to join Renegade, head to https://renegade.global Follow Renegade Global on Instagram: https://www.instgram.com/renegade_global Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: https://www.renegade.global/newsletter   Follow Amy Jo:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s Book - https://amyjomartin.com/book  

Jason Mraz is a Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter. But what you may not know is that he's also a passionate farmer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. In this episode, Jason talks to Amy Jo about music's power to harmonize humanity in a time where many of us feel divided. Jason and Amy Jo also discuss his Why Not Now? moment that took him from Farmville, Virginia to sunny California. After visiting the west coast for the first time, he knew he had to go back. So unsure of the road ahead, Jason dropped out of college, packed his car, and set off on a new adventure in California. This move was life-changing for Jason and crucial for his musical career dreams to come true. Jason shares how he’s developed his craft of storytelling, not only in music, but in all facets of his life and work. He talks about how he began Mraz Family Farm, growing avocado, coffee, and fresh fruit. Jason tells Amy Jo that sharing his farm's story has helped make connections locally and globally. He discusses the importance of taking time for yourself to recover & regenerate your energy so you’re ready to tackle large tasks. His time management tip? Make weekly dates with yourself to practice your craft. You’ll also get to hear how Jason brought together his three passions: music, farming, and his charity foundation. He shares how he worked with each team, creating a vision statement that wove through the fabric of each business to bring them together.   Learn more about Jason: jasonmraz.com/   For more info and to join Renegade, head to renegade.global. Follow Renegade Global on Instagram Get Amy Jo’s newsletter.   Follow Amy Jo… Instagram Twitter Facebook Why Not Now? Instagram Buy Amy Jo’s Book

Kerry Michaels is the Co-Founder & CEO of William Murray Golf. Yes…as in the actor, Bill Murray.   Kerry oversees millions of dollars in annual revenue. Hers is a true story of asking for forgiveness instead of permission. This conversation is all about taking control of your own career, taking action and getting sh*t done. Kerry, and her Why Not Now? moment which you’ll hear, are hard proof of this.   In this episode, Kerry shares the story of how she got into business with Bill and his brothers. As you can imagine it has been quite a ride, and the origin story itself is definitely unique.   You’ll learn Kerry’s entrepreneurial lessons and challenges, especially as it relates to her role within William Murray Golf as CEO and how that has changed over time as the business has grown. She shares how she prioritized input from the entire family so the brand felt authentic from the outset, the importance of having a support system, planning for the downside of business and how delegating has been one of her biggest lessons.   Kerry also talks through how she invests in herself, busts a few popular myths around balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship and shares a sweet (literally) fun fact about Bill Murray that you may not expect to hear.   Learn more about Kerry: https://www.instagram.com/kerry_wmg/   For more info and to join Renegade, head to renegade.global. Follow Renegade Global on Instagram Get Amy Jo’s newsletter. Follow Amy Jo… Instagram Twitter Facebook Why Not Now? Instagram Buy Amy Jo’s Book

This episode is the final in our “Best Of 2022” series.   Regan Walsh, Chief Renegade Officer at Renegade Global, is an incredible people leader who has coached some of the top executives at Nike, Wall Street and everything in-between.   She navigates her own life with constant curiosity and guides others around healthy boundaries by shifting the way people lead.   In this episode, Amy Jo and Regan discuss their point of view on perfection and provide tactical steps you can take to optimize your day, as well as your relationship with perfection before paralysis kicks in. They break apart the “disease to please” and differentiate between a preference versus a requirement.   Regan also explains how you can operate with a full tank of gas by taking out your head trash, shedding your shoulds and being brave before good, instead of faking it until you make it.   You’ll learn the key ways Amy Jo and Regan integrate these tactics into Renegade programming. They provide personal examples of how they have reclaimed time in their own days and shifted to a mindset of “I get to.” instead of “I have to.”   They will leave you motivated to ask for what you want and take action today and throughout the new year.     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/AmyJoMartin/   Why Not Now? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/   Buy Amy Jo’s book: https://amyjomartin.com/book   Follow Renegade Global: https://www.instagram.com/renegade_global

This episode was another of our most popular, and most listened to, episodes in 2022.   Phyllis Newhouse has quite the resume. She is the first African American woman to lead a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), the first woman ever to win the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of the Year award in the technology category, she’s on the board of the Women’s Presidents Organization and is a pioneer in business.   She is a retired senior military officer, a CEO, an investor and serial entrepreneur. Phyllis also happens to be a “frientor” to Amy Jo (a friend and mentor).   Phyllis is changing the game and rewriting the business play book, especially for women. One way she does this is with “ROCs,” which stands for Resources, Opportunities and Connections. Phyllis generously gives these out all day every day. Amy Jo has personally been a beneficiary, as Phyllis has opened many doors for her.   In this wide-ranging conversation, Amy Jo and Phyllis talk about business, their relationship with money, how Phyllis looks at wealth versus revenue, and how Phyllis’ power always enters the room before she does. Phyllis also shares the impactful story about how she met Serena Williams and what has happened after that meeting. We could all take a page from this playbook.   Phyllis supports women and fosters community so well. She recently just launched a program called Shoulder Up To Lead where she shares her 11 Principles of Leadership.   Here is the link to check it out: http://shoulderup2lead.com/   Learn more about Phyllis, here: https://www.phyllisnewhouse.com/

This episode was our most popular, and most listened to, show in 2022! Vanessa Van Edwards is the Lead Behavioral Investigator at Science of People - a company she founded over 15 years ago. She is an internationally acclaimed speaker and author of two books, Captivate and Cues.    Vanessa guides people on mastering the secret language of charismatic communication, and in this episode, Vanessa dives into the specifics of charisma. We ask the question “Are you born with it or can you learn?” and Vanessa’s answer may surprise you.    Vanessa grew up with social anxiety issues, leaving her feeling very awkward. She is an ambivert, which means she is somewhere in-between the introvert and extrovert spectrum. She details the Why Not Now? moment that set her on the path to being a Behavioral Investigator and how she has discovered that “Awkward” characteristics show up differently for different people, whether you are highly intelligent, the alpha in the room or constantly try to please everyone.    Vanessa lists her favorite non-verbal cues used by one of the most charismatic people on the planet. These examples shine a light on the fact that you have to be willing to try new cues in order to find the ones that work for you, because the delivery of your new idea, pitch, or whatever it may be, is just as important as the idea itself.    Vanessa talks through her Year of No, where she has vowed to say no to every new opportunity that isn’t directly in line with her goals. You’ll learn how she says no, how she evaluates opportunities and how it’s been going since she started saying no more this year.   This episode is jam packed with tangible takeaways that you can use today to be more engaged in your non-verbal communication. Vanessa’s new book “Cues” is available now. Learn more at ScienceOfPeople.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/AmyJoMartin/   Why Not Now? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/   Buy Amy Jo’s book: https://amyjomartin.com/book   Follow Renegade Global: https://www.instagram.com/renegade_global

Kristen Bell and Monica Padman joined Amy Jo on the Why Not Now? show for our 250th Episode. Don’t miss this incredibly honest conversation about gender equality, mentorship, confidence, and asking for support.   Kristen Bell and Monica Padman share some insight into their podcast, We Are Supported By... They interviewed 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 during the pandemic.   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 about imposter syndrome, confidence, how that plays into negotiating and the mindset shift from feeling greedy to asking for what you deserve.     Apply for Renegade today. Learn more and apply: www.renegadeaccelerator.com/   Follow Amy Jo... Instagram: www.instagram.com/amyjomartin/ Twitter: twitter.com/amyjomartin Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram: www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book: amyjomartin.com/book Follow Renegade Global: www.instagram.com/renegade_global