
Why Not Now? with Amy Jo Martin
You know that thing you've been thinking about doing? Why Not Now? Amy Jo Martin, a New York Times Best-Selling Author and Personal Branding pioneer, created this show because she believes the world will be a better place if more people ask themselves, "Why Not Now?". Each episode you'll hear from Amy Jo herself and a professional Why Notter - guests like Mark Cuban, Jessica Alba, Tony Robbins, Barbara Corcoran, Billy Corgan and more - and learn how they answered the question then took action, so you can too.
Latest episodes

Aug 22, 2022 • 54min
Episode 283: Nadya Okamoto - Breaking Barriers to Find Your Superpower
Nadya Okamoto is the Founder & CEO of August, a company that makes sustainable tampons and pads. She is also an influencer with 3 million TikTok followers. Entrepreneurship is in her bones. She started her first non profit, at the age of 16, to find a solution to a problem that she faced growing up. She is now 24 and has started multiple companies. The non-profit is still growing. Nadya has grown from a place of understanding and processing who she is. She is incredibly self aware, unapologetic, humble, has a smart approach and a very strong worth ethic. Despite her accomplishments, her level of “experience” is often questioned. In this episode, Nadya walks you through her childhood and many personal moments that have shaped her career. She discusses her struggle with mental health, self hatred and a dangerous work ethic as well as the positives of social media and how her insecurities keep her humble. Nadya does not expect perfection. Nadya also reveals her unique selling point and how she had to overcome being a workaholic to find her superpower. Lastly, Nadya and Amy Jo discuss the number 1 lesson Nadya has learned, which is to invest in yourself. She talks about what that looks like for her. The takeaways from this conversation are vital for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. Whether you are 15 or 50, we could all take some notes from the way that Nadya has persevered and created change. Learn more about August here: https://www.itsaugust.co/ Applications for the next Renegade Accelerator are now open. To learn more and apply visit renegade.global/accelerator. Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21 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

Aug 16, 2022 • 39min
Episode 282: Chanel Dokun - Life Starts Now
Renegade Grad, Chanel Dokun, helps women step into a calling greater than their career. She is a master at guiding others to find their life purpose and build a plan around it. Her new, and first, book “Life Starts Now: How to Create the Life You’ve Been Waiting For”, was released this week. Chanel used to work in magazine publishing. She thought it was her dream job, but found herself with the growing feeling that it was not enough. None of her strategies were working. As a result, she left to pursue her own life purpose of being a safe space for others to grow and thrive. In this wide ranging discussion, Amy Jo and Chanel talk about the path to pivot and how to take those steps in building a plan around your life purpose. Chanel also dives into the process of writing her book, including a touching story about her powerful Mom, and talks about her experience sharing the stage with the one and only Oprah. Chanel has a radical commitment to honesty. Her beautifully written book is full of truth, humor, deeply thought provoking questions and tactical takeaways to help you find your purpose. It will make you take a moment to pause and reflect. Chanel’s book, like this conversation, is well worth your time. To learn more about Chanel, and "Life Starts Now" head to https://chaneldokun.com/lifestartsnow. Applications for the next Renegade Accelerator are now open. To learn more and apply visit renegade.global/accelerator. Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21 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

Aug 1, 2022 • 41min
Episode 281: Marisa Thalberg - MVP of the (ad) Super Bowl: Lowe's CMO
Marisa Thalberg is one of the most iconic CMO’s out there. She is the Executive Vice President and Chief Brand & Marketing Officer at Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Marisa has previously worked for Estee Lauder Companies, Revlon, J. Walter Thompson, as well as built Taco Bell into the lifestyle brand we know it to be today. In this episode, recorded live at the Cannes Lions Festival in France; the advertising Super Bowl, Amy Jo and Marisa discuss weaving in and out of business and life. You’ll dive into Marisa’s strong and desirable whisper brand, learn how to make a major life move with kids, hear the key to creativity and learn how Marisa rebranded from a corporate perspective. Marisa talks about the importance of seeing peers as humans and not just coworkers. Marisa is also the Founder of Executive Moms - a resource and online community for Executive Moms. She recognized a need in this niche 20 years ago and came up with a solution. For Marisa, it was not about creating a business, but rather creating a resource. The untouchable influence and power Marissa has is incredible, and on top of that she leads with grace, warmth and a sturdy, steady confidence. She communicates with clarity and authenticity. A huge thanks to Teads for hosting this conversation on the Teads Yacht. Applications for the next Renegade Accelerator are now open. To learn more and apply visit renegade.global/accelerator. Get Amy Jo’s newsletter: amyjomartin.activehosted.com/f/21 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

Jul 27, 2022 • 41min
Episode 280: Liz Matthews - Rebranding The Workplace
Liz Matthews is the Senior Vice President of Global Brand, Creative and Experiential Marketing at Dell Technologies. She oversee’s all brand at Dell, which is a 100 billion dollar company. Liz has around 700 people who report up to her. Her leadership style is unmatched. It has to be. In this episode, recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions Festival in France, Amy Jo and Liz discuss what it means to be a leader today. They explore what teams need now versus what they may have needed in a leader a few years ago. You’ll learn the two traits that drive the highest engagement within teams at Dell, and how Liz is encouraging her people leaders to show up at work as their full selves by focusing on the whole person, not just the work persona. Liz talks through the future of work and what she’d like to see more of in this work from anywhere age. You’ll also learn why confidence and physiological safety are needed in order to experiment and drive innovation in the workplace. When people don’t feel safe, they don’t take risks and innovation cannot happen. Lastly, Liz shares her experience in the Renegade Accelerator as well as her teams experience in the Renegade Corporate Accelerator. She explains that retention was at the forefront of her choice to bring the program into Dell. The takeaways from this conversation are relevant to everyone, not just corporate employees or people leaders. Whether you are an entrepreneur, active in your company or even a parent, you are a leader. A big thanks to Teads for hosting Amy Jo and Liz in Cannes on the Teads Yacht. Applications for the next Renegade Accelerator are now open. To learn more and apply visit renegade.global/accelerator. 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

Jul 15, 2022 • 47min
Episode 279: Regan Walsh - Ditching Perfection The Renegade Way
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 Reagan integrate these tactics into the Renegade Accelerator 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. Applications for the next Renegade Accelerator are now open. Join Amy Jo and Regan in leveling up your businesses, life and personal connections. For the first time ever, if you join before July 29th you will also receive a ticket to the Renegade Summit, which is typically only for the women in the Renegade Collective. Do not miss out on this opportunity to spend two and a half days collaborating, connecting & learning from many powerful women beneath the San Diego sun. To learn more and apply visit renegade.global/accelerator. 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

Jun 24, 2022 • 39min
Episode 278: Ken Coleman - Creating Your Own Opportunities
Ken Coleman is America’s Career Coach, the #1 national bestselling author of The Proximity Principle and From Paycheck to Purpose, and host of The Ken Coleman Show. Ken is known for helping people discover what they were born to do and providing practical steps to make their dreams reality. In Amy Jo’s conversation with Ken, they talk through his personal journey and how he had to realize that “Nobody is sitting around thinking about how they are going to help you. You have to help yourself.” Ken went back to the basics and started with connecting, which he describes as a posture of learning. Ken left the business world to move into broadcasting with no degree, no experience, and little connections. He talks about how he overcame fear, doubt, and pride issues. Ken had to collect on his career collateral so that he could get in the broadcasting industry and win. Amy Jo and Ken discuss the difference between making things happen versus a letting things happen, and you’ll learn three key questions to ask yourself when considering changing careers so you can win in the next one. Connect with Ken at kencoleman.com. If you haven’t already heard, the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) Dream Tech Contest is offering a unique opportunity for woman business owners who are embracing tech as part of their growth journey. You can win you up to $40k in Dell Technology. Applications are now open. Visit http://dwen.com/amyjo to learn more and apply. Enrollment for the next Renegade Accelerator is now open. Learn more and apply: 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/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

Jun 17, 2022 • 48min
Episode 277: Jodi Shelton - Driving Innovation Through Alliance
Jodi Shelton, the co-founder and president of GSA (Global Semiconductor Alliance), plays full out. She has maintained a job since 6th grade, established herself as a pioneer within the technology space, written a screenplay, moved across the country, ran a triathlon and has grown GSA to include companies throughout the supply chain, representing 25 countries across the globe. Her strong work ethic and grit materializes as perpetual forward movement. Jodi is not afraid when it comes to going from idea to action. In this episode, you will hear how she followed Renegade Rule #2 and manifested her Why Not Now? idea to move to China. Jodi also discusses how one conversation, at a typical quarterly board meeting, sparked her to start the Women’s Leadership Initiative almost immediately once the meeting ended. You’ll learn Jodi’s tips for parents trying to juggle work and home life, her philosophy on “busy” and how she rejects it, the importance of curiosity, and how she kept her sanity through a very difficult season. Jodi bets on herself and believes in her ideas. Her zest for life and willingness to invest in her curiosity is contagious. If you haven’t already heard, the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) Dream Tech Contest is offering a unique opportunity for woman business owners who are embracing tech as part of their growth journey. You can win you up to $40k in Dell Technology. Applications are now open. Visit http://dwen.com/amyjo to learn more and apply. Enrollment for the next Renegade Accelerator is now open. Learn more and apply: 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/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

Jun 6, 2022 • 56min
Episode 276: Liya Sharif - Designing Your Life. From Corporate Exec to Free Agent
Liya Sharif is a former corporate Renegade who led Brand Marketing at Qualcomm. Like all Renegades, Liya has pushed beyond normal expectations and structure, and does not have a traditional journey. Currently, Liya is studying for a degree in interior design as well as guiding emerging companies, looking to grow, with her creativity and unconventional approach to leadership. In this episode, Liya discusses how she did an audit of her life. She shares her roots, her history in dance and how that skill taught her to be disciplined, her desire to always know what it feels like to be a beginner and her rigorous education. As a woman who grew up in the former Soviet Union, Azerbaijan, Liya also shares her point of view on the war in Ukraine. Liya does many things, but conform is not one. It is in her DNA to innovate. She follows her curiosity and looks for continual renewal which drives all sorts of things in life that get her excited. Her personal motto; “If you continue doing the work you love, it is no longer work.” You’ll learn how Liya filters her opportunities and the two most important things she considers before agreeing to any kind of work. Liya has found these tangible takeaways to be crucial for her happiness and fulfillment. Visit this link if you are interested in supporting or giving. Check out and connect with Pete Lancia Art @petelanciaart If you haven’t already heard, the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) Dream Tech Contest is offering a unique opportunity for woman business owners who are embracing tech as part of their growth journey. You can win you up to $40k in Dell Technology. Applications are now open. Visit http://dwen.com/amyjo to learn more and apply. Enrollment for the next Renegade Accelerator is now open. Learn more and apply: 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/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

May 29, 2022 • 47min
Episode 275: Erik Day - How To Approach Difficult Situations in 5 Steps
As a corporate Renegade, Erik Day has many titles, one of which is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Small Businesses at Dell Technologies, where he serves as a heartbeat behind the brand. Erik has been working at Dell for 20+ years combining career with passion, purpose and skill. In this episode, Erik shares 5 incredibly valuable steps for approaching difficult situations. You’ll learn two vital ingredients for a business to succeed, how to break down bias, how to be an empathetic leader and retain top talent, the importance of accountability and how to lead with optimism. Erik lives with his finger on the pulse. When trying to make advisors more effective at talking to clients, he was told to stay in his box and not given any support from his bosses, until he ran a successful pilot program they could not say no to implementing further. In 2002 he also created a pride LGBTQ employee resource group at Dell to talk about challenges and solutions the community was facing. Erik and Amy Jo also discuss how technology is a must to keep up in today’s world. It enables better business. Speaking of enabling better business, The Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN) Dream Tech Contest is offering a unique opportunity for woman business owners who are embracing tech as part of their growth journey. You can win you up to $40k in Dell Technology. Applications are now open. Visit http://dwen.com/amyjo to learn more and apply.

May 23, 2022 • 52min
Episode 274: Phyllis Newhouse - Leading With Power
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/ Enrollment for the next Renegade Accelerator is now open. Learn more and apply: 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/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
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