Noramay Cadena has a resume many people would envy—she has three degrees from MIT, spent many years at Boeing as an aerospace engineer and is a venture capitalist.  But Noramay has had her fair share of adversity. In this wide-ranging conversation with Amy Jo, she shares powerful advice on how to navigate inflection points in your career.  Noramay shares the importance of muscle memory—doing one hard thing enables you to do another hard thing, and another and so on. She describes how her experience as a teen mom built up her own ability to navigate hard situations in life and business. Those early experiences also taught her to look at difficult times as an ecosystem of possibilities in which the opportunity ahead of her is expansive, and not diminished by her circumstances. And she talks through a key Why Not Now? moment. Noramay was approaching burnout and at a crossroads in her career, considering leaving her corporate life for entrepreneurship. For the first time in a long time, she put her own desires to make change first and started a Venture Capital firm. Noramay details the exact 10 seconds of bravery that changed her trajectory forever. Supply Change Capital has since made investments in seven early-stage companies at the intersection of food, culture and tech.  You’ll also learn Noramay’s approach to company culture, called Operational Kindness, and how you can apply it to your day. Lastly, you’ll hear an exceptional nugget from Noramay where she shares her No. 1 life lesson. It's too good to spoil. Noramay is a graduate of the Renegade Accelerator program and a valued member of the Renegade community. You can follow Noramay on social media via @NoramayC   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

Amber Allen is a true badass. Her energy and zest for life are contagious. Amber loves to play. Her personal motto is, “Every day that childlike Amber high-fives adult Amber, I’ve won.” She believes that if we can ingrain more play in learning, we will remember what we learn for so much longer.  Amber is the founder and CEO of Double A Labs, a software company that is a catalyst for human connection. She was named one of the 30 most influential people in the metaverse.  This wide-ranging conversation covers the biggest lessons Amber has learned as an entrepreneur, her upbringing as the daughter of a Baptist preacher and a Why Not Now? moment that ranks as one of Amy Jo’s all-time favorites. Amber decided to move one day while having brunch—as in literally got up from the table and packed up her car. A renegade to her core, she's an idea-to-action woman. When Amber says “Now!”, she means it. Amber breaks down the metaverse and Web 3.0 in simple terms that anyone can understand. She talks through the desire to play in this space, and how she's building bridges into the metaverse with her team at Double A Labs. She also shares the traits she is seeing in her own employees that are allowing them to thrive and grow at a time when a lot of people are leaving jobs.   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  

Matt Lombardi is a former Professional Athlete and the Co-Founder of Beam, a company that makes functional wellness products to help you reach your potential. It's quickly disrupting the category with ingredients like nano hemp, nootropics and adaptogens.    Matt goes deep fast, and toward the end of the conversation he has Amy Jo in tears. Matt and Amy Jo cover topics from inspiration to heartbreak and everything in-between, including mental health.    When it comes to being successful in business, Matt believes risk and reward go hand in hand.    He talks about the importance of failing and going through challenging times in order to create something great, whether that be in business or in life, and how understanding that is a key to success.    Matt shares how the death of his Dad taught him to be unshakeable and to keep finding a way to move forward. He discusses how his experience in pro sports helps him find joy in the struggles he encounters on the entrepreneurial journey.   You’ll also hear Matt’s tips on how to maintain focus, prioritize your health and deal with imposter syndrome.     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

Juliet Funt is a Productivity Wizard. She is a renowned Keynote Speaker, CEO, Author and tough-love advisor to the Fortune 500.   In this episode, Juliet gets into the tactics of how and what to do in order to create more space in your day and life. You’ll learn how to recognize that you’re doing too much, how Juliet helps companies and individuals reduce busyness and why space to recover, think, and be strategic, is the key to your efficiency.   If you are a person in constant rush, throwing your hands in the air right at the brink of burnout, Juliet discusses what you can do to create more space and give yourself permission to “Opt-Out”.   If you are employer, Juliet gives you actionable tools to avoid being a casualty of the great resignation, and retain your talent.   You’ll also hear Juliet break one of her own rules, and share her ultimate Why Not Now? story; a story that she has never shared during a podcast interview before that involves her traveling to 14 countries in 2 years whilst still running her business and schooling her 3 children. Lastly, Juliet gives you her step approach to dealing with anxiety around email, managing our inboxes and scheduling meetings.   Juliet’s new book “A Minute To Think” is out now.   Learn more about Juliet here: https://www.julietfunt.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

We’re back and we have some big news!  For Amy Jo, 2022 is all about living life on offense, playing full out and falling in love with her life a little more every day. Imagine how that can compound over time? Regardless of where you're starting from, whether you're at a deficit or a surplus of joy, imagine falling in love with your life just a little bit more every single day. Little and often. That consistency definitely compounds over time. Which bring us to the reason we took a break to begin with. In true Why Not Now? and Renegade form, we’ve launched a new company - Renegade Global. In this episode you’ll learn why we started Renegade Global, who we are, what we do and how our Renegade approach is bringing true joy and fulfillment to our clients in this time of "The Great Resignation", or as we like to call it, The Great Rebellion. Next week we’ll be back with our usual interview format. For more info head to renegade.global.

Dan Khabie is the Co-Founder of CourtAvenue, an operating network helping transform the digital landscape. CourtAvenue doesn’t predict the future, they create the future. The people behind the company are literally laying the ground work and pave the way into the unknown. Dan is a master storyteller with a contagious zest for life.    In this episode, Dan talks about one of his most impactful Why Not Now? moments that came when he was only 24 and starting his first company, Digitaria. He tells the incredible story of how he won the business of Digitaria’s first big client & how that moment transformed the trajectory of his career.    Dan and Amy Jo discuss navigating major downturns in business. He shares the unbelievable story of his first child’s birth when his business partner snuck into the delivery room to inform Dan that they were out of cash and didn’t have the funds for payroll. This moment could’ve been the end of his entrepreneurial journey, but instead, he chose to seek out the advice, knowledge, & tools he would need to fight for and save his company. After getting Digitaria back on track, it was acquired & Dan soon found himself running the company that acquired him! How’s that for a lesson on not giving up?   Dan has a unique ability to flip a switch and turn on the Rocky soundtrack music in his mind to help motivate him when the going gets tough. He shares how he’s able to help other people learn how to flip that switch in themselves.   Dan also talks about his newest company, CourtAvenue, which is also home to fellow Why Not Now? guests, Kenny Tomlin & Michael Stich.   Learn more about Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khabie/ Follow Dan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/khabie   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/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book:  https://amyjomartin.com/book

Virginia Suliman is the Executive Vice President and CIO of Invitation Homes. Prior to joining Invitation Homes, Virginia was Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at Hilton Worldwide, where she held a variety of escalating roles across Digital and Technology.   In this episode, Virginia shares a Why Not Now? moment that came after working with Hilton Worldwide for 22 years. She was offered a position with Invitation Homes, and while she initially had no intention of taking the job, she decided to go to the interview. She shares the story of meeting with the CEO and how a Pop-tart led her to say “Why Not Now”?   Virginia and Amy Jo discuss creating culture and building an environment in the workplace where people can feel comfortable to be themselves and let their creativity flow. She looks at her team as a collection of souls and works to understand who they are in order to help fully unlock their potential.    She talks about how she draws from her own personal life experiences to make her a stronger leader. Through connecting with people on a personal level, she’s able to help them find the best fit within their team. She also finds that making that connection can help when having tougher conversations.    Virginia also shares stories from her time in the Renegade Accelerator as well as other things she’s done to invest in herself.    Learn more about Virginia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiasuliman Follow Virginia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/virginiasuliman   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/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book:  https://amyjomartin.com/book

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.    She talks about the importance of leading with empathy and creating an environment where her team feels comfortable enough to pull their best ideas to the surface. Being an empathetic leader also helped both her and her team process the passing of a long-time co-worker.    Stephanie also shares a story from her freshman year of college where she learned the important lesson of not being afraid to speak up for herself.   Learn more about Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-paterik Follow Stephanie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephpaterik   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/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book:  https://amyjomartin.com/book

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 down your questions before each appointment.   Amy Jo and Samantha also talk about following their mother’s intuition, listening to your body, and the importance of men joining the fertility conversation. Samantha says she is so proud of Kyle for speaking openly about his experience as well.   Learn more about Samantha: https://samanthabusch.com/ Follow Samantha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthabusch/   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/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book:  https://amyjomartin.com/book

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, the Creator to create ice cream flavors.   Jeni also talks about a recall crisis that put her priorities into perspective and trusting herself and her vision.   Learn more about Jeni: https://jenis.com/ Follow Jeni on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeni/   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/AmyJoMartin/ Why Not Now? Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/whynotnow/ Buy Amy Jo’s book:  https://amyjomartin.com/book