This episode is a story Jess has been sitting with for almost five years. Not because it isn't important — but because she didn't yet have the language for what it changed in her. It's about a $20-a-night RV park in Las Vegas with flickering streetlights, nightly helicopter noise, and a check-cashing place on the corner. It's about two strangers who saw Jess's husband eating alone at a picnic table and pulled up a chair. And it's about what happened — years later — when Jess texted to check in and didn't hear back.

Tony and Linda Oyster started as RV neighbors. They became family. And the lesson they left behind quietly reframes everything: the places we go, the milestones we chase, the next thing we're always running toward.

In This Episode

Jess shares the story of Tony and Linda — and why, after three years on the road visiting some of the most breathtaking places in the country, a worn-down Las Vegas RV park is still her honest answer to "what was your favorite stop?" She also offers four small, practical ways to find more meaning inside the life you already have — no big life overhaul required. Because most of the time, meaning doesn't show up at a mountaintop. It shows up in who you're sitting next to.

4 Ways to Practice Intentional Presence

1. Slow your exits. Linger in conversations that matter. Ask one more question — and go one sentence deeper than "how are you?"
2. Treat people like the destination. Outcomes are easy to chase. Relationships are the whole point.
3. Notice who makes you feel more like yourself. Not more impressive. Not more productive. Just more you. Spend more time there.
4. Remember: ambition and presence aren't opposites. You can want more and appreciate what's right in front of you.

Resources & Links

• 🎙️ Making It with Jess Ekstrom: Subscribe + leave a review wherever you listen
• 📸 Follow Jess on Instagram: @jessekstrom

Produced by Making It with Jess Ekstrom

🪑 Soulful Sidebar: What If the Destination Was Never the Point?

We optimize for places, titles, and milestones. We take the mountaintop photo. We check the box. But Tony and Linda — who spent 15 years on the road, slides and all — weren't remembered for where they went. They were remembered for how they showed up beside a stranger eating alone at a picnic table.

The question worth sitting with: In five years, what will the people around you remember about this season? Not what you accomplished. How you showed up. Who you made time for. Whether you put the phone down.

That's the whole thing. That's making it.

Neha Ruch was fresh out of Stanford Business School, climbing fast, and checking every box the Lean In era told her to check. Then she had her son on New Year's Day 2016 — and in the fog of new motherhood, three o'clock in the morning, at the end of the internet, something cracked open. Not a crisis. A clarity. All I need to be is myself. And this kid loves me for it. So she downshifted. Not for her son. For herself. And the world had a lot of opinions about it.

What followed was a decade-long slow build — a Squarespace site, a weekly link roundup, five Instagram posts, and a quiet but fierce belief that ambitious women who make room for family life deserve better than the binary they'd been handed. That belief became a bestselling book, The Power Pause, a movement, and a membership community rewriting what it means to be a high-achieving woman in the messy middle of work and family life. Neha isn't anti-ambition. She's anti-one-size-fits-all. And in this episode, she makes the case that caregiving isn't a career gap — it's a leadership lab.

Tune In For:

• Why Neha chose to downshift after Stanford — and why it had nothing to do with what was "better for her son"
• How motherhood threatens every identity pillar of high-achieving women — productivity, spontaneity, fitness, relevance — and what to do when it happens to you
• The Harvard Business Review research that might be the most healing data point working moms have never heard (spoiler: it's not about hours)
• "Pause within a pause" — what happened when Neha's second child destabilized everything she'd built, and why "keeping the lights on" is a completely valid strategy
• Why the Power Pause didn't hit the New York Times bestseller list — and the honest, still-raw conversation about gold stars, success metrics, and rewiring your own wiring
• How to frame a career pause in a job interview — and what Neha wishes every employer knew about the non-traditional leadership skills caregiving actually builds
• The "write your ideal day in five years" exercise for anyone whose self-worth is tied to their productivity
• Why comparing yourself to others signals insecurity — and the one shift that turns envy into fuel

About Neha Ruch

Neha Ruch is the founder of Mother Untitled, author of the bestselling book The Power Pause, and a speaker and advocate redefining ambition for the modern mother. After graduating from Stanford Business School and stepping back from a fast-track career to raise her children, Neha built a movement — and eventually a membership community — dedicated to showing that professional pauses and downshifts are a strategic, feminist, and deeply creative choice. Her work has helped thousands of women reclaim their identity, their confidence, and their careers on their own terms.

Resources & Links

• 📖 The Power Pause (book): Available wherever books are sold
• 🌐 Free resources: thepowerpause.com
• 💛 Membership community: thepowerpause.com/me
• 📸 Follow Neha on Instagram: @neharuch
• 🎙️ Making It with Jess Ekstrom: Subscribe + leave a review wherever you listen

Produced by Making It with Jess Ekstrom and Walk West

🌿 Soulful Sidebar: Rewriting the Resume Gap

The cultural image of a woman "on pause" hasn't been updated since the 1970s. We inherited June Cleaver. But today's woman stepping back from the workforce is likely coming in with 8–10 years of professional experience — and layering on skills that don't show up on a LinkedIn profile: crisis management, negotiation, logistics, community building, and a kind of perspective that only comes from being fully responsible for another human life.

Neha's challenge to employers — and to the women themselves: Stop calling it a gap. Start calling it what it is. A power pause. A leadership lab. A season that didn't pause the growth. It just changed the classroom.

Marissa Allen knows both sides of that coin intimately. She didn't set out to be a founder. She was an NFL wife, a former college soccer player, a stay-at-home mom of two tiny humans (one of whom was six months old, crawling around the kitchen), and someone who just really loved baking cookies for her husband's teammates on the Houston Texans. It was a teammate trying to buy those cookies that planted the seed. She was reluctant. Her husband wasn't.

What followed wasn't a clean, linear launch story. It was a $5,000 website (the ancient kind where you still typed in your credit card), a rented commercial kitchen at $20 an hour, Sunday baking marathons, and Monday morning 6 AM flights back from Kansas City with two kids in tow. Today, Cookie Society is a multi-location, nationally shipping, Oprah's Favorite Things-certified, cult-followed gourmet cookie brand with 88 employees — and a breakfast-only March menu that people literally line up overnight to get. They didn't build it by throwing money at it. They built it by doing every single job themselves first, scaling incrementally, and trusting the data.

Tune In For:

• How Marissa accidentally launched a business by baking for NFL locker rooms and getting an offer she almost turned down
• Why opening during a global pandemic was actually grace — and what would have happened if they'd gone full send without it
• The Taylor Swift ticket strategy: how Cookie Society created a holiday around scarcity, seasonal drops, and Cinnamon Roll Sundays to drive demand most brands only dream about
• Daily tears behind Oprah's Favorite Things — the collapsed wooden crates, the angry emails, the call from New York, and the lesson that even your biggest win can bring you to your knees
• Why Marissa knows less now than when she started — and why that's actually a sign you're scaling right
• How she went from hiring people to execute her vision to hiring people to expand it (and why she voluntarily demoted herself from CEO)
• The LinkedIn mirror strategy: how to find someone five steps ahead of you and reverse-engineer their path when you can't afford to hire yet
• Why knowing your numbers is a power move, especially for women founders — and how data turns "maybe we can" into a hard yes or no
• Comparing vs. Inspiring: the one question Marissa asks herself to figure out if she's in a confident season or an insecure one

About Marissa Allen

Marissa Allen is the co-founder of Cookie Society, a Dallas-based gourmet cookie brand with multiple brick-and-mortar locations, a national shipping operation, and a deeply loyal following built on bold flavors, seasonal exclusivity, and an authentic story. A former college soccer player turned NFL wife turned entrepreneur, Marissa bootstrapped Cookie Society from a rented commercial kitchen to Oprah's Favorite Things — and is now scaling toward 10 locations with a team of 88. She runs the business alongside her husband Jeff, who heads up marketing, while Marissa focuses on operations, systems, and the creative vision that started it all.

Resources & Links

• Cookie Society: cookiesociety.com
• Ship the breakfast box or classic bestsellers nationwide
• Follow Marissa on Instagram: @cookiesociety (and her personal brand!)
• Making It with Jess Ekstrom: Subscribe + leave a review wherever you listen

Produced by Walk West - Making It with Jess Ekstrom

🍳 Soulful Sidebar: The Scarcity Mindset vs. The Abundance Play

Most product businesses default to scarcity thinking — I need to keep selling what works. Cookie Society flipped it. By pulling their most beloved items off the menu seasonally, they didn't lose customers. They created a holiday. People mark their calendars. They show up overnight. They order more because they can't choose just one.

The lesson? Abundance isn't about always having more available. It's about confidence that demand will be there when you're ready. That takes trust in your product, your team, and your ability to recreate the magic. Marissa and Jeff saw it first with Cinnamon Roll Sundays. Then they scaled the principle. Now it's a March tradition.

That's not luck. That's a brand with a backbone.

In this reflective solo episode, Jess Ekstrom breaks down a chance encounter at a Colorado campground that changed her entire perspective on presence. When an older traveler told her, "You kids have a nice life," it didn't feel like a well-wish—it felt like a gut punch.

Jess explores the beauty of impermanence and why acknowledging that a moment will never happen again is actually the secret to enjoying it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Until Next Time" Trap: Why our digital age makes it impossible to have true closure and how that prevents us from being fully present.
• The Japanese Tea Tradition: A lesson from a matcha bowl about noticing the "foam at the bottom"—the unique shapes that only happen once.
• Hurry Up and Relax: Jess’s struggle with "sprinting" through the day to get to the "good part," only to find her brain won't shut off once she gets there.
• The Turtle Pace: How walking with toddlers (who stop for every sidewalk flower and power-line bird) is the ultimate masterclass in noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
• Don’t Miss It: Why we shouldn't get so focused on creating a "good life" that we forget to actually have a "good day."

Key Quotes:
"The reality is, a 'next time' is never guaranteed. But the comfort in saying next time makes it easier to move on because there's a chance the story isn't over."

"Impermanence isn't a sad thing. In fact, it's the opposite. It's a reminder that all we have is now. So we might as well just enjoy it."

"Sometimes relaxing isn't the reward. It's the work itself."

Featured in this Episode:

• John Acuff: Author and friend who provided the "Don't Miss It" mantra.
• Andy Bernard (The Office): For the bittersweet reminder about knowing you're in the "good old days."

A Challenge for Your Week:

Next time you're in a conversation or a beautiful moment, try to find your "matcha foam." Identify one tiny, specific detail about this exact moment that will never be replicated again.

Welcome to Making It with Jess Ekstrom. This week, Jess sits down with Lindsay Shookus, the legendary former producer and head of the talent department at Saturday Night Live. After 20 years of discovering stars and managing the chaos of live television, Lindsey made the "wobbly" decision to leave 30 Rock and redefine what success looks like on her own terms.

In this candid conversation, Lindsey opens up about the grit required to survive 20-hour days, the lonely reality of hyper-fame, and the epiphany that led her to co-found Women Work Fing Hard*—a community built on active support rather than just "mentorship."

Tune in for:

• The SNL Hustle: How a girl from Buffalo with "Southern-adjacent" roots at UNC-Chapel Hill landed a job at SNL and worked her way from assistant to talent mogul.
• The Fame Pedestal: What Lindsey learned about success by watching the world’s most famous people up close, and why "street cred" isn't all it's cracked up to be.
• The "Wobbly" Transition: The identity crisis that follows leaving a high-profile career and how to navigate the "data" of who stays in your life when the power of your position is gone.
• Receive the Motherfing Data:* Lindsey’s viral-ready advice on relationships and business—how to stop "waiting to be chosen" and start looking at people's actions as objective information.
• Women Work Fing Hard:* The accidental origin story of her women’s community and why the goal is always "How can I help you?" rather than "Who can help me?"
• The Curse of the Good Girl: Why Lindsey normalizes "bombing" for her 12-year-old daughter and the importance of being uncomfortable to get better.
• Building a Boat: What it’s like for an ambitious woman to find a partner who asks, "How can I best support you?"
• The Art of the Question: Why being a curious mind is the most undervalued skill in networking and life.

About Lindsay Shookus:

Lindsay Shookus is an Emmy Award-winning producer, speaker, and coach. Best known for her two-decade career at Saturday Night Live, she now uses her expertise in talent and trust to advise hedge funds, produce documentaries, and empower women through her community, Women Work F***ing Hard.

Resources & Links:

• Lindsay Shookus’s Website: https://lindsayshookus.com
• Women Work Fing Hard:*
• Follow Lindsey on Instagram: @Shookusshookus 
• The Curse of the Good Girl by Rachel Simmons:
• Making It with Jess Ekstrom is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

How to "Receive the Data" in Your Career

Lindsey talks about treating feedback-and even rejection-as objective data. This shift moves you from an emotional participant to a strategic scientist of your own life.

Welcome to the premiere episode of Making It with Jess Ekstrom. This week, Jess sits down with Anne Mahlum, the visionary founder of [Solidcore] and Back on My Feet. Anne famously raised $210 million from private equity while wearing see-through crop tops, proving that authenticity isn't just a buzzword—it’s a high-stakes competitive advantage.

In this raw and uncensored conversation, Anne pulls back the curtain on her $100 million exit, why she refuses to be a "one-hit wonder," and how she transitioned from a "starving founder" to a fitness mogul. They dive deep into the "hustle muscle" fueled by early pain, the importance of "happy endings" in business, and the biological shifts of entering her next big chapter: motherhood.

Tune in for:

• The story behind the see-through crop tops and why Anne refused to change her hair or style for private equity partners.
• Why "fake it till you make it" is bad advice and how trying to fit in actually makes you feel smaller and less confident.
• Anne’s three core values—Authenticity, Transparency, and Winning—and how they guided her through $100M negotiations.
• The "Chip on the Shoulder": Why many high-performing entrepreneurs are fueled by a need to prove themselves and the realization that achievement doesn't equal love.
• The $100 Million Exit: How Anne planned her last day years in advance to ensure a celebratory, "non-messy" transition.
• Financial Leverage: Why Anne advises founders to take money off the table early so they aren't "starving" when it's time to negotiate an exit.
• Radical Responsibility: Why claiming "it's my fault" for everything from low energy to a stalled career is the ultimate power move to regain control.
• Relationships and Polarity: Anne’s take on settling into a partnership with her husband as an ambitious, breadwinning woman.
• How to find a "game you can win" by sharpening your unique 8, 9, and 10-level skill sets.

About Anne Mahlum:

Anne Mahlum is a speaker, investor, and the founder of [Solidcore], a boutique fitness powerhouse she scaled to 100+ locations before a massive exit. She is also the founder of the non-profit Back on My Feet. Anne is a dedicated advocate for financial literacy and empowers founders to build businesses that reflect their truest selves.

Resources & Links:

• Anne Mahlum’s Website: https://annemahlum.com
• Follow Anne on Instagram: @annemahlum
• Brene Brown’s Values Exercise:
• Making It with Jess Ekstrom is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

A Note on Radical Responsibility & Starting Blocks

In this episode, Anne and Jess discuss the reality of "starting blocks." While Anne emphasizes taking radical responsibility, she also acknowledges the statistical realities of the business world. For context, women-led startups received only about 2% of total venture capital funding in recent years, and for Black and Latina founders, that number often drops below 1%.

As Anne notes, recognizing privilege or systemic hurdles doesn't mean you stop working; it means you use your position to "lift others up" and change the statistics for the next generation of founders.

In the season finale on Amplify, Jess sits down with LauraAura, host of the wildly popular Gutsy Podcast and an acclaimed speaker. Laura shares the moment a Taylor Swift song drove her to ask ChatGPT a provocative question: "How would my career look different if I were a man?"

The AI's response—listing everything from earning more money to having faster access to "power rooms"—pissed her off, but also activated a plan. Laura breaks down the five core areas where women are often held back and details the specific, gutsy move she attached to each one, creating a powerful blueprint for other women to follow.

Tune in for:

• The exact list of biases ChatGPT revealed, including:
  • Earning more money (complete with stat ranges).
  • Access to more power rooms.
  • Boldness being seen as confidence, not a risk.
  • Outsourcing and delegating faster.
  • Less self-questioning.
• Laura's five "healthy spirals"—a practical, gutsy move for each bias to help women close the gap.
• Why "pitching full price" is the first gutsy move you need to make to fund outsourcing and regain your time.
• The power of "creating the room" or simply showing up in spaces like you belong there.
• The surprising secret to showing up as your full, bold self on platforms like LinkedIn (hint: it involves getting raw and authentic).
• The best advice for overcoming analysis paralysis and the constant urge to overthink your next step: "Do one thing."
• How to use your "evidence bank"—a track record of your past accomplishments—to eliminate self-questioning and own your worth.

About Laura Aura:

LauraAura is a speaker, brand strategist, and the host of The Gutsy Podcast, where she encourages thousands of women to stop overthinking and start doing the thing they can't stop thinking about. She is known for her bold, direct, and deeply encouraging approach to female ambition.

Resources & Links:

• Listen to The Gutsy Podcast:https://lauraaura.com/the-gutsy-podcast/
• Follow LauraAura on Instagram & TikTok: @thatLauraAura
• Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with Caitlin Gardner, a veteran crisis communications expert who is the founder of Blooming Communications. Caitlin's professional life involves helping Fortune 500 companies communicate with calm maturity during crises. Her personal life, however, includes having a baby at the peak of the 2020 pandemic while her husband lost his job—a high-stakes moment that uniquely prepared her for the work she does today.

Caitlin shares how to apply the lessons learned in the delivery room to the boardroom, giving you the practical tools to handle unexpected public scrutiny, internal high stakes, and even the double-edged sword of going viral.

Tune in for:

• Caitlin's incredible story of delivering a baby in April 2020, juggling a crisis communications job in the hard-hit cruise industry, and the power of focusing on one goal in a chaotic environment.
• The concept of the "Reputation Bank Account": making positive deposits so you have the benefit of the doubt when you need to make a withdrawal (like when you fumble publicly).
• The difference between good-intentioned feedback and negative trolling, and the importance of assuming good intent in professional communications.
• Caitlin's take on cancel culture, and why brands and people must define their core values to maintain clarity in polarizing times.
• Why it’s essential to be prepared for the worst-case scenario (the "tabletop exercise") so you can be agile and confident when chaos hits.
• How to handle the urge to jump on viral trends and why every piece of content—even your social media hook—needs a strategic rationale and intentionality.
• A key reminder for leaders: You don't get to choose when the stakes are high for others, so be thoughtful about how you deliver high-stakes feedback.

About Caitlin Gardner:

Caitlin Gardner is the Founder of Blooming Communications, a strategic communications consultancy. She is an expert in high-stakes communications, reputation management, and crisis preparedness, helping clients bring "calm confidence" to moments of unexpected chaos.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Caitlin Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlingardner/
• Blooming Communications: https://bloomingcom.com
• Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

 In this Amplify episode, Jess sits down with negotiation expert Kathryn Valentine, a former McKinsey consultant with an impressive background featured in Harvard Business Review and The Wall Street Journal. Kathryn's journey started with a high-stakes failure—a negotiation so bad it ended with a security escort. Still, that experience led her to discover that proper negotiation is a valuable tool for life design, not just a means to secure a salary bump.

Kathryn reveals how to identify your true currency (it’s often not money), the critical research that proves women significantly underestimate their market value, and the simple questions you can ask to strip away societal expectations and define your own "rich life."

Tune in for:

• The shocking story of Kathryn’s first negotiation attempt that ended in her being escorted out of a large company.
• The "Rich Life Design" concept: how seeing the long-term impact of choices from her 70-year-old grandparents taught her to prioritize currencies like time, credibility, and autonomy.
• What you really want is often a promotion (for long-term financial gain) or credibility (for respect), not just a raise.
• The "Magic Wand" question helps strip away fear and societal expectations, revealing what you truly want.
• The "Ask Relationally" formula that virtually eliminates the risk of backlash and moves "no" from a rejection to a piece of information.
• Why assuming good intent is the key to overcoming the fear of being "annoying" when following up.
• Kathryn's personal thoughts on how motherhood has changed her perspective over time and why she now chooses to pursue only projects that bring her "good exhaustion."

About Kathryn Valentine:

Kathryn Valentine is a negotiation expert, speaker, and former McKinsey consultant. Her work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review and The Wall Street Journal, and she advises companies such as JPMorgan Chase. She is dedicated to equipping women with the tools to negotiate for their richest life.

Resources & Links:

• Get the "76 Things You Can Negotiate" List: https://seventysixthings.com
• Watch Kathryn Valentine's TED Talk:
• Follow Kathryn Valentine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynvalentine/
• Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with Hazel Sy, a Fortune 500 executive, board member, and powerful advocate for working parents. Hazel shares the moment her childcare plan fell through, the panic and guilt that followed, and the eventual mindset shift that allowed her to thrive as both a dedicated professional and a devoted mom.

Hazel opens up about the emotional journey of creating her viral TED Talk, the shocking financial reality of childcare, and the surprising ways that conscious parenting techniques can make you a more intentional and connected leader at work.

Tune in for:

• Hazel's eye-opening story of her childcare falling through and the constant question she asked herself: "Should I quit?"
• Why the high cost of childcare is actually a financial and personal investment that pays off in career growth and a preserved sense of self.
• The "mother AND" philosophy: how to choose a parenting style where your children see you succeeding and failing, not just staying home.
• The subtle societal double standards around working parents, including the "babysitting" comment and the different applause men and women receive.
• How Hazel consciously uses the word "study" instead of "work" around her children to avoid modeling a workaholic lifestyle.
• The emotional journey of getting 67 rejections before landing her TEDx Talk, and the critical moment when she decided to scrap all the feedback and write from the heart.
• How the skills of conscious parenting—like giving two choices instead of a demand—make you a better leader and influencer in the workplace.

About Hazel Sy:

Hazel Sy is a Fortune 500 executive, a board member, a highly requested speaker, and an alumnus of Mic Drop Academy. She is a passionate advocate for working parents and a living example of how intentionality and purpose can allow you to thrive in both your professional and personal life.

Resources & Links:
Watch Hazel's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE-PN4i-eAE

• Find Hazel's Speaker Prep Checklist:
• Follow Hazel Sy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehazelsy/
• Visit Hazel Sy's site: https://www.hazelsy.com/ 
• Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with her dear friend, author, and speaker Mary Marantz, whose new book Underestimated explores how to break free from the fears that hold us back. Mary gets candid about her journey, from being told by a high school teacher that she wouldn't make it, to the destructive cycle of perfectionism and self-sabotage that comes with success.

She shares how she's learned to embrace a new kind of fuel for her ambition and why she believes the very act of facing fear means you're about to do work that truly matters.

Tune in for:

• Why being an underdog is a "role of a lifetime" that can destroy your ambition if you aren’t careful.
• The surprising connection between childhood chaos and the urge to self-sabotage as an adult.
• The "Motivation-Defeat Cycle" and how to break free from the all-or-nothing mindset.
• Why consistency will always beat excellence in the long run.
• Mary’s powerful reframe: Fear isn't a creative force; it's a "boring liar" that uses the same broken scripts on everyone.
• How to identify your "achiever type" and use that knowledge to overcome your unique fears.
• The truth about asking for help and why we’re often our own worst enemies when it comes to showing vulnerability.

About Mary Marantz:

Mary Marantz is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur whose work empowers people to unlock their purpose and do the work they were put on this earth to do. She is a New York Times bestselling author of Dirt and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots, and her newest book is titled Underestimated.

Resources & Links:

• Get Mary's free first chapter and Achiever Quiz: https://namethefear.com
• Follow Mary Marantz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymarantz/
• Follow Mary Marantz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-marantz-726461b/
• Listen to the Mary Marantz Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mary-marantz-show/id1454133596
• Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

She entered the digital course industry, which allowed her to work from home while still making money. Starting small, her first course made just $267, but she pulled in over $100 million in revenue through tweaks and relaunches.

How did she do it?  How can you leverage digital courses to balance work and family life and generate income while being present for your family?

Let's find out!

And if you’re ready to take the first steps yourself, Amy is breaking it all down inside her brand-new Course Confident Bootcamp. Over 5 days, she’ll walk you through 4 simple steps to turn your talk or story into a course—without the overwhelm.

It all starts September 11.

👉 Join Course Confident for $47

This is a replay from Aug 28th, 2024. 

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with Adam Tanaka, a founder and speaker who has built and sold companies and now teaches others how to unlock their most creative selves through the power of play. Adam's journey is far from linear and his seemingly picture-perfect success story is built on a childhood filled with trauma and chaos, where a game of hide and seek was an act of survival.

He opens up about his "normal," which included a mother struggling with addiction, his heroic act of saving her from a house fire at age 15, and how that trauma unknowingly followed him into adulthood. Adam shares how his success led to one of his darkest moments, what truly saved his life, and the powerful framework he created to ensure he and others always have a community to fall back on.

Tune in for:

• The childhood trauma that led Adam to seek control and stability by building his own businesses.
• How Adam learned to stop waiting for permission to play and why he believes play is a crucial tool for both creativity and healing.
• The moment a sheep farmer in Iceland changed Adam's perspective on overcomplicating life and rigid goals.
• The importance of building your community before you need it.
• The "Community Tag" framework, a powerful and simple system for checking in on those around you that Adam created after a near-fatal moment.
• Why Adam's mission as a speaker is to help people bring play into the workplace and life.

About Adam Tanaka:
Adam Tanaka is a founder, speaker, and advocate for the power of play. With a background in building and selling companies, Adam's mission is to help people move from rigid, "hustle culture" to a more creative and connected way of working and living. He is the founder of a kids' brand, cavehousesupply.com, and an author.

Resources & Links:

• Cave House Supply: https://cavehousesupply.com
• Adam Tanaka's Website: https://adamtanaka.com
• Follow Adam Tanaka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-tanaka-7b43a85b/
• Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with Patrice Poltzer, co-founder of My Story Pro AI, a storytelling and AI strategist, and a former award-winning producer for The Today Show. Patrice has a somewhat non-linear journey - from the grit of door-to-door book sales and navigating a toxic startup culture after leaving her dream job, to more unexpected pivots and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Plus Patrice talks about her "lost twenties" - and why they were foundational to her success.

Tune in for:

• Why embracing non-traditional career paths and "being behind" can be your unfair advantage.
• The unexpected "grit" and "hustle muscle" developed through challenging early career experiences.
• Patrice's jarring experience transitioning from a dream corporate job to a toxic startup, and what she learned about knowing when to walk away.
• How a personal crisis (her husband losing his job, moving to a new country) became the "fire energy" that fueled her entrepreneurial leap into AI.
• Why Patrice, as a seasoned storyteller, initially resisted AI but was "jolted" into embracing it.
• Her revolutionary approach to AI: using it as a "mirror" to uncover your deepest insights and understand your audience, rather than just generating content.
• The crucial difference between soulless AI-generated content and emotionally connective storytelling.
• How Patrice’s tool, My Story Pro AI, acts as a "third-party" coach, helping founders overcome self-censorship and unleash their authentic voice.
• Why small business owners and solopreneurs now have access to "six-figure marketing research insights" through AI, a previously unattainable advantage.
• How AI can help you "get out of your own feedback loop" and broaden your perspective on what truly resonates with your audience.
• Patrice's advice for the "AI-shy" or "AI-resistant" creative, ensuring your unique voice and tone are amplified, not replaced.

About Patrice Poltzer:

Patrice Poltzer is the co-founder of My Story Pro AI, a storytelling and AI strategist, and a former award-winning producer for NBC's Today Show. With a unique blend of media expertise and entrepreneurial grit, Patrice empowers individuals and businesses to leverage AI as a tool for deeper self-discovery and more authentic, impactful storytelling.

Resources & Links:

• My Story Pro AI, free for 7 days: https://patricepoltzercreative.com/story-pro-for-business
• Follow Patrice Poltzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricepoltzer/

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with Natalie Nixon, PhD, a renowned creativity expert, innovation strategist, and author, famously dubbed the "Creativity Whisperer to the C-Suite." Natalie shares profound insights on how to reclaim your inherent creativity, understand its real-world ROI, and navigate the evolving relationship between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.

Drawing inspiration from childhood wonder, Natalie and Jess explore how our natural creative impulses often get "disciplined" by traditional education and societal norms. You'll learn why "getting lost on purpose" can be a powerful catalyst for new ideas and how leveraging AI can actually amplify, rather than stifle, your human creativity.

We tackle:

• Why children are the ultimate "wonder mentors," modeling the pure, uninhibited creativity we often lose.
• The profound impact of educational systems on stifling or cultivating creativity, drawing from Natalie's diverse schooling experiences.
• The importance of striking a balance between "wonder" and "rigor" in fostering creative thinking.
• Natalie's pragmatic and optimistic view on the relationship between AI and human creativity.
• Why intentionally "getting lost" (literally and figuratively) can unlock serendipity and new ideas.
• The concept of a "human revolution," not just a tech revolution, and how AI creates "spaciousness" for deeper human connection and thought.
• The value of liminal space and embracing ambiguity—just like artists do.
• How to use AI to ask better questions and prompt deeper reflection.
• The power of incorporating "daydream breaks" into your daily routine to activate your brain's default mode network.
• Why allowing for boredom (especially for kids!) is an invitation to imagination.
• A brilliant hack for overcoming creative blocks when the "stakes" of getting paid influence your work: "role-playing with your past self."
• Why "plenty of ideas end up on the cutting floor" is not failure, but "flow."

About Natalie Nixon, PhD:

Natalie Nixon, PhD, is a global expert in creativity, innovation, and the future of work. She advises leaders on how to make their organizations more nimble and innovative through her unique approach to applied creativity. As a speaker, strategist, and author of The Creativity Leap, Natalie empowers individuals and teams to unlock their creative potential and drive tangible results. She is also launching her new book, Move, Think, Rest, in 2025.

Resources & Links:

• Pre-order Move, Think, Rest by Natalie Nixon: https://www.amazon.com/Move-Think-Rest-Productivity-Relationship/dp/0306835584
• Download Natalie's Wonder-Rigor Tip Sheet: https://www.figure8thinking.com/wonderrigor-tip-sheet/
• Figure 8 Thinking: figure8thinking.com
• Follow Natalie Nixon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienixonphd/
• Follow Natalie Nixon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natwnixon/

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with her dear friend, Kwame Christian, a top-booked negotiation keynote speaker and host of the #1 podcast, Negotiate Anything. 

Kwame shares a deeply personal and formative childhood story that shaped his journey from people-pleaser to negotiation expert, revealing how his early experiences led him to compromise himself for the sake of being liked. He explains how this common "people-pleasing pressure" can actually damage the very relationships we're trying to protect.

You'll discover:

• The surprising link between childhood experiences and our adult people-pleasing tendencies.
• How the "big five personality traits" (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability) influence our negotiation style.
• Why being overly agreeable can lead to an "emotional hangover" and resentment.
• The profound impact of unspoken boundaries on relationships, both personal and professional.
• Kwame's simple "yes-no-yes" framework for setting and maintaining effective boundaries.
• Why the definition of negotiation is often warped, and how redefining it can empower you in daily life.
• The concept that "assertiveness is teaching the person how to treat you."
• How to navigate the "assertiveness penalty" that women (and other groups) often face in professional settings.
• Why overthinking is your "kryptonite," and how a "shot clock" can help you make better decisions faster.
• The psychological insight that you'll never truly "get over" stage fright, and why that's a good thing.
• How Kwame uses AI daily to amplify his humanity, manage emotions, identify blind spots, and create cohesive negotiation strategies.
• The power of mirror neurons and how our tone and attitude can unconsciously impact others.

About Kwame Christian
Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A. is the CEO of the American Negotiation Institute (ANI) and a leading voice in the field of negotiation. He hosts the #1 negotiation podcast, Negotiate Anything, and his TED Talk has garnered over 600,000 views. He is also a LinkedIn Top Voice and the author of Finding Confidence in Conflict and How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race. Kwame's mission is to make the world a better place, one difficult conversation at a time.

Resources & Links:

• American Negotiation Institute: americnnegotiationinstitute.com
• Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian/
• Listen to the Negotiate Anything podcast: https://negotiateanything.com/
• Finding Confidence in Conflict by Kwame Christian: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Confidence-Conflict-Negotiate-Anything/dp/0578413736
• How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race by Kwame Christian: https://www.amazon.com/Have-Difficult-Conversations-About-Race/dp/1637741308
• TEDx, Finding Confidence in Conflict: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Zg65eK9XU

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

For eight years, I've been refining my thoughts on public speaking, and it really just all culminated in this eight minute talk - The Secret to Great Public Speaking (No, It's Not Confidence). 

Here's a sneak peek, and for the full video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT2q1YKZQPE. And of course I'd love it if you left a review and comment!

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with her good friend, Brit Barron, a speaker, DEI consultant, and author of Do You Still Talk to Grandma? 

Brit's work offers a much-needed guide for navigating the increasingly polarized world we live in, helping us find common ground and connection even when perspectives diverge.

Brit and Jess discuss our divided society, examining why it feels harder than ever to see eye to eye. They challenge the tendency to categorize people into "good" or "bad" boxes and instead champion the power of nuance, where love and disagreement can coexist. 

We also explore:

• The difficulty of separating institutions from individuals in our current polarized climate.
• Why Brit's work focuses on the people already in our lives, not strangers.
• The concept of "progressive amnesia" and its impact on our interactions with others.
• The power of asking "Help me understand" in difficult conversations, especially in the workplace.
• How to be a better ally without falling into the "hero" trap.
• The "take the meat and leave the bones" metaphor for consuming information.
• The crucial "both/and" philosophy: how to hold deep love and deep disappointment in the same relationship.

About Brit Barron:
Brit Barron is a speaker, DEI consultant, and author of the book Do You Still Talk to Grandma?, which offers a compassionate framework for navigating difficult conversations and maintaining relationships across differences. Her work encourages empathy, nuance, and genuine connection in an increasingly divided world.

Resources & Links:

• Do You Still Talk to Grandma? by Brit Barron: https://www.amazon.com/You-Still-Talk-Grandma-Problematic/dp/0593594347/
• Find Brit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barronbrit/
• Find Brit on the web: https://britbarron.com/
• Find Brit on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britbarron/

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

This week on Amplify, Jess sits down with her good friend, Dr. Sarah Glova, a keynote speaker, writer, researcher, and unapologetic truth-teller. Her viral talk, "Stop Giving Women Advice," is backed by science, and when Jess saw the title, she knew she had to have her on the show.

Sarah thoroughly examines why unsolicited advice isn't just annoying – it can actually reinforce power imbalances, stifle confidence, and make women feel like they’re always playing catch-up. She reveals how her personal experience as a new wife, new mom, and new business owner led her to research the power dynamics of advice-giving. You'll hear about the fascinating studies showing who gives and receives advice, and how the act of giving advice can fuel a sense of power in the giver, often at the expense of the receiver.

We also explore:

• The "vitamin metaphor" for advice: good in moderation, toxic in excess.
• Why "women don't need more mentorship, they need more sponsorship."
• How to offer feedback that genuinely helps, not harms.
• The surprising reason why receiving no feedback is worse than tough feedback.
• Why the idea that you "need a team" to be a "real" entrepreneur is a myth.
• How to develop "advice literacy" and "eat the fish, spit out the bones."
• Turning negative comments and internet trolls into evidence of your reach.
• The power of asking "Do you want to talk about this, or do you want me to hate your enemies?"
• How to stay rooted in your values and beliefs, even when the world is throwing "always" and "never" at you.

About Dr. Sarah Glova:
Dr. Sarah Glova is a keynote speaker, writer, and researcher known for her insights on communication, leadership, and personal development. Her work challenges conventional thinking and empowers individuals to navigate complex professional landscapes with confidence and clarity. Her TEDx talk, "How to Achieve Your Goals with a Single Page," has garnered over 200,000 views, offering a powerful framework for focus and simplification.

Resources & Links:

• Watch Sarah’s TEDx Talk – "How to Achieve Your Goals with a Single Page": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeXSrEMXvQk&pp=ygULc2FyYWggZ2xvdmE%3D
• Find Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sglova/
• Find Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahglova/

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Jess sits down with Sarah to talk about the abrupt whiplash of parenthood—from the identity crisis, the rage, the silence, and the slow process to recovery. Sarah’s book The Mother Load has been resonating with women across the country,  because it tells the truth so many are scared to say out loud.

Jess and Sarah talk about:

• The myth of “having it all” and how it's wrecking women
• The pressure to feel instant joy in motherhood—and what it’s like when that doesn’t happen
• Sarah’s career, identity, and the raw unraveling that led to her writing this book
• Why speaking the truth, especially when it’s messy, is a revolutionary act
• How can we stop pretending, start listening, and actually support each other better

Resources & Links:

The Mother Load by Sarah Hoover: https://www.amazon.com/Motherload-Episodes-Brink-Motherhood/dp/1668010135
Watch Sarah on the Today Show: https://www.today.com/video/sarah-hoover-talks-the-motherload-postpartum-depression-more-229965381509

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

This week, Jess sits down with Selena Rezvani a LinkedIn Top Voice, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of Quick Confidence, to dismantle the myth that confidence is something you’re born with.

Spoiler: it’s not. It’s something you build, one rep at a time.

Selena shares the uncomfortable story of being pushed into public speaking before she was ready and how that terrifying blur of a moment unlocked a career she never saw coming. She talks about the hard truth of over-preparing, why winging it is a form of self-sabotage, and how to turn stage fright into fuel.

You’ll also hear:

• How to make friends with your nerves instead of fighting them
• Why theatrical body language can skyrocket your stage presence
• The unexpected power of your most embarrassing stories
• What it really means to be your own best friend before a big moment

About Selena Rezvani

Selena is a speaker, author, and leadership consultant whose work focuses on helping women and marginalized professionals show up with more confidence and self-advocacy. She’s the author of Quick Confidence, Pushback, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor, reaching millions with her content on leadership, confidence, and communication.

Resources & Links:

Read Selena’s Book – Quick Confidence: https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Confidence-Authentic-Connections-Yourself/dp/1394160941
 Watch her TEDx Talk – "Interrupting gender bias through meeting culture": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX3GuacF6l8
Catch her daily content – Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn @selenarezvani

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Molly Fletcher is a trailblazing former sports agent who spent nearly two decades negotiating contracts for the world’s top athletes and coaches, earning her the nickname "the female Jerry Maguire." Today, she’s a keynote speaker, author of The Energy Clock and Dynamic Drive, and host of Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. Known for her powerhouse presence on stage, Molly speaks globally on peak performance, leadership, and building confidence through action. 

Resources & Links:

• Read Molly’s Book – Dynamic Drive: Achieve More by Doing Less
• Molly’s Podcast: Game Changers with Molly Fletcher
•  Watch Molly’s TED Talk
• Watch the LinkedIn Live 

Connect with Molly:

• Website: mollyfletcher.com
• Instagram: @mollywfletcher
• LinkedIn: Molly Fletcher
• Twitter/X: @MollyWFletcher
• YouTube: Molly Fletcher

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

In today's episode, Lorraine will share proven strategies to help you stand out, gain influence, and create a presence that makes you truly unforgettable.

Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Zoom, Cisco, and McKinsey & Company, have adopted Lorraine's frameworks. With hundreds of thousands of LinkedIn followers and a reputation as a LinkedIn Top Voice in workplace communication, she knows what it takes to build influence and visibility in the modern workplace.

• Preorder Lorraine's book! -->https://a.co/d/5aXc1El 
• Get Lorraine's freebies! --> https://bit.ly/4hzxyAx

About Lorraine K. Lee

Lorraine K. Lee is an award-winning keynote speaker, best-selling author, and founder of RISE Learning Solutions. She specializes in helping professionals enhance their presence, influence, and impact in the modern workplace. With over a decade of experience as a founding editor at tech firms like LinkedIn and Prezi, Lorraine has developed a deep understanding of effective communication and leadership.

Her book, Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career (Wiley, 2025), encapsulates her expertise in professional development. Lorraine is also a respected instructor at LinkedIn Learning and Stanford Continuing Studies, where she teaches courses on topics such as executive presence and virtual communication. Her insights have been featured in major publications, including CNBC, Forbes, and Fast Company.​

Lorraine's journey into public speaking began in 2021, and following a layoff in 2022, she launched her own company, RISE Learning Solutions. Through this platform, she offers training and consulting services to organizations aiming to empower their teams. Her work has positively impacted professionals at companies like Zoom, Amazon, Cisco, and McKinsey & Company. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in workplace communication, Lorraine inspires individuals to take control of their careers and stand out.​

Keep up with Lorraine!

Website: lorraineklee.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee
X (formerly Twitter): @lorraineklee
Instagram: @lorraineklee
Facebook: facebook.com/lorrainekleespeaking​

To see the LinkedIn Live, check it out here! https://www.linkedin.com/events/creatinganunforgettablepresence7303073852949958657/theater/

In this episode of Amplify with Jess Ekstrom, Jess sits down with author, speaker, and former Google exec Jenny Wood to talk about how to move through fear and unlock more success, joy, and courage in your career.

Jenny shares stories from her 18 years at Google and her new book Wild Courage, including how chasing a stranger off the New York City subway helped her rethink what it means to take bold action. Jess and Jenny also discuss negotiation tips, communication tricks, and the hidden power in words we’ve been taught to shy away from—like "obsessed" and "manipulative."

So, have you ever held yourself back with a “what if"? Or watered down your ask before you even sent it?

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to reframe fear and take bold action anyway
• Why women often pitch and then immediately pull back (and how to stop!)
• How to negotiate without negotiating against yourself
• The ping-pong strategy for pricing and salary conversations
• Communication swaps that instantly increase your confidence and clarity
• The importance of saying no to the “Baltics” so you can go after the “Boardwalks”

Resources & Links:

• Follow Jenny Wood: https://www.jennywood.com/
• Preorder Wild Courage: https://itsjennywood.com/book
• Learn more about Mic Drop Club: https://micdropworkshop.com/club/
• Watch the full LinkedIn Live: https://www.linkedin.com/events/linkedinlivewithjennywood7285395759791763456/comments/

Rate & Review: Enjoying Amplify with Jess? Rate us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a review to help more people discover the show!

Follow Jess on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author/ - to stay up to date with her LinkedIn Live series, where these episodes originate.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Lindsay shares practical insights on how to engage your audience, bring the right level of energy, and avoid sounding like a phony game show host. They discuss how to turn up the dial on your presence in an authentic way, why confidence comes from preparation, and how even minor tweaks in gestures and posture can make a difference.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to sound engaging without feeling like you’re putting on a performance, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between a “spotlight speaker” and a “lighthouse speaker”
• How to boost your presence without overdoing it
• Why watching yourself on video can improve your speaking skills
• The surprising impact of hydration on your stage presence
• How to handle disengaged audience members without losing confidence

Whether you're stepping onto a keynote stage or leading a team meeting, these tips will help you show up with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Lindsay Boccardo: https://www.lindsayboccardo.com/
• Learn more about Mic Drop Club: https://micdropworkshop.com/club/
• Watch the full LinkedIn Live: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author_with-ai-front-and-center-soft-skills-are-activity-7289699709328240641-xaH9

Rate & Review: Enjoying Amplify with Jess? Rate us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and leave a review to help more people discover the show!

Follow Jess on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author/ - to stay up to date with her LinkedIn Live series, where these episodes originate.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Walk West and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

 In our season 3 finale, Kelsey tells her story and how it led her to become a sought-after public speaker

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Kelsey O'Connor's Speech: https://www.kelseyoconnor.net/videos/v/beyondperformance
Life Beyond Labels Podcast: https://sportsepreneur.com/welcome-life-beyond-labels-podcast/

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

It initially shocked me, but then I realized why it makes sense.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Can we prioritize our careers, marriages, partnerships, and kids at the same time?

Today, Dr. John Delony gives us his tips.

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Dr. John Delony is a mental health expert who offers guidance on relationships, anxiety, and wellness.
Dr. John Delony Show: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrJohnDelonyShow
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndelony/

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

Most of us (including me!) won't make it big time. But I still have something to offer that people find value in. 

And so do you.

So, how do we measure our progress to maximize our potential and the value we give others?

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

But she didn't get her raise in that meeting - she was let go instead.

Today, Therese shares her journey to becoming a world-class keynote speaker, which was initially filled with rejection and fear of inadequacy but ultimately led to her finding her first gigs.

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Therese Gopaul-Robinson is a Keynote Speaker and Healthcare Consultant who's obsessed with helping women in leadership.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

"How many stars are there in the galaxy? How do I make a sourdough starter? What does it mean when something uploads “to the cloud"?

Well you do have that assistant - your phone.

Having all that knowledge at our fingertips is convenient, but does this convenience stop us from acting like students, being beginners, and trusting ourselves?

Perhaps access to all this information is a primary reason for killing our motivation.

And that's what I'm digging into today.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

And yet, even with her success, Lindsey still encounters imposter syndrome - especially when (despite the accolades) she feels like her business is failing.

Through her experiences, she realized the common pitfall of equating self-worth with success, a challenge familiar to many high achievers in today's hustle culture.

However, Lindsey's perspective shifted as she began to see imposter syndrome as a sign of stepping out of her comfort zone, using it as a motivational tool to turn obstacles into opportunities.

And here's what she learned in the process.

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Lindsey Epperly is the CEO of JetSet World Travel and host of Who Made You the Boss? Podcast.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

In this episode, I'm sharing tips on how to ease your nerves before a speaking engagement, whether on stage as a keynote address, in a meeting, or at a wedding.

I’ll walk you through quick tricks, like using peppermint and box breathing to calm yourself in the moment, and why making eye contact is a game changer.

So the next time you step on stage, you'll have the confidence to own it.

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Surprise! It turns out it's not as easy as it seems!

Today’s guest, Lashonda Brown, a tech educator and founder of Bootstrap Biz Advice, explains that passive income takes years of hard work and system-building.

So, what should you do, and how can YouTube help?

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

We did something we now call “try it on.”

We had questions about finances, mail, and skincare routines, but we went for it anyway.

And here's what happened.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

You’ve likely come across countless reels and TikToks suggesting that you meditate each morning, cultivate gratitude, practice mindfulness, work out, time-block your day, drink 100 ounces of water, fast, prioritize self-care, and read a few pages from your book.

And then reality sets in, and you've got to feed the baby, pack lunches, or take care of that client fire.

So, what should you do to get your mind and body right to start your day?

Are you ready to revamp your morning? Take Tiffany’s 5-day morning challenge!

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Tiffany Lanier is a Keynote Speaker, Facilitator on Change and Wellbeing, 2X TEDx Speaker, and Creator of The Morning Shift.
She's also the author of the children’s book “I Can’t Wait to Vote,” which introduces young readers to the voting process.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

The reality is that most businesses probably started like my first business.

• I had no idea what gross or net meant.
• When asked, "How is your business structured?",  I would respond, "Strongly." 
• A five-year plan - heck, even a five-month plan - was laughable

I had no idea what I was doing, but I just pressed start.  And I learned that it's ok to learn by failing.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Katie Quesada, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and storytelling consultant, believes workshops are not about teaching but guiding participants to discover their insights.

In today's episode, Katie shares how to design and deliver workshops that help individuals and teams become “story collectors,” using their personal and brand narratives to forge deeper connections.

Discover her core philosophy of "stories over stuff" in structuring a workshop, which may inspire you to create your own.

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Katie Quesada is a Storytelling Consultant, Speaker, and Coach.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

We need to be strategic about our networking efforts. But what exactly does that mean, and what are the steps we should be taking to get our names out there more.

Today, Jess is joined by Chelsea C Williams, and she has some tips!

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. How can I continuously improve visibility and generate referrals for business growth?
2. How can I balance personal stories and business topics in public speaking?
3. Why is it crucial to incorporate DEI into workplace conversations and leadership?

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Chelsea C Williams is an entrepreneur, workplace educator, and professional speaker. Her company Reimagine Talent delivers HR and career development solutions.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

Sidenote: We highly recommend watching Jess's keynote on YouTube to see her practices in action!
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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

So what do we do about that?

Today, Jess and Coach Kiah Twisselman talk about embracing imperfections and projecting confidence on stage.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. The Power of Vulnerability: Coach Kiah shares her unique approach to speaking, which combines humor and deep emotional connection. Learn how her personal journey of healing has empowered her to connect with audiences on a profound level, making them feel seen and understood.
2. From Ranch Life to the Spotlight: Discover how Kiah transitioned from a successful weight loss journey to a vibrant speaking career, including her experiences on national platforms like Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show. She reflects on the pivotal moment that led her to fully embrace her role as a keynote speaker.
3. Navigating Confidence Onstage: Jess and Kiah discuss the fears and insecurities that often arise before stepping onto the stage. Kiah reveals her strategies for overcoming nerves and staying authentic, including a humorous anecdote about dealing with sweat on national television.
4. The Myth of Masculine Confidence: The conversation explores how traditional notions of confidence can be restrictive, especially for women. Kiah offers insight into finding and embracing a style that aligns with one's true self rather than conforming to external expectations.
5. Finding Your Personal Style: Kiah talks about her journey to discovering a style that reflects her personality and makes her feel confident. She emphasizes the importance of wearing what makes you feel good and how it can enhance your presence on stage.
6. The Impact of Authenticity: Learn why Kiah believes that showing up as your true self—complete with your quirks and imperfections—is more powerful than trying to fit into a predefined mold. She shares how being authentic not only benefits you but also resonates deeply with your audience.

Quotes to Remember:

• “I like to tell people that I want to bring you on an emotional journey with me. We are going to laugh. I'm like one part motivational comedian. And we're also going to cry. Like we're going to talk about the hard things.” – Coach Kiah
• “It is the things that we generally feel most shame about that are the most healing for other people to hear.” – Coach Kiah
• “Stop waiting to lose the weight to go and find your style. Stop waiting to lose weight to finally wear the swimsuit and get in the pool with your kids.” – Coach Kiah

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Coach Kiah Twisselman is a former cattle rancher turned motivational speaker and life coach.

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(00:05:16) "Embrace vulnerability to unleash your power." 

(00:09:04) "Facing fears in public speaking leads to empowerment." 

(00:12:06) "Confidence in speaking comes from embracing your style." 

(00:19:01) "Choose self-acceptance over societal beauty standards." 

(00:21:24) "Your speaker identity shapes thought leadership impact."

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

Does that sound like you?  

Yeah me too, until I was a beginner at two things that challenged me and changed my mindset - being a mom and stand-up comedy.

Here's what it taught me. 
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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

She talks with Jess about her journey after Mic Drop, sharing tips for aspiring speakers on what to know, how to handle rejection, and why setting boundaries is key—even if that means saying no sometimes, and that's okay!

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Dr. Cassandra LeClair is a speaker and leading expert in research-based communication strategies to build corporate resilience, and the author of Being Whole: Healing from Trauma and Reclaiming My Voice

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(00:01:03) Transforming Public Speaking into Engaging Storytelling

(00:07:12) Navigating Rejection and Self-Worth in Monetization

(00:08:23) Embracing Rejection: Path to Speaker Success

(00:11:21) Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Positive Self-Image

(00:18:06) Effective Communication Through Setting Boundaries

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

Sometimes, it feels like a double-edged sword. You don't want to miss any chances, but saying yes for the sake of saying yes can lead to quick burnout.

In this episode, Jess shares a mantra that helped silence her FOMO, and hopefully, it will do the same for you.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Learn tips on self-improvement, on-stage speaking, stepping out of your comfort zone, and prioritizing emotional well-being to lead a more fulfilling and enriched existence. 

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(00:00:32) Embracing Masculine Growth and Connection Newsletter

(00:03:08) Celebrating Accomplishments for Personal Growth

(00:17:14) Celebrating Value and Empowerment in Males

(00:23:05) Man Morning Meetings for Emotional Release

(00:23:06) Emotional Support for Men: Man Morning Gatherings

(00:28:07) The Power of Authenticity in Presentations

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

We all rave about the 30 under 30 lists, but did we ever stop to think that maybe it was easier for them because they didn't have anything to risk? 

And maybe we're on the right track to success regardless of the time.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

She entered the digital course industry, which allowed her to work from home while still making money. Starting small, her first course made just $267, but she pulled in over $100 million in revenue through tweaks and relaunches.

How did she do it?  How can you leverage digital courses to balance work and family life and generate income while being present for your family?

Let's find out!

COURSE CONFIDENT: A Live Two-Week Bootcamp Experience

(00:03:14) Flexible Online Courses: Redefining Women's Empowerment
(00:04:13) "Freedom is whatever it is that you want in terms of how to design your life. That is your freedom."

(00:07:56) Power of Inspiring Examples for Motivation

(00:15:52) "Less is more here. Get someone from point a to point b as fast as humanly possible. Take all the fluff out."
(00:22:41) You just need the 10% edge
(00:26:53) "They started and you didn't. That's the only difference, my friend. So just get started."

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop

Today, we tackle the pervasive issue of FOMO—fear of missing out—and how it leads to a cycle of delaying joy.

Let's find out how to stop letting FOMO and unrealistic expectations control our lives.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Our guest today is the First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid. Not only is she the best-selling author of Secrets of the Sprakkar, but also a passionate advocate for gender equality, utilizing her platform to organize significant events like a gender equality strike in Iceland, fighting wage disparities and gender-based violence.

But she doesn't just support gender equality in politics but also for everyday women, from self-care to unrealistic expectations of women "having it all."

BTW, this isn't Jess's first interview with Eliza. 

Listen to how their initial chat helped Jess rediscover her identity after having a baby.

(00:00:33) Influential Initiatives by Iceland's First Lady

(00:01:26) Icelandic Gender Equality Strike to Address Inequalities
(00:06:00) Breastfeeding during a meeting - and no one cared
(00:11:15) How are you feeling about the next chapter?

(00:19:14) Media's Gender Bias: Critical Disparities Unveiled

(00:26:40) Embracing Life's Unexpected Chances and Growth

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Learn how this sentiment inspired Jess to create a speaking course exclusively for women. 

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Even though Gen X and baby boomers experienced some stressful situations, anxiety wasn't at the forefront of everyone's minds. So why is this happening to millennials in Gen Z, and what can we do about it?

Dr. Lauren Cook is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and author of Generation Anxiety and joins us to address the question of why younger generations are so anxious. 

(00:01:29) "Embracing the Process: Mentors and Chunking"

(00:04:43) Primal Nature of Anxiety Responses

(00:07:38) Body-Involved Holistic Approach to Anxiety Healing

(00:16:36) "Building Confidence Through Strategic Career Steps"

(00:22:21) Comforting Strategies to Manage Public Speaking Anxiety

(00:26:03) Proactive Embrace: Navigating Anxiety with Empowerment

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Shortly after, she was on the TEDx stage. 

Today, Corrie talks about her Mic Drop experience and what she's accomplished since jumping off the corporate ladder.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Maybe you’re doing something close to what you wanted to do as a kid, or maybe you’re on a different planet than what you’d initially vision-boarded in the cafeteria with your milk carton dunking your dinosaur nuggets. Still, either way, your answer is telling.

Why?

Tune in to find out!

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Jess is joined by Arel Moodie, who is revolutionizing the speaking industry with Talkadot, a tool for quickly getting feedback from the audience, collecting testimonials, and capturing people in the audience who want to book you to speak again.

Learn how a platform like Talkadot can simplify building a speaking brand to get more paid gigs. 

(00:00:33) Enhancing Speaker Credibility with Talkadot Feedback

(00:02:10) Data-Driven Feedback Gathering Tool: Talkadot

(00:02:48) Enhancing Speaker Pricing with Data-Driven Insights

(00:09:24) Empowering Speakers through Automated Lead Generation Technology

(00:15:13) Evolving into a lighthouse speaker mindset

(00:18:41) Building Community Through Email Engagement

(00:22:56) Enhancing Presentation Impact through Talkadot

(00:28:45) Leveraging Data Analytics for Speaker Success

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Nothing to read, nothing to scroll, nothing to listen to but your own thoughts.

Sounds scary right?

Except maybe boredom is the key to unlocking the next big idea.

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Saul has turned his dreams into reality. He's worked at some of the biggest names in the animation industry, including Disney Studios, MTV, ABC, Netflix, Mattel, and DreamWorks.

But that's not all.

He's also a life coach, a speaker, and a podcaster, helping others unlock their limitless potential. Today, we learn his story of the power to dream and gain self-belief despite setbacks and adversity.

(00:00:01) Fulfillment Through Creating Positive Impacts

(00:03:10) "From Childhood Dream to Disney Animator Success"

(00:07:54) Embracing Self-Belief for Craft Mastery

(00:12:41) "Embracing Challenges for Personal Fulfillment"

(00:16:27) The Power of Perseverance Through Failure

(00:18:55) Feedback-driven Mentorship for Personal and Professional Growth

(00:26:40) "Authentic Connection for Lasting Impact"

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Saul Blinkoff is a global keynote speaker, animator, director, and host of the Life of Awesome Podcast.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

A Yale study might hold the answer and help transform her mindset.

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Our guest, Kate Rosenow, is a business systems strategist and the owner of "Work Well with Kate." She's an expert in helping service-based business owners scale without overwhelming (and understands this challenge firsthand as a mother!). She advocates for robust systems and clear boundaries in work and personal life, emphasizing planning, coordination, and reclaiming personal time.

 Kate's holistic approach encourages mothers to prioritize happiness while pursuing business goals.

Who knows? Maybe it's possible to have it all without getting too stressed.

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Kate Rosenow works with service-based business owners to implement the right systems and operations so they can scale their business and create consistent income without working crazy hours. 

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

She and Jess discuss balancing motherhood with career aspirations and embracing both simultaneously.

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Megan Reilly is a keynote speaker, COO of Tippi Toes, and host of the Who is Your Momma? Podcast.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

How did she do it? And how can you step up your LinkedIn presence to increase demand for your speaking?

Let's find out!

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Melanie Borden is the Founder and CEO of The Borden Group, which transforms businesses and executives on LinkedIn by increasing their reach, impact, and brand marketing effectiveness, turning their personal brands into a powerful channel for achieving growth and fulfilling their mission.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Lindsay talks about mistakes, bringing your full self to the stage, and how to practice the inevitable flubs - because they will happen!

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Lindsay Boccardo is a keynote speaker who works with organizations who are ready to maximize the talent of multiple generations in their workforce.  She's also the creator of the Dynamic Delivery Course inside Mic Drop Workshop.

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Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Jess unpacks Moment to Meaning and shares how it applies to becoming a more powerful, more memorable speaker.

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

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Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a human behavior expert, licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

And the two words the woman taught her completely changed Jess's perspective on overthinking and creativity.

Rate Amplify on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and leave a review for Jess Ekstrom.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Founder and CEO of Change Enthusiasm Global, Cassandra Worthy, needed that change. She was a chemical engineer 15 years into her career at Procter and Gamble and thought she would retire there, but a voice inside told her there was more out there. 

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Cassandra Worthy is founder and CEO of Change Enthusiasm Global, a boutique consulting firm with clients that include several Fortune 500 companies, and the author of Change Enthusiasm: How to Harness the Power of Emotion for Leadership and Success.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

They just released a new book, ADHD is Awesome, and are here to share their perspectives on the challenges and superpowers of Penn's ADHD. 

Listen and see how ADHD helps them with speaking prep instead of hindering it.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Maybe you've heard critics and the voice inside your head tell you that broadcasting your message to a small audience is "cringe-worthy."

Well, maybe it's time to embrace the cringe!

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Marc joins Jess to discuss the importance of experimentation on stage, the value of continuous improvement, adapting to audience feedback, and why he’s committed to supporting women in professional speaking.
–
Marc Randolph is the author of That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea. 
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[01:30] “99% of the time, they don't work. And those aren't failures.”
[04:00] Marc’s standard talk and hero’s journey framework
[07:00] Why and when Marc will work for cheap
[10:30] “The most obnoxious beginning to a story ever.”
[14:00] Spotlight speaker vs Lighthouse speaker
[15:45] How can women get more placement on stages?
[20:00] Everybody has something worth sharing
[22:00] The audience - “Not only are they looking at their phone, they're talking on their phone!”

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

But did that really matter?

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Join us as Jess chats with Heather Monahan, who shares her transformation story from sales manager to successful keynote speaker, while emphasizing the value of authenticity and aligning personal stories with industry problems. 

She also shares her tips on visualization and positive affirmations for public speaking success. 

Heather Monahan is a Top 50 Keynote Speaker in the World 2022, TedX Speaker, Podcast Host of Creating Confidence, 2X Best-Selling Author (Confidence Creator and Overcome Your Villains) and the CEO of Boss in Heels.

[02:53] Confidence is the key to speaking success.

[05:48] How a lost job led to intrinsic confidence.

[10:56] Caring enough or caring too much?

[17:26] How research, asking questions, and solving problems leads to increased revenue.

[23:29] Investing in yourself and declaring your worth.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

But maybe now it’s time for your “No” era.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

But what does it mean to be gutsy?

Today, Natalie Franke shares her personal journey of facing a brain tumor diagnosis and infertility, while building her career. 

Jess and Natalie emphasize the continuous learning process of courage and the significance of self-reflection and embracing change. They also discuss the power of vulnerability, community support, and the value of integrity in personal and professional growth.

Natalie Franke is the Head of Community at Flodesk and author of Gutsy: Learning to Live With Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage.

[00:02] Courage looks different for everyone.

[03:20] Evolution of Natalie’s struggles and gutsiness.

[06:16] How Natalie changed her perspective on courage.

[10:13] Fear is natural but keep moving forward.

[12:56] The impostor syndrome advantage.

[18:46] Finding authenticity in breaking free.

[23:49] Building your inner circle.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Jess shares a story about a speaking event early in her career where she was picked up in a limo, and it seemed like an “I Made It!” moment. 

But instead, she was quickly reminded that not everyone was rooting for her success.

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Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Dana Rubin joins the podcast to explore the evolution of women's voices in history and the importance of inclusive communication. She discusses the need to document and share women's speeches, as well as showcasing diverse speeches. 

It’s time to amplify all voices for diverse perspectives - through effective communication strategies, the power of authenticity, vulnerability, and adapting speech to connect with audiences. 

Dana Rubin is the author of “Speaking While Female: 75 Extraordinary Speeches by American Women", and founder of the Speaking While Female Speech Bank.

[01:56] Men's voices dominate history, where are women's?
[03:48] History lesson: Women were silenced, but spoke up. 
[08:35] How we can support women to stand up and speak
[10:50] Including men in the conversation
[13:16] The power of the pause
[14:57] Overriding stereotypes
[17:04] Embracing emotions and authenticity

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Kids typically don't fear public speaking or sharing what's on their mind because they haven't been taught to think about what others are thinking of them. They haven't been taught that that maybe limits exist or maybe I'll fail.

So how did it go for Jess?

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Lorneka and Jess discuss the importance of prioritizing self-care and well-being for high achievers. They share insights on setting boundaries, recognizing red flags of neglecting personal health, and integrating self-care into daily routines. 

It’s not easy, but we can all learn how to be ambitious without sacrificing our physical and mental well-being.

Dr. Lorneka Joseph is a Pharmacist, Motivational Speaker, Life and Wellness Coach for high achievers and organizations redefining work and wellness.

[01:00] Introducing Dr. Lorneka Joseph
[04:30] How do we strike a balance of being an ambitious person, but not at the expense of our physical and mental wellbeing?
[08:30] “Without our health, we're absolutely nothing.”
[12:45] Red flags showing you’re not prioritizing self
[17:00] How can we unlearn productivity in a wellness-focused way?
[19:00] Dr. Lorneka’s stress-induced anxiety attack
[22:45] “ Just because I have the ability to do something, it doesn't mean that I have the capability to do something.”

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

If you’re barreling toward burnout, you’ll want to listen to this, as Jess shares some tips to help you get off the hamster wheel to something that resembles more of a work-life balance.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Speaking can be taught, speaking can be learned, and we have to learn it somewhere. So when you see someone that is up on stage, so effortlessly sharing their story, or it seems like they have all the confidence in the world, you know what? They have had insecurities before. That happens with anything. If we work at it, we mess up. 

Our guest today is Rachel DeAlto, and seems like someone who can be so effortless on stage. But that’s not the reality.

Rachel DeAlto is a relatability and communication expert, motivational keynote speaker, and author of relatable: How to Connect with Anyone, Anywhere (Even if it Scares You).

[01:30] “Rachel clearly isn’t capable of doing this.”

[05:11] Reflecting on past mistakes

[08:22] “The house is built. It's time to live in it. It's time to enjoy it.”

[10:57] Relatability in relationships and personal growth.

[13:10] Speaking relies on relatable stories, not AI.

[18:02] Building one-to-one connections.

[00:20:15] "My signature story is about a cat allergy."

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

She also shares a mantra with you to ease nerves before speaking, and discusses how to anticipate challenges and come up with solutions.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Leela Srinivasan sheds light on the challenges women face in negotiating fair compensation and the role of social media in amplifying their voices. 

Tune in to learn more about the efforts to promote gender equality in sports and how you can support women athletes.

Leela Srinivasan is the CEO of Parity, which helps brands tap into the power, popularity, and reach of pro women athletes.

[02:38] Closing the gender pay gap in sports.

[08:09] How Parity helps female athletes get opportunities.

[11:18] Importance of data and storytelling in speaking career.

[15:07] Don’t believe the headlines: Progress in women's pay is misleading. 

[21:32] Pay transparency and representation to navigate negotiations and create more opportunities. 

[24:59] How you can support female athletes and speakers.

[27:57] Life-changing experience in Africa.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

 But what about taking a moment to think about the relationship with yourself and your own self-worth?

Start by answering: "What makes you feel worthy?"

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

As a speaker, however, she noticed that diversity was clearly not a value of every event organizer.

Today, Jess and guest Deanna Singh emphasize the need for diverse perspectives in conferences and events to provide unique and valuable content to the audience. 

Deanna Singh is the managing partner of Uplifting Impact, and the author of Actions Speak Louder.

[03:34] Public speaking is a skill, not a gift.

[05:38] Overcoming fear and embracing imperfections in public speaking.

[09:40] Diversity (or lack of diversity) in the speaking industry.

[12:23] Creating equity and inclusion helps meet everyone’s goals.

[14:32] Increasing diversity by changing recruitment practices.

[19:56] Inviting diverse speakers only for diversity topics.

[21:50] Advocating for others and sharing opportunities.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Jess shares her own experience of feeling overwhelmed when the never-ending tasks never seem to reach the bottom of the pile.

Learn how she reduced burnout by embracing the never-ending pile.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Both ladies are on a mission to increase women's pay and communication surrounding it.

Today, Meggie dives into these 6 tips with Jess to help you get paid what you're worth:

• The need to build relationships with audiences
• Offering free resources (yes, to help you get paid more)
• The value of preparation in negotiations 
• Meggie's three W's framework for determining one's range in negotiations
• The power of saying no 
• Embracing an abundance mindset

Meggie Palmer is the founder of PepTalkHer, speaker, and journalist. She’s a native Australian who now calls NYC home.

[00:02:43] Gender pay gap is a problem. Start small, start local

[00:06:21] Craft a speaker statement and reach out to opportunities closest to cash.

[00:08:11] Negotiation for speaking engagements and non-monetary compensation

[00:11:37] Building referrals

[00:15:07] Negotiation is just a conversation, but requires knowing your worth

[00:21:37] The power of saying NO

[00:23:49] Building demand by creating FOMO can be powerful

[00:27:49] Collaboration and support are key

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today's Monday Motivation: "Faking it" shouldn't lead to "Making it".

When Jess began her career, she wanted everyone to believe she had it all figured out and thought the best way to prove that was through appearance and speech.

She would wear blazers and shoes that just weren't her style, try to emulate other leaders that she admired, and use words that weren't in her daily vocabulary.

But she realized quickly that faking it wasn’t serving her at all. It wasn’t until a “speaking gig” where she spoke honestly to the attendees that she found her voice.

Tune in to hear all about it.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

Today, Liz Forkin Bohannon talks to Jess what she calls “Beginner’s Pluck,, imposter syndrome, the power of storytelling, and the beauty of being an outsider.

Liz Forkin Bohannon is the Founder of Sseko Designs, keynote speaker, host of the Plucking Up Podcast, and author of Beginner’s Pluck.

(00:00) Introducing Liz Forkin Bohannon

(04:30) The awkwardness of being a beginner

(08:30) The problem with Earned Dogmatism

(12:30) Your responsibility to share your knowledge

(18:30) Liz’s evolution from business owner to speaker to thought leader

(22:30) “I can’t do math in public. Why are you bringing me to speak?”

(25:40) Beginner’s Pluck

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

In today's Monday Motivation, Jess explores how an optimistic beginner mindset can pave the way for future success.

From wearing a badge that said “Earning My Ears” while working at Disney to trying stand-up comedy classes, Jess shares stories to encourage a shifting mindset from “I’ve never done this before” to “I’ve never done this before, so I’ll start here.”

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

So, how do we consistently find the courage to take that next step?  Today, Antoinetta Mosley joins me for a conversation on courage - not just in speaking but other aspects of life.

Antoinetta Mosley helps people reach their highest potential by teaching them the power of consistently cultivating courage. She’s the founder of I Follow the Leader and Chief Encouragement Officer at Courage Candy, and I’m proud to say a Mic Drop Workshop graduate.

(00:00) Introducing Antoinetta Mosley

(03:25) Don’t DIY your DEI

(06:45) Calling out events that lack diversity

(11:15) “Hi, my name is (blank), and I help people (blank)”

(12:35) Antoinetta’s first gig

(15:00) How speaking has changed for Antoinetta over the last 7 years

(18:00) Courage in speaking

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

For today’s Monday Motivation, Jess talks about why habits and intentions are more effective than New Year's Resolutions.  

If one of your resolutions is to grow your personal brand, Jess is going to share some of her habits to make that goal happen, including speaking engagements, podcast guesting, and writing! 

Learn how to leverage your platform - to serve both yourself and everyone out there who needs to hear your message.

Amplify with Jess is produced by Earfluence, and brought to you by Mic Drop Workshop.

(00:00) The confidence journey

(03:56) Admitting vulnerability

(07:47) Breaking barriers

(11:00) Competition or support system?

(17:58) Conquering your content creation fears

(21:10) “What if you just let it be messy and you just let it be real and you just let it be you.”