From Publishing Prestige to Coaching Clarity: Leadership Lessons & Life Pivots

In this episode of ‘Between Over & Next’," hosts Holli and Robert reconnect with Amy Wilkins, formerly of Martha Stewart Weddings, as she shares her journey from publishing exec to leadership coach. Amy shares her vibrant journey from the bustling world of publishing with giants like Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Smithsonian Media to becoming a sought-after leadership coach. Listeners will gain insight into Amy’s decision-making processes as she navigated career pivots, driven by her desire for growth and leadership empowerment. Her narrative weaves through deeply personal experiences and significant professional transitions leading to a rewarding career dedicated to coaching others through their professional crossroads.

Amy discusses pivotal moments that influenced her career trajectory, such as dealing with leadership changes and economic downturns while at Martha Stewart, and ultimately realizing her passion for coaching. With her profound understanding of the "messy middle"—a term she uses to describe a particularly challenging phase in one's career—Amy is determined to aid others in not only surviving but thriving during transitional periods. Throughout the episode, Holli, Robert, and Amy emphasize the importance of choosing a fulfilling path, remaining adaptable, and leveraging personal experiences for professional growth. Amy's story is a testament to the power of choice, resilience, and strategic career transitions in the space between what was, what is, and what’s next.

In This Episode

0:00 Career Pivots and Leadership Insights with Amy Wilkins
4:26 Career Growth and Adaptability in the Publishing Industry
8:20 Navigating Career Challenges and Personal Growth Amid Adversity
18:19 Career Transitions and Leadership in Media Organizations
24:39 Empowering Women in the Messy Middle Through Leadership Coaching
32:34 Listening to Your Body's Warnings on Life's Journey
34:29 Navigating Life's Transitions with Purpose and Contribution

Key Takeaways

• Amy Wilkins transitioned from a successful career in media and publishing to leadership coaching, driven by her passion for empowering others.
• The "messy middle" is a critical phase in a career with increased responsibility, where Amy provides coaching to help navigate this complex period.
• Amy advocates for listening to personal intuition and recognizing when it's time for a professional pivot.
• Leadership and empowerment are central themes in Amy’s approach, encouraging professionals to embrace change and growth.
• Amy helps individuals incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines for professional and personal development.

Amy Wilkins Quotes

"What if I could choose awe, wonder, and curiosity in every moment, regardless of how the world is operating around me?"
"Every situation, no matter what can be looked at like a gift or an opportunity."
"I always loved empowering them… I like to let people's creativity flourish."
"For me, it's all about the people in my life…the moments where I got to be deeply connected with the people that I meet."
"I think what I was noticing is that I have a need to support and help others. It's like a burning need inside of me."
"Even if I had told my younger self some of those things, she probably would have been like, what are you talking about?"
"Your body's going to tell you stuff that you didn't even know you needed to hear."

About Amy Wilkins, Founder of Choose Awe LLC
Messy Middle Mindset Coach

Amy Wilkins established her coaching practice to empower women navigating the complex “messy middle” of their careers. With an impressive 35-year background in media sales, including senior sales and marketing roles at iconic brands like Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Smithsonian Media, Amy brings unique insight into leadership and transformation. She earned her ACC through the International Coaching Federation and is also a Positive Intelligence Coach. Amy gives her time to America Needs You, an organization supporting first-generation college students. In addition, she is connected to She Runs It having served on the board for 10 years (not consecutively) and continues to participate in the Mentoring program, something she has done for over a decade. Amy lives in New Jersey with her husband, daughter, and granddaughter. She loves spending time with family (including extended) and considers cooking in the kitchen the best kind of therapy. Most of the time, everyone wins! Amy also loves being outdoors in nature and often schedules “walking” calls with the people in her life.