Amy Jo Martin
Founder/Investor/Author/Podcast Host/Creator of the Renegade Accelerator
Favorite Quote, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln.
The entrepreneurial energy in Austin is tangible. Female founders and creators are prolific and increasingly cultivating community to help each other succeed. This is especially evident in Austinite Amy Jo Martin’s Renegade Accelerator, a program she designed to elevate and propel women in business through education and community. “It’s the career love of my life,” Martin says, sharing that the biggest common struggle she finds most women have is, “Their relationship with time.” She believes the solution is, “To find that place where purpose, passion and skill collide,” explaining, “There’s a sweet spot in that intersection and it’s not something you find, it’s something you create. Delegating and focusing on what you’re uniquely qualified to do is key.”
Martin has started and successfully exited companies, made profitable investments and a New York Times best-selling book. She’s happily married to a spouse who not only supports her ambitions, but helps her produce them and she’s mom to a healthy baby boy born at just 27 weeks. She’s currently working on her second book, hosts a popular podcast and invests much of her time (and often money) into women in the accelerator. It’s where she’s found the intersection of where her purpose, passion and skill collided, and it’s where she’s found her bliss. But, she admits that it’s a moving target that needs constant refinement. “Your intuition is the best GPS you will ever have in getting you where you want to go,” she says.” You have an opportunity to optimize the GPS every single day. It’s a daily practice that compounds over time.”
By the end of the 2021 nearly 200 women will have gone through the accelerator. The mosaic of women include Global SVPs, VC’s, PhD’s and even an Army Colonel who is also an orthopedic surgeon. You can find Martin on social media @amyjomartin, learn about the accelerator at http://RenegadeAccelerator.com and tune in to her podcast, Why Not Now? for regular doses of inspiration.
We caught up with seven other entrepreneurial Austin-based women, including five who are Renegade Accelerator grads, who each shared bits of wisdom.
Ari Palmer
Founder & CEO of TaxTaker
When did TaxTaker launch?
Late 2018
How many start-ups do you estimate you’ve helped so far?
250+
What’s your experience been like starting a company?
It’s been equal parts the most challenging and stressful as well as the most satisfying, and the most growth I’ve experienced in my entire life.
What do you love about living in Austin?
Austin is extra special in that wherever you might be from everyone adheres to this universal good vibe. There really is something for everyone here, and people genuinely want to see others do well.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
You are going to change your mind, doubt yourself, be impatient and think you need to figure everything out about your life 1000 times over and that’s OKAY. Your grit, determination, and openness to new experiences will pay off. Most of all, the faster you accept that you are uniquely you the better. Being you is more than enough, it’s extraordinary.
What was your biggest take away (so far) from the Renegade Accelerator?
It's so motivating to know that you have a tribe of badass entrepreneurs that are helping each other be a part of something so much bigger than each of us individually.
Robin Dochen Atwood
Research Professor at University of Texas
Favorite quote? "There are no problems, only opportunities for growth." – Rebbetzin Dena Weinberg
What is your area of focus? Public health and health promotion.
What is a long-term goal? I’m growing my consulting business, Emerging Perspectives. Our three-woman partnership creates space for all perspectives to be acknowledged, for people to seek to understand rather than agree, and to develop a clear path for action toward what matters most. Our approach builds the capacities of openness, curiosity, imagination, focus, and reflection, which we consider essential for thriving in today’s world.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
Personally: My family! My husband and I have raised two incredible daughters who are defining their own trajectories.
Professionally: I’ve developed and led diverse teams whose work has positively impacted the health of communities throughout Texas.
What do you love about living in Austin?
I live close to Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake. Being able to walk (or run) out the door and be minutes from one of the most beautiful running trails in the country is hard to beat!
What was your biggest take away (so far) from the Renegade Accelerator?
This experience has forced me out of my comfort zone, creating an unbelievable opportunity to learn and grow with other like-minded women.
Kat Stokes
Co-Owner of Korman Fine Jewerly
Quote: ‘CELEBRATE every day!’
What part of the business do you oversee?
I help with anything and everything but officially I oversee the marketing and buying. We hand select every piece of our multi-million dollar inventory so it keeps me busy!
What do you love about your job?
My favorite part of what we do is celebrating with our clients, finding the perfect piece and presenting it to create a memorable experience. Helping to commemorate everything from a Tuesday afternoon to life’s milestones is such an honor that brings so much joy to our lives and hearts.
What have you learned as an entrepreneur?
There’s way more to owning a business than meets the eye. But it’s so rewarding to build something you believe in and to use it as a vehicle to support the community that supports us.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
To pick a major based on passion and not employability. And follow your heart, not your head/money. Money will come if your heart is in it. Lean into the fun and enjoy the ride.
See everything currently sparkling at Korman at https://kormanfinejewelry.com
Alysha Light
Founder of FLIGHT PR and co-founder of Joint PR
Favorite quote? When you get, give. When you learn, teach.—Maya Angelou
How did growing up in foster care teach you (or inspire you) to become an entrepreneur?
When we think about youth who are growing up in the foster care system, we often think about the tragedies and the dismal statistics about where foster kids end up. But there are undeniable skills you learn: for instance, how to be resilient (you don’t really have a choice as it’s the only way to survive the chaos); the importance of self-advocacy (everyone needs to learn this skill regardless of their upbringing); and listening to your intuition. These are just three of the skills I really lean on that have helped me thrive as an entrepreneur.
What kind of clients do you specialize in?
I specialize in working with high-growth startups. But over the course of my career, I’ve worked with world-class companies like Google, Match Group, Samsung, and Taco Bell. I always joke that I’m industry agnostic.
What do you love about what you do?
Being able to tell stories about entrepreneurs and the businesses they lead is the reason why I do what I do and why I’ve had my business for 8 years now..Doing PR is not for the faint of heart and it can be emotionally and mentally taxing, but it’s wonderful to play a role in helping founders grow their business.
What do you love about Austin?
The feeling that I’m right in the heart of where so much development and innovation is happening. There’s also a sense of community here, the food is great and the people are really nice.
Jules Webber
Life Coach
What kind of life coach are you?
I’m the cheerleader and expert guide that every woman wishes she had in her love life and career. I specialize in intimacy and relationships.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m personally proud of how I’ve built a fast-growing business while taking care of my health. I’ve learned to listen to my body as I follow my ambition, even if it means slowing down, and I feel grateful to be teaching my daughters the same thing.
What do you love about living in Austin?
Walking to Uchiko for happy hour with my friends, or to Taco Deli with my kids after playing at Ramsey Park. Sunset runs around Lady Bird Lake. The outstanding entrepreneurs here doing meaningful work. The sense of community in this city is inspiring.
What was your biggest takeaway from the Renegade Accelerator?
The Renegade Accelerator expanded my idea of what I was capable of. Working alongside other women entrepreneurs supporting one another, anchoring in our purpose together, kept me on the path I wanted to set for myself.
Learn more: at http://juleswebber.com or find her on Instagram @juleswebber
Liz Matthews (2 pages if current layout)
SVP of Global Brand, Creative & Experiential Marketing at Dell Technologies
Favorite quote?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Dell was one of the first major tech companies to headquarter in Austin.
Dell was founded in a University of Texas dorm room in 1984 and we were one of the first to spark today’s rapidly growing tech scene in the Austin area - we’re so proud of that.
You’ve been at Dell for the better part of a decade, what do you enjoy about your job most?
By far, it’s the human connection, human connection within our four walls at Dell Technologies and the human connection our brand has with the world.
What do you think of the growth of the Austin tech market?
I could not be more excited. Diversity of thought and the new innovation that comes from it is how we’ll continue to see the city thrive for years to come – the more people and companies working towards that, the better. I don’t look at it like competition. To me, it’s truly about expanding our community. We just hope they appreciate the queso here as much as we do!
What advice would you give to a woman who wants to excel in tech?
Though it may sound cliché, it really is all about finding your tribe. Don’t underestimate the power of human connection to help you succeed.
What do you love about living in Austin?
Without question, I love the energy of the city the most. It truly is unmatched and lends itself naturally to innovation and creativity. Austin is also one of the most open, authentic cities I’ve ever visited or lived in – one of those places where you can truly be yourself.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Don’t stress about the future because the joy truly lives in the journey of life.
What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?
Personally, my biggest accomplishment is being a stepmom. It’s a relationship that you truly have to earn, grow, and cultivate. In a lot of ways, it’s made me a better leader in how I connect with people and my broader team.
Rosanna Godden (2 pages if current layout)
CFO Super Coffee
You recently took the reigns as CFO of Super Coffee. What attracted you to that company/role?
I have spent the last ten plus years of my career involved in large multi-national companies. When I met the Super Coffee team I was very excited to hear about their vision for the company. It was clear from my first meeting with Jim (the CEO) that the Super Coffee team was one I would personally enjoy working with and the company is going to go places fast. With my prior roles with Amazon, Starbucks, and Whole Foods I knew I would be a great fit and that I could make a direct impact at Super Coffee fairly quickly.
When you were at Amazon you oversaw their acquisition of Whole Foods! That’s huge. The Whole Foods Market acquisition was a great opportunity to disrupt an entire industry with a single transaction and it has been a great success for all involved, including me. I was very involved in the nuts and bolts and it was a major personal accomplishment of mine to bring the transaction over the finish line. Ultimately, it also brought me to Austin as a member of the Whole Foods team!
What has your experience been like being a woman in finance?
Finance is a fast-paced challenging environment regardless of your gender. I have always strived to work hard and smart by building solid relationships with my colleagues. Many financial professionals struggle to develop the interpersonal relationships and balance the commercial side of the business. By focusing on these softer skills, I have found greater opportunities.
What is your advice for women who want to pursue a career in finance?
Work hard and work smart. You will have all of the opportunities you deserve through persistence and results. If someone tells you that you cannot achieve something, double down your efforts and you will be successful. I have made my biggest steps in my career when someone told me I couldn’t do it. Additionally, when someone offers you an opportunity, say yes. I have always been pleasantly surprised at the unique and interesting roles that have come across my desk just by being open to new opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being able to make a positive impact. I enjoy building new teams and leading transformational initiatives that drive value across the entire organization.
What’s something you love about Austin?
I love Austin's live music venues and the added bonuses of great food, warm climate, and family friendly activities.
Wendy Howell
CEO of the Executive Council Network by YGC.
Favorite quote?
“Say yes and figure out how.”
What is Executive Council Network?
We amplify Fortune 500 executives through world-class summits, elevated executive presence and executive angel opportunities. We provide power of connections.
What advice would you give women who want to pursue a career in tech?
Know that you don’t have to be a technologist to be in tech. Figure out your passion and strengths and work towards roles that align.
What do you love about living in Austin?
The people are amazing. I adore the tech & startup scene as well as the non-profit and giving back vibe!
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Be bold and get comfortable with being uncomfortable
What is the most important takeaway from the Renegade Accelerator?
You MUST take the time to invest in yourself!