In this episode, I speak with Amy Schutte, an entrepreneur, writer, and host of the Business, Origin, Stories podcast, about her journey of leaving a stable corporate career to launch her own strategic communications and branding agency after becoming a mother. Amy shares how motherhood awakened an intuitive part of her that led to a major life pivot, driven by a desire for a life and career that felt more in alignment.

Our conversation explores the "Karman Line," a powerful metaphor Amy uses for the personal thresholds we face and the new operating systems we need to cross them. We delve into her trademarked "Origin Stories" framework, a four-phase, mother-coded process for building sustainable and authentic brands. Amy emphasizes the importance of building a "fertile business" that supports your current season of life, rather than succumbing to hustle culture. You'll hear actionable insights on trusting your intuition, the necessity of creating space for yourself, and how to consciously co-create a life that feels true to you.

You'll also hear about:

• (01:47) The journey from a secure corporate job to purpose-driven entrepreneurship
• (07:57) How listening to a podcast about Sarah Blakely sparked a pivotal moment
• (11:37) The Karman Line: A metaphor for crossing personal growth thresholds
• (16:23) Navigating relationship changes and losing friends during transformation
• (22:56) The "Origin Stories" framework for building a resonant brand
• (32:28) Self-mothering practices and the importance of asking for support
• (37:01) The concept of a "productivity fast" and learning to embrace pleasure
• (42:29) What it means to create a sustainable and "fertile" business
• (45:00) Discussing the collective recovery from the pandemic experience
• (47:41) Amy's definition of what it means to "Rewrite the Mother Code"

Don't miss Amy's inspiring perspective on building a business and life that are deeply aligned with your personal truth!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Learn more about Amy Schutte:

• Learn more on Amy's Website
• Follow Amy on Instagram
• Connect with Amy on Linkedin
• Listen to the Business, Origin, Stories Podcast

Follow Dr. Gertrude:

• Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s website
• Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram
• Stay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s newsletter
• Pre-order Dr. Gertrude’s new book “

Episode Title Options:

• The Unveiling: Dr. Gertrude Lyons on Her Book Launch Journey
• Beyond the Book Launch: Navigating the Marathon of New Beginnings with Dr. Gertrude Lyons
• Realities of a Book Launch: Lessons in Self-Mothering with Dr. Gertrude Lyons
• From Sprint to Marathon: Dr. Gertrude Lyons Reflects on Her First Book

Body:

In this episode, I share an honest reflection on the journey of my first book launch. While the initial sprint of events and media has concluded, I delve into the unexpected parallels between launching a book and new motherhood. It’s a powerful, potent time, marked by both excitement and the unforeseen challenges that often remain unseen on social media.

I talk about the invaluable advice from Marianne Williamson and Margaret Nielsen on navigating this new territory, emphasizing the importance of presence and joy over overwhelming commitments. This episode is an exercise in self-mothering, acknowledging the moments of stress and disappointment while finding gratitude in unexpected downtime.

You'll also hear about:

• (01:59) – Equating the book launch journey to new book motherhood.
• (02:46) – Discussing the unique experience of a first-time author and navigating the unknown.
• (06:48) – Margaret Nielsen's advice on not saying yes to everything and prioritizing energy.
• (09:25) – Jessica Zwag's analogy of the "sprint" and "marathon" phases of a book launch.
• (10:40) – The feeling of downtime after the initial rush and the fear of everything ending.
• (12:46) – The contrast between social media's portrayal of perfection and the reality of book launch challenges.
• (14:13) – Sharing anecdotes about things that didn't go well, like logistical issues and canceled appearances, and how they became exercises in self-mothering.
• (18:20) – Discussing unexpected challenges like persistent rain during book tour and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.
• (25:30) – Discussing the concept of finding freedom and joy in letting go of expectations.
• (30:05) – Encouraging listeners to share their own experiences and reflections on new beginnings.

This solo episode offers a candid look at the emotional landscape of bringing a significant project to life, reminding us to embrace the full spectrum of the experience.

Follow Dr. Gertrude:

• Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s website
• Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram
• Stay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s newsletter

Pre-order Dr. Gertrude’s new book “Rewrite the Mother Code”

In this rich, heart-centered conversation, Dr. Gertrude Lyons speaks with family law attorney and equity partner Katy Mickelson about following a nonlinear career path, parenting through IVF, and how real life—not law school—became her greatest teacher. Katy shares what it means to bring creativity into a traditionally rigid field, why she values mentorship, and how raising teens has taught her as much as any courtroom.

They discuss balancing ambition with presence, how fertility struggles shaped her perspective on motherhood, and why authenticity is her superpower in both law and life. This episode is an honest, energizing reminder that there is no one way to lead—or to mother.

• (01:55) Mentoring future women in law and creating soul-aligned workplaces
• (05:40) Public relations, late pivots, and starting law school at 29
• (10:50) Combining creativity and law: why it doesn’t have to be boring
• (15:10) Gender dynamics in the legal field and carving a new path
• (19:20) Listening as a lost art in law, and why it matters most
• (24:45) IVF journeys, difficult diagnoses, and the shock of unexpected fertility challenges
• (30:50) Motherhood after 35 and the feisty embryo that made it against the odds
• (36:00) Parenting teens and what it means to watch your children become themselves
• (40:30) Guilt, growth, and the myth of perfect parenting
• (44:50) Real-life experience as an undervalued but essential skill

This episode is for anyone navigating career shifts, parenting complexity, or the unpredictable paths we take to become who we are.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Learn more about Katy Mickelson:

• Visit her Website
• Follow her on Instagram
• Connect with her on LinkedIn

Follow Dr. Gertrude:

• Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s website
• Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram
• Stay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s newsletter
• Pre-order Dr. Gertrude’s new book “Rewrite the Mother Code”