31. When to Close a Door and Create Space for Opportunity: Amy Swift

Amy Swift Crosby is a brand strategist and copywriter. She has positioned or voiced messaging across the commercial spectrum, from iconic brands like Mandarin Oriental, PepsiCo, Guess Brands, Limited Brands, Pottery Barn, and BVLGARI to boutique brands like B&H Photo and Video, Sur La Table, The Wild Unknown, The Class by Taryn Toomey, ErgoBaby, Barre3 and legendary metaphysical bookstore, Bodhi Tree. Outside of these industries, she has created strategic plans and messaging campaigns for hospitals, real estate campus projects, universities, the U. S. Government, and the State of California.  Amy has also been active in the entrepreneurial space as a founder of SMARTY, a community for women-owned business leaders, and BDY SQD, a group of health and wellness studios in Boston and New York City. She now consults with brands, founders, and CEOs using brand strategy to drive growth and build relevance within a channel or industry. In this episode, Nada sits with Amy to discuss the decision to close BDY SQD’s doors in 2022. This rare and much-needed conversation is missing from the entrepreneurial playbook, and we are grateful to Amy for sharing her story.  Ending an entrepreneurial chapter is as important as launching one. The learning curve is steep and relentless, and in time can provide clarity that guides your next steps. Amy shares that she learned she would much rather be a CEO’s wingman than a CEO. She also acknowledges her need for work to return to something sensuous--something you find interesting that utilizes your skills. Amy recommends the Huberman Lab podcast, cold outdoor showers, "Four Thousands Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman, and “Six Walks” by Ben Shattuck.  Be sure to check out Amy’s website and her podcast, The Brand Smiths. Follow her on Instagram: @amyswiftcrosby Please follow us at @thisislibertyroad on Instagram--that's where we hang out the most. And please rate and review us —it helps to know if this podcast is inspiring and equipping you to launch and grow your ventures.