Redefining Success with Amy Somerville

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Amy Somerville, CEO of Success Enterprises, to explore the intersections of personal growth, professional development, and leadership. We discuss the role of fear, the power of leading with love, and the importance of creating meaningful impact in both work and family life. Amy’s vulnerability and insights make this conversation deeply inspiring and actionable for leaders striving to balance success with purpose.Guest IntroductionAmy Somerville is the Chief Executive Officer of SUCCESS Enterprises, a multi-platform media company that includes the iconic SUCCESS Magazine, SUCCESS Coaching, and SUCCESS.com.Amy is a mission-driven leader with demonstrated success in developing highly effective teams, delivering dynamic learning strategies, and building engaged communities. Prior to joining SUCCESS, she was Vice President of Professional Development and Industry Engagement at Buffini & Company and the Founder of Moment of Clarity, LLC. In her previous role as an executive with RE/MAX, LLC, she led Professional Development, Technology Engagement, Multi-Media Production, and Education.Amy is recognized as a go-to, high-energy speaker, panelist, and facilitator having shared the stage with people like Jay Leno, Wayne Brady, Brian Buffini, and many industry leaders while delivering value to audiences exceeding 7,000.She is a master of client engagement who responds to challenges with confidence, determination, and focus. She is also a passionate community-builder, gathering like-minded, successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople to share best practices for success.Amy earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Technical Communications at Colorado State University, did MBA coursework at the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Business, and completed an Executive Development Program at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She has served on several curriculum and education advisory boards and is a passionate contributor to The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.Amy and her college sweetheart, Lance, are proud parents of two tween daughters and regularly celebrate their “executive management leadership skills.” Amy loves spending time with family and friends and finds pure joy in cooking, hosting, and playing outdoors.Amy lives her life intentionally and is driven daily by the acronym L.I.V.E.: LEAD, INSPIRE, VALUE, EMPATHIZE.Key TakeawaysThe Role of Fear in LeadershipFear often drives defensive actions, leading to a reactionary mindset. By confronting fear and choosing love instead, we can foster proactive, intentional leadership.Love as a Leadership PracticeLeading with love involves gratitude, acknowledgment, and celebration. It shifts focus from self-protection to creating connection and driving growth.Vulnerability is StrengthVulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the foundation of growth. By admitting what we don’t know and embracing transparency, we create trust and authenticity.Balancing Personal and Professional LifeLife and work are interconnected. Recognizing the tensions and reflecting on priorities can help us navigate seasons of growth in both realms.Legacy: What You Leave In, Not ForTrue impact lies in what you instill in others—not just what you leave behind.Key Quotes“Fear or love—you get to choose. Your choice shapes your actions and the impact you have on others.”“Stop trying to separate life and work; they exist together. Lead with purpose in both.”“Legacy isn’t what you leave for people—it’s what you leave in them.”“When you lead with vulnerability, you allow others to trust, connect, and grow with you.”Overcoming FearAmy shares how fear once limited her confidence, particularly with public speaking. By confronting those fears and choosing growth, she transformed her challenges into strengths.Love Over Fear in ActionAmy provides a recent example of preparing for a high-stakes board meeting. Shifting her mindset from fear-driven defensiveness to love-driven gratitude changed the tone and outcome of her presentation.The Value of ReflectionRegular self-assessment helps leaders identify areas of growth, recalibrate priorities, and align intentions with impact.Parenting Lessons in LeadershipAmy reflects on how parenting has taught her valuable lessons about patience, presence, and the importance of instilling confidence in others—lessons she carries into her leadership.Final ThoughtsLeadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions. By focusing on what we’re leaving in others rather than what we’re leaving for them, we can create a meaningful legacy. Balancing life and work isn’t about achieving perfect harmony but rather navigating the tension with intention and love.Resources MentionedAmy’s Website: https://www.success.com/amy Follow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somerville_amym Follow Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymsomerville Follow Amy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.coonssomerville Join my upcoming free live online event: https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccess Key Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome01:44 Discussing the Role of Fear03:15 Choosing Love Over Fear04:26 Public Speaking Challenges05:57 Practical Applications of Love in Leadership10:23 The Importance of Vulnerability15:22 Balancing Personal and Professional Life21:46 Reflecting on Impact and Intent23:49 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations