152: Amy Stone on Birthing a Business During the Pandemic

Some entrepreneurs choose their moment. Others have the moment choose them.

Amy Stone built a coaching business in the middle of a global shutdown while navigating blended-family dynamics, shifting relationships, and a world full of uncertainty.

Her story is a reminder that clarity often comes in motion, not perfection, and that reinvention isn’t only possible during chaos—it can actually thrive there.

Originally aired: January 17, 2023
This post has been updated and republished as part of rebuilding the Gratitude Geek podcast archive.

Since recording this episode, Amy and I have become friends. She’s my sounding board when I have a hairbrained podcast idea.

I’ve been on her new show, The Art of Imperfect Adulting. And we just recorded episode 303 of Gratitude Geek, due out later this month.

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Meet Amy Stone

Amy Stone is a certified life coach who helps step-parents and adults in blended families reduce drama and create more calm at home.

She brings decades of lived experience as both a biological and step-parent, along with a relatable, thoughtful approach to navigating complex family dynamics.

Through her business and her new podcast, Imperfect Adulting, she supports overwhelmed parents looking for clarity, confidence, and real-world tools that actually help.

What This Episode Is About

This conversation dives into the messy, human, and surprisingly universal challenges of blended families—difference in parenting styles, money tension, outsider feelings, and the emotional strain amplified during the pandemic.

Amy shares how the shutdown pushed her to shift from coaching athletes to coaching step-parents, the realities of launching a business during crisis, and the unexpected power of virtual networking.

For Gen X women building businesses in changing times, her journey highlights a truth we don’t talk about enough: clarity comes from doing, not waiting.

Key Takeaways

• Reinvention can happen in the least convenient moment and still succeed.
• Blended-family struggles aren’t unique—they’re often universal relationship issues.
• Pandemic stress amplified cracks in relationships and reshaped families.
• Asking for the sale is a practice, not a personality trait.
• Virtual networking opened doors that geography used to slam shut.
• Long-form content and SEO still matter when building an online business.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction
02:00 Amy’s journey into step-parent coaching
09:30 Parenting styles, discipline, money, and blended-family friction
18:00 Why so many pandemic divorces happened
22:00 Living with people is hard (and the pandemic magnified it)
27:30 Launching a business during crisis
36:00 Virtual networking and redefining connection
44:00 Asking for the sale without losing your mind
51:00 Amy’s daily moment of gratitude

Connect with Amy Stone

• Website: https://amysaysso.com/
• Podcast: https://imperfectadulting.com/

Resources Mentioned

• The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
• BNI

Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase. No added cost to you.

Your Turn

What resonated with you in this conversation? Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram or LinkedIn. Prefer to keep it on the blog? Drop a comment below.

Final Thoughts

Amy’s story is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t wait for the perfect season. Sometimes the season chooses you.

For Gen X women solopreneurs building businesses after decades of life experience, changing circumstances aren’t a roadblock—they’re raw material.

Keep showing up, stay curious, and let yourself evolve.

This episode of Gratitude Geek Podcast is made possible by SendOutCards.

Stay Groovy!