We recently connected with Amy Scruggs and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
In 2001, I stepped into the mortgage industry as a sales professional. Eventually I became a manager, helping my teams communicate more effectively, grow their networks and increase their sales. I did not anticipate that business was about to take a shift in 2007. When the mortgage industry collapsed, I created a quick mindset change and put a business plan in motion to focus on my passion for music. From that came the opportunity to tour as a recording artist. Utilizing the same business and communication skills that I had experiences success within sales, brought incredible moments to share the stage with some of the biggest names in country music. My additional passion for supporting the Veteran and Military community brought with it 3 years as the spokesperson for the American Veterans of California (AMVETS).
The decision to create new success as a recording artist came from a deeply driven passion. I knew I had a talent, so paired with the business training I had received in sales, a path was in motion. This combination allowed me to cultivate a fulfilling and diverse career path for myself. I ultimately stepped back into the business world in 2011 when the real estate and mortgage industry made a comeback and chose to combine it strategically with continuing to perform musically on request.
In 2017, I was given the tremendous opportunity to combine these skills and become a Media Professional and TV host. This included 5 years as the “Voice and Face” of Mutual of Omaha Mortgage with the assignments of writing, directing and hosting national digital marketing campaigns. The experience also involved being the in-house Media Coach for senior company executives and top sales performers.
As a TV host I was proud to be a part of the national TV show, “Financing the American Dream”, on CNBC. The other hosting and producing credits include the TV shows, “The American Dream TV”, “Lifestyles San Diego”, “Veterans One TV” and “The Retiring Right Show”. I’ve worked with countless business professionals and have found that among them there is a common thread: CEO’s and new professionals alike had a fear of being on camera. I began coaching these professionals right from their seats in the studio before filming to work through their discomfort. The hands-on experience brought to realization that there was a greater need for this niche of coaching.
“Amy Scruggs Media Coaching” began to thrive in 2020. The pandemic created a world that went completely virtual and on-camera, allowing me to use my skills to coach corporate clients, Artists, business professionals, startups, and nonprofit organizations. In 2021 I was honored to receive “Bestseller” with my book “Lights Camera Action, (Media Coaching For Professionals In Todays Digital World)” along with “Podmatch Guest Mastery” in 2022 as a contributing author.
My music career also continued with the recording of a new EP in Nashville, TN, produced by legendary music Producer Fred Mollin. The “Love Another Day” EP released in 2022 and the single “What if it All Goes Right” is now on radio and charted worldwide including reaching #66 on the Music Row Charts, along with being selected for the NY Times Summer 2022 Playlist.
The ability to shift during challenges and setbacks, eliminating fear of the unknown, and choosing to work in my passions have been a driving force for the opportunities that presented. Utilizing the tools from each job, the training, mentorships, networks, and lessons learned are the ingredients for the career and business that I am proud to have as both a media professional and music artist. I value the experiences from both that continue to bring new opportunities and successes.
Amy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Raised in San Dimas, California, Amy has been in front of the camera her entire life, either singing, performing or speaking. She is a classically trained pianist and vocalist who has been playing the piano since the age of 4. She has over 15 years of professional singing experience with large audiences where she opened for many country music greats including; Trace Adkins, Clint Black, Charlie Daniels, Little Texas, Hal Ketchum, Phil Vassar, Josh Gracin and others. Amy was featured in the July 2009 issue of Country Weekly Magazine as well as the September 2009 cover story for Nashville Music Guide. She recorded her first album, Right Here Right Now, in 2007.
In 2012, after years of touring the national stage full time, Amy decided to reenter the business world specializing in Business Development and Media Coaching for Executives. She spent the past 5 years as the “Voice and Face” of Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, where she wrote, directed and hosted a national digital marketing campaign. She was the in-house Media Coach for senior company executives and top sales performers. During that time, she was also the host for the national TV show, “Financing the American Dream”, on CNBC. Her other hosting and producing credits include the TV shows, The American Dream, Lifestyles San Diego, Veterans One and the Retiring Right Show. In 2021 Amy received “Bestseller” with her book “Lights Camera Action” along with “Podmatch Guest Mastery” in 2022 as a contributing author.
Amy recently recorded a new EP in Nashville, TN, produced by legendary music Producer Fred Mollin. The “Love Another Day” EP released in 2022 and the single “What if it All Goes Right” is now on radio and charted worldwide including reaching #66 on the Music Row Charts, along with being selected for the NY Times Summer 2022 Playlist.
Amy continues to use these same skills to coach corporate clients, Artists, business professionals, startups, and nonprofit organizations, and is considered one of the Top Media Communication Coaches in her field. Amy lives in San Diego, California, with her husband and grown children, and continues to perform and speak at events in support of the nonprofit and veteran community. Amy and her husband are proud members of the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, CA. She regularly speaks at Rotary clubs and National leadership events to discuss the power of using media, getting comfortable with being on camera, and presenting ourselves and our organization. These same communication tools used by businesses are also effective for nonprofits who are wishing to increase their memberships and funding streams
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
When I see the results of a project like one of my hit songs, or the success of the book become a living breathing part of my life and business, it brings with it a sense of joy and passion to keep creating more. Working with professionals in coaching I have the honor of watching their confidence change, their business grow and their communications in all aspects of their life improve. It is an honor to walk the journey along side them and know that my past experiences are being used to empower and inspire others.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
David Meltzer’s coaching and book “Connected to Goodness” have played a critical role for my continued positive mindset and not allowing limiting beliefs to keep me from the daily pursuit of my passion and potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amyscruggsmedia.com/ https://www.amyscruggsmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyscruggsmedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyscruggsmedia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyscruggs/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyScruggs