Can you start by telling us about you?
My business is Amy Hines Real talk. I am a public speaker telling my story and using my experiences to challenge and encourage others not to waste the pain. I'm not a motivational speaker. I speak. And what people choose to do with it is their own. For me, telling my story has been healing and empowering. An adventure. (And I love adventures!) It has challenged me beyond my limits. Without excuse, I talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly with humor and authenticity.

Why is telling your story important?
Many reasons. Reasons that surprised me when inmates in a prison started to cry when I was telling my story... It's healing and creates space for others to find their path to healing...your story might be the breadcrumbs others need to navigate their journey - or to just start asking the questions that help them realize what they need to heal from.

And as a culture, our current methods aren't serving us. We are quick to speak and quick to seek reasons to dismiss people because of their beliefs or experiences. We must learn to empathize with the people to our left and to our right. To have a conversation. To learn to listen more. To respect their experiences. Because for as much as we think we are different, we have a lot more humanity in common than we allow ourselves to honor.

What led you to your current profession?
With a mic in my hand (unexpectedly) in a prison, grown men serving multiple life sentences sitting in the audience were moved to tears - as was the male guard in the back of the room... after less than three minutes of speaking, the guard wiped his tears and told me "that was powerful..."...and in what felt like mere moments, I had a line of men in front of me asking me one question: "How can my kids get in touch with you?" And so began, Amy Hines Real talk.

What's your superpower?
From Hell's Angel's (and yes, I have known some in my day) to CEOs, I can relate to anyone. My story is vast and reaching. And if you didn't already know, so is yours. You just need to start telling it. Engaging with one another authentically is where real life happens...and we need a lot more of that in this world.

What's your favorite thing about what you do?
People feel seen when they engage with me.

What is one piece of advice you'd give your pre-career 20 something self?
Do ROTC in college, don't get married, still go into the Army for sure. But more of some things, less of others and do them for YOU. No one else. You'll get to this part of your journey with a lot less shrapnel that way.

What gets you up in the morning?
Jesus. I wandered far and wide for a long time...He kept me alive and welcomed me back with open arms. He is my "why."

How would you like people to describe you or see you?
Authentic. Powerful. And a Warrior - for them and for me.

When in your life have you felt most confident and why?
On the other side of recovery after my divorce, rape, abuse and suicide survival. Once I stopped running, telling myself I was "fine,"...I thought I was going to die going through the work of removing the shrapnel in my soul...but on the other side of what I call detox and healing, beauty arose from those ashes. My scars are reminders of God's goodness. He didn't cause the hell I walked through, but He never left my side. He walked through it with me and like an iron sword, I am sharper and stronger on the other side.

What is your favorite trait about yourself?
I am versatile. Army boots to 4" heels.

Do you have any exciting ambitions for the future?
Complete the launch of a mentorship program for kids of incarcerated parents.

Are there any myths you'd like to bust about your profession?
Anyone who speaks to you as if they have it all figured out is full of crap.

What lessons did you learn from the challenges created from the pandemic?
Girl, embrace those extra pounds. Your confidence and smile is sexy as hell. You are the best you anyone can be. Be all of you. Confidently.

What have you learned about leadership that doesn't get taught in schools?
There is a tremendous difference between being "in charge" versus being a "Leader." Know the difference. And be the difference.

What's been the best career advice you've ever received?
Just start. Don't wait for it to be perfect or the "right time"... all conditions will never be perfect to begin. So start now, and make adjustments toward your ultimate vision as you go. But just start.

What's your favorite aspirational/success quote and who is it from?
"Progress. Not perfection." --Me (Amy Hines)

Amy Hines is an advocate, veteran, and motivational public speaker and addresses topics about life, culture, and real truth. Her website is Amy Hines Real Talk.