S3Ep140: Owning the Pivot with Andy McNicol, Founder of AMstudio

At some point, every ambitious woman faces a moment that tests who she really is. When the title disappears, the safety net falls away, and all that’s left is her own voice. For Andy McNicol, that moment came after 22 years inside one of the most powerful talent agencies in the world. Laid off in the middle of a pandemic and preparing to become a single mom by choice, she had to decide whether to chase another job… or finally build something that was entirely her own.

What happened next wasn’t just a career pivot. It was a reclamation. Andy created AMstudio, rebuilt her identity from the inside out, and turned uncertainty into independence. Her story is every woman’s reminder that starting over isn’t a detour. It’s often the most direct path to your power.

Key Takeaways:

- The job doesn’t define you — your voice does.

- There’s no “right time” to start a new chapter.

- Following your passion isn’t reckless — it’s how you find your purpose.

- Community is your greatest asset in both business and motherhood.

- Authenticity beats “faking it” every time.

Learn More About Andy:

Website: amstudio.me

LinkedIn: Andy McNicol

Instagram: @mcnics

About Our Guest:

Andy McNicol is a Senior Agent at Aevitas Creative Management and founder of AMstudio - an advisory firm focused on content creation and its marketing. She has represented New York Times bestselling books for Sophia Amoruso, Chrissy Teigen, The Lady Gang, Tory Burch, and the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir, Melania and Me. She represents the writer and activist Tommy Dorfman, Jenna Lyons, as well as the national bestsellers -  All The Cool Girls Get Fired by Laura Brown and Kristina O'Neill, First Gen by Alejandra Campoverdi and We've Decided to Go in a Different Direction by Tess Sanchez. She works with the lifestyle brands La Double J and Flamingo Estates.  

Andy has spent her career in publishing, including 20 years with WME, where she was a partner and founding member of the Branded Lifestyle Group. She began her own strategic advisory - AMstudio in 2020, offering a holistic, 360-degree approach to multi hyphenate talent and market activation, and joined Aevitas Creative Management as a senior agent in 2024.

Andy and her work have been featured in The New York Times, Variety Magazine, and Adweek. She speaks regularly at industry events, on podcasts, and conferences on how to develop successful books and content platforms. Andy holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Art History from Yale University. She lives in Manhattan with her son Luke.

About Our Company, The Justice Dept.

A female-focused advisory, consulting, and law firm advocating for female founders, talent, execs, and brands. We represent bo$$ ladies to make them 💰💰.

Website:  https://www.thejusticedept.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jenniferjustice6653

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This is a Lady Business LLC Production.