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Fired at 27 — The Rejection That Built a Leader and Mentor

Girl, Why Not You?

Girl, Why Not You?
Fired at 27 — The Rejection That Built a Leader and Mentor
Mar 10, 2026 Season 1 Episode 6
Jennie Blackwood

What happens when rejection forces you to create your own path?

At just 27 years old, Amy Summers was fired from her job — a moment that could have ended her career.

Instead, it became the catalyst that led her to launch her own PR firm, Pitch Publicity, and ultimately dedicate her career to mentoring the next generation of professionals.

Today, Amy is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the leadership book Lift, where she shares practical frameworks for mentorship, communication, and leadership.

One of the most unique aspects of her company is her commitment to mentorship. Many of her team members are college interns learning real-world business skills, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for successful careers long before graduation.

In this episode of Girl, Why Not You?, Jennie Blackwood and Amy explore:

• The moment Amy was fired at 27 and how it changed her life
 • The leadership lessons learned from working under a “bad boss”
 • Why mentorship is critical for building confidence and success
 • How great leaders intentionally develop others
 • The truth about PR and why relationships matter more than spin
 • Insights from Amy’s book Lift

Amy’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most difficult moments in our careers become the foundation for our greatest impact.


Company: Founder of Pitch Publicity
Website:
https://lifttolead.com
Mentorship Platform: https://inicivox.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amysummersnyc/