In this engaging episode of the Stand Up to Stand Out Podcast, we get into the inspiring story of Amy VanHaren, CEO of PumpSpotting, and her journey to build a company that truly makes a difference. Amy shares her insights on authentic entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments that shaped PumpSpotting, and the profound power of community in driving success.

From a challenging personal experience to a national and worldwide tour in July 2024, Amy's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and staying true to your vision. Discover how PumpSpotting is transforming the landscape of maternal support and how Amy's authentic approach to business and leadership has fueled its growth.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on:
Building a purpose-driven brand
The importance of community and connection
Navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship
The power of authenticity in business

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply looking for an inspiring story, this episode is a must-listen!

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Intro: Welcome to Stand Up. To Stand Out - Setting the stage for clarity, confidence, and influence.

(00:00:25) Guest Introduction: Amy VanHaren: Host Stuart Paap introduces Amy VanHaren, CEO of PumpSpotting and a builder of brands.

(00:01:12) The Origin Story of PumpSpotting: Amy shares the raw need and personal experience that sparked the creation of PumpSpotting.

(00:04:40) From Isolation to Innovation: Amy discusses turning a moment of loneliness into a mission to build a supportive community.

(00:05:48) The Drive to Build: Exploring Amy's passion and motivation to create PumpSpotting.

(00:07:44) Flipping the Script: Shifting the focus to human-centric support in maternal health.

(00:09:48) The Birth of Barb: The story of the PumpSpotting bus and its role in connecting with mothers.

(00:11:44) Overcoming Rejection: Amy recounts the experience on "Planet of the Apps" and the pivotal learning that followed.

(00:14:40) Blending Life and Mission: Amy shares her approach to integrating family and work.

(00:16:59) The Realities of Pursuing a Dream: The emotional challenges of balancing personal and professional aspirations.

(00:20:56) The Impact of Connection: Stories of the profound difference PumpSpotting has made in the lives of mothers.

(00:23:30) Finding Home on the Road: Amy's unexpected connection to the PumpSpotting bus.

(00:24:24) The Essence of Authenticity: Diving into Amy's perspective on authenticity in business and communication.

(00:27:09) Leading with Heart: The importance of intuition and emotional intelligence in entrepreneurship.

(00:30:25) The Art of Listening: Balancing seeking input with taking action.

(00:32:35) The Infinite Game: Approaching business with a long-term vision and commitment to the community.

(00:35:00) Balancing Multiple Roles: Amy's advice on managing different projects and priorities.

(00:37:20) The Power of Communication: How clear communication builds a brand and unites a team.

(00:39:59) Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Amy's advice to those with a vision.

(00:41:24) The Iterative Nature of Building a Business: The importance of continuous improvement.

(00:41:40) Following the PumpSpotting Tour: Where to find information about the tour.

(00:42:36) Outro: Subscribe to dnate.com for more insights and expert discussions.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: Episode 13: Unlocking Creativity with 13-Time Emmy Winner Gil Rief

Catch More From Our Guest – Amy VanHaren
Founder & CEO of pumpspotting – a digital health platform supporting breastfeeding and working parents in every stage of their journey. Amy is a maternal health advocate, entrepreneur, and podcast host working to normalize feeding and create more inclusive workplaces for families.

LinkedIn: Amy VanHaren
Website: pumpspotting.com
✍️ Medium: @avanharen
️ Podcast: The PumpSpot Podcast
Instagram: @pumpspotting
Twitter: @pumpspotting
Facebook: facebook.com/pumpspotting
Email: [email protected]

Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap
️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields.

LinkedIn: Stuart Paap
Website: dnate.com
Instagram: @stuartpaap
Twitter: @stuartpaap
Facebook: Stuart Paap

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed on the “Stand Up to Stand Out” podcast are solely those of the author and guests, and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This is an independent production of Stuart Paap. The podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained. Copyright 2025.