We recently had the chance to connect with Amy Forsythe and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amy, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to share my tips on public speaking and how to get more speaking engagements. It’s the number one question I get asked all time, “How to I take my message to more people on bigger stages?” I’ve been blessed over the past four years to be invited to share my story about being a combat photographer and serving in the military for more than 32 years. I want to share what works and what doesn’t work for those looking to expand their profile and reach more people.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Amy Forsythe — a military veteran, photojournalist, and storyteller dedicated to sharing inspiring stories about service, resilience, and legacy. After nearly 33 years of military service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, I transitioned my passion for communication into new creative ventures focused on storytelling as a form of service.
Through my media platform, Two Palms Media, and my newsletter, Amy’s A-List, I highlight people, places, and organizations making a positive impact — especially those connected to the military and veteran community. I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, educate, and inspire others, and I’m passionate about helping non-profits and brands amplify their mission through authentic narratives.
What makes my work unique is the intersection of military experience, media expertise, and a heart for service. I’m currently focused on building collaborations between veterans, content creators, and cause-driven organizations to elevate stories that deserve to be told and to ensure those who serve, in or out of uniform, are seen and celebrated.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The constant drive to prove myself through achievement has served its purpose and fueled my passions but I’m letting go of the relentless grind in search of a softer, more relaxed lifestyle. After decades in uniform and in fast-paced, high-tempo and demanding leadership roles, I’ve realized that my worth isn’t tied to titles, deadlines, or deployments – it’s rooted in purpose and connection.
Letting go of that need to always be “on mission” has created space for more intentional storytelling, mentoring others, and embracing creativity without the pressure of performance. It’s a new chapter focused less on proving and more on pouring — into others, into meaningful projects, and into a legacy that outlasts any single career milestone.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of slowing down and being judged for my work — of becoming irrelevant or losing momentum after years of operating in high-tempo environments as a combat photographer. In the military and in journalism, there’s always another mission, another story, another deadline.
I carried that pace into every part of my life, afraid that if I stopped moving, I’d fall behind. “Hustle Culture” is real and can take over your well-being if you’re not careful about how to manage time, resources and energy.
I recently retired from the military after nearly 32 years and I’ve learned that slowing down isn’t the same as stopping — it’s making space for clarity and creativity. Some of the best ideas and connections come when you finally give yourself permission to pause. I’m learning that purpose doesn’t fade when the tempo changes – it simply evolves.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself – both in media and public affairs – is that audiences only respond to perfection or polished narratives. The truth is, people are hungry for authenticity. Real stories, real struggles, and real impact resonate far more deeply than curated highlight reels or a picture-perfect lifestyle.
Another lie is that speed matters more than substance. In the rush to publish or post, we sometimes sacrifice context and credibility. Having seen firsthand how misinformation can shape perceptions, I’ve made it my mission to champion storytelling that is both accurate and meaningful.
At the end of the day, storytelling should serve the public – not algorithms or agendas. When we return to that core purpose, the impact lasts far longer than any viral moment.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Authority fades but examples endure…
If I laid down my name, titles, roles, cameras and my possessions, what would remain is the connection with people, community and organizations that have trusted me to tell their stories through the years. The relationships I’ve built, the people I’ve served, and the stories I’ve helped share will stay with me forever and there’s a special bond that can’t be taken away. Stripped of titles and accolades, what matters most is impact: the lives touched, the lessons passed on, and the legacy of service and authenticity I leave behind.
At the core, it’s not about what I’ve done or owned, but the imprint of care, empathy, and truth that continues long after the details of my career fade. Taking risks and pushing boundaries have been my signature style, but now I’m focused on nurturing my relationships with family and friends as I shift priorities to “pass the torch” to the next generation of storytellers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://womensmediacenter.com/shesource/expert/amy-l-forsythe
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/amyforsythe760
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyforsythe
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/amy_forsythe
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AmyForsythe
- Other: https://spark.adobe.com/page/idGRGtiEz6Lgg/
