Pitch Live with Amy Summers

Impart kindness and gain respect: #PitchStar Ellie Howell

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast revisits Ellie Howell’s journey, from her #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity®, where she first honed her pitching skills, to her impressive rise through the ranks of top PR firms like Quinn PR and rbb Communications. Today, she’s a senior account executive at M18 PR, specializing in ultra-luxury hospitality and real estate, representing prestigious clients such as Bentley Residences, The Shore Club Private Collection, The Raleigh, and Messi’s Miami Freedom Park Stadium. A proud South Florida native, Ellie graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Event Management. Her career, defined by hundreds of successful pitches to major broadcast, digital, and print media outlets, is a testament to Ellie’s perseverance, skill, and the personal touch she brings that has propelled her to where she is today.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Ellie Howell on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Be Kind: Approach your communications with thoughtfulness, warmth and genuine respect.
• Do Your Homework: Research who you’re pitching. Understand their work and interests to craft a pitch that resonates.
• Build Relationships, Not Just Pitches: Start with an introduction note. Offer your help rather than pushing your agenda.
• Follow Up with Purpose: Don’t just repeat your pitch. Each follow-up is a chance to offer a fresh angle or new insight.
• Stay Composed Under Pressure: If someone is harsh, don’t take the bait — stay calm, be nice and professional.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a workplace feels toxic, listen to your gut. It’s okay to walk away. There’s probably a better opportunity waiting for you.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Ellie Howell to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Ellie Howell:

Instagram: @elliehowelll 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-howell-pr/ 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

 

Be bold and direct: #PitchPro Christine Horner

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Christine Horner, MD, FACS, a nationally recognized surgeon, author, and fierce advocate for women’s health. Dr. Horner made history with her groundbreaking Breast Reconstruction Advocacy Project (BRA Project), a five-year crusade that led to federal legislation requiring insurance coverage for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, signed into law by President Bill Clinton. A board-certified expert in both general and plastic surgery, she is also a leading voice in natural health, authoring the award-winning books, “Waking the Warrior Goddess,” and “Radiant Health Ageless Beauty.” Now at the forefront of medical thermography, she continues to revolutionize women’s healthcare with her innovative mobile imaging business. Dr. Horner is an inspirational trailblazer in preventive medicine and a relentless champion for women’s health.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Dr. Christine Horner on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Hook with a Story: Start with a compelling personal story to draw people in.
• Shock & Surprise: Lead with an unexpected or outrageous fact to grab attention.
• Back It Up with Science: Provide solid facts and research to support your claim.
• Use Bold Language: Don’t sugarcoat. Use powerful words that demand attention.
• Expose Discrepancies: Research your topic deeply and highlight contradictions.
• Be Direct & Disruptive: Don’t tiptoe around. Say what needs to be said.
• Make It Personal: Connect your pitch to people’s lives so they internalize it.
• Start Grassroots: Build momentum at the ground level before aiming higher.
• Leverage Connections: Keep asking, “Who do you know?” until you reach the right person.
• Be Ready Anytime: Always have your pitch prepared for when the moment strikes.
• Know Your Audience: Research the decision-maker and tailor your pitch to their interests.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Dr. Christine Horner to access Dr. Horner’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with Dr. Christine Horner: 

Facebook | TikTok: @drchristinehorner

Instagram: @drchtherm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-horner-43138b2/ 

Website: www.MedThermSC.com 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

 

Earn trust with confidence: #PitchStar Kara Guillaume

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Kara Guillaume’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how she strategically built her career in the entertainment industry. Starting as a remote social media intern for Pitch Publicity® through a University of Florida Alumni Association partnership during her junior year, Kara leveraged every opportunity at UF, earning her PR degree Magna Cum Laude and a master’s in Management from UF’s Warrington College of Business. While finishing her master’s degree, Kara gained some diverse experience in entertainment and advertising through some very impressive internships with Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Music Group, Atlantic Records, and Saatchi + Saatchi. With a determined focus on New York City, she “made success happen” and landed her first professional role as a communications coordinator at Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios under Paramount Global. Kara’s inspiring early-career journey will give you the confidence you need to push forward on accomplishing your dreams.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Kara Guillaume on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Be Yourself: Relax when interacting with managers; confidence earns trust.
• Own Your Mistakes: Acknowledge them, provide a solution, and move forward.
• Work for Leaders who Invest in You: Seek managers who mentor, connect you with opportunities, and trust you to take on real tasks.
• Prioritize Workplace Culture: Find environments where leaders foster community, relationships, and support beyond the office.
• Ask for Mentorship: Clearly communicate what you need and most people are happy to help you out.
• Embrace Lifelong Learning: Every new challenge has an adjustment period so stay adaptable, don’t give up, and keep growing.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Kara Guillaume to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Kara Guillaume:

Instagram: @karaguillaume 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karaguillaume 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

 

Stay open to the possibilities: #PitchPro Flody Suarez

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast spotlights Flody Suarez who has made an extraordinary impact across Broadway, television, and film. Flody’s career began in advertising, with impressive campaigns for iconic brands and organizations including Rolls Royce, WCBS-TV and the New York Mets. As VP of Marketing for Miramax Films, Flody led numerous advertising campaigns before moving into television. At NBC, he served as VP of Development, overseeing production for hits like the Emmy-winning “ER,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and “Just Shoot Me.” He also spearheaded campaigns for iconic shows including “Friends.” Flody quickly made his mark as a visionary producer. He’s known for award-winning projects like “The Book of Daniel” and “8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter.” Most recently he oversaw production on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and was Executive Producer of  NBC’s “Rise.” Flody’s recent work on Broadway includes producing “The Cher Show” and the Tom Jones musical, “What’s New Pussycat?”

 

Key pitching takeaways from Flody Suarez on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Stay enthusiastic about your pitch, but grounded in its viability as success hinges on threading the needle.
• Avoid comparisons by skipping excessive references to other successful productions in your pitch. 
• Listen to rejections and use the feedback to refine and adapt your pitch for greater success.
• Network relentlessly by attending events and parties, or signing up for workshops and courses to build connections.
• Take any job to get your foot in the door and you’ll find your path by staying open to possibilities.
• If you hear negative buzz about a company or person, heed the warnings and trust that it might be accurate.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Flody Suarez to access Flody’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with Flody Suarez

Instagram: @flodyco 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flody-suarez-7293a342/ 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

Become a subject matter expert: #PitchStar Sloan Savage

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Sloan Savage’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the pivotal pitching experiences based in research that helped shape her into the diverse communications professional she is today. Now a New York-based director specializing in corporate communications at Forward Global, Sloan has built a stellar career in public relations, managing high-stakes strategic campaigns for a diverse range of international clients. From crafting impactful media relations strategies to navigating complex crisis and reputation management scenarios, Sloan’s expertise lies in helping brands and executives cut through the noise to connect meaningfully with their audiences. With a dual degree in Public Relations and International Studies from the University of Florida, Sloan’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how early mentorship and hands-on experience can lay the foundation for a successful career on the global stage. 

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Sloan Savage on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Practice and Prepare: Read your pitch aloud and research thoroughly to handle follow-up questions with confidence.
• Be Journalist-Friendly: Show grace to journalists juggling tight deadlines and early hours.
• Become a Subject Matter Expert: Know your field inside-out. 
• Pitch with Confidence: Use phone calls to sharpen your communication skills.
• Empower Others: Ask colleagues what skills they want to learn and delegate tasks to support their growth.
• Network Authentically: Connect with journalists on social media, celebrate their wins, and align your pitch with their current story focus.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Sloan Savage to be inspired by #mentorship and motivated to #pitch with success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Sloan Savage:

Instagram: @sloanysav

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sloan-savage 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

Lead with your strengths: #PitchPro Greg Horn

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Greg Horn, a trailblazing entrepreneur and thought leader in the nutrition industry with a remarkable track record of innovation and impact. As former CEO of GNC®, Greg spearheaded the company’s growth to $1.5 billion in revenue and introduced iconic products like Mega Men®. His entrepreneurial foresight also helped launch Celsius®, a brand now valued at more than $20 billion. Beyond his corporate leadership, Greg co-founded Nutrition Capital Network, which has been instrumental in identifying and mentoring early-stage nutrition companies seeking funding to grow and flourish. Currently, Greg is the founder and CEO of Specialty Nutrition Consulting, a trusted advisor for commercializing nutrition innovations, and a Managing Director and Partner at William Hood & Company, focusing on healthy living investments. The bestselling author of “Living Green” and “Living Well”, Greg has championed the health and wellness movement for more than four decades, earning the prestigious NBJ Lifetime Achievement Award. 

 

Key pitching takeaways from Greg Horn on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Never ask for permission: Do what’s necessary for success.
• Lead with your strengths: If you aren’t the oldest, be the smartest.
• Start your day distraction free: Make time for clear, creative thinking.
• Embrace simplicity: Run with the most obvious ideas.
• Shift your pitch focus: Go for delivering value, not securing a "yes."
• Rehearse for Q&A sessions: Anticipate obvious questions post-pitch.
• Ensure a path to profitability: Ask for more funding than needed.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Greg Horn to access Greg’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with Greg Horn

X: @LivingWellBook 

Instagram: @GregHornLiving 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-horn-living 

Website: www.greghorn.com 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

Season One Recap: #PitchHost Amy Summers

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” takes you behind the scenes to explore the origins of the podcast and highlights the most unforgettable moments from its first season. Host Amy Summers, founder and president of Pitch Publicity® and INICIVOX®, shares season one’s most insightful, shocking, and hilarious pitching moments with “Pitch Pros” and “Pitch Stars” who know how to harness the power of the pitch to make success happen.

 

“Pitch Live” Season One Episode Guide:

Episode 1: PitchPro: Kim Kaupe

Episode 2: PitchStar: Victoria Najmy

Episode 3: PitchPro: Peetachai (Neil) Dejkraisak

Episode 4: PitchStar: Afreka Ebanks

Episode 5: PitchPro: Shelley Spector

Episode 6: PitchStar: Taylor Hadden

Episode 7: PitchPro: Akeem Shannon

Episode 8: PitchStar: Jacob McLean

Episode 9: PitchPro: Sansan Fibri

Episode 10: PitchStar: Gillian Stoney

Episode 11: PitchPro: Timothy McLemore

Episode 12: PitchStar: Tiffany McKinnie

Episode 13: PitchPro: Mark Alyn

Episode 14: PitchStar: Ledora Brown

Episode 15: PitchPro: Erica Loewe

Episode 16: PitchStar: Cameryn Junck

Episode 17: PitchPro: Howard Schiffer 

Episode 18: PitchStar: Kylie Morgan 

Episode 19: PitchPro: Marci Zaroff 

Episode 20: PitchStar: LaKendra Tookes

Episode 21: PitchPro: Anthony Zolezzi 

Episode 22: PitchStar: Lee Hathaway

Episode 23: PitchPro: Dr. Wendy Walsh 

Episode 24: Season One Recap: Amy Summers 

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive Season One Recap to access pitching strategies and success stories from “Pitch Pros” and “Pitch Stars” that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

Can Your Pitch Attract Love?: #PitchPro Dr. Wendy Walsh

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features America’s Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh. As host of “The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show” on iHeart Radio’s KFI-AM in Los Angeles, Wendy is well known for her impressive media career in television on EXTRA, “The Doctors,” CNN, and FOX News’ “The O’Reilly Factor.” In 2017, she was recognized as a Time Magazine Person of the Year ‘Silence Breaker’ for her pivotal role in advancing the #MeToo movement after speaking out about harassment at a major news network. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Wendy is the author of three books on relationships and serves as an adjunct professor of Psychology at California State University Channel Islands. Her expertise in human behavior and attachment continues to inspire millions and highlights the profound impact that communication has on relationships in our lives.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Dr. Wendy Walsh on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Keep dating profiles short and authentic: 4-5 sentences that reflect the real you.
• Use natural photos of yourself doing what you love—no professional headshots.
• Limit texting to three exchanges before moving to a phone call.
• Start with a quick coffee meet-up "drive-by date" to decide if a full date is worth pursuing. Be clear about your intentions afterward.
• Sandwich requests to partners by starting and ending with encouragement, placing the “ask” in the middle.
• Use “How can we...” questions to encourage collaboration instead of placing blame.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Dr. Wendy Walsh to access Wendy’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩

 

Connect: 

Follow and connect with Amy Summers:

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc 

X: @PitchAmy 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc 

 

Follow and connect with Dr. Wendy Walsh:

X | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @drwendywalsh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendylwalsh 

Website: https://www.drwendywalsh.com 

 

Follow and connect with Pitch Publicity #PitchStars 

Instagram and LinkedIn @pitchpublicity 

 

Follow and connect with #INICIVOX for #VirtualMentorship 

Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn: @INICIVOX

Website: www.INICIVOX.com 

 

Be sure to hit that subscribe button and give us a rating or review. Your feedback helps us plan future episodes. As a bonus, join us at www.INICIVOX.com where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.