Pitch Live with Amy Summers

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Kristal Knight, a political strategist, communications adviser and media commentator who has spent her career navigating high-stakes campaigns, complex conversations and deeply divided audiences. Kristal advises national brands on communications and political strategy and regularly provides commentary on Fox News, NewsNation, MSNBC and other national outlets. Her career has spanned local, state and national elections, including serving as political director for Priorities USA, then President Joe Biden’s preferred super PAC, during the 2020 election cycle, and consulting with the NAACP, Demos and Faith in Action during the 2022 midterm elections. She is also the founder and chair of voting rights nonprofit Organize Tennessee and previously led Emerge Tennessee, helping women run for and win elected office in her home state. A Howard University journalism graduate with a master’s degree in international public policy from University College London, Kristal brings a unique perspective to a timely conversation about confronting conflict, communicating across differences and finding ways to keep talking when polarization makes it easier to shut down, walk away or retreat to our own corners.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Kristal Knight on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

 

• Every story has an arc. At the climax, you can either bring people in or push them away. Personal storytelling creates relatability, and relatability opens the door to persuasion.
• One conversation rarely changes a mind. People often need to hear a message multiple times before it moves them.
• Practice situational awareness. Before starting a difficult conversation, ask: Is this the right time and place?
• Neutralize an argument by acknowledging that two things can be true: We can love and support each other, and still disagree.
• Seek to understand before trying to persuade. Listen for the perspective behind the position.
• When emotions take over a debate, return to facts and statistics to create common ground.
• When someone rattles you, smile. It can defuse the moment and help you stay in control of your response.
• Disagreement does not have to end a relationship. Sometimes accepting that you will not reach the same conclusion is part of moving forward.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Kristal Knight to access Kristal’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 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with Kristal Knight

X | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky: @KrisLKnight

Facebook: @kristal.knight.37  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristal-knight-334a366 

Website: https://krislknight.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.

 

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Brittney Houser’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the career she has built since graduating from the University of Florida with both a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Business Management. Now a senior account executive at Interdependence PR, Brittney leads B2B technology accounts across enterprise technology, IT services, fintech, cryptocurrency, marketing and advertising technology, taking an active role in strategy, client communications and media relations. Throughout her career, she has represented a diverse portfolio of national brands and secured coverage across top-tier national, business, consumer and trade media. Her progression from PR intern to trusted counselor and media relations professional demonstrates how early career mentorship, hands-on experience and strong communication and organization skills can accelerate career growth.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Brittney Houser on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Stay organized when brainstorming: Structure keeps ideas moving forward.
• Get comfortable being uncomfortable: Pushing through discomfort is how you build confidence.
• Do your homework before you pitch: Follow someone’s work and tailor your approach specifically to them.
• Ask what they are working on: Curiosity helps you uncover opportunities while staying ahead of industry trends.
• Follow up with purpose: Do not just repeat the pitch — add a new detail, angle or piece of value each time.
• Take notes to retain more: Writing things down helps you stay focused, capture details and better understand what you heard.
• Do not underestimate the small work: Everyday tasks build confidence, strong habits and relationships that compound over time.
• Talk it out with a real person: Verbalizing a pitch or problem can reveal what is missing and make your thinking stronger.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Brittney Houser 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 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Brittney Houser:

Instagram: @brittneyyhouser 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-houser-93082a1b7/ 

 

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.

This episode of "Pitch Live with Amy Summers" podcast features Richelle Fredson, book publishing coach and author of, “DO THE THING: Take Your Creative Ideas From Uncertain to Unstoppable and Build a Business You Love” (Hachette, April 2027). As the creator of “The Book Proposal Blueprint Program,” Richelle has helped aspiring and published authors secure millions of dollars in book advances from top publishers, guiding them from idea to book deal with strategic publishing expertise. Before launching her own business, she spent 15 years in publishing as director of publicity and book marketing at Hay House Inc., one of the world's largest publishers of self-help books, events and courses, where she also served on the book acquisitions team. Beyond books, Richelle helps entrepreneurs develop creative platforms that expand their influence through podcasts, new products and other ventures. She is also the host of the Forbes-featured "Bound + Determined" podcast, where she interviews leading authors, publishing industry experts and creative business owners. Richelle earned her degree in communication and media studies from San Diego State University.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Richelle Fredson on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Own your lane: Define the expertise only you can bring before you write a book.
• Engagement beats followers: A loyal community matters more than a large social media audience.
• Write for someone, not everyone: A specific audience makes for a stronger book pitch.
• Originality isn't everything: A proven topic with your unique perspective is often more marketable than a brand-new idea.
• Pitch with a complete proposal: A polished book proposal shows publishers and agents you're serious.
• Master the three-part pitch: What's the problem? What's your solution? Why are you the one to write this book?
• Follow up relentlessly: Persistence matters—even when you're told not to expect a response.
• Be patient, but advocate for yourself: Publishing is a marathon, and the authors who keep pushing forward are the ones who succeed.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Richelle Fredson to access Richelle’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 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with Richelle Fredson

Instagram: @richellefredson 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichelleFredsonBookCoach 

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

Website: https://richellefredson.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.

 

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Camile Sardina #internship #mentorship one-night experience at Pitch Publicity® and how it helped build her confidence to move to New York City to launch her career after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations. Today, she’s running her own boutique public relations firm at Evolist Media representing brands including Airbnb and Peatos. Camile’s work has been featured across top national media, including Good Morning America, The Washington Post, Forbes, SELF, and Women’s Health. She is also a successful freelance writer and co-author of Change Makers, a storytelling project celebrating women creating meaningful change around the world. Join us as Camile looks back on her journey from PR student to agency founder, revealing the lessons that shaped her success and why mentorship is one of the greatest accelerators of career growth.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Camile Sardina on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Smaller companies often provide faster growth and broader hands-on experience.
• Great pitches depend as much on timing as they do on the story.
• Be transparent with your boss about your career goals to create opportunities together.
• Never underestimate the power of a sincere "thank you" to your team.
• Tell mentors how they have impacted your life—it encourages them to keep investing in others.
• Small gestures, like an invitation to dinner or genuine recognition, can build the confidence that changes someone's career.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Camile Sardina 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 Camile Sardina:

Instagram: @evolistmedia @camilesardina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvolistMedia 

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolistmedia/ 

Website: https://www.evolistmedia.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.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Jermaine Myrie, Chief Executive Officer of MENTOR, the nation's leading organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality mentoring relationships. A lifelong champion of helping people reach their potential, Jermaine brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across education, business, and the nonprofit sector. His career began as an English teacher in Boston before leading business development and strategic partnerships at organizations including Novartis, Xerox, Johnson Controls, Aetna Student Health, and then serving as Chief External Affairs Officer at uAspire. A native New Yorker, Jermaine earned his bachelor's degree in English and sociology from Morehouse College and a Master of Arts in Education from Simmons University. His journey—and his belief in the life-changing power of mentorship—offers a purposeful perspective on leadership and the relationships that shape who we become.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Jermaine Myrie on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Anyone can be a mentor.
• Mentorship begins with care, not a job title.
• Storytelling is the foundation of every successful pitch.
• The strongest workplace cultures are built on mentorship, not management.
• Employees invest more in organizations that invest in them.
• The best mentoring moments happen in casual conversations—not just scheduled meetings.
• Before accepting a job, ask: "How do people grow here?" Then speak with someone who joined the company within the last six months.
• Start your mentorship journey by identifying what you have to give—and who first gave those gifts to you.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Jermaine Myrie to access Jermaine’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 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with Jermaine Myrie

X: @MENTORnational

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MentorNMP 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MENTORnational 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jermaine-myrie6/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mentornational-mentoring-partnership/ 

Website: https://mentoring.org 

 

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.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Kennedy Reed’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the career-building experiences that helped shape her path from college student to communications professional. Kennedy joined Pitch Publicity in January 2022 and remained with the agency through her graduation from the University of Florida in spring 2023, earning both a bachelor's degree in public relations and a master's degree in mass communication with a concentration in digital strategy. During her time at Pitch Publicity, she completed the firm's intensive pre-professional training program, secured hands-on experience across multiple client campaigns and traveled to industry events and conferences that expanded her perspective on the profession. Today, Kennedy is a social media specialist at Proforma, a leader in print and promotional products, where she blends strategic thinking with creative storytelling to help brands build meaningful connections with their audiences. In this episode, Kennedy shares insights on the value of saying yes to new opportunities, how students and young professionals can position themselves for career success, and the lessons from mentorship, travel and real-world experience that continue to influence her work today.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Kennedy Reed on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• When traveling for business, be dressed and ready to go—you never know what opportunity may come your way when you land.
• Networking becomes much easier when you focus on learning about other people instead of worrying about what to say next.
• Attend networking events with people you trust and have a plan for looking out for one another.
• If a conversation becomes awkward or unproductive, politely move on and always have an exit plan ready.
• Before starting a job search, make a list of your contacts and activate your network.
• Skip the mass applications. Research companies carefully and customize your resume and cover letter.
• To make in-office work more enjoyable, build relationships with your co-workers and take little breaks away from your desk throughout the day.
• Don't wait for teammates to ask for help—take the initiative and ask how you can support them.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Kennedy Reed 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 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with #PitchStar Kennedy Reed:

Instagram: @kenn_reed and @kennedy.proforma 

X: @KennedyReedPR 

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

 

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.

 

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Joe Weiss, a natural products industry leader whose career spans more than 30 years across retail, brand development, merchandising, and ingredient innovation. Joe currently serves as global head of brand management at PLT Health Solutions, following eight years as president of Nutrition 21 and earlier serving as vice president of corporate brands at The Vitamin Shoppe and senior vice president of merchandising at GNC. Having worked with retailers, manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and consumer brands, Joe has a unique perspective on what it takes to build brand reputation, communicate value, and stand out in a competitive marketplace. A graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in economics and an MBA in marketing from the University of Pittsburgh's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, Joe shares lessons from a career spent bringing innovative health and wellness products to market and adapting to the ever-changing ways business gets done—while staying grounded in the relationships, trust and fundamentals that continue to drive success.

 

Key pitching takeaways from Joe Weiss on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

 

• Tell stories, not just facts. A personal connection to the company makes you more memorable.
• Build your network before you need it.
• Your reputation starts on day one. Keep your promises, deliver results and treat people with respect.
• Listen more than you talk. Don't talk over the person you're pitching.
• Lead with the business opportunity so people quickly understand the value.
• Influence beats force. Seek to understand others' perspectives and build alignment.
• Stay curious and continually ask whether your skills will remain relevant in the years ahead.
• Know when it's time to pivot. If you're no longer learning or the business around you is changing, pay attention.

 

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Joe Weiss to access Joe’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 

Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com 

 

Follow and connect with Joe Weiss

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

 

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.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Myisha Chapman’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how it helped shape her rise into a respected communications leader in healthcare and corporate communications. Now serving as a vice president on the Corporate Healthcare team at Ruder Finn, Myisha advises biotechnology, pharmaceutical and mission-driven organizations on strategic storytelling, executive visibility, patient advocacy, and integrated communications initiatives designed to build trust, strengthen connection, and inspire action. A graduate of University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a Master of Health Administration, Myisha has built a career centered on elevating patient voices, expanding access to information, and creating meaningful connections through communications. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she is also intentional about building community, nurturing relationships, and staying deeply connected to the people and networks that have supported her personal and professional growth. In this episode, Myisha reflects on her professional journey, the importance of mentorship early in a career, and how intention in leadership can create lasting impact.

 

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Myisha Chapman on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Treat every role as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself: What skills can I build here?
• Surround yourself with people who make room for your ambition and growth.
• Stay connected to mentors before you need something. Strong relationships are built through consistency, not convenience.
• Don’t assume what your team wants. Ask direct reports about their goals and where they want to grow.
• Remote work still requires real human connection. Get on camera, pick up the phone, and make time for face-to-face conversations.
• The best check-ins aren’t always task-driven. Create space for real conversations, not just work updates.
• In interviews, especially virtual ones, energy and presence matter. Show enthusiasm, stay engaged, and always come prepared with thoughtful questions.
• Your network is built through ongoing connection. Early in your career, make it a priority to stay in touch and nurture relationships consistently.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Myisha Chapman 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 Myisha Chapman:

Instagram: myisha.renee

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myisha-chapman-okanlawon-mha-2a7b9251/ 

 

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.