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Pitch your way to success with Amy Summers on ”Pitch Live” – Where every Pitch tells a story! #MSH
Episodes
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Lauren George’s time at Pitch Publicity® in the company’s very early years and how those experiences helped shape her impressive career trajectory. Now serving as vice president of communications at Hilton Grand Vacations in Orlando, Florida, Lauren is an accredited public relations professional with nearly two decades of experience leading corporate communication strategies, enhancing brand reputation, and managing high-profile media relations. Since joining Hilton Grand Vacations in 2017, she has advanced through multiple leadership roles to oversee media relations, awards, CSR national partnerships, issues and crisis management, and executive visibility, while also serving on the board of the company’s foundation. Her career journey includes pivotal roles at Linda Costa Communications Group and the Children’s Home Society of Florida, along with her foundational start in public relations at Pitch Publicity®, all supported by her journalism degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. Lauren’s early experiences and mentorship not only gave her the tools to grow her career, but also shaped the thoughtful, strategic, and people-focused leader she is today.
Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Lauren George on this episode of “Pitch Live”:
- Ask: What’s the worst that could happen? Then prepare multiple solutions.
- Build relationships early so you have the right contacts when problems arise.
- In a crisis be a problem solver, bridge builder, and always be available.
- Visibility matters: Don’t just put your head down, speak up about your work.
- As a manager, check in proactively to ensure your team’s needs and career goals are being met.
- When letting someone go, lead with compassion — relationships outlast roles, and people always come first.
Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Lauren George 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 Lauren George:
Instagram: @lizhyer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenhyer
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.
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
This episode of Pitch Live with Amy Summers podcast features Lisa Bragg, author of, “Bragging Rights: How to Talk About Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion.” Lisa flips the script on self-promotion, showing professionals how to confidently talk about their work without coming across as awkward or arrogant. A former broadcast journalist turned entrepreneur, she has advised Fortune 500 companies, global associations, and top industry leaders on how to amplify their success and increase their influence. As a sought-after speaker across the U.S. and Canada, Lisa helps leaders and businesses gain the recognition they deserve in a world where talent alone isn’t enough, teaching them how to claim credit for their achievements and turn visibility into new opportunities.
Key pitching takeaways from Lisa Bragg on this episode of “Pitch Live”:
- Lead with value: serve your audience first, then earn the right to pitch.
- Offer a “menu” of options when pitching yourself so decision-makers can choose.
- Skip the stiff elevator pitch: it’s about connection, not a script.
- Use the “Present–Past–Future” structure to keep your pitch engaging.
- Treat pitching as an ongoing conversation, not a one-and-done moment.
- Advocate for yourself — signal when you’re ready for the next step.
Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Lisa Bragg to access Lisa’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 Lisa Bragg
Instagram | TikTok: @thatlisabragg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabragg
Website: https://www.lisabragg.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.
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Maureen Mooney’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity®, her very first internship, which helped launch her career in public relations. Today, Maureen is an account coordinator at PRESS PR + Marketing in Tampa, Florida, where she excels at turning great stories into headlines, pitching with precision, building strong media relationships, and securing top-tier placements in outlets like CNBC, FOX News, People Magazine and the TODAY show. A graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in public relations and a concentration in business, she continues to make her mark in the industry while also channeling her creativity and attention to detail into her passion for event planning, creating memorable experiences that make an impact, one great story at a time.
Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Maureen Mooney on this episode of “Pitch Live”:
- Apply for opportunities even if they feel out of reach and be yourself.
- Pick up the phone: some connections respond best to a call.
- Lean into your fear: push through discomfort to grow.
- Use LinkedIn proactively to network and request short introductory phone calls.
- Prioritize in-person interaction to build stronger, more collaborative relationships.
- Guide versus do: Encourage mentees to create and present their own solutions.
Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Maureen Mooney 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 Maureen Mooney:
Instagram: @mp.mooney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-mooney
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.
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features LaShelle Williams-Franklin, a powerhouse attorney, changemaker, and co-founder and CEO of the Williams-Franklin Foundation, an award-winning nonprofit that has raised nearly $1 million to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) facing financial hardship. A proud Howard University alumna and recipient of the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with the Williams-Franklin Foundation, LaShelle brings a powerful blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and a deep commitment to social impact. Together with her husband, Dwight Franklin, whom she met at Howard, she co-founded the foundation to do more than just fund education. Their mission is to build futures by providing scholarships, mentorship, and professional networking opportunities that help HBCU students graduate debt-free and step confidently into leadership roles.
Key pitching takeaways from LaShelle Williams-Franklin on this episode of “Pitch Live”:
- Always find ways to pay it forward.
- Build a circle of people who share your passion.
- Do your homework before pitching — know your audience and why they matter.
- Turn every “no” into a chance to learn and pivot.
- Stay aware, but don’t let distractions or doubt pull you off mission.
- Keep mentorship simple — check in with a quick text or 15-minute chat.
Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro LaShelle Williams-Franklin to access LaShelle’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 Williams-Franklin Foundation:
Instagram | X: @WFFScholarship
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wmsfranklinfoundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wffscholarship
Website: www.wmsfranklinfoundation.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.
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Havana Gazlay’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how it helped set her up for a successful public relations career in real estate. With roots in Florida and a degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida, Havana has risen to Account Director at BerlinRosen, carving out a niche at the intersection of urbanism, media strategy, and high-stakes storytelling—leading campaigns that shape the skylines of New York and beyond. From navigating luxury condo launches in South Florida to national rollouts of multifamily properties, her career is proof that mastering the pitch early can open unexpected doors. Havana shares the behind-the-scenes moments that defined her journey and how a foundation built at Pitch Publicity® continues to influence her every move.
Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Havana Gazlay on this episode of “Pitch Live”:
- Mastering how to pitch is essential—every aspect of your career depends on it.
- Choose your workplace and leaders wisely; the right mentorship can shape your path.
- Clearly communicate your career goals with your manager at every stage of growth.
- Proactively ask for opportunities to lead—like running a meeting or taking on more responsibility.
- Learn how your team members best receive feedback, then tailor your support to help them succeed.
- Mentorship is a daily practice—how you show up sets the example for others.
Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Havana Gazlay 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 Havana Gazlay:
Instagram: @havanagaz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/havanagazlay
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.
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Geoffrey Hesslink, one of the nation’s leading hunter riders and top trainers in the equestrian world. After a childhood injury ended his promising swimming career, Geoffrey turned to horseback riding as physical therapy — a twist of fate that led to a lifelong passion and extraordinary success. From winning the USEF Talent Search Finals East in 2014 to major victories like the $100,000 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular, Geoffrey has become a standout force in the sport. As co-owner of Hesslink Williams in Wellington, Florida, alongside his partner Brendan Williams, Geoffrey now trains the next generation of equestrians with a philosophy grounded in trust, communication, and compassion for both horse and rider.
Key pitching takeaways from Geoffrey Hesslink on this episode of “Pitch Live”:
- Learn by working for others and observe gaps to shape your own niche.
- Prioritize quality over quantity to build stronger relationships and a better brand.
- Challenge industry norms and push for change.
- Increase your value by proving your worth through results.
- A safe environment fuels confidence and high performance.
- Stay calm when giving feedback — emotional control builds trust and growth.
- Mistakes are learning tools — “positive mistakes” speed up growth.
- Confidence is contagious — believe in those you train to help them rise.
Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Geoffrey Hesslink to access Geoffrey’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 Geoffrey Hesslink
Instagram | TikTok: @geoffreyhesslink and @hesslink.williams
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geoffrey.hesslink/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hesslinkwilliams/
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.
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Melody Stampley’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how it helped launch her multifaceted career rooted in purpose. Melody earned her bachelor’s in Public Relations from the University of Florida and completed her master’s in Communication from Florida International University. In 2020, Melody found her true calling when she paid off nearly $25,000 in debt and became a certified Ramsey Solutions Master Financial Coach and a certified Connect Financial Ministries Financial Coach. Now the founder of Centsible Finance, she’s on a mission to empower individuals and families—especially future generations—with smart, faith-based financial guidance. As a Certified Educator in Personal Finance®, Melody empowers others to take control of their money, invest in themselves, and build a debt-free life rooted in purpose.
Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Melody Stampley on this episode of “Pitch Live”:
- Set clear remote work boundaries so expectations are managed from the start.
- Speak truth and purpose into others—people often rise to meet the potential you reflect back to them.
- Avoid comparison—“keeping up with the Joneses” leads to unnecessary debt (spoiler alert: the Joneses are broke too).
- Your current situation isn’t permanent—change is always possible.
- Keep your day job while building your business to give yourself financial stability and flexibility.
- There’s no perfect moment to launch a business —start where you are and plan wisely.
- Mentors come in all forms—older, younger, peers. Let mentorship grow naturally.
- Don’t just save money—start investing early to build long-term wealth.
Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Melody Stampley 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 Melody Stampley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melckerr/
Website: https://youmakecents.com/ and http://www.4centsiblefinance.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.
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Ted Winner, a Peabody, DuPont, and Emmy Award-winning producer whose 25+ year career in journalism includes work with some of the most iconic media organizations in the industry including: CNN, ABC News, The Weather Channel, ESPN, and NFL Network—where he helped develop and launch original shows like “Cold Pizza” and “Good Morning Football.” Ted’s storytelling has taken him across the globe, from traveling through Africa with Bono to highlight Third World Debt, to reporting from refugee camps during the Bosnian War, to spending a day with Muhammad Ali at his home and training center. He’s also been on the frontlines of major breaking news stories, including 9/11 and the death of Princess Diana. Ted’s most recent news contributions have benefited the local news market of New York City, where he has served as the Senior Manager in charge of live morning programming at NY1 / Spectrum News, overseeing more than 30 hours of live broadcasts each week, including the station’s flagship show “Mornings on 1” with the legendary Pat Kiernan.
Key pitching takeaways from Ted Winner on this episode of “Pitch Live”:
- Relationships matter: Great sources come from trust built over time.
- Always include strong visuals with your pitch: Stories are more than just words.
- Be accessible and respond promptly: Share after-hours contact details with journalists.
- Stay current and know the news cycle: Pitching at the right time is crucial.
- Accuracy trumps speed: it’s better to be second and right, than first and wrong.
- Feedback fuels growth: Lead with honesty while being supportive and collaborative, learning from missteps.
- Don’t give up: Getting the truth out is important, even when the climate is difficult.
Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Ted Winner to access Ted’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 Ted Winner
Instagram | X: @tedawinner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedwinner
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.