Make everyone feel seen: #PitchPro Ilene Silverman

Create space for real connection: #PitchStar Myisha Chapman

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 [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/ [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 [http://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 [http://www.inicivox.com/] where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

Make everyone feel seen: #PitchPro Ilene Silverman

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Ilene Silverman, owner and president of Ilene’s Gator Store, a beloved Gainesville retail destination rooted in decades of family legacy. Carrying forward a tradition that began with her family’s original downtown store established in 1935, Silverman has built Ilene’s Gator Store into a recognizable brand known for its deep connection to the University of Florida community and loyal Gator Nation following. A Gainesville native, she has successfully blended heritage with modern retail, growing a business that reflects both entrepreneurial resilience and hometown pride. In this episode, Silverman shares the story behind her family’s longstanding presence in Gainesville, how she evolved the brand over time, and what it takes to sustain a successful retail business across generations.   Key pitching takeaways from Ilene Silverman on this episode of “Pitch Live”:   * Lead with a genuine welcome the moment a customer walks in. * Skip the “How can I help you?” greeting and start a conversation instead. * Sell the story behind the product, not just the product itself. * Tell the truth, even if it costs you the sale. * Build trust by helping customers look and feel their best. * Curate quality merchandise to build lasting customer confidence. * Maximize checkout with add-ons across price points for every generation. * Treat every customer with kindness—no judgment, ever.   Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Ilene Silverman to access Ilene’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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc/]  Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com [https://lifttolead.com/]    Follow and connect with Ilene Silverman X | Facebook: @igatorstore  Instagram: @ilenesgatorstore @ilene_silverman  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilene-silveman-50905b18a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilene-silveman-50905b18a]  Website: https://ilenesgatorstore.com [https://ilenesgatorstore.com/]  Visit Ilene’s Gator Store: 2441 NW 43rd St., Suite 19 Gainesville, Florida 32606   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 [http://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 [http://www.inicivox.com/] where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

Drive decisions with clarity and concision: #PitchStar Sally Greider

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Sally Greider’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how that early foundation helped launch her into one of the most competitive arenas in media. Now a director at Horizon Media in New York City, Sally leads digital advertising for brands, specializing in cross-channel, full-funnel campaigns that turn big ideas into measurable impact. A University of Florida graduate with dual degrees in English and Public Relations, Sally quickly rose from standout Pitch Star to a leader known for building high-performing teams, thriving in high-pressure environments, and bringing both strategic precision and creative vision to everything she touches.   Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Sally Greider on this episode of “Pitch Live”: * Deliver clean, concise updates that move decisions forward. * Don’t wait for annual reviews. Proactively align with managers on career goals. * Show you care: take initiative, ask questions, and stay engaged. * Pressure-test your own pitch — know the gaps and how you’re addressing them. * Lead with curiosity and ask “why,” not just give direction.  * Stay steady under pressure — calm + positivity drives team confidence. * Balance constructive feedback with recognition and praise — both matter.  * Maintain relationships beyond the role because mentorship doesn’t end when someone leaves.  Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Sally Greider 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc/]  Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com [https://lifttolead.com]   Get Your Copy of Lift: https://lifttolead.com/book [https://lifttolead.com/book]    Follow and connect with #PitchStar Sally Greider: Instagram: @sally_blake LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallygreider [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallygreider]    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 [http://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 [http://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 yourself: #PitchPro Danny Wuerffel

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Danny Wuerffel, a former NFL quarterback turned purpose-driven leader whose legacy extends far beyond the field. Best known for leading the Florida Gators football team to their first national championship and earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1996, Danny also received the Campbell Trophy as the nation’s top scholar-athlete and graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a degree in public relations. A record-setting collegiate career led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013, and his steadfast commitment to service is reflected in the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, named in his honor since 2005. Today, as executive director of Desire Street Ministries and president of the Wuerffel Foundation, Danny continues to inspire a national movement around service and leadership, demonstrating what it truly means to use influence for lasting impact through community transformation and mentoring the next generation.   Key pitching takeaways from Danny Wuerffel on this episode of “Pitch Live”: * Balance structure with flexibility: Great leadership lives in both. * Own the outcome—especially when things go wrong. * Choose leaders who develop you, not just direct you. * Be authentically you—don’t try to be someone else. * You can’t please everyone: Protect your time and say no when needed. * Prioritize solitude: Reflection, prayer, and stillness fuel effectiveness. * Fundraising isn’t asking, it’s offering others a chance to make an impact. * Rise above: Avoid divisive, polarizing distractions that dilute your mission.   Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Danny Wuerffel to access Danny’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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc/]  Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com [https://lifttolead.com]   Get Your Copy of Lift: https://lifttolead.com/book [https://lifttolead.com/book]   Follow and connect with Danny Wuerffel  X | Instagram: @DannyWuerffel Website: https://dannywuerffel.com [https://dannywuerffel.com]  Desire Street Ministries: https://desirestreet.org [https://desirestreet.org]  Allstate Wuerffel Trophy: https://wuerffeltrophy.org [https://wuerffeltrophy.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 [http://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 [http://www.inicivox.com] where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.

Follow up like it matters: #PitchStar Nadia Wilson

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Nadia Wilson's #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the powerful trajectory that has followed. As our very first FAMU Pitch Star, Nadia set herself apart from day one with a strategic, self-driven approach to landing her internship, and then maximized every opportunity, from completing our pre-professional program to joining major industry conferences and media events. Since graduating from Florida A&M University in 2022 with a degree in Public Relations, she has built an impressive career across healthcare, beauty, and entertainment, and now serves as a Junior Publicist at Synergy PR Services in Atlanta. Beyond PR, Nadia is the host of “The Renaissance Exchange” podcast where she’s interviewed top artists like Fridayy, Mariah the Scientist, and Lola Brooke, and serves as a media correspondent for Sheen Magazine, conducting interviews with celebrities and high-profile leaders in entertainment. Her passion for storytelling, authenticity, and creating meaningful conversations shines through in everything she does as she continues to rise in her career. You won’t want to miss how she’s built it, through a unique combination of consistency, intentional follow-up, and disciplined execution.   Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Nadia Wilson on this episode of “Pitch Live”: * Pivot instead of panicking: Stay flexible with travel and setbacks. * Personalize every pitch so it feels tailored, not templated. * Rework a “no” to a “yes” with a stronger, timely angle. * Follow up consistently: Persistence matters—don’t give up too early. * Build rapport before interviews with a quick pre-chat to ease nerves and create a natural connection * Focus on their story, not just your prepared questions. * Always ask thoughtful questions in interviews: It shows you are interested and did your research.  * Be selective with opportunities: Investigate before saying yes. Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Nadia Wilson 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc/]  Lift Your Leadership - Elevate Your Career: https://lifttolead.com [https://lifttolead.com]   Get Your Copy of Lift: https://lifttolead.com/book [https://lifttolead.com/book]    Follow and connect with #PitchStar Nadia Wilson: X | Bluesky | TikTok | Facebook:  Instagram: @forever.nadi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia16 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia16]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NAW188 [https://www.youtube.com/@NAW188]    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 [http://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 [http://www.inicivox.com] where you can get motivated, hone your communication skills and binge as much mentorship as you want, whenever you need it.