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.

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.

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at April Sosa’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how it helped shape her versatile career in communications and marketing. With experience spanning media relations, digital marketing, and event management, April has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Del Monte Fresh Produce, Burger King, Popeyes, and Bacardi, where she served as North America Communications Manager. In her current role as Senior Communications Manager at PwC, April leads strategic communications for the Firmwide communications vertical, developing key narratives for various internal and external stakeholders. April earned her Master's in Marketing from Florida International University and a Bachelor's in Public Relations from the University of Florida. Throughout April’s career journey, she has remained committed to giving back—mentoring through the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation and leading meaningful alumni engagement as Marketing Director of the University of Florida Alumni Association’s Gator Club of Miami.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from April Sosa on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• The phone is back: Use it to break through the noise and grab media attention.
• Hook first, explain later: Be clear and direct with what you want.
• Subject lines matter: Ditch the brand names and write like a journalist.
• Skip long paragraphs: Use bullets and keep it tight for the media or leadership.
• Nail your elevator pitch: Make it conversational, confident, and memorable.
• Prep like a pro: Research your interviewer and arrive informed.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar April Sosa 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 April Sosa:

Instagram: @aprill.sosa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-broadwater-sosa/

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 Mark C. Perna, a nationally recognized generational expert, bestselling author, and founder and CEO of TFS Results. Mark is leading a powerful paradigm shift in education and workforce development through his national movement, “Education with Purpose and Employment with Passion,” which connects the critical pipelines between education, business, and economic growth. A captivating keynote speaker who has addressed audiences at Harvard University and beyond, Mark delivers more than 80 presentations annually and reaches millions of readers through his weekly leadership articles and videos on Forbes.com. His award-winning book, “Answering Why,” has redefined how educators, employers, and parents tap into the full potential of today’s younger generations.

Key pitching takeaways from Mark C. Perna on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Embrace the “no’s”—your pitch won’t be for everyone, and that’s okay. Every “yes” becomes a pleasant surprise.
• Use strategic vocal inflections to emphasize key points and keep your audience engaged.
• Start with the end in mind. Never open a presentation with “Good morning,” a joke, or your resume—kick off with a relatable question that gets your audience nodding in agreement.
• Flip the script: lead with your core message and close with your personal story. Opening with your story can feel like playing your “heartstring moment” too early.
• Before presenting, meet as many people in the audience as possible—people pay closer attention to someone they feel they know. Keep your focus on them, not on yourself.
• When pitching or presenting virtually, imagine you're speaking to just one person. That personal connection makes your message land with greater impact.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Mark C. Perna to access Mark’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 Mark Perna

X: @MarkPerna

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

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

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

Website: https://markcperna.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 Salem Farmand’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity®, reflecting on how the experience helped shape his professional journey. A 2022 graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations and a focus in Business, Salem moved to New York City to merge his professional expertise with his faith, stepping into a mission-driven role in development as Campaign Manager for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York—one of the nation’s most prominent and historically influential Catholic institutions, serving millions across the greater New York region. Outside of his full-time work, Salem pours his heart into ministry as a Catholic speaker, singer-songwriter, and Christian worship leader. Through his deep faith, creative spirit, and gift for connecting with others, he uplifts and encourages people to grow in their purpose and walk with God.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Salem Farmand on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Lead with Connection: Find a genuine point of contact to open the door—it’s often the simplest, most human connection that can create the biggest opportunity.
• Be Present and Generous: When entering a new space, focus on building relationships by showing up with openness, offering help, or sharing useful connections—without expecting anything in return.
• Network with a Servant Mindset: True networking isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about lifting others up. Prioritize making others feel seen, heard, and valued.
• Treat Everyone with Equal Respect: Whether someone holds prestige or not, meet them where they are and engage with authenticity—status should never change how you treat people.
• Detach Your Worth from Rejection: If someone dismisses you or says no, don’t take it personally. Their reaction often says more about their situation than your value.
• Make Your Message an Invitation: Whether pitching or presenting, start by inviting your audience into an experience. Use storytelling, energy, and a conversational tone to create a genuine connection right from the beginning.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Salem Farmand 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 Salem Farmand:

Instagram: @salemfarmandmusic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salem-farmand-5971851b7/

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/salem-joseph-farmand/1689160474

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 Sarita Krishnamurthy, founder and principal of IN.DE Interior Architecture and Design—an accomplished architect and designer known for fusing timeless elegance with deeply meaningful, personalized spaces. A proud graduate of the University of Florida, Sarita expanded her global design perspective through additional studies in Italy, the UK, Switzerland, and a dual master’s degree in Architecture and Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Her sophisticated approach to design is matched by her passion for purpose, evident in her artisan-crafted pillow line, IN.DeLuxe, which supports educational opportunities for girls in India through the nonprofit Shadhika. Whether she's creating a sophisticated home or designing her one-of-a-kind pillows, Sarita brings beauty, heart, and social impact to everything she creates.

Key pitching takeaways from Sarita Krishnamurthy on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Authenticity Sells: If you’re not passionate about it, don’t pitch it. Love what you’re pitching and others will feel that energy too.
• Allow Compromise in Pitching: Sometimes you have to give a little to gain a lot.
• Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open: Watch how others pitch and present. Absorb every opportunity to grow and level up.
• Put Relationships Over Transactions: A strong connection is key—if it’s not there, the partnership probably isn’t meant to be.
• Network Like Every Conversation Counts: It could spark your next big break.
• Lead with Heart, Always: Let purpose and passion guide you.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Sarita Krishnamurthy to access Sarita’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 Sarita Krishnamurthy

Instagram: @inde_luxe and @sarita_inde

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarita-krishnamurthy

Website: https://in-de.com/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/INDeLuxe

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 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.

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.