Pitch Live with Amy Summers

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 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 takes a look back at Lisa Osborne’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how it laid the foundation for her remarkable career in marketing and healthcare technology. While interning at Pitch Publicity®, Lisa earned dual degrees in Public Relations and International Studies from the University of Florida, later continuing her education with an Executive MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Today, she serves as vice president of product marketing at Waystar (NASDAQ: WAY), where she leads go-to-market strategy and commercialization for the company’s AI-powered software. With more than a decade of leadership experience across both private equity-backed and public companies, Lisa previously served as vice president of marketing at Finvi, leading brand strategy, corporate communications, and demand generation. Lisa’s journey from intern to VP in under 10 years exemplifies how saying yes to new opportunities—and being prepared to rise to them—can accelerate career growth in extraordinary ways. Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Lisa Osborne on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Show up with the confidence of who you want to become, not just who you are today. Don’t overlook what you may view as “boring” — they often offer the most unexpected opportunities. Always prepare before you pitch; research your audience and tailor your message. Be adaptable and adjust your pitch approach for different audiences and situations. Say “yes” to new challenges, even if you’re unsure how to do them — you’ll figure it out. Protect relationships; never burn bridges — they often lead to your next big step. Network before you need something — build genuine relationships first. When mentoring, be clear, kind, and honest — consistent truth helps others grow. Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Lisa Osborne 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 Lisa Osborne: Instagram: @lisajardimosborne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisajardim 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 Daniela Restrepo’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and how it helped shape her path from student to standout marketing professional. While completing her degree in Public Relations at the University of Florida, Daniela was selected as a MAIP 2022 Fellow, collaborating with a team to research and develop a social media campaign for the prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy. Daniela then quickly made her mark in Chicago’s marketing scene—first at MSL, where she led influencer campaigns for Pampers, managing everything from vetting and negotiations to content performance, and later at FCB Chicago, where she oversaw gift and greeting card campaigns for USPS and supported large-scale creative initiatives. Today, Daniela is an account manager at Havas Chicago, a leading integrated marketing communications agency that blends an independent spirit with global scale to make a meaningful difference for brands, businesses, and people. With her courageous spirit and unwavering determination, Daniela shares how mentorship and hands-on experience can open doors to a purpose-driven career. Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Daniela Restrepo on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Be consistent and persistent in pursuing opportunities. Strong writing skills will set you apart—sharpen them early. Don’t buy into the myth that agency life means no weekends—find balance. Company culture matters—always ask about it, including DEI efforts. Ask thoughtful questions at the end of every interview—it shows initiative. Mentorship isn’t about titles—lead and support others at every level. Build confidence through experience to silence imposter syndrome. Remember: rejection is just redirection. Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Daniela Restrepo 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 Daniela Restrepo: Instagram: @danielaxrestrepo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielarestrepo1/ 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 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.

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.