Pitch Live with Amy Summers

This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Akeem Shannon, a true embodiment of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Born to artistic and enterprising parents in St. Louis, Akeem earned a full tuition scholarship to study Chemical Engineering at Howard University. Despite facing personal challenges that led to academic probation, Akeem remained steadfast in his commitment to innovation and community prosperity. Motivated by a conversation with his uncle, a NASA engineer, Akeem created Flipstik, a gravity-defying phone accessory. Despite setbacks, including being preempted on his national ABC TV “Shark Tank '' appearance, Akeem's perseverance paid off, landing him deals with rap moguls Diddy and Snoop Dogg. As a result, Flipstik flourished, gaining nationwide distribution. Additionally, Akeem has committed himself to #mentoring and empowering underrepresented minorities and women in entrepreneurship. His story was showcased at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s “Cellphone: Unseen Connections” exhibition, and highlighted by Inc. Magazine, serving as a testament to the power of perseverance and the pitch in achieving the American Dream. Key pitching takeaways from Akeem Shannon on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Dare to defy convention: Break the rules and seize opportunities! Make your voice heard: Spit fire and get loud! Embrace flexibility: Keep an open mind when presenting your ideas. Captivate with narrative: Lead with your story, not just the product. Prepare to pitch: Outline themes rather than sticking to a rigid script. Persistence pays off: Don't give up, keep pushing forward! Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Akeem Shannon to access Akeem’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩 Connect: Follow and connect with Amy Summers: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc X: @PitchAmy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc Follow and connect with Akeem Shannon: Instagram | TikTok: @akeemshannon X: @akeemthedream80 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akeemshannon Website: https://www.akeemshannon.com and https://www.getflipstik.com Shark Tank Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJO3kI8D974 Mentorship Group Text: 314-789-9005 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" podcasts delves into Taylor Hadden's career journey in the world of public relations, tracing back to her formative #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity®, where her passion for PR ignited while she pursued her education at the University of Florida. Taylor's story is a testament to her dedication, perseverance and her remarkable ability to craft impactful campaigns and build teams, while securing media coverage that resonates. From her early days at Pitch Publicity® to her more recent roles, Taylor's career trajectory is both impressive and grounded. Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Taylor Hadden on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Embrace discomfort for personal growth. Timing is key: Ask when to follow up. Collaborate with your boss for strategic follow-ups. Be a valuable resource, not a nuisance. Be human: Schedule a 30-minute meeting to clarify internal communications. Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Taylor Hadden 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 | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc X: @PitchAmy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc Follow and connect with #PitchStar Taylor Hadden: Instagram: @taytayhadden98 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-hadden 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. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pitchpublicitynyc

This episode of "Pitch Live with Amy Summers" podcast features Shelley Spector, a trailblazer in public relations and the founder and director of The Museum of Public Relations. Shelley has spearheaded award-winning campaigns for renowned corporations like AT&T, Bayer, ITT Corporation, and Philips. She established her own firm, Spector & Associates, and gained recognition for her groundbreaking work, including the creation of "The Family Friendly Program," for Embassy Suites, which earned her the prestigious Gold Creativity in Public Relations Award in 1993. With more than 50 national PR awards to her credit, Shelley's remarkable career was honored in 2018 with the Philip Dorf Award for leadership and mentorship at the PRSA New York Big Apple Awards. Key pitching takeaways from Shelley Spector on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Research your pitch recipient and customize your pitch for them. Reference a past story the reporter has covered. Highlight the newsworthiness of your pitch. Have confidence and believe in your pitch idea. Show enthusiasm for your pitch. Don't hesitate to pitch your ideas even if everything isn't perfectly lined up yet. Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Shelley Spector to access Shelley’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩 Connect: Follow and connect with Amy Summers: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc X: @PitchAmy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc Follow and connect with Shelley Spector: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @prmuseum X: @museumofpr LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyspector Website: www.prmuseum.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 Afreka Ebanks’ #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and INICIVOX®, and the steps she made early in her career that eventually landed her an account director position at JUV Consulting, an agency Refinery29 calls “the biggest and most popular Gen Z consulting agency.” After earning a degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida and gaining valuable experience interning at Pitch Publicity® and INICIVOX®, Afreka relocated to New York City. There, she has excelled in creating and implementing campaigns, brand strategies, and events for major international brands such as META, Snapchat, e.l.f. Beauty, Nike, and FreedomMarchNYC. As a Gen Z expert, Afreka frequently counsels corporate leaders on effective methods to engage and communicate with emerging generations. Her passion for creativity and human connection drives her to innovate and inspire in any environment. Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Afreka Ebanks on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Frame conversations to win support: Kick off communication right! Embrace new initiatives: Say yes to growth! Self-learning fuels professional growth: Figure things out! Seek diverse mentors: Broaden your perspective! Stay connected and ask for guidance: Build your mentorship network! Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Afreka Ebanks 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 | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc X: @PitchAmy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc Follow and connect with #PitchStar Afreka Ebanks: Instagram | TikTok: @afrekaebanks LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/afrekaebanks 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 tells the success story behind Peetachai (Neil) Dejkraisak, CEO and co-founder of Jasberry®, a social enterprise that was established with a mission to alleviate the problem of small-scale farmers' poverty through innovative, global organic products. Jasberry®, the world’s first superfood rice, works with more 2,500 small-scale farmers’ households in the Northeastern part of Thailand helping them to increase their income by managing the entire agricultural value chain. Throughout his career, Neil has been very intentional about #mentorship and finding the right #mentors to help him make a big change with a tiny grain of rice. He shares some of his top #pitching tips that have earned Jasberry® global recognition for its third-party verified social impact. Key pitching takeaways from Neil Dejkraisak on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Have one big idea. Save your energy for your audience. Pace your pitch like Martin Luther King Jr. Pitch with courage of conviction like Nelson Mandela. Have a sense of humor like Barack Obama. Don’t take yourself too seriously and be human. Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Neil Dejkraisak to access Neil’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️🤩 Connect: Follow and connect with Amy Summers: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc X: @PitchAmy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc Follow and connect with Neil Dejkraisak: Instagram: @jasberryrice Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siamorganic/ LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/peetachai-neil-dejkraisak-a83a1231/ Website: www.jasberry.net 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 Victoria Najmy’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity®, and follows her current career success as a Brooklyn-based freelance marketer, producer and entrepreneur. After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Advertising and interning at Pitch Publicity®, Victoria went on to work in New York City’s advertising industry. With a focus on digital marketing, branding, and video and photo productions, Victoria led projects for brands such as Starbucks, Pantene, Venus, MAC Cosmetics, Etsy, and Gatorade. Thriving in the face-paced advertising and marketing world, Victoria is currently growing her own company offering scalable solutions for marketing and advertising needs for both brands and agencies. Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Victory Najmy on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Analyze the “noes,” and don’t be afraid of them. Establish relationships before asking for connections. Speak on the phone and get facetime whenever possible. Keep it short and sweet with cold LinkedIN connect messages. Ask to stay on someone’s radar in order to connect. Seek out peers as mentors too. Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Victoria Najmy 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 | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc X: @PitchAmy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc Follow and connect with #PitchStar Victoria Najmy: Instagram @victorianajmy LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-najmy/ 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.

Are you “future setting” in your pitch? This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast is packed with #pitching #mentorship from Kim Kaupe, co-founder at Bright Ideas Only, a marketing and fan engagement based agency that has worked with Oprah, The New York Mets, Justin Bieber, Disney Junior and many other A-listers to create new ideas for programs, revenue streams and branding. Prior to starting this new venture in 2021, Kim gained global acclaim for ZinePak and The Superfan Company. Recognized as a “Startup of the Year” by The Wall Street Journal, she also made a splash on season 5 of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” securing offers from 4 out of 5 sharks for ZinePack. Key pitching takeaways from Kim Kaupe on this episode of “Pitch Live”: Research and prepare in a calculated manner. Know your audience inside and out. Build relationships by keeping a stellar reputation. Ask for recommendations. Have a strong LinkedIn profile. End your pitch with what’s next (future setting). Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with Kim Kaupe to access Kim’s pitching strategies and success stories that prove the power of #ThePitch ☎️ Connect: Follow and connect with Amy Summers: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @amysummersnyc X: @PitchAmy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysummersnyc Follow and connect with Kim Kaupe: Instagram | Facebook: @kimkaupe X: @kimkaupe LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkaupe Website: www.kimkaupe.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.

Live from the Pitch Pad in New York City! Get ready to unleash your inner entrepreneur with "Pitch Live with Amy Summers"! Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just dipping your toes into the shark tank, this is the place to be to discover how to turn your pitch into reality. Fasten your seatbelts Pitch Stars, because the spotlight is on you, and we are about to make success happen. Pitch Live goes live on January 17, 2024. Make success happen and subscribe now!