This episode of “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Anthony Zolezzi, executive vice chairman of Dalrada Financial Corporation and president of Dalrada Home. With a passion for environmental change, Anthony has dedicated his career to driving sustainability and health initiatives on a global scale. He’s known for high-impact collaborations, including consulting with HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, to develop “Harmony,” a book and documentary spotlighting Prince Charles' sustainability efforts. A champion of organic agriculture and recycling, Anthony has improved access to affordable wellness products, pioneered large-scale upcycle projects, and led transformative ventures in food, health, and sustainable business. In this interview, Anthony reveals the business and pitching strategies that have positioned him at the helm of world-changing brands, where he builds powerful connections and drives positive impact with the simple virtues of generosity and respect.

Key pitching takeaways from Anthony Zoezzi on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Forget Inspiration. Desperation sparks some of the best ideas.
• Aim high. Skip middle management and reach out to the CEO.
• Prioritize face-to-face meetings - even if you aren’t on their schedule.
• Show up with a smile.
• Be generous in all you do.
• Connect people without expectation or monetization.
• To make a positive change, restore respect for everyone and everything.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Anthony Zolezzi to access Anthony’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 Anthony Zolezzi:

X: @AnthonyZolezzi

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

Website: www.anthonyzolezzi.com and www.dalrada.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 spotlights LaKendra Tookes’ career in entertainment and her short side hustle as a publicist at Pitch Publicity®. LaKendra has an exciting career in entertainment as a writer, actress, TV host, and comedian. From New York City to Los Angeles, her work has been featured on major networks, showcasing her diverse talents across many industry platforms. A proud University of Florida alumna, LaKendra's degree in broadcast journalism laid the foundation in her career journey, which includes writing for Saturday Night Live and serving as a correspondent for Access Hollywood. Currently, she is a vibrant voice on SiriusXM's Radio Andy, a pop culture channel created by Andy Cohen. As host of “Reality Checked,” every Wednesday, known as "KEN'S Day," LaKendra brings her sharp humor and insights to the uncensored world of reality TV.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from LaKendra Tookes on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Secure your basics: Take care of your essential needs so you can focus fully on pursuing your dreams.
• Find the right team: Surround yourself with a strong team that supports you and helps you shine.
• Embrace the climb: Starting from the bottom gives you room to learn, make mistakes, and build confidence before taking on bigger challenges.
• Mirror the energy: Recognize and model the business savvy of those around you to apply those skills in other areas of your life and work.
• Reverse networking: Focus on how you can help others when you network, rather than prioritizing your own needs. By offering value first, the benefits will eventually come back to you.
• Hustle independently: Not having an agent can be an advantage—without one, you learn to hustle and take ownership of your career path.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar LaKendra Tookes 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 LaKendra Tookes:

Instagram | TikTok | X: @lakendratookes

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

SiriusXM Radio “Reality Checked” (channel 102) every Wednesday:

https://sxm.app.link/RealityChecked

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 the “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast features Marci Zaroff, the fashionista visionary who coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995. Marci is an internationally recognized ecolifestyle expert, serial entrepreneur, and author of "ECOrenaissance: Co-Creating A Stylish, Sexy and Sustainable World," (Simon & Schuster). As the founder and CEO of ECOfashion Corp, she’s built a powerhouse of sustainable and organic brands, from Farm to Home and METAwear to YesAnd, while championing environmental and social responsibility for more than three decades. A pioneer in the industry, founder of Under the Canopy and co-founder of BeyondBrands, Marci’s influence extends through numerous ventures and leadership roles, making her a driving force in sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism worldwide.

Key pitching takeaways from Marci Zaroff on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Connect with Consumers: Make it a dialogue, not a lecture. Start with something relatable to build rapport before introducing more complex topics.
• Know Your Product Story: Understand every detail of your product to weave compelling narratives around it.
• Align Love with Values: Offer products people already love, but add an element that allows them to make a positive impact.
• Design for All: Make your offerings accessible and affordable, not just exclusive to high-end consumers.
• Be Genuine: Approach pitching with authenticity and enthusiasm—avoid coming across as scripted.
• Prepare, Get Grounded, and Focus: Before pitching virtually, clear your mind and get into the right headspace hours beforehand.
• Choose Partnerships Consciously: Collaborate with those who align with your brand values, not just big names. Authenticity is key.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Marci Zaroff to access Marci’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 Marci Zaroff:

Instagram | X | TikTok | Facebook: @marcizaroff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-zaroff-b5990a3/

Website: https://www.marcizaroff.com/ and https://ecofashion.com/

Farm to Home: https://www.hsn.com/shop/farm-to-home/23100

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 the “Pitch Live with Amy Summers” podcast takes a look back at Kylie Morgan’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the skills she gained that launched her career in public relations. After earning her master’s degree in public relations and communications from the University of Florida, Kylie built upon her internship experience at Pitch Publicity® by working with prominent brands in the tourism, hospitality, and lifestyle sectors. She now serves as a senior account executive at Lou Hammond Group, where her passion for storytelling, focus on relationship-building and calm demeanor has helped her secure media coverage across top national outlets. With a focus on creating innovative, impactful campaigns that support broader business goals, Kylie has demonstrated a proven track record of success.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Kylie Morgan on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Prioritize real-world experience: Interning before jumping into grad school offers invaluable hands-on learning that sets you apart.
• Master the art of follow-up: Stay top-of-mind with media contacts by following up thoughtfully—be persistent but not overbearing.
• Overdeliver to media: Always provide journalists and producers with more than they ask for, giving them options and making their job easier.
• Stay connected while remote: Schedule regular check-ins with your team, even if it feels unnecessary—it helps maintain connection and prevents isolation.
• Create a remote work routine: Establish a daily routine—coffee, walk, dedicated workspace—to mentally prepare yourself for the workday.
• Be proactive with mentorship: Don’t wait for someone to mentor you—ask how you can help and take the initiative to build those relationships.
• Keep calm in stressful moments: Stay composed, even when stressed inside. Your calmness will put others at ease, helping to defuse tense situations. Simply saying “OK” works wonders.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Kylie Morgan 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 Kylie Morgan:

Instagram: @kyliem0rgan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyliemorgan19/

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,” gives an insider’s look at how Howard Schiffer, a former midwife, founded Vitamin Angels—a global public health nonprofit. His mission to provide life-saving vitamin A to children worldwide began with the startling realization that millions of children lacked access to this crucial and affordable nutrient. Since its start in 1994, Vitamin Angels has broadened its mission to include other evidence-based nutrition interventions with proven, high-impact results. In 2022, Vitamin Angels reached more than 71 million underserved pregnant women and children across approximately 65 countries. With a deep commitment to improving lives, Vitamin Angels plans to double its impact, setting an ambitious goal to reach 140 million women and children annually by 2033. In this interview, Howard shares the organization’s humble beginnings and how he propelled the vision of Vitamin Angels forward.

Key pitching takeaways from Howard Schiffer on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Ensure your global program is scalable and sustainable.
• Invite others to join a mission larger than themselves.
• Stay agile—act swiftly without bureaucracy.
• Support urgent requests with compelling data.
• Highlight the dignity, beauty, and possibilities of people.
• Use stories to forge deep connections and reveal our shared humanity.
• Keep moving forward—don’t look back.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Howard Schiffer to access Howard’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 Howard Schiffer:

Instagram | Facebook: @howardschiffer @vitaminangels

X: @howard_schiffer @vitaminangels

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-schiffer-06741711/

Website: www.VitaminAngels.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 Cameryn Junck’s #internship #mentorship at Pitch Publicity® and the moves she made since graduating from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in Mass Communications and a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. Cameryn began her professional career at a boutique PR agency, Wynne Communications, as account executive handling both the public relations and events side of the business. There she gained extensive experience hosting business and medical public relations networking conferences in D.C. and New York City. Shortly after the filming of this podcast, Cameryn started working with Spirit Airlines as senior media relations specialist utilizing her pitching skills in both proactive and reactive PR.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Cameryn Junck on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Get to the Point: Skip the fluff and be direct with journalists.
• Embrace the “No”: Don’t take rejection personally; it moves you forward.
• Start Small, Learn Big: Gain valuable experience at smaller companies.
• Stay Composed: Journalists may be intimidating, but don’t let it rattle you.
• Stay Organized: Detailed notes and lists are crucial for success.
• Be Direct: Avoid saying, “I’m just following up”—it’s redundant.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Cameryn Junck 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 Cameryn Junck:

Instagram: @CamerynJunck

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameryn-junck/

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 follows the career of Erica Loewe who rose from intern to Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for Public Engagement at The White House. Previously serving as President Joe Biden’s Director of African American Media, Erica has held many key roles in Congress, including Deputy Communications Director for House Majority Whip James Clyburn, and Press Secretary for the House Financial Services Committee under the leadership of Chairwoman Maxine Waters. With a strong background in strategic messaging and stakeholder outreach, Erica has made a significant impact in public affairs, government relations, and providing journalists equal access to The White House.

Key pitching takeaways from Erica Loewe on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Rejection is sometimes protection in disguise.
• A 'no' could just mean 'not yet'—use the time to prepare.
• Tap into your network—ask for introductions.
• Offer your skills for free to add value and get ahead.
• Be clear about your goals—tell people exactly how they can help you.
• Correct mistakes quickly, especially when it comes to misinformation.
• Inaction is a mistake—be the change you want to see.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchPro Erica Loewe to access Erica’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 Erica Loewe:

Instagram: @EricaPLoewe

X: @EricaLoewe46

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

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 Ledora Brown’s time at Pitch Publicity® and her deep history with founder Amy Summers. After graduating from Howard University with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism, Ledora began her career at Pitch Publicity®, where she built a strong foundation in pitching that set her up for success. Working with Pitch Publicity® both during its early start-up phase in the office and later during its pioneering remote days, Ledora developed a unique mentorship relationship with Amy during crucial stages of their careers. In 2020, Amy invited Ledora to co-produce the inaugural INICIVOX® “Elephant in the Room” virtual seminar series, which focused on communication strategies addressing racism. This series won the PR News award for Best Diversity & Inclusion Campaign and was the catalyst that propelled Ledora’s career to the next phase. As a dedicated mother of three, Ledora understands the importance of nurturing future leaders. She is an active member of the Greater Tampa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a national organization committed to fostering the development of African-American youth through leadership training, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

Key pitching/mentorship takeaways from Ledora Brown on this episode of “Pitch Live”:

• Be Transparent: Lay everything out upfront in every situation.
• Work Hard: Success demands effort; nothing comes easy.
• Hire Mothers: They excel in organization, multitasking and management.
• Keep Calm: Avoid mirroring unproductive energy.
• Ask Questions: Rely on experienced professionals and never hesitate to ask.
• Stay Organized: Maintain a detailed schedule to keep on track.

Join Amy Summers for #PitchLive with #PitchStar Ledora Brown 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 Ledora Brown:

Instagram | X: @luvledora

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

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.