True Story: The Public Relations Podcast

What’s the secret to a thriving business? It’s not just great products or top-notch service—it’s something way more powerful.In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Michelle Villatoro to talk about the one thing that can make or break your company: leadership. But we’re not just talking about fancy titles or managing tasks—we’re diving into what real leadership looks like and how it shapes everything from team culture to customer experience.Whitney and Michelle break down why emotional intelligence, human connection, and authenticity matter more than ever. They also get real about leadership mistakes, handling employee turnover, and why different generations expect different things from their workplaces.If you’re leading a team (or want to), this episode is packed with the insights you need to create a culture where people want to stick around, grow, and give their best.🔥 The #1 leadership mistake that’s hurting your business🔥 Why emotional intelligence is the secret weapon of great leaders🔥 How to keep employees engaged (and stop the revolving door of turnover)🔥 The key to leading different generations without frustration🔥 How to build a culture where people actually want to workLet’s Connect:Just Think Hospitality Website Connect with Michelle on LinkedInConnect with Michelle on InstagramConnect with Whitney on LinkedInConnect with Whitney on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

Is your business truly ready for PR? In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the key factors that determine whether your PR efforts will thrive—or fall flat. She explores the importance of defining your brand identity, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring your business is prepared to make the most of media opportunities.Whitney also uncovers common reasons companies waste money on PR, from lacking newsworthy content to overlooking the customer journey. Plus, she shares why PR is a long-term game and why success requires openness to new ideas and strategic shifts.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make when investing in PR✅ Why a strong brand identity is crucial before launching PR efforts✅ How to tell if your company has newsworthy content✅ The role of operational readiness in PR success✅ Why PR isn’t just about media hits—it’s about long-term impactResources & Links:Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedInTrue Story Website TheWhitneyLee.com

Ever thought about writing a book but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re an expert looking to establish authority or have a story to tell, the path to publishing can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Dan Gerstein, CEO of Gotham Ghostwriters, to demystify the world of ghostwriting and book publishing.Dan shares insights from his extensive career in writing and communications, explaining how Gotham Ghostwriters helps authors bring their ideas to life. He breaks down the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, the importance of understanding the ROI of writing a book, and how the publishing industry is evolving. If you’re considering writing a book, this episode is packed with expert advice to set you up for success.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Gotham Ghostwriters helps authors turn ideas into books✅ The pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing✅ Why writing a book is an investment—and how to measure its ROI✅ The evolving landscape of the publishing industry✅ Key steps to strategically plan your book for maximum impactResources & Links:📌 Gotham Ghostwriters Website📌 Connect with Gotham Ghostwriters on LinkedIn📌 Connect with Whitney on Instagram🎧 Hit play now and take the first step toward becoming a published author!

In this episode, Whitney Lee breaks down the real meaning of pitching and why it’s more than just sending out press releases. Whether you’re pitching a story, a campaign, or a brand partnership, Whitney shares how to communicate your ideas effectively, avoid common mistakes, and build genuine relationships that lead to real opportunities.Key takeaways:What pitching really means in PR and beyondHow to craft a pitch that gets attention (without being spammy)Why emails aren’t enough—how direct conversations make a differenceCommon pitching mistakes and how to fix themIf you want to sharpen your pitching skills and turn conversations into opportunities, this episode is for you!----Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on InstagramTrue Story PR WebsiteTheWhitneyLee.com

💡Is PR really just about getting media coverage? Think again.Today, Whitney Lee sits down with Adriana Sol, founder ofWander PR, to break down the biggest misconceptions about public relations and what it really takes to build a successful agency.Adriana shares her journey into PR, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and how she’s navigated the challenges of leadership in a constantly evolving industry. She and Whitney explore why PR isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy, the importance of measuring success beyond financial metrics, and how self-reflection plays a key role in effective leadership.They also dive into:The dynamics of client relationships and how to add real valueThe unique challenges of PR as a non-systematic fieldHow remote work culture has shaped agency growth and leadershipThe evolving role of PR professionals in today’s media landscapeIf you’re a PR professional, business owner, or someone navigating leadership, this episode is packed with insights on strategy, creativity, and building authentic connections.--------Wander PR on Instagram--------Whitney on LinkedInWhitney on InstagramTrue Story PR WebsiteTheWhitneyLee.com

Should you get a master’s degree? In today's episode, Whitney shares her personal experience, diving into the motivations behind pursuing further education, the importance of internships, and the true value of the connections made in school. Whitney breaks down why a master’s degree can be a great tool for some—but not always necessary for career growth. If you’ve been debating whether grad school is the right move for you, this episode will give you the clarity you need. ------------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

In an industry where it’s common to keep your cards close to your chest, Jen Berson took the values of community over competition seriously in her PR agency. Instead of keeping her tips and tricks a secret, she created Jeneration Academy, an online educational platform for entrepreneurs that includes courses, resources, and an online community.  Join us today as Whitney and Jen dive into several hot topics including the top PR trends and predictions for 2024, how AI is impacting the PR industry, the NECESSITY for affiliate programs, and more!  ——— Connect with Jen on Instagram  Jeneration PR  Jeneration Academy  Join Powerhouse Pros Free Online Community ——— Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com

In this episode, Whitney Lee discusses the significant shifts in marketing and PR strategies in 2025 emphasizing the move towards fractional CMOs, shorter planning cycles, and a more authentic approach to branding. She reflects on how the pandemic has changed the way businesses operate, particularly in terms of team structures and the increasing acceptance of remote work. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to new trends in marketing, including the effectiveness of organic content over traditional polished imagery. ----------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story Public Relations Website TheWhitneyLee.com

In this episode, Whitney shares a curated list of books that have profoundly influenced her personal and professional life. From productivity hacks to the power of love languages, Whitney highlights key insights from these impactful reads and explains how they’ve shaped her mindset and approach to life. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or seeking inspiration for personal growth, this episode offers a roadmap to elevate your life and business through the wisdom of books. ------------ Connect with Whitney: LinkedIn Instagram True Story Website TheWhitneyLee.com

What does it take to thrive as a journalist in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world? In this episode, Whitney Lee uncovers the secrets with freelance journalist and PR consultant Joni Sweet. From navigating the rise of AI to mastering the art of storytelling, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of media. Key topics include: The rise of Substack and its role in personal branding for journalists. How media monetization has changed over the years. The growing importance of SEO in modern storytelling. Best practices for pitching stories to journalists and crafting compelling narratives. The role of social media in amplifying media coverage. How AI is shaping the future of journalism and storytelling. Building community among journalists and overcoming the hurdles of remote networking. Joni also opens up about the differences between pitching stories and accepting assignments, offering listeners a candid look at the complexities of freelance writing in today’s digital age. ---------- Connect with Joni on LinkedIn Connect with Joni on Instagram Joni's Website Joni's Substack Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn Connect with Whitney on Instagram True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee.com