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Whitney Lee
Welcome to True Story: The PR Podcast – a weekly show that features brands and businesses that have a authentic story to tell. From wild investments, lawsuits against massive brands, bankruptcies and surprise features on Oprah, you’ll hear how some of the nation’s brands and businesses developed into who they are today. Whitney Lee, the host and Founder of True Story PR, also shares valuable PR advice on different industries, topics and more. Tune in below or on any platform you listen to podcasts.
Total 130 episodes
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Missed Opportunities - What I Should've Done When We Started the Agency

Missed Opportunities - What I Should've Done When We Started the Agency

What if the secret to success wasn’t in finding a business partner? 🤔 In this episode, Whitney Lee shares her inspiring journey from leaving a corporate career at just 26 years old to building her own thriving business. She dives into how mentorship—both informal and paid—has been a game-changer in her life. Whitney reflects on the lessons learned, mistakes made, and the invaluable guidance she’s gained along the way. 💡 Key Takeaways You’ll Love: Start your mentorship journey sooner rather than later. Mistakes are inevitable—but mentors help you learn and avoid the big ones. Paid mentorship creates commitment and accountability on both sides. The right mentor can turbocharge your growth and confidence. Mentorship isn’t about making decisions for you; it’s about guiding you to the right ones. Invest in you—because you're worth it. Whether you’re at the start of your entrepreneurial path or looking to level up, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to personal and professional growth. Tune in to discover why finding a mentor could be the best investment you ever make! 🎧 ----------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn TheWhitneyLee.com TrueStoryPR.co
27:0625/11/2024
How to Triple Your Podcast Pitching in a Day with Parker Olson, Founder of PodPitch

How to Triple Your Podcast Pitching in a Day with Parker Olson, Founder of PodPitch

Think podcasts are just a side hustle or hobby? Think again. In this episode, Whitney Lee chats with Parker Olson, founder of PodPitch, about how podcasts are becoming a PR powerhouse. They explore the art of customized pitches, the game-changing role of AI, and why podcasts are now key players in the media landscape. Parker shares his unconventional journey—from wild diets to living in nontraditional spaces—offering fresh insights on creativity and innovation. Discover how tools like PodPitch are enhancing PR efforts while preserving the human touch, and what this means for the future of the industry. ----------- PodPitch Connect with Parker on Instagram Connect with PodPitch on LinkedIn Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story PR Website TheWhitneyLee Website
35:2818/11/2024
The Tiny Shift that Changed Our Relationship with Every Client

The Tiny Shift that Changed Our Relationship with Every Client

Ever wonder what it takes to go from a "yes person" to an authoritative leader in your field? In this episode, Whitney Lee shares her transformative journey from corporate life to freelancing, highlighting the mindset shifts that changed her career. She talks about redefining client relationships, stepping into a strategist role, and the power of proactive communication. But that’s just the beginning—Whitney dives into how perception and PR can make or break your business. Want more? Hit play and discover her secrets firsthand! ------------ Apply for Mentorship with Whitney Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story Public Relations
22:2411/11/2024
Efficient vs. Effective - How Personalization Changes Everything in Sales + Marketing with Scott Russell, Partner at Dynamic Sales Solutions

Efficient vs. Effective - How Personalization Changes Everything in Sales + Marketing with Scott Russell, Partner at Dynamic Sales Solutions

What does it take to stand out in a crowded, ever-evolving market? In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Scott Russell, a luxury hospitality veteran turned entrepreneur, who spills the secrets of navigating one of the most competitive industries out there. From his corporate days at the Ritz Carlton to building his own consulting and sales training business, Scott shares the bold moves and creative strategies that helped him thrive—especially during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll hear how Scott mastered the art of differentiation and personalization, why effective communication trumps efficiency, and how storytelling can transform a brand. Plus, he breaks down the powerful partnership between sales and marketing and reveals how adapting quickly can lead to game-changing innovations. Looking to find out what really matters in business, how to build lasting client trust, and what leadership looks like in action? You’re in the right place. Tune in for an episode packed with practical takeaways and expert insights from Scott—and find out how collaboration can unlock your next big success! ---------- Scott on LinkedIn Dynamic Sales Solutions Whitney on Instagram Whitney on LinkedIn True Story Public Relations TheWhitneyLee.com
31:3504/11/2024
Your First Assistant or Employee: How to Know What You Should Hand Off

Your First Assistant or Employee: How to Know What You Should Hand Off

Feeling overwhelmed by doing it all yourself? It’s time to level up! In this episode, Whitney Lee reveals the secrets to successfully building and managing a team. Drawing from her own journey, she shares invaluable tips on hiring the right assistants, defining clear roles, and creating a structured system for task management. Whitney breaks down the critical difference between being a leader who trains and counsels versus just overseeing task execution. Plus, she dives into the nuances of working with employees versus contractors, giving you the tools to make the right choices for your business. Ready to stop wearing all the hats and start scaling your business? Tune in now—and don’t forget to explore mentorship opportunities with Whitney herself! -------- Apply for Ongoing Mentorship TheWhitneyLee.com True Story Public Relations Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn
33:0928/10/2024
How She Went from a Corporate Job Managing 16 Agencies to Starting Her Own with Lindsay Kirsh, Founder and Chief Strategist, Slayer PR

How She Went from a Corporate Job Managing 16 Agencies to Starting Her Own with Lindsay Kirsh, Founder and Chief Strategist, Slayer PR

In this episode, Whitney Lee sits down with Lindsay Kirsh, Founder and Chief Strategist of Slayer PR, to dive deep into her incredible career transformation. From managing over 15 agencies at McDonald’s to building her own PR powerhouse, Lindsay shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Discover the importance of trust in agency-client relationships, the perks of niche expertise, and what it truly takes to lead a successful team. Whether you’re curious about the agency vs. corporate world or want to hear strategic insights for long-term success, this conversation is packed with gems. Don’t miss this inspiring episode with a true PR leader! -------- Important Links: ⁠Slayer Public Relations⁠ ⁠Lindsay on Instagram ⁠ ⁠Slayer PR on Instagram ⁠ Whitney on Instagram Whitney on LinkedIn True Story Public Relations -------- About Lindsay: For over 15 years, Lindsay has dedicated her career to strategic and crisis communications, representing Fortune 500 companies and several global brands across Food & Beverage, Consumer, Retail, Lifestyle, and Health & Wellness industries. When she started her career, she knew one day she would work for herself. Once she acquired the necessary skills in the corporate world learning from the greats, she did just that. Lindsay began her public relations career in Toronto, Canada working for Fleishman-Hillard International Communications. In 2015, inspired by a love for grunge music, Lindsay relocated to Seattle where she was able to marry her love for music and public relations. When asked how and why she went into business, the answer is simple: she wanted the freedom and autonomy to make her own decisions, have the creative freedom to create unforgettable PR campaigns, grow a great team of like-minded professionals and build something from the ground up.
40:4721/10/2024
The Worst Advice for a New Agency or Freelancer

The Worst Advice for a New Agency or Freelancer

Is following conventional wisdom really the best path for your agency or freelance journey? In today’s solo podcast episode, Whitney dives into “The Worst Advice for a New Agency or Freelancer.” Get ready for some hot takes on the common pitfalls and misconceptions that could hold you back! Connect with Whitney on Instagram ⁠ ⁠Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠TheWhitneyLee.com⁠ ⁠True Story Website
29:2114/10/2024
How She Scaled and Sold her Agency with Carrie Kerpen, Founder and CEO of The Whisper Group

How She Scaled and Sold her Agency with Carrie Kerpen, Founder and CEO of The Whisper Group

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Carrie Kerpen, Founder and CEO of The Whisper Group, as she shares the journey of how she scaled and sold her agency. In this episode, Whitney and Carrie dive into strategies for success, the specific obstacles she overcame in building her agency, and the key insights she gained throughout her journey. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, you won’t want to miss this episode! ------------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn TheWhitneyLee.com True Story Website
42:5007/10/2024
Navigating the Evolution of Agency Structure and Services with Veronique Zayas, Founder of HatchMark Studio

Navigating the Evolution of Agency Structure and Services with Veronique Zayas, Founder of HatchMark Studio

Join us today as Whitney chats with Veronique Zayas, the creative force behind HatchMark Studio. Veronique shares her agency’s exciting evolution to a full-service powerhouse. Together, they dive into how HatchMark Studio masters branding, visual systems, and helps clients stay on-brand across multiple platforms. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: Why a strong social media presence is key to brand success How cohesive messaging across channels boosts business The power of partnerships and collaborating with other agencies to deliver specialized services Real-world examples of how smart branding leads to higher revenue 💡 Whitney also shares her own agency’s shift toward integrating PR, social media, and more to meet today’s demands. They explore how the agency world has moved from siloed services to seamless, holistic solutions. 👥 Key Insights: Building a dream team that’s ready to grow with you Clear communication and flexibility: essential tools for thriving in any agency How to attract clients that align with your values and vision Leading with purpose while navigating the challenges of team dynamics Tune in for an inspiring deep-dive into branding, agency growth, and the changing landscape of marketing services. ------- Connect with Veronique on Instagram HatchMark Studio Website Connect with HatchMark Studio on LinkedIn Connect with Whitney on Instagram Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn True Story PR Website
44:4423/09/2024
Fixing the Friction Between Clients and Mid Size Agencies with Lindsey Breitwieser, Fractional CMO & Founder of The CMO Lab

Fixing the Friction Between Clients and Mid Size Agencies with Lindsey Breitwieser, Fractional CMO & Founder of The CMO Lab

Get ready to dive deep into the world of marketing and PR with this insightful episode! Join Whitney Lee as she sits down with Lindsay Breitwieser, the mastermind behind CMO Lab, to tackle the real challenges regional agencies face and the often-overlooked friction between agencies and clients. Lindsay shares her expertise on crafting marketing strategies that truly align with business goals, all while balancing the data-driven and emotional aspects of marketing. Discover why managing client expectations is crucial, and learn the art of making bold adjustments when things aren’t working. From the power of data to the value of failure and experimentation, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Whether you're thinking about hiring a CMO or simply looking to refine your marketing approach, this episode is a must-listen! ------------- Visit The CMO Lab The CMO Lab on Instagram True Story on Instagram True Story PR Website
49:5620/08/2024
How We Doubled the Business in 2020

How We Doubled the Business in 2020

In a time of uncertainty, True Story Public Relations experienced remarkable growth in 2020. While some clients had to step back, others stepped up, expanding their services! Join us today as agency owner Whitney Lee shares how her agency managed to double during such a challenging year. Whitney will delve into the strategic steps she took, how global shifts influenced the business landscape, and the enduring practices that have continued to drive success well beyond 2020. Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee. ------------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram Visit TheWhitneyLee.com Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn Visit TrueStoryPR.co
40:5312/08/2024
Building a Personal Brand as an Agency Owner with Lexie Smith, Founder of Growth Mode Agency & The PR Bar Inc.

Building a Personal Brand as an Agency Owner with Lexie Smith, Founder of Growth Mode Agency & The PR Bar Inc.

Whether you want to or not, EVERYONE has a personal brand. Join us today as Whitney chats with fellow agency owner, Lexie Smith! They’re covering the ins and outs of building a personal brand as an agency owner. You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at agency life.  ------- As seen in Entrepreneur.com, Business Insider, NASDAQ, Create & Cultivate, and more, Lexie Smith, is a PR & Business Coach, Founder & CEO of GROWTH MODE PR & Communications Agency, Founder of THEPRBAR inc., and Host of the Pitchin' and Sippin' Podcast. ------- Connect with Lexie on LinkedIn Connect with Lexie on Instagram Pitchin' and Sippin' Podcast
44:0430/07/2024
Special Announcement - TheWhitneyLee.com is LIVE

Special Announcement - TheWhitneyLee.com is LIVE

Tune in today for a special announcement from Whitney Lee! For the past several months, Whitney has been working on a new resource to support agency owners and we are ecstatic to announce that TheWhitneyLee.com is now LIVE! Visit TheWhitneyLee.com/streamline to download the 4 Steps to a Streamlined Remote Agency! Applications for mentorship with Whitney are open with only two spaces available. Digital template downloads and roadmaps for remote agency owners will be available for purchase soon. We can't wait to support you in the process of streamlining and scaling your remote agency. ------- Visit TheWhitneyLee.com for more information!
13:5424/07/2024
Should You Niche Down Your Agency?

Should You Niche Down Your Agency?

Is niching down the key to success? Will it help you get more of the right kind of clients? How niche is too niche? Join us today as Whitney cracks the code on whether or not niching down your agency is the right move.  ---------------- Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee. 
30:3415/07/2024
PR + HR - How Company Culture and Your Brand Intersect with James Ferguson of Wurzak Hotel Group

PR + HR - How Company Culture and Your Brand Intersect with James Ferguson of Wurzak Hotel Group

Get ready to dive into the concept of confetti culture as Whitney explores the intersection of PR and HR with James Ferguson. James is the Director of Culture for Wurzak Hotel Group and is sharing how he used his passion for company culture to make his dream position a reality.  Whether you are a business owner, work in HR, or have a goal on your mind, you can expect to leave this episode fired up and ready to take on any hurdle in your path.  ------------- The Confetti Culture Playbook Connect with James on LinkedIn
32:5409/07/2024
5 Controversial Opinions on Marketing with Amy Colbourn, Managing Director of MONOGRAM Agency

5 Controversial Opinions on Marketing with Amy Colbourn, Managing Director of MONOGRAM Agency

Get ready for a round of hot takes as Whitney chats with Amy Colbourn, Managing Director of MONOGRAM, about controversial opinions on marketing. In this episode, two hospitality marketing and PR experts share their perspectives on hot topics, such as the effectiveness of using awareness as a marketing objective and whether the same strategies can be applied to marketing products and services. About Amy: Amy Colbourn is a marketing executive and brand strategist who serves as the Managing Director of MONOGRAM. Headquartered in Las Vegas MONOGRAM is a brand agency, and a member of The Harkey Group of agencies, specializing in luxury hospitality and casino marketing. Connect with Whitney on Instagram MONOGRAM Agency
37:1124/06/2024
Why Agencies Get Fired

Why Agencies Get Fired

Getting fired by a client can feel incredibly disheartening, but it's an experience every agency faces sooner or later. The key is to learn and grow from it. In this episode, Whitney explores common reasons why agencies get fired and offers actionable tips to prevent it. If you're an agency owner or part of an agency team, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and cultivate lasting, successful client relationships from the start. -------------- Have a specific topic you’d like us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
38:5717/06/2024
OWNER CHAT: Real Talk on Agency Ownership - the Good & the Bad with Susie Timm, Founder of Knife & Fork Media

OWNER CHAT: Real Talk on Agency Ownership - the Good & the Bad with Susie Timm, Founder of Knife & Fork Media

Join us today for a front-row seat to real talk from two agency owners! Whitney is chatting with Susie Timm, Founder and CEO of Knife & Fork Media. The two agency owners give you the scoop on things that they LOVE about owning an agency, tips for freelancers looking to scale, and things that they had to learn the hard way so that you don't have to. If you're a freelancer on the verge of scaling and growing a team, you won't want to miss this episode! ---------------- Knife & Fork Media Founder, Susie Timm grew up in the land of cow, otherwise known as Wisconsin. In 1992 she moved to the Valley of the Sun and graduated from high school in Scottsdale and is a proud alumni of Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science.. Interestingly enough, she started a booming career as a banker in 2000 and was named the youngest Bank President in Arizona at the age of 27. Susie worked in that industry until it became “un-fun” in 2009. She found her true passion in the food industry mid-2009 when she co-founded a food events company. That business morphed into the full service PR agency we are today! Susie and her team manage a marketing portfolio of clients ranging in size and scope from food to entertainment to accounting. With over fifteen years of experience, her proven marketing, media and sales models have helped grow small and medium-sized companies all over Arizona and the United States. Susie won numerous achievement awards for her sales skills during her years as a corporate warrior. Additionally, she has been honored as a member of the Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 under 40,” and “Women Leaders in Business,” the Phoenix New Times’ “100 Tastemakers in Phoenix,” So Scottsdale’s “24 Powerful Leaders Under 40,” and has served as a national trendspotter for the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Shows. Susie is a proud graduate of Scottsdale Leadership, Class 23. Susie has been a recurring featured guest on many local TV stations for her passionate take on gourmet food trends. Susie believes strongly in community stewardship and to that end, she has served as a board member with Scottsdale Leadership, the Leadership Council of Careers in Culinary Arts (C-Cap AZ), and has served three times as the Co-Chair of Taste of the Nation Arizona, an event that raises important funds to feed hungry kids in Arizona. She currently serves as Vice President of Les Dames de Escoffier, Phoenix Chapter and is a founding member of the One More Ball Foundation, dedicated to bringing tennis to underserved kids. For fun, Susie plays tennis 4-5 times a week, cooks, reads cooking magazines, sits in the Jacuzzi and spends too much time shopping online. ------------- Connect with Susie Knife & Fork Media Connect with Whitney
33:4310/06/2024
The Most Important Question to Ask a Potential Client

The Most Important Question to Ask a Potential Client

Transparency and clear communication are key when starting a relationship with a potential client. By asking this one question, you can help prevent confusion and set realistic expectations for deliverables and the working relationship! Tune in today for a valuable episode that will help you when growing your clientele! -------------------------- Connect with Whitney on Instagram
25:0803/06/2024
BRAND TWERK: Little Mistakes That Make Your Brand Look Amateur with Lisa Boettcher of LB Creative Studio

BRAND TWERK: Little Mistakes That Make Your Brand Look Amateur with Lisa Boettcher of LB Creative Studio

Get ready to make your brand twerk! Today we’re talking all things branding with Lisa Boettcher, Founder and Creative Brand Strategist of LB Creative Studio. Buckle up for tips you can implement immediately to make your brand look legit and things you should be avoiding from a branding perspective!  ——————————— Lisa Boettcher is a Creative Brand Strategist and mom of 4. Lisa’s career is built on her strong sense of strategy and the intuitive, futuristic approach she takes to her work, some of which has been featured on Target, in Forbes and Vogue. Lisa founded, bootstrapped and sold a niche accessory fashion brand in under 5 years and with over a decade of experience helping female-founded brands scale through strategy, story, visuals, community building, product design and development, she’s now guided by her desire to share creativity and the inner workings of identity and transformation with her community, whether through experiential offerings, with clients or on her social channels. ——————————— Connect with Lisa on Instagram Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Connect with Whitney on Instagram
38:2629/05/2024
REAL TALK: A Message to Influencers from Agencies

REAL TALK: A Message to Influencers from Agencies

Today’s episode is a real, raw message from an agency owner directly to influencers! If you’re an influencer, buckle up for tips and etiquette for working with brands and agencies. You may be surprised by how much these simple adjustments can impact your work with agencies and brands.  -------- Have a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
45:3520/05/2024
Females Who Film: How She Built a Multi-Media Company in a Male-Dominated Space with Carly Gilleland, Founder of The Good Vibe Media Co

Females Who Film: How She Built a Multi-Media Company in a Male-Dominated Space with Carly Gilleland, Founder of The Good Vibe Media Co

From raising $100k in 60 days to watching her idea for a multi-media studio come to life, Carly Gilleland is a pro at putting in the work and watching the hard-earned results unfold! Tune in today as we talk about the challenges of starting a creative business, working as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and chasing after your dreams! This episode will leave you fired up, ready to take the next steps toward your goal.  ---------- The Good Vibe Media is a woman owned and operated video production company, created in 2016.  Founder, Carly Gilleland, was exposed to video production during her years attending Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Arizona. She created a short documentary about her sister who has special needs. After seeing the impact it made on her classmates, she quickly realized this is what she wanted to do for a living – tell people’s stories that have a positive impact. After attending film school in California, she moved back home to Arizona and slowly & organically built The Good Vibe Media to what it is today! The Good Vibe Media is now a full-service video production company, serving clients in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville and more!  ---------- The Good Vibe Media Connect with Carly on LinkedIn ---------- Connect with Whitney on LinkedIn Connect with Whitney on Instagram
29:2413/05/2024
The Biggest Challenge of Working in PR

The Biggest Challenge of Working in PR

The world of public relations may seem mystical, but once you learn how to tackle some of the most common hurdles, you will be on the track to making brands truly known.  Today, Whitney Lee is spilling the biggest challenge of working in PR and how to troubleshoot it. Don’t miss out on this episode if you’ve been hitting public relations roadblocks for you and your clients. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
18:3906/05/2024
Branding + PR: Where Businesses are Missing the Mark with Sara Chambers

Branding + PR: Where Businesses are Missing the Mark with Sara Chambers

Is your business missing the mark when it comes to branding and PR? In today's episode, we hear from Sara Chambers on how her agency has mastered the perfect blend of strategy and branding to help propel businesses forward. Tune in for tips that you can apply to your business! -------- Elly and Nora Creative Connect with Sara on Instagram Connect with Sara on Linkedin Connect with Whitney on Instagram
35:5429/04/2024
3 Mistakes I've Made as a Leader

3 Mistakes I've Made as a Leader

Good leaders make mistakes too! Hear from the principal of True Story Public Relations herself as Whitney Lee dives into mistakes she's made and what she has learned from them. Tune in to today's episode to learn more about embracing vulnerability and growing from setbacks. Remember, even the greatest leaders stumble, but it's how they rise that defines their legacy.  ----------- Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
37:0522/04/2024
How a 22-Year-Old Tennis Buff Built an International Experience Company

How a 22-Year-Old Tennis Buff Built an International Experience Company

Join us for today's episode as we dive into the inspiring journey of Barnabas Carrega, CEO and Founder of The GR8 Experience, as he shares how he built this empire at just 22 years old. From tennis buff to CEO, Barnabas shares how his journey led him to build custom dream experiences for his clients. --------- Connect with Barnabas on Linkedin The Gr8 Experience True Story Public Relations Website Connect with Whitney on Instagram
35:3615/04/2024
A Secret Killer of Remote Teams

A Secret Killer of Remote Teams

Managing a remote team has a slew of positive benefits. From lower operating expenses to having more flexibility, remote work can be a good fit for many teams, but it also comes with its challenges. Through years of adapting to work-from-home life, our team has experienced the ups and downs and learned from every experience.  Tune in to today's solo podcast episode as we spill the secret killer to remote teams and how to keep your people on track. Have a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee. ------------- Connect with True Story PR on Instagram
17:1208/04/2024
 How to Build and Monetize a Community from the Ground Up with Devin Butler, Founder of Arizona Entrepreneurs

How to Build and Monetize a Community from the Ground Up with Devin Butler, Founder of Arizona Entrepreneurs

If you are looking for community as a business owner, this episode is for you! Join us as we sit down with Devin Butler, Founder of Arizona Entrepreneurs (AZE), to dive into his exclusive secrets on building and monetizing a community from the ground up. Devin started AZE because it was exactly what he was looking for when he first moved to Arizona. He had no connections and realized he needed to get around other growth-minded business owners who were going through similar things. Today, AZE is a thriving community of hundreds of entrepreneurs in various industries.  ------- Connect with Devin on Instagram Connect with Devin on LinkedIn Arizona Entrepreneurs on Instagram
41:2201/04/2024
How to Know When it's Time to FIRE

How to Know When it's Time to FIRE

Knowing when it’s time to let an employee go can be a hard decision to make. In Whitney’s years of running the agency, she has had to face the difficult reality that some people simply aren’t a good fit for your team.  Listen in for today’s episode as we share some factors to keep in mind when it’s not working out with an employee and how to decide when it’s time to let that person go.  Want to hear our take on when it’s time to HIRE? Click here for the previous episode!  ------------ Connect with Whitney on Instagram
29:1625/03/2024
100th Episode! Pros and Cons of Remote Agency Life

100th Episode! Pros and Cons of Remote Agency Life

Today, we’re celebrating our 100th podcast episode with a very special guest! Bri Taylor, the Director of Operations at True Story Public Relations joins Whitney for a deep dive into the pros and cons of remote agency life.  Tune in as Bri and Whitney dive into the most awesome parts of working as a remote agency and some of the difficulties their remote team has faced along the way.  ------------ True Story Public Relations Website
40:3118/03/2024
3 Little Subconscious Behaviors that are Ruining Your Productivity

3 Little Subconscious Behaviors that are Ruining Your Productivity

Could these three little subconscious behaviors be ruining your productivity?  As an agency owner, Whitney is no stranger to being pulled in a million directions. Whether your productivity is slacking in your personal or professional life, changing these three behaviors could make a world of difference.  Have a specific topic or question you’d like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee. ————— Getting 100+ Emails a Day? My Productivity Hack podcast episode. Connect with Whitney on Instagram True Story Public Relations Website
23:3211/03/2024
From Local Citizen to Award-Winning Media Outlet - How Jared Williams Built Get the Coast

From Local Citizen to Award-Winning Media Outlet - How Jared Williams Built Get the Coast

Already reaching over a million in 2024, Jared Williams is changing the game for local news in Northwest Florida. Join us today as Whitney and Jared catch us up on the story behind Get the Coast, Northwest Florida's leading digital news outlet, and what’s coming next. Don't forget to click below to watch Whitney's blooper reel from her time on the Get the Coast Everything Show! -------- Watch the Blooper Reel Check Out Get the Coast Get the Coast on Facebook Get the Coast on Instagram
44:4304/03/2024
How to Know When It's Time to Hire

How to Know When It's Time to Hire

Gauging the perfect time to hire can be a daunting task. What if you hire too soon and it impacts your profitability? What if you hire too late and your team suffers?  Tune in as we share our advice for picking the perfect time to hire a new team member.  Have a specific topic you’d like us to cover? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee. 
29:0826/02/2024
How This Legacy Travel Brand has Remained Relevant and Dominant for 74 Years with Amelie Brouhard of Club Med

How This Legacy Travel Brand has Remained Relevant and Dominant for 74 Years with Amelie Brouhard of Club Med

As the original pioneer behind the all-inclusive experience, Club Med has mastered the art of staying relevant in the all-inclusive resort space for decades. Join us today as we dive deep with the VP of Marketing North America and USA Sales for Club Med, Amelie Brouhard. Be prepared to take notes as Whitney and Amelie break down some of the strategies Club Med has used over the years to keep its brand identity strong and known. ------- Learn more about Club Med Club Med on Instagram Club Med on LinkedIn
41:3119/02/2024
How to Structure an Agency Internship

How to Structure an Agency Internship

Internships can change the game for your business! Not only is an extra set of hands helpful, but it's also incredibly rewarding to foster growth in another individual. Tune in today as Whitney shares how she structures True Story's internship program and some hard lessons she has learned along the way! -------------- Have a specific topic or guest you would like us to have on the podcast? Share your ideas with Whitney @thewhitneylee on Instagram.
38:0512/02/2024
How to Build a Thriving Internship Program

How to Build a Thriving Internship Program

Offering an internship program is an incredible and rewarding tool for business owners. In today’s episode, Whitney is sharing how she built out the internship program for True Story Public Relations.  Tune in as Whitney provides tips on what she looks for when bringing on interns and some lessons she has learned along the way! Want to share something that has worked for you and your interns? Connect with Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee
22:3905/02/2024
Creating Superfans: How to Turn Customers into Lifelong Advocates with Brittany Hodak

Creating Superfans: How to Turn Customers into Lifelong Advocates with Brittany Hodak

“When you give your customers something to talk about, you’re going to see very rapid and very real ROI.”  Ever wonder how other brands and businesses gained their die-hard supporters? Most of the time, it’s not due to luck. It’s due to hard work and strategy!  Join us today as Whitney deep dives with Brittany Hodak on actionable tips for turning customers into superfans.  -------------------- Connect with Brittany
34:5029/01/2024
3 Things Leaders Should Do Every Monday to Improve Your Team's Productivity

3 Things Leaders Should Do Every Monday to Improve Your Team's Productivity

Have you ever wondered how an agency owner starts their week? Whitney is riding solo today and spilling her strategies for starting the week on the right foot. Put these 3 things in place to help make your team more productive every week. -------------------- Have a specific topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to hear? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
18:5322/01/2024
Top PR Trends and Predictions for 2024 with Jen Berson of Jeneration PR

Top PR Trends and Predictions for 2024 with Jen Berson of Jeneration PR

In an industry where it’s common to keep your cards close to the 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
50:1415/01/2024
The Difference in PR Strategies for Personal Brands vs. Businesses

The Difference in PR Strategies for Personal Brands vs. Businesses

For many influencers or experts in their fields, growing one's personal brand is integral to the growth of their business. If this is you, this episode is a must listen! Today, Whitney is deep diving on a topic sent in by a listener - the difference between PR strategies for personal brands as opposed to those used by businesses and corporations. There is knowledge for everyone in this episode. You won't want to miss it! --------- Do you have any topics you'd like us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.
44:1308/01/2024
3 Ways We Improved Our Team’s Productivity and Profitability in 2023

3 Ways We Improved Our Team’s Productivity and Profitability in 2023

2023 was a big year for the True Story team! Join us for today's episode as Whitney deep-dives into strategies she has implemented to improve the agency's productivity and profitability. If you're an agency owner or director, you will want to save these tips! ----------------- Connect with Whitney True Story Public Relations
41:2827/12/2023
The Missing Piece to Your Marketing Puzzle with Sherry Sutton

The Missing Piece to Your Marketing Puzzle with Sherry Sutton

Have you put tons of effort into curating perfection in your marketing plan and got minimal results? There may be a missing piece you aren't considering... YOU! The bottom line is that people connect with people. Join us today as Whitney and Your Marketing Mentor Sherry Sutton chat about being authentic as a business owner and how that can change everything. --------- Connect with Sherry True Story Public Relations
25:1218/12/2023
The Hardest Marketing Mystery to Crack

The Hardest Marketing Mystery to Crack

Are you getting plenty of click-throughs, but no action? A lot of views, a lot of impressions, but no purchases? On this week’s solo episode of True Story: The PR Podcast, Whitney discusses the mysteries in marketing and how to solve the hardest one: why are customers looking but not buying? There are a few things to consider, such as competitive pricing and promotions, but the most important aspect to think about is your copy.  Whitney gets to the nitty-gritty on how to curate copy that takes your customers from lurkers to converters. Don’t miss this week’s episode! 
23:2011/12/2023
Breaking the "Rules" of Social Media & Still Crushing It with Social Media Strategist, Chelsea Peitz

Breaking the "Rules" of Social Media & Still Crushing It with Social Media Strategist, Chelsea Peitz

Are you trippin’ over WHY your content isn’t getting THOUSANDS of views? On this week's episode, we talk to social media strategist Chelsea Peitz. Whitney and Chelsea dive into topics such as: who are you serving when you create content? Do you know the difference between a tactic and a strategy? They also chat about meaningful metrics, and how they cannot be easily measured. Conversions may take time, as they are a long-term game. Being authentic is better than excessively curating your content to achieve a high return on investment (ROI). Serve your purpose, not the platform.  You won’t want to miss these tips; they could elevate your social media presence from good to great. -------------------- Connect with Chelsea on Instagram @chelsea.peitz.
36:2104/12/2023
How to Transform Your Toxic Work Environment + Crush Your Goals with Brand Culture Coach, Pam Nemec

How to Transform Your Toxic Work Environment + Crush Your Goals with Brand Culture Coach, Pam Nemec

Drama. Stress. Turnover. If this describes the environment at your job, this episode is for you.  On this week's episode of True Story: The PR Podcast we talk to Pam Nemec. Pam is the CEO of Inside Out, a leadership and communications agency focused on helping teams thrive! She shares stories from her 20+ year career at Whataburger, the benefits that come from telling the story behind the leader of large companies, human connection and so much more! ------------- Pam On Instagram Pam Nemec Website
49:2527/11/2023
How to Boost Sales During the Holiday Madness

How to Boost Sales During the Holiday Madness

The holidays are here and it's no doubt that for many business owners, it can feel even more hectic. But did you know the holidays are the perfect time to drive even more business to your product or service? Tune in for today's episode as Whitney spills her tips and tricks for boosting sales during the holiday madness. Whether you went into the season with a plan of action or you're late to the game, you'll want to take these tips and put them into play ASAP!
28:5227/11/2023
How to Know if You're Made to Work in PR

How to Know if You're Made to Work in PR

Contrary to popular belief, working in the Public Relations industry isn’t all glitz and glamour. To be successful in PR, you have to be willing to put your head down and work, but there are several other characteristics successful PR people possess.  In today’s episode, Whitney is sharing a behind-the-scenes look into working in PR and how to know if you’re cut out to work in the industry!  ------------ Whitney on Instagram  True Story on Instagram True Story Website
33:1513/11/2023
The Secret Sauce to Going Viral on Social Media with Hilary Billings, Co-Founder and CEO of Attentioneers

The Secret Sauce to Going Viral on Social Media with Hilary Billings, Co-Founder and CEO of Attentioneers

We live in a day and age where everyone wants to go viral on social media. Today, Whitney is interviewing Co-Founder and CEO of Attentioneers, Hilary Billings. Hilary is no stranger to going viral and is sharing her secret sauce to creating short-form videos that people WANT to see. Tune in and leave this episode with new inspiration and ideas for creating videos with the potential to go viral. ---------- Hilary is a keynote speaker, digital influencer, and personal brand strategist. A former Miss Nevada, producer for E! News, and travel host for Norwegian Cruise Line, Hilary has been a featured contributor for USA Today, Thrive Global, and Huffington Post, as well as been featured on Extra! Entertainment Television. -------- Attentioneers.com Get a free TikTok strategy call Hilary on LinkedIn
43:1406/11/2023
Getting 100+ Emails a Day? My Productivity Hack

Getting 100+ Emails a Day? My Productivity Hack

How does an agency owner manage their workload when they’re receiving HUNDREDS of emails a day?  On today’s episode, Whitney is getting into the nitty-gritty of her productivity flow and sharing hacks that you can implement into your day-to-day.  If you’re ready to up-level your productivity game, you do not want to miss this episode!  Have a specific topic you want us to cover? Send your ideas to Whitney on Instagram @thewhitneylee.  ————— Whitney on Instagram  True Story on Instagram  True Story Website 
21:0330/10/2023
3 Mistakes to Avoid When Promoting a Controversial Business or Service with Aaron Thomas of Prenups.com

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Promoting a Controversial Business or Service with Aaron Thomas of Prenups.com

Getting a prenup doesn’t have to have a gross connotation to it. Family law attorney, Aaron Thomas, is changing the game and helping couples prepare for marriage and prevent money disagreements.  As you can imagine, prenup preparation is not the most glamorous service to offer, which is why Aaron is sharing his three mistakes to avoid when promoting a controversial business or service. Tune in for today’s episode as Whitney and Aaron deep dive into prenups and how Aaron completely rebranded them to be something that couples WANT to do to better their relationship.  ————— Aaron Thomas is a graduate of Harvard Law and spent 15 years practicing in Atlanta as a divorce lawyer to some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. This experience led him to establish Prenups.com based on his fundamental belief that a strong financial foundation can prevent common arguments that lead to the breakdown of marriage. ————— Prenups.com Aaron on LinkedIn  Whitney on Instagram  True Story on Instagram  True Story Website
24:4823/10/2023