The Not Perfect Networking Podcast

Zoe Weisberg Coady
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The show ALL about networking - both personally and professionally. We're giving networking a reframe! Networking isn’t just a business function—it’s a way to build genuine relationships, unlock new opportunities, and create meaningful connections. In this podcast, we’re redefining networking and making it accessible, fun, and, most importantly, real. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

  1. JAN 28

    25. Building Brands That Matter and Networks That Last with Shena Patel

    Some people create brands. Some people create communities. Shena Patel does both. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Shena Patel, a creative executive, strategist, and writer who has spent over 20 years shaping voices, narratives, and campaigns for some of the world’s most iconic brands—think the little blue boxes and stripe pink bags. Shena now helps founders and CEOs build brands that don’t just succeed—they make the world a better place. We dive into her rare talent for distilling complex ideas into simple, unforgettable stories, her creative approach to working with leaders, and how she’s built a thriving network of extraordinary people. Shena also shares her insights on authentic connection, meaningful work, and how to spend your energy on what truly matters—from supporting female founders to fostering community in a fast-paced, hyper-connected world. In this episode:   Shena’s creative approach to helping founders and CEOs uncover their brand’s authentic voice.How to distill complex ideas into simple, memorable, and meaningful messages.The evolution of meaningful work and the projects that inspire Shena today.Building and maintaining deep, authentic relationships and communities.Practical strategies for networking, connecting, and showing up with intention.How to spend your energy wisely—both personally and professionally.Practices for staying grounded, finding quiet, and recharging through reading and travel.  Connect with Shena:  Website: https://www.shenapatel.com/ Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

    30 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    24. Why Great Brands Start with People: A Conversation with Gabby Etrog Cohen

    Some people build brands. Very few build movements. Today’s guest is one of the rare ones who can do both—and she’s here to break down exactly how she does it. In today's episode, I’m sitting down with someone who has shaped culture through every brand she’s touched. Gabby Etrog Cohen is one of those rare leaders who understands that brand isn’t a logo or a marketing plan—it’s human connection. It’s how people feel. It’s how people talk. It’s how people experience something together. Gabby helped transform SoulCycle from a four-studio boutique fitness concept into a cultural phenomenon. She helped scale Rent the Runway into a billion-dollar business. She helped reimagine Aspen across hospitality, mountain life, and luxury. And now, through GEC Consulting, she’s guiding founders and CEOs through reinvention, growth, and the moments where clarity matters most. She’s a master connector, a generous networker, and someone who has never taken access for granted. And she’s proof that when you nurture relationships, not transactions, your career becomes a magnet for extraordinary opportunities. In this episode: - How she found her way to SoulCycle and helped turn four studios into a cultural phenomenon - How brands are really built through people and why human connection is the ultimate growth engine - Why protecting your brand matters more than promoting it — especially when you have access, attention, or influence - The power of generosity in networking and how leading with “How can I help?” transforms relationships - How your network shapes your career when you nurture it consistently, authentically, and without agenda - What modern marketing teams need to look like in an AI-driven world - How to build a career that supports your life, not the other way around Connect with Gabby: Website: https://www.heygec.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyetco/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabbyetrogcohen Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

    22 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    23. The Framework Behind Effective Personal Branding

    In today’s episode, I’m digging into one of the topics I care about most: personal brand positioning in a world where visibility is no longer granted, it’s built. We’re talking about what it really takes to become known for your work (hint: it’s not perfection), why your brand is a living narrative rather than a one-time declaration, and how consistency outperforms talent every single time. I’m also sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what I’ve learned from 15+ years in PR watching leaders rise and the patterns that never fail. If you’ve been waiting to feel “ready” before showing up, this episode is your sign to stop waiting and start leading. In this episode: - Why your personal brand is an evolving story — not a static identity - The Don’t Wait to Be Picked approach and why it matters more than ever - How to build visibility through owned platforms like LinkedIn + Substack - The real engine behind thought leadership (spoiler: consistency beats everything) - What I’ve learned from working with global brands, CEOs, and cultural leaders - How your network amplifies your ideas and why visibility and relationships fuel each other By the end, you’ll understand the exact mindset shift and visibility habits that separate “hidden talent” from “recognized leader.” Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

    12 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    22. No More Small Talk: Building Real Relationships Naturally Through Networking with Wendy Heilbut, Heilbut LLP

    In this episode of Not Perfect Networking, Zoe sits down with Wendy Heilbut, founder of Heilbut LLP, attorney, angel investor, and connector in New York’s creative business community. Wendy’s career has spanned law, recruiting, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership—giving her a unique perspective on what networking really means. Instead of chasing leads or following sales formulas, Wendy believes the best connections happen through everyday conversations and genuine curiosity. Together, Zoe and Wendy discuss how to move beyond transactional networking and into relationship building that feels natural, sustainable, and fulfilling. In this episode: Why networking doesn’t need to feel forced or awkwardHow relationships you build today can shape your career years laterThe importance of boundaries when being generous with your time and expertiseHow to stay top of mind in your network through authentic updatesUsing platforms like LinkedIn and Substack for genuine connectionWhy every conversation—big or small—can lead to opportunity  Connect with Wendy: Website: https://heilbutllp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-heilbut-1356022b/ Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

    30 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    21. Why Every Founder and Thought Leader Needs a Podcast in 2025 (Not Perfect Podcast Network)

    Big announcement: I’m launching the Not Perfect Podcast Network — a curated network built for founders, thought leaders, and professionals who are ready to start their own podcasts without the stress or guesswork. Yep, on my birthday, I’m officially turning Not Perfect Networking into something even bigger. Over the past year, I’ve interviewed incredible CEOs, creatives, and entrepreneurs who’ve shared how real, unpolished networking opened doors and shaped their success. One thing they all have in common? They built powerful communities by showing up imperfectly and consistently. That’s what inspired me to launch this network — because podcasting is the new personal branding essential. In 2025, your podcast matters as much as your website or LinkedIn profile. It’s your owned platform — your voice, your authority, your story. And I want to make it simple for you to start. The Not Perfect Podcast Network brings together the best editors, producers, and marketers so you can finally launch the podcast you’ve been dreaming about — with clarity, confidence, and momentum. Because here’s the truth: you’ll never feel “ready.” So start anyway. Start messy. Start small. Start now.  In this episode, I share: The vision behind the Not Perfect Podcast NetworkWhy every entrepreneur and thought leader needs a podcastHow networking and storytelling fuel personal brand growthMy biggest lessons from a year of Not Perfect NetworkingMy birthday message for anyone waiting for permission to start

    11 min

  6. 10/08/2025

    20. Networking Your Way to Wealth: Lessons from Syama Bunten of Wealth Catalyst

    What if wealth wasn’t just about money—but about community, confidence, and access? In this episode, Zoe sits down with Syama Bunten, co-founder of Wealth Catalyst and host of the top-100 podcast Getting Rich Together, to explore how women can build meaningful wealth and powerful networks. Syama shares her journey from fashion executive to entrepreneur, what inspired her to create the Wealth Catalyst Summit, and why she believes connection is the key to financial freedom. You’ll hear how she leads with love, builds authentic communities, and helps women invest with intention—plus her best advice for creating rooms where everyone rises. Connect with Syama: Website: https://syamabunten.com Getting Richer Together Podcast: https://wealthcatalyst.com/getting-rich-together-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syama.co/ Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

    34 min

  7. 09/24/2025

    19. Jeanne Meyer on Power Networking, C-Suite Communications, and Building Authentic Influence

    In this Not Perfect Networking episode, communications strategist and “power connector” Jeanne Meyer (Authentic Intelligence; former comms leader at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Current TV, EMI Music, and ToysRUs.com) shares a masterclass on networking and executive communication. We dig into listening before speaking, delivering “be brief, be brilliant, be gone” messages, using the Rule of 3, navigating crisis and disclosure, and building a consistent, authentic presence on LinkedIn and beyond. Jeanne also unpacks the non-transactional mindset that’s fueled her network—from a triathlon community to a six-degrees apartment party that led to three marriages. In this episode: Learn the exact frameworks Jeanne gives C-suite leaders for clear, memorable messaging. Get practical, non-cringey ways to show up on social media as a business leader. Steal Jeanne’s simple weekly cadence to keep networking on your calendar (and working for you). Connect with Jeanne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meyerjeanne/ Connect with Zoe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

    35 min

  8. 09/10/2025

    18. Move, Think, Rest: Dr. Natalie Nixon on Redefining Productivity

    Hustle isn’t the problem, how we define productivity is. Creativity strategist Dr. Natalie Nixon shares a human OS for work: Move, Think, Rest—and how a cultivation mindset transforms networking. Dr. Natalie Nixon is “the creativity whisperer to the C-Suite,” Top 50 global keynote speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of the award-winning The Creativity Leap. Through her firm Figure 8 Thinking, she helps leaders reframe the future with foresight, wonder, and rigor. Featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Inc; named a top woman keynote speaker by BigSpeak.  In this episode we cover: Wonder + rigor: a practical definition of creativity that drives resultsWhy Move, Think, Rest beats speed-only productivityMovement hygiene, micro daydreams, and better thinkingPlay’s “PR problem” at work—and how to fix itNetworking as cultivation (plant seeds, not quotas)Redesigning meetings to reflect culture and focusRest as strategy: from 90-second breaks to sabbaticals  Connect with Dr. Natalie Nixon:Website: https://www.figure8thinking.com/about/ Course: Build Your Creative Capacity as a Leader (LinkedIn Learning) https://www.linkedin.com/learning/build-your-creative-capacity-as-a-leader Connect with Zoe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

    36 min
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5
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About

The show ALL about networking - both personally and professionally. We're giving networking a reframe! Networking isn’t just a business function—it’s a way to build genuine relationships, unlock new opportunities, and create meaningful connections. In this podcast, we’re redefining networking and making it accessible, fun, and, most importantly, real. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

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