That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast

thatsololife
That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast

That Solo Life: Co-hosted by Karen Swim, founder of Words for Hire, LLC and owner of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane, founder of VoiceMatters, LLC, we keep it real and talk about the topics that affect solo business owners.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Powerful Insights Learned From Going Back To School

    That Solo Life Episode 304: The Powerful Insights Learned From Going Back To School Episode Summary Join hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane as they welcome Veleisa Patton Burrell, an accomplished PR professional and educator. Together they explore the twists and turns of Veleisa's career—from solo entrepreneurship to agency life, and now as an adjunct professor guiding the next generation of communicators. This candid conversation covers career transitions, the evolving role of PR, the integration of AI in the workplace and education, and the importance of critical thinking. Prepare to be inspired by Veleisa's insights on mentorship, resilience, and finding balance in a challenging job market. Episode Highlights Veleisa's 20-year career in PR and communications The decision to shift between solo work, agency life, and teaching How teaching has reignited her passion for storytelling and mentorship The role of AI in PR and education, and how to use it as a tool rather than a crutch The importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and learning from failure Encouraging the younger generation to be authentic and build meaningful careers Tips on setting boundaries for a healthy work-life balance Episode Timestamps [00:13] Introduction to the episode and Veleisa Patton Burrell [01:37] Veleisa shares her career background and transition to solo work in 2017 [03:22] Teaching as an adjunct professor and rediscovering excitement for the field [07:53] Inspiring the next generation through storytelling and shared values [13:09] The impact of failure and fostering resilience in your career [19:57] Insights on balancing work with personal boundaries and self-care [21:17] Exploring the role of AI in education and PR, and critical thinking as a foundational skill [28:00] Closing thoughts and where to follow Veleisa About Veleisa Patton Burrell Veleisa Patton Burrell is a trusted counselor to clients and peers alike, providing strategic guidance on integrated communications, including media relations, content development, digital communication and executive visibility. Her talents lie in detailing company values through owned storytelling consistently across mediums to earn media coverage and improve reputation with employees, partners, and clients and industry peers. Most recently, as an executive for FleishmanHillard, a global PR agency, and Denny’s, a storied restaurant brand that is known as “America’s Diner,” Veleisa advised senior leaders on issues and crisis, developed media relations strategies and oversaw execution of thought leadership opportunities such as speaking engagements and interviews. Side work as a mindfulness facilitator and yoga instructor keeps Veleisa’s mind and body strong and resilient. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications and public affairs; she now teaches an undergraduate capstone course at the school as an adjunct professor. She later earned a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Veleisa was named to Public Relations Society of America Dallas inaugural 40 Under 40 list in 2021 and was previously a board director for the chapter. You can connect with Veleisa on LinkedIn. Related Episodes & Additional Resources Ragan: Denny’s Veleisa Patton Burrell on embracing tech and the changing comms landscape Nature: The effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking: insights from a meta-analysis World Economic Forum: Why AI literacy is now a core competency in education Forbes: Organizations Are Saving Millions By Embracing Curiosity—Here’s The Proof Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of Voice Matters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services. Talk to Us Karen Swim - LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram Michelle Kane - LinkedIn, Instagram Subscribe and Share Don’t miss an episode! Be sure to subscribe to "That Solo Life" on your podcast platform of choice. Love what you hear? Share the episode with your colleagues and friends, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the podcast. Engage with us on social media—we'd love to hear your thoughts!

    29 min
  2. JUN 9

    The Folly of AI First Strategies

    That Solo Life, Episode 303: The Folly of AI First Strategies   Episode Summary: In this episode of That Solo Life, co-hosts Karen Swim, APR  of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane  of Voice Matters explore the growing trend of adopting an “AI-first” strategy in business and marketing. While artificial intelligence has proven to be a valuable tool, Michelle and Karen argue for a balanced approach that prioritizes human expertise and thoughtful integration. They discuss examples of companies misusing AI, how it impacts customer experiences, and smart ways organizations can combine AI with human intelligence for the best outcomes. The episode is a must-listen for PR pros and marketers navigating the evolving digital landscape. Episode Highlights: The risks of an AI-first strategy: Why adopting AI without enough forethought or balance creates inefficiencies, costs, and poor customer experiences. Examples of misuse: Companies like Xfinity and Business Insider illustrate how over-reliance on AI can backfire. The human factor: The importance of human intelligence in areas like PR, customer service, and even medical diagnostics. Using AI wisely: How organizations can leverage AI as a complementary tool rather than a full replacement for human effort. Lessons for PR pros: Why PR professionals must adapt to AI tools while continuing to demonstrate their unique value to organizations. Episode Timestamps 00:18 - Introductions and episode overview. 00:48 - The rise of AI in marketing and business strategies. 01:40 - Examples of companies going all-in on AI and walking it back (Duolingo, Business Insider). 02:34 - Michelle and Karen discuss Xfinity’s chatbot issues and the customer frustration it causes. 04:36 - Why prioritizing customer experience should always come first. 05:25 - Effective uses of AI in ad tools and automation versus areas where human expertise is irreplaceable. 07:17 - Human connection and the ongoing need for person-to-person community in a digital age. 09:57 - The integration of AI in PR and marketing fields; potential risks and opportunities. 12:04 - How PR pros can become trusted advisors by skillfully blending AI tools with human insight. 12:53 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to share the episode. 00:12:56 - Conclusion and Call to Action   Related Episodes & Additional Resources   PR Daily: Business Insider layoffs Fast Company: Going ‘AI first’ appears to be backfiring on Klarna and Duolingo  Brandnation: Social Media and AI  Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of Voice Matters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services. Talk to Us Karen Swim - LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram Michelle Kane - LinkedIn, Instagram Please Share and Review If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your network! Don’t forget to subscribe to That Solo Life for weekly insights tailored for PR pros and solo marketers. You can also connect with us at SoloPRPro.com with your questions or comments. Thank you for listening! Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Thanks for listening! 🎙️

    14 min
  3. JUN 2

    The Solo Perspective: Appreciating The Challenges Of Corporate Life

    Episode Summary: What’s it really like to hop the fence between corporate life and solo entrepreneurship? Join co-hosts Michelle Kane of Voice Matters and Karen Swim of Solo PR Pro in this lively discussion about the contrasts between these two worlds. From navigating corporate protocols to enjoying the streamlined, impactful decision-making as a solo pro, they explore the lessons learned, the unique challenges, and the joys of creating your own career path. Whether you’re considering becoming your own boss or just want to appreciate your current work environment, this episode offers valuable insights and some laughs along the way. Key Highlights: How experiences in solo and corporate careers shape your perspective. The beauty of streamlined decision-making as a solo professional. Challenges like “buzzword overload” and imposter syndrome in corporate spaces. Why being a solo doesn’t mean you lack the sophisticated processes of corporate life. Tips for appreciating both sides and finding fulfillment in your career choice. Thoughts on evolving professionally and taking control of your career in a modern work landscape. Timestamps: 00:12 – Introduction and banter about the weather. 01:08 – Kicking off the topic: life as a solo vs. corporate life. 03:38 – Karen reflects on government and corporate inefficiencies. 04:10 – The benefits of streamlined workflows as a solo. 06:28 – Why protocols exist and how they affect workplaces. 07:57 – The challenges of self-perception as a solo. 09:20 – Controlling your career path and the rewards of solo life. 10:48 – How the modern work environment enables pivoting and flexibility. 11:44 – Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners. Related Episodes & Resources: Episode 286: What You Need to Know to Become a Solo PR Pro in 2025 Episode 287: Confidence, Capability and Why PR Needs More Collaboration Learn more about SoloPRPro.com Please listen and share! Did today’s episode resonate with you? Share your experiences with us at SoloPRPro.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to That Solo Life wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this conversation, leave us a review, and share the episode with a fellow PR pro or entrepreneur! See you next time!

    12 min
  4. MAY 26

    The Need for Thoughtful Engagement in an Age of Clickbait

    Episode 301 - The Need for Thoughtful Engagement in an Age of Clickbait  Podcast Hosts: Karen Swim, APR & Michelle Kane  Release Schedule: New episodes every Monday  Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of That Solo Life, Karen and Michelle take a critical look at the current state of social media and the challenges of thoughtful engagement in a world dominated by clickbait culture. They discuss how the drive for visibility and engagement often leads to misinformation, manipulation, and the decline of meaningful discourse. The hosts share their perspectives as PR professionals on the deeper responsibility of fostering ethics and trust in communication. They emphasize the importance of slowing down to verify facts, maintaining integrity, and modeling critical thinking, especially for clients navigating today’s fast-paced information landscape. Key Takeaways: The Clickbait Conundrum: Once a space for genuine connections, social media is now overwhelmingly driven by metrics and visibility at the expense of authenticity. The Role of PR Pros: Public relations professionals have a responsibility to fight misinformation and help clients maintain trust through transparent communication practices. Guardrails for Brands: Karen and Michelle suggest bringing back foundational tools like fact sheets, Q&A documents, and newsroom pages to ensure an official “source of truth” for your brand. Critical Thinking: The hosts stress the need for slowing down, questioning narratives, and taking the time to verify information before reacting or sharing. Community Still Matters: Despite the digital noise, authentic engagement and human connection remain the most impactful strategies for building trust and loyalty. Quotes from the Episode: “People are sharing, posting, and reacting so quickly that critical thinking often takes a back seat.” “We need to bring back tools like fact sheets and Q&A docs to ensure the public has easy access to the truth.” “Community and genuine connection will always outperform clickbait in the long run.” Related Episodes and Additional Resources That Solo Life: The New Challenges in Managing Brand Reputation That Solo Life: Quality Over Quantity Will Drive PR In 2025 Smart Social Secrets:  Why Social Media Posting Isn’t Working - And What to do Instead! Social Media Examiner: Social Media Marketing Industry Report Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to That Solo Life 00:00:18 - The Busy Season: Maycember 00:01:12 - Here We Go Again: Social Media Manipulation 00:02:11 - The Shift in Social Media Motives 00:03:23 - The Importance of Community Content 00:04:01 - The Exhaustion of Misinformation 00:05:17 - The Role of PR Professionals in Social Media 00:06:03 - Creating Fact Sheets for Transparency 00:07:15 - Protecting Clients with Social Media Policies 00:08:32 - The Importance of Controlling Your Own Narrative 00:09:20 - Providing Journalists with Clear Messaging 00:10:27 - The Need for Critical Thinking 00:11:41 - The Decline of Critical Thinking in Education 00:12:56 - Modeling Critical Thinking in PR 00:13:21 - Conclusion and Call to Action Why You Should Listen: If you're a PR professional, marketer, or business owner navigating the complexities of content creation and engagement on social media, this episode is for you. Karen and Michelle provide actionable advice on combating misinformation, maintaining ethics, and fostering meaningful connections in a world of constant digital noise. About the Show: That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of VoiceMatters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services. Talk to Us Karen Swim - LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram Michelle Kane - LinkedIn, Instagram Solo PR - LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram Leave us a Review Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Have a topic you’d like us to cover? Drop us a line at Solo PR Pro.  Enjoyed this episode? Share your thoughts with us at Solo PR Pro or on social media. Don’t forget to tag fellow PR pros who could benefit from these insights! Tune in next Monday for another episode of That Solo Life.

    14 min
  5. MAY 19

    How To Manage Sticky Situations In PR

    That Solo Life Podcast, Episode 300 Episode Title  How To Manage Sticky Situations In PR Episode Summary  Welcome to the 300th episode of That Solo Life! 🎉 Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane reflect on their podcasting milestone before tackling a topic every PR professional can relate to – dealing with "sticky situations." From unscripted comments in interviews to inappropriate client behavior at events, Karen and Michelle share experiences, insights, and strategies to prepare for and manage these challenges with professionalism. They emphasize preparation, setting clear boundaries, and protecting your own reputation as a PR practitioner while navigating these tricky waters.  If you’ve faced a PR crisis or want to be fully equipped for when one arises, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice.  Episode Highlights  The Importance of Preparation Why media training, briefing sheets, and understanding client boundaries are non-negotiable steps.  Clients Behaving Badly Memorable (and eyebrow-raising) examples of client mishaps during events or interviews, and lessons learned.  When Damaging Information Emerges What to do when unexpected or concerning information about your client surfaces.  Protecting Yourself and Your Reputation Tips on maintaining contracts, financial safeguards, and crisis plans for PR pros themselves.  The Role of Ethical Responsibility Navigating PR crises while adhering to ethical practices and maintaining professionalism.  Related Episodes and Additional Resources  Podcast - How to Communicate in a Crisis Podcast - The Joy and Pain of Clients New to PR Blog - How to Handle Tough Client Conversations Learn more about ethical PR practices with PRSA’s Code of Ethics. Timestamps  00:18 - Celebrating 300 episodes 02:21 - Sticky situations with clients and what defines them 05:00 - Events gone wrong and handling inappropriate client behavior 08:42 - Unscripted comments during interviews and the importance of being present during media interactions 13:30 - Concerning or damaging information surfacing about a client 15:31 - Crisis communication plans for PR pros and self-protection strategies That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of VoiceMatters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services. Talk to Us Karen Swim - LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram Michelle Kane - LinkedIn, Instagram Solo PR - LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram Leave us a Review Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Have a topic you’d like us to cover? Drop us a line at Solo PR Pro.

    18 min
  6. MAY 12

    The Can Do Spirit of PR Practitioners Crosses Generations

    That Solo Life Episode 299 Episode Title  The Can Do Spirit of PR Practitioners Crosses Generations Episode Summary  The hosts, Karen Swim, APR, of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane of VoiceMatters, discuss key findings from the USC Annenberg Global Communication Report for 2025, focusing on Gen Z’s growing presence in the workforce and what that means for public relations professionals.  Key takeaways include: Flexibility prioritized over pay: Nearly half of Gen Z employees value workplace flexibility more than higher salaries, suggesting shifting work-life balance priorities.  Concerns over AI's impact: A significant portion of Gen Z is worried about AI diminishing entry-level job opportunities, highlighting the need for AI skills development.  Generational perceptions: A fascinating generational divide exists regarding political and social awareness, with each group believing they are the most informed.  Hybrid work benefits: The hosts advocate for hybrid work not only as a productivity tool but also as a way to encourage intergenerational mentorship and develop soft skills.  The PR industry’s optimistic outlook: Despite challenges like evolving technology and the hybrid landscape, 74% of PR professionals report a positive outlook for the sector.  Karen and Michelle also explore how these findings tie back to independent professionals, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, adaptation, and mentorship in today’s workforce.  Episode Highlights  1. Flexibility Over Pay:  Gen Z is reimagining priorities, highlighting the value of flexible schedules over strictly financial incentives. Karen and Michelle explore how this impacts public relations and solo professionals.  2. The AI Factor:  The hosts discuss Gen Z's concerns about AI in the workplace, citing the importance of staying ahead of trends, acquiring new skill sets, and leveraging AI as a tool rather than fearing it as a replacement.  3. Hybrid Work and Mentorship:  Hybrid work models provide opportunities for not only business productivity but also intergenerational learning. Karen and Michelle explain how being physically present for mentorship can bridge generational gaps and help develop critical soft skills.  4. Optimism in the PR Industry:  Despite disruptions, PR professionals maintain an optimistic outlook. The hosts celebrate this shared resilience and problem-solving spirit that defines the PR community.  Related Episodes & Additional Resources  USC Annenberg Global Communication Report 2025  Solo PR Pro resources for independent professionals here.  Timestamps  00:00:00 - Introduction to That Solo Life Podcast 00:00:28 - The Impact of Gen Z on the Workforce 00:01:41 - Workplace Flexibility and Generational Perspectives 00:02:53 - Balancing Work and Life: A New Approach 00:04:17 - The Hybrid Workplace: Benefits and Challenges 00:06:30 - AI's Influence on Job Opportunities for Gen Z 00:07:40 - The Importance of Mentorship Across Generations 00:09:35 - Generational Differences in Knowledge and Awareness 00:11:46 - Reflections on Past Experiences and Current Realities 00:13:06 - Optimism in the PR Industry's Future 00:14:15 - Conclusion and Resources Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of VoiceMatters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services. Talk to Us Karen Swim - LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram Michelle Kane - LinkedIn, Instagram Solo PR - LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram Leave us a Review Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Have a topic you’d like us to cover? Drop us a line at Solo PR Pro.

    15 min
  7. MAY 5

    PR Potpourri: A Look Back at Q1 2025

    That Solo Life, Episode 298: PR Potpourri: A Look Back at Q1 2025 This podcast episode explores the challenges that PR professionals face in the current media and communication landscape. The discussion covers several key topics: The struggles with PR tools and technologies, which often fail to keep up with the rapidly changing industry. This leaves PR practitioners having to "hack together" solutions to get the job done. The broader cultural issues of overwork and lack of work-life balance in the PR and communications field, which contribute to fatigue and burnout. The challenges of cutting through the "sensationalism" and "brain candy" that dominates much of today's media, and finding ways to effectively share meaningful, ethical, and responsible messaging. The hosts emphasize the importance of PR professionals upholding their integrity and values, while also adapting to connect with audiences in creative and engaging ways. Overall, the conversation highlights the unique blend of skills and resilience required to succeed as a communicator in the current environment. Episode Summary:  Join co-hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane as they take you on a lively and insightful ride through the current state of public relations, pop culture, and the challenges of living the #SoloPR life in 2025. This isn’t just one topic; it’s a mix of everything that’s shaping the PR landscape today. From the highs and woes of PR tools to the emotional (and professional) toll of our 24/7 work culture, Karen and Michelle share their honest thoughts with moments of humor, empathy, and real-world advice. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  An honest review of today’s PR tools, touching on media monitoring, analytics, and pitching databases.  How the evolving media landscape and shrinking newsrooms are forcing PR pros to become more creative in their strategies.  The societal fatigue impacting professionals across industries and how it weighs on productivity and expectations.  Why sensationalism and aesthetics dominate public attention and what PR pros can do to create impactful, ethical, and relatable messaging.  The power of storytelling in PR, regardless of how complex or mundane the topic may seem. Key Quotes from the Episode:  💬 "We have to focus on messaging and packaging it in a way that breaks through to an audience that really prizes aesthetics." – Michelle Kane  💬 "I miss the days when PR tools gave us everything we needed for one price. Now? Higher prices, less functionality." – Karen Swim  💬 "Public relations professionals are among the best of us. We’re not just serving our clients—we’re truly serving their publics." – Karen Swim  Resources and Links Mentioned:  Solo PR Pro Community: SoloPRPro.com  Connect with Karen Swim on LinkedIN Follow Michelle Kane on LinkedIN Share your thoughts on this episode or send us feedback at Solo PR Pro Contact Us. About the Hosts:  Karen Swim, APR, is the Founder and CEO of Words For Hire, a PR Agency and the Owner of Solo PR Pro, a community and resource hub that supports PR professionals working independently. Michelle Kane is the owner of Voice Matters, a company that offers branding and marketing, integrated content strategies, and measurable public relations. Tune in and Stay Inspired! 🎙️ Connect with Us:  Visit our website: Solo PR Pro  Share your thoughts and feedback: info@soloprpro.com  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn Listen Now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Solo PR Enjoyed the episode?  Please leave a review here - even a sentence helps. Share and tag us (@SoloPRPro) on social media so that we can thank you personally! Join the Conversation  Found this episode valuable? Share it with your network, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!  Tune in and learn how to become a trusted advisor to your clients in an increasingly tone-sensitive world.

    24 min
  8. APR 28

    The Big Idea with Jess Sato

    That Solo Life - Episode 296: The Big Idea with Jess Sato Episode Summary  This episode of That Solo Life dives deep into the world of business growth, messaging, and creating meaningful impact. Co-hosts Karen Swim, APR of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane of Voice Matters are joined by special guest Jess Sato, a business growth and visibility strategist. Jess shares powerful insights on how purpose-driven entrepreneurs and thought leaders can identify their “big idea,” use it to stand out in a crowded marketplace, and create lasting change. Whether you’re looking to refine your messaging, grow your visibility, or tackle roadblocks on your entrepreneurial path, this episode offers actionable strategies and thought-provoking advice to move the needle in your work. Key Takeaways  Defining the Big Idea: A “big idea” doesn’t have to be completely new. Instead, it’s an audacious or bold concept that challenges the status quo, demands attention, and inspires action.  The Bolt Method Framework: Jess's Bolt Method helps clarify and amplify big ideas by focusing on four pillars - Bold, Original, Loud, and Tenacious.  Living Your Passion: Entrepreneurs can align their personal passions with business objectives to create both purpose and profit.  Overcoming Challenges: Common roadblocks like imposter syndrome, impatience, or messaging struggles can be overcome with introspection and strategy.  The Power of Rebuilding: If your work no longer feels aligned, don’t be afraid to take the time to pause, reflect, and pivot to rediscover your authentic purpose. About Jessica “Jess”  Sato Jessica Soto is a business growth and visibility strategist who helps purpose-driven female entrepreneurs, thought leaders and change makers clarify their big ideas, amplify their message and create lasting social impact. In this podcast episode, she discusses her process for helping clients find their "big idea" - a bold, original perspective that challenges the status quo and inspires people to take action. Soto highlights common roadblocks her clients face, such as distilling complex expertise into a cohesive core message, and provides strategies for overcoming these challenges. She also advises on building a platform for thought leadership, evolving one's message over time, and the importance of authenticity and transparency with one's audience.    Episode Timeline  [00:00] - Introduction from co-hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane  [00:32] - Welcoming guest Jess Sato and learning about her background in corporate strategy and leadership development  [01:14] - Jess describes her transition to working with female entrepreneurs and social impact leaders  [03:33] - The definition of a big idea and why it doesn’t have to be groundbreaking to be bold or impactful  [05:12] - How passion, experience, and identifying audience needs converge to form a functional big idea  [09:13] - Common roadblocks faced by entrepreneurs when refining and presenting their big ideas  [13:03] - The Bolt Method explained and how it helps craft unique and powerful messaging  [20:13] - Aligning your big idea with platforms, stages, and communication styles to amplify your message  [26:02] - Evolving your message and giving yourself permission to pivot when your work no longer feels aligned  [35:12] - What it means to create a lasting legacy through your work and voice  [37:05] - How to connect with Jess Sato and closing thoughts from the co-hosts  Resources & Links  Connect with Jess Sato on LinkedIn  Visit Jess Sato’s website at jessicasato.com  Learn more about Solo PR Pro at soloprpro.com  Connect with the Hosts  Karen Swim, APR - Solo PR Pro, LinkedIn Michelle Kane - Voice Matters,  LinkedIn Subscribe & Review  Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to That Solo Life on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review! Your support helps us share inspiring conversations with solo PR pros and marketers everywhere.  We hope you enjoy this conversation with Jess, Karen, and Michelle!

    37 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

That Solo Life: Co-hosted by Karen Swim, founder of Words for Hire, LLC and owner of Solo PR Pro and Michelle Kane, founder of VoiceMatters, LLC, we keep it real and talk about the topics that affect solo business owners.

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