Gottlieb challenges the assumption that people who appear socially effortless feel completely confident. Remembering that others also carry insecurity can reduce intimidation and help an introvert approach conversations with greater empathy.

Visible ease does not reveal someone’s internal dialogue
Social media encourages inaccurate stories about other people
Considering another person’s insecurity can make connection feel safer

“don't ever underestimate other people's insecurities.”
Jen Gottlieb · 07:14

“you may see something that looks like effortless and easy and, but you don't know what noise is going on in the back of their…”
Jen Gottlieb · 07:32

#introversion#confidence#networking

Hot Take· 1

Hot Take24:43

Digital Convenience Makes Real-World Relationships More Valuable

Gottlieb argues that easy social-media interactions have made meaningful in-person effort unusually distinctive. Direct messages can maintain contact, but deeper relationships and consequential opportunities often emerge from shared real-life experiences.

Convenient digital contact is easy for everyone to replicate
In-person effort differentiates a relationship
Deep relationships often move a business forward
One genuine connection can create value over many years

“the extra mile is never crowded.”
Jen Gottlieb · 25:00

“the things that move the needle forward. And what I've noticed for me always are the real in-person, deep relationships.”
Jen Gottlieb · 25:11

#relationships#social media#in-person networking

Story· 2

Story19:43

A Five-Person Brunch Created a Lasting Media Relationship

Gottlieb describes organizing a casual brunch for five women rather than staging an elaborate networking event. She concentrated on enjoyable conversation and useful introductions, made no pitch, and later received an unsolicited invitation to participate in a Well+Good article.

A valuable gathering can be small and informal
Careful guest selection creates useful connections
The host does not need to pitch during the event
Long-term friendship can be more valuable than one placement

“Not once did I say I have an idea for well and good article. Not once. I just had fun.”
Jen Gottlieb · 23:53

“So then boom. So like a month later I'm published in well and good.”
Jen Gottlieb · 24:32

#brunch#hospitality#media relations#networking

Story38:06

A Media Soiree Built Trust Before Any Client Pitch

Super Connector Media hosted forty women working as producers, writers, and editors, supplied food and wine, and created a board where attendees could state what help they needed. The event generated authentic peer connections while also making future agency emails more recognizable and credible.

The gathering centered attendees’ needs rather than client pitches
A help board made opportunities for mutual support visible
Hospitality created a memorable shared experience
Business value emerged alongside genuine participant value

“we just created a space for them all to figure out how they could help each other.”
Jen Gottlieb · 39:42

“They listen because they came to an amazing experience that we provide for them.”
Jen Gottlieb · 40:17

#events#public relations#hospitality#women in media

Takeaway· 2

Takeaway26:45

If Your Work Helps People, Hiding It Also Has a Cost

Gottlieb reframes publicity as a responsibility for people whose work produces genuine value. Imposter syndrome does not merely restrict personal ambition; it prevents prospective clients from finding help and may direct them toward less capable alternatives.

Self-doubt commonly prevents experts from pursuing media
Useful expertise cannot help people who cannot discover it
Public visibility can be framed as service rather than vanity
The claim depends on genuinely being able to help

“Then I have a responsibility to talk about what I do so that people that need my help can find me”
Jen Gottlieb · 27:27

“every single day that goes by that you are not sharing your gifts and your message and talking about what you do publicly is another…”
Jen Gottlieb · 27:35

#publicity#imposter syndrome#visibility#mindset

Takeaway37:47

The Media Is Made of People, Not Impenetrable Institutions

Gottlieb demystifies access to publicity by emphasizing that editors, writers, and producers are people embedded in relationship networks. A relevant connection may already exist through current contacts, reducing the need for expensive or indiscriminate outreach.

Media access often travels through existing relationships
Editors and producers respond to human trust and relevance
Warm connections can outperform generic cold pitches
Money is not the only route to media access

“It is all already in your current network.”
Jen Gottlieb · 37:59

“The media, there are people.”
Jen Gottlieb · 38:06

#media#public relations#relationships

Frameworks in this episode

HOPE: Help One Person Every Day

The Media Hit List and Lean-In Story Method

The Top 20

Insights & moments

⚡Myth Buster· 1

Confident Networkers May Be Fighting the Same Insecurities

◆Hot Take· 1