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:
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/
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/
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:
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/
What if your next big idea wasn’t born in a boardroom… but on the back of a cocktail napkin?
Dana Hork is a transformational brand leader, entrepreneur, storyteller, and Founder & CEO of Beers With Friends, an agile creative agency helping challenger brands solve high-stakes problems in just five days. She partners with founders, CMOs, and marketing leaders to unlock fast, high-impact brand solutions through the agency’s signature ‘Beer Run’ sprint approach, delivering expert-driven strategy without the bureaucracy of traditional agencies.
Dana shares how her career evolved from JP Morgan to marketing leadership roles at Jet, Walmart, and Wonder before realizing the traditional agency model wasn’t built for the speed of modern brand building. That’s where Beers With Friends comes in: a nimble, collaborative approach to creative problem-solving that mirrors hashing things out with—yes—a beer and a few great minds.
In this episode:
Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danahork/
Connect with Zoe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
In this episode I sit down with Danielle Corone, law firm executive, former federal prosecutor, adjunct professor at Seton Hall, and lifelong connector. Danielle brings a fresh, nontraditional take on networking—one rooted in generosity, intuition, and being deeply intentional about how and with whom you spend your time.
Danielle shares how her networking superpower isn’t about volume—it’s about meaning. You’ll hear how she "snuck into" powerful industry circles, built a business through authentic connections, and how she now mentors the next generation of lawyers on ambition, wellness, and making space for both.
Danielle proves that successful networking can be both strategic and soulful.
In this episode:
Connect with Danielle:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-corcione-a8b59013b/
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What does it mean to take inventory of your life—and your network—at midlife? In this episode, I sit down with Julie Flakstad, founder and host of The Midlife Truth Project, a limited series podcast that’s earned an Ambie nomination and featured guests like Sarah Blakely and Chip Conley.
Julie shares how networking helped her bring the podcast (and her new documentary, book, and more) to life—starting with a bold list of dream guests and working her web of connections until it became a reality.
From redefining the word “networking” to weaving powerful webs of personal and professional community, this conversation is packed with truth, strategy, and inspiration.
In this episode:
Connect with Julie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieflakstad/
Website: https://julieflakstad.com/the-midlife-truth-project-podcast/
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What if community was the missing piece to fixing modern work culture? Jaclyn Pascocello, founder of FABRIK, believes the cure for workplace loneliness starts with giving people a place to actually belong—and she’s proving it, one intentional gathering at a time.
In this episode Zoe sits down with Jaclyn Pascocello, founder of FABRIK, a tech-enabled network of real-life gathering spaces designed to solve one of today’s most pressing challenges: disconnection.
With a background rooted in hospitality and entrepreneurship, Jaclyn shares how FABRIK turns underutilized office spaces into vibrant, community-driven hubs—where people can connect, collaborate, and feel like they belong. From early lessons in restaurant service to building Spacious (acquired by WeWork), Jaclyn has always believed in the power of space to spark human connection.
In this episode:
Whether you're a founder, community builder, or just someone craving more meaningful connection in your day-to-day life, this episode will inspire you to rethink how—and where—you connect.
Connect with Jaclyn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-pascocello/
FABRIK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinfabrik/about/
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What if your next career move didn’t require starting over—but evolving forward? In this episode, Zoe sits down with powerhouse networker and community builder April Uchitel—CEO and Founder of The Board, co-founder of Dish Studios, and former CEO of Violet Grey and ONDA Beauty—to explore how the future of work is shifting toward a more agile, connected, and collaborative model.April shares her journey from a career in fashion to launching The Board, a hybrid community and agency that helps companies solve problems with on-demand expertise from trusted, fractional talent. Whether you're a leader trying to fill gaps on your team or a seasoned professional wondering what’s next, this conversation is a roadmap to the new world of work.
In this episode:
Connect with April:
Learn more about The Board: https://www.wearetheboard.co/about
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-uchitel-2b56b414/
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
Ever wonder who’s behind the speeches, op-eds, and books of the world’s most powerful leaders? Meet Pauleanna Reid, celebrity ghostwriter and founder of WritersBlok, who’s built an empire on storytelling, strategic relationships, and showing up with confidence.
In this conversation, Pauleanna shares how she went from failing high school English to becoming the go-to storytelling partner for C-suite executives, cultural icons, and global change-makers. She breaks down her philosophy of relationship capital, how she built a network from scratch (often sleeping in airports to make it happen), and why asking for help is one of the most powerful moves you can make.
In this episode:
Connect with Pauleanna:
Website: https://www.thewritersblok.com
Email: info@thewritersblok.com
Book: Everything I Couldn’t Tell My Mother
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauleannareid/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauleannareid/
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
How do you build a business by launching other people’s careers? Keva Dine, creative powerhouse and founder of the Keva Dine Agency, joins the show to talk about bold networking, thoughtful follow-ups, and the kind of persistence that turns passion into legacy.
In this episode we are joined by Keva Dine—founder and CEO of the Keva Dine Agency—to unpack the art and science of creative recruiting, what makes a great candidate stand out, and how intentional networking can supercharge your career.
With a background as an art director, brand strategist, trend hunter, and “girl who got sh*t done” in the skateboarding and fashion world of the 1990s, Keva brings an energy that’s equal parts punk rock and executive precision.
In this episode:
Connect with Keva Dine:
The Keva Dine Agency https://www.kevadine.com/
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What happens when two longtime best friends combine Emmy-winning experience, financial brilliance, and a shared passion for supporting women? You get WOMEN WORK F#%K*NG HARD—a national movement built on kindness, connection, and seriously impressive results.
In this episode, we are joined by powerhouse best friends and co-foundersKristin O'Keeffe Merrick & Lindsay Shookus—two women who truly walk the walk when it comes to helping other women rise. Lindsay spent two decades producing television at the highest level, including Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and Miley Cyrus’s NYE Party. Kristen built a career in finance, helping high-net-worth clients (especially women) make powerful money moves.
Together, they launched Women Work F#cking Hard (WWFH), a platform that unites impressive and heart-forward women across industries—and across the country. What started as a one-night-only event to support a single founder has exploded into a national series of thoughtfully curated events, legendary gift bags, and a wildly supportive community that’s redefining what real networking looks like.
In this episode:
Connect with WWFH:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-work-fucking-hard/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenworkfinghard/
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What do personal style, sustainable fashion, and building a nonprofit from scratch all have in common? According to Jessie Freschl—it’s the power of real, authentic connection.
Jessie Freschl is a seasoned professional in the fashion industry, combining her expertise as a stylist with her entrepreneurial spirit, all while emphasizing conscious consumption. In 2011, she founded Freschstyle, a personal styling business based in New York City. Eight years later, she established Shop Repurpose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable fashion and workforce development. Her most recent venture is Turnstyle, a fashion tech platform designed to help stylists and consumers enhance the functionality of fashion.
Before launching her entrepreneurial endeavors, Jessie managed her family-owned high-end women’s boutique in Milwaukee, WI. Her impactful work has garnered recognition in the fashion communities of New York City and Los Angeles, with features in prominent publications including NY Magazine, The New York Times, Time Out, WWD, NY1, and NBC News.
In this episode:
Connect with Jessie:
Website: https://www.jessiefreschl.com
Jessie's Substack: https://www.jessiefreschl.com/substack
Shop Repurpose: https://shoprepurpose.org
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What happens when you say yes to the coffee meeting, the late-night event, or the bookstore dream? Fran Hauser’s story proves that some of the best career moments happen when you show up with no expectations—and an open heart.
Fran Hauser is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, champion of women in the workplace, and a LinkedIn Top Voice. She is the bestselling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl and Embrace the Work, Love Your Career, angel investor, keynote speaker, and now, bookstore owner! Fran shares her layered career journey: from leading digital innovation at Time Inc., to investing in over 40 female-founded companies, to founding Book Bound for aspiring nonfiction authors, and opening Bedford Books, her town’s first independent bookstore.
In this episode:
Connect with Fran:
Website: https://www.franhauser.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franhauser/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fran_hauser/
Connect with Zoe:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What happens when you lead with curiosity, ask bold questions, and build empires from authentic relationships? Vicky Boudreau, the powerhouse behind PR firm bicom and now the tech platform Heylist, joins us to talk about networking with heart—and how it’s fueled every chapter of her entrepreneurial journey.
Vicky, CEO & Founder of Heylist, leads a tech marvel revolutionizing influencer marketing, empowering creators to monetize content. With a seasoned background in PR & Marketing, Vicky champions democratizing influencer marketing, ensuring broad access to the expanding creator economy.
Alongside co-founders Alex & Nico, Vicky fosters innovation and inclusivity at Heylist. Their dedicated team levels the digital playing field with tech prowess and customer-centricity.
Before Heylist, Vicky co-founded bicom, refining industry expertise and guiding a thriving team of 40+ professionals across cities. Recognized with the Arista Prize and Top 40 under 40 PR in Canada, Vicky's entrepreneurial journey is distinguished.
Incubated at Zù by Guy Laliberté, Heylist earned the Emerging Entrepreneur Award at C2 Montreal in 2023 and an invitation to SXSW in 2024.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Vicky is a thought leader, inspiring others to actualize dreams. Through philanthropy with the Lise Watier Foundation and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Vicky shapes brighter futures for industries and communities.
In this episode:
Connect with Vicki:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What happens when two powerhouse women decide to reimagine what networking could look like—on their own terms? Amy Parker, co-founder of The What, joins us to talk about how she and her business partner Gina Pell turned an idea into one of the most powerful female-led communities out there—where real connection, generosity, and impact lead the way.
Amy Parker is the Co-Founder and CEO of THE WHAT, an independent media and community platform for visionary female leaders to spark impact and action. Together, with longtime business partner, Gina Pell, they preside over The What Alliance, a private accelerator for ideas, connection and personal, professional growth, as well as their beloved weekly newsletter for curious people. Previously Amy co-founded Splendora, a pioneering online style and culture portal acquired by JOYUS.
In this episode:
Connect with Amy:
Subscribe to the newsletter: thewhatHQ.substack.com
Join the community: thewhatalliance.co
LinkedIn: Amy Parker
Facebook: The What Women
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What does it take to raise over a billion dollars on stage, share it with celebrities like Elton John and Hugh Jackman, and then build a powerhouse agency from scratch? In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Fenet — the world’s leading charity auctioneer, bestselling author of The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You, and founder of the Lydia Fenet Agency.
Lydia Fenet is the founder and CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency, a boutique agency representing best in class charity auctioneers. Over her two-decade long career, Lydia served as the Global Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships for Christie’s reshaping the fundraising landscape. She has single handedly raised over $1 billion dollars for more than 800 organizations and broken-down countless barriers for women in the auction industry. Widely recognized for her poise and power onstage, she has stood alongside celebrities including Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman, Elton John, Matt Damon and Jerry Seinfeld to raise record-breaking donations for the most notable charities across the globe. Lydia is the author of two best-selling books, The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You & Claim Your Confidence as well as the podcast host of Claim Your Confidence.
In this episode:
Whether you're pitching investors, applying for your dream job, or just trying to find your voice in a crowded room, Lydia’s story will inspire you to show up, speak up, and go for it.
Connect with Lydia:
Website: lydiafenet.com
Instagram: @lydiafenet
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
She’s negotiated for music’s biggest names — now she’s helping women everywhere secure the deals they deserve. Jennifer Justice, founder of The Justice Dept, shares her journey from Roc Nation to redefining power and pay equity for women across industries.
Jennifer Justice, also known as JJ, is a renowned entrepreneur and former entertainment executive with a passion for championing gender equality and diversity. As General Counsel and EVP at Roc Nation, JJ played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision and growth, while also serving as Jay-Z’s personal attorney for 17 years and representing Beyoncé during her time at Roc Nation. In 2019, she founded The Justice Dept., a business development, strategy, and legal firm focused on helping female entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives maximize their value across industries like tech, media, finance, and fashion. Her work has earned her accolades, including being named a “Game Changer” by Goop and one of InStyle's "50 Badass Women Changing the World."
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, JJ is the host of the podcast "Takin' Care of Lady Business" and has been featured on prominent platforms such as the TODAY Show, CNBC, and NBC News. She also lends her expertise as a member of the board for One Hope Wines, on the advisory board of PerfectDD, and on the board of non-profit organizations NIRH and FreeFrom, contributing her deep knowledge of strategy, business development, entertainment, and leadership.
In this episode:
Connect with JJ:
Website: https://www.thejusticedept.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejustice.dept/
Takin' Care of Lady Business Podcast: https://www.thejusticedept.com/takingcareofladybusiness
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
What if networking didn’t have to be polished, perfect, or painfully awkward? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Smith, founder of The PR Net, to explore how real relationships—not forced transactions—are the key to building a global network and thriving in the ever-changing world of PR and marketing.
New Zealand native Lisa Smith has a unique work history, blending entrepreneurship in communications and marketing, publishing, online retail and new media. At 25, Lisa started a PR agency in Sydney which she ran for several years then subsequently sold. She concurrently authored a coffee table book and founded and ran a fashion e-commerce business. After moving to the US, Lisa consulted on communications and marketing to brands and agencies. This experience was the catalyst for her starting The PR Net (launched officially in September 2015), a media platform and members’ network for the marketing communications industry, whose members are drawn from leading brands and agencies in the US, UK, Canada, and beyond.
In This Episode:
Connect with Lisa: https://www.theprnet.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
Welcome to the Not Perfect Networking Podcast! Today is an exciting day—our official launch episode! I’m your host, Zoe Weisberg Coady, and while I’ll admit I’m a little nervous, this podcast isn’t about perfection—it’s about real conversations, meaningful connections, and the power of networking.
For our very first episode, I’m joined by my friend, Melissa Ferraro. Mel is a versatile artist, educator, and improv performer based in NYC. She has built an incredible, layered, and diverse community around her, and today, she shares how she did it.
In this episode:
Connect with Mel:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melfro28/
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/
