Cheri Leavy & Whitney Long: The Business of Intentional Connection

Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long are the founders of The Southern C , a community that’s redefining what networking looks like for creative entrepreneurs. They have built an ecosystem where relationships come first, and their approach to fostering meaningful connections has made The Southern C Summit a must-attend event for female business owners the country.Beyond their in-person events, they’ve also cultivated a thriving online membership, offering entrepreneurs a space to connect, collaborate, and grow year-round. In our conversation, we dive into how in-person experiences are a powerful driver of business growth and brand loyalty, how personalized marketing fosters deeper consumer connections, and how quality over quantity is always the move.

PR and marketing are shifting faster than ever—platforms change, media landscapes evolve, and what worked last month might already be outdated. "Touching Base" is your go-to monthly check-in for the latest trends, industry moves, and strategic insights you actually need to know to take your business to the next level. Join Nicole Noble, founder of marketing consultancy Specio, and Ellie, founder of The Birdie Agency, each month as we break down the biggest shifts in PR & marketing, share our insider POV on what’s working now, and help you cut through the noise to stay ahead. If you’re looking for real insights, expert analysis, and actionable takeaways to grow your brand in an ever-changing landscape, this is the check-in you don’t want to miss.

Ready to take your business to the next level—without drowning in the day-to-day? Kate Rosenow, founder of Work Well with Kate, is your guide to stepping out of the weeds and into a more streamlined, profitable business. Kate is a business systems strategist who shares proven strategies to simplify operations, optimize efficiency, and scale with confidence. Having helped thousands of women business owners transform their workflows, Kate knows that the key to sustainable growth isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter. In today's episode, we dive into what it really takes to transition into your next chapter of business growth, set up systems that work for you (not the other way around), and build a business that supports your life—without burnout. Whether you're stuck in the weeds or ready to scale with ease, this podcast gives you the tools to grow profitably while staying in your zone of genius. Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Real Simple, and Business Insider, Kate brings expert insights, real-life success stories, and actionable strategies to help you create a business that runs smoothly—so you can focus on what matters most.

Who knew a publicist and a dietitian had so much in common?! In this episode, I sit down with Cayla, a registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition Preferred to chat about breaking free from the “January reset” mindset. We dive into how small, consistent habits, realistic planning, and progress over perfection can help you stay on track all year long—whether you’re working on your health or growing your brand. Tune in for actionable tips to start 2025 with purpose and momentum! 🎧

On this episode, Emily Heslin, founder of Carriage House Creative, joins us to explore how paid media and PR align for maximum impact. From Meta and Google to TikTok and Pinterest, Emily breaks down key platforms, shares tips for leveraging earned media in ad campaigns, and offers advice on planning for Black Friday and 2025. Perfect for founders looking to elevate their strategy!

On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to have Erin Noël, a fashion stylist based out of LA  who specializes in helping female entrepreneurs and founders elevate their brand through their wardrobe. In our conversation, we discussed how the clothing and accessories we choose communicate far more than just style—they reveal who we are, what we value, and where we’re headed. Erin shared her expertise on building a wardrobe that reflects both your personal and professional identity, how the right outfit can boost your confidence, and influence how others perceive you.

It’s no secret that women in leadership positions often face burnout, with their mental load undermining the strategic thinking needed to continue advancing. At Birdie, we know that nothing compares to the power of a rested woman. When given the chance to recharge, women can invest in their communities, create jobs, and show up as their highest selves—free to channel their energy into leadership, innovation, and creativity. In this episode, I sat down with Elise Nicholson, Birdie's Senior Project Specialist, to discuss the intentionality behind Camp La Fontaine and all that's coming up at our retreat this fall in the Cotswolds and London. We provide women the space to disconnect, think big, take care of themselves, and form deep connections—so they can return to their work restored and energized with innovative new ideas.

In my first-ever solo episode (!) I took a minute to share the journey behind The Birdie Agency’s exciting new rebrand. We are constantly consulting clients on their visual representation — matchmaking them with the perfect branding partners to land the positioning we carefully craft for them —  but rarely do we have time to focus on our own brand. Our new brand design honors where we started as Birdie Public Relations while embracing the future. Thanks to an incredible collaboration with Nolan from Studio Tarea, our refreshed identity truly reflects who we are today. Join me as I discuss the challenges, inspiration, and strategies that brought us here, and how you can guide your customers and clients through your own rebrand.

Brittany Schmid and Katy Doar are the founders of The Bunny Hive - a social club for little ones and their grown ups that is rapidly expanding across the country. Named “The Soho House for Kids” by Forbes, I took a moment to chat with them about ways to maintain brand consistency during a rapid growth period that's resulted from the announcement of their franchise program.

Jessie Gabriel is the founder of All Places – a law firm seeking to create a more equitable world by actively helping women from all backgrounds and industries grow their business without limits. They walk with women founders through every stage of development: conceiving their entrepreneurial aspirations, locking down funding, launching their businesses, and plotting exceptional growth. I had so many questions for Jessie on today’s episode – everything from best practices to bringing on a co-founder to trademarking and even fundraising. She is a wealth of knowledge and I absolutely loved our conversation. I know you will too.