Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! I’m your host, Christa Gurka, and today we have a special guest joining us—Monica Spoelstra, a PR expert and holistic health coach. In this episode, we’re taking a look at how business owners can learn to be their own PR agency and take charge of their media presence.

Monica and I talk about the key differences between marketing and PR, explore earned vs. paid media, and highlight some common mistakes businesses make when it comes to public relations. One of the biggest takeaways? Building relationships with journalists and media outlets takes time, but it’s worth the effort when you do it consistently.

Monica will also be leading an interactive workshop at my upcoming CEO Summit, where she’ll teach her 3-part storytelling framework for crafting effective PR pitches that grab attention and get results.

Here are some of the key discussion points we covered:

• Understanding your key messages and ideal clients is crucial for a successful PR strategy.
• Tips on finding and building relationships with journalists and media outlets that matter to your business.
• How to become a consistent and reliable source for media professionals.
• Strategies to make your PR pitches stand out and leave a lasting impression.
• Monica's holistic health coaching approach and her passion for helping women navigate life transitions and feel empowered as they age.

Ready to dive deeper? Join us at the CEO Summit in November, where Monica will be hosting a workshop on her 3-part storytelling framework for PR success. You can learn more and register at ChristaGurka.com/CEOSummit.

• Follow Monica’s new Instagram account (@itsmonicaspoelstra) and visit her website monicaspoelstra.com to learn more about her holistic health coaching services.

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from these PR tips. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business!

About Monica
Monica Spoelstra is a communications strategist and writer with extensive experience across diverse industries, including professional sports, athletic footwear/apparel, tech, telecommunications, hospitality, travel and tourism, and wellness. Beyond her communications work, Monica is also a certified life coach and holistic wellness advocate, specializing in guiding women through significant life changes such as midlife/menopause, career shifts, divorce and other transitions. Monica believes that times of change, while often deeply challenging, can offer opportunities for immense growth and self-discovery. She uses her unique blend of professional expertise, warmth and compassion to help clients navigate life's challenges and emerge stronger and more empowered. Through her coaching, clients consistently report a more positive outlook on life, increased self-confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose as they embrace their personal and professional transformations.