Shelly Socol built 1R Agency by hiring experts and letting them lead. Sixteen years later, that philosophy is why people leave, explore, and come back.

She tells Mike what happened when she gave a new VP 45 days to just observe, why she laid off 16 people and found six of them jobs the same week, and the one question she asks before entering any new channel.

🔗 Learn more about Shelly Socol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-socol-79b8457/

🔗 Learn more about 1R Agency: https://1r.agency

This special 50th episode of Minutes with Mike flips the script.

For the first time, Mike Ryan, Chief Networking Officer at PIMS and the voice behind the show, steps into the guest seat, interviewed by Nick Howard. What unfolds is a candid reflection on the journey from a simple idea to a platform that captures the untold stories behind the beauty and business world.

From founders sharing vulnerable beginnings to industry leaders revealing the realities behind success, this episode explores what makes conversations truly resonate and why authenticity, not scripting, is the real differentiator.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Milestone Reflection

01:20 Celebrating 50 Episodes: What It Means

02:16 Podcasting Success Metrics and Milestones

03:36 The Origin of the Podcast and Its Purpose

04:49 Sharing Client Stories and Industry Insights

06:09 The Organic Nature of Conversations and Surprising Moments

07:16 Deep Personal Stories and Entrepreneurial Journeys

09:20 Impact of Live Episodes and In-Person Interactions

10:49 Memorable Guest Moments and Insights

12:22 The Future of Social Selling and AI

13:37 Balancing Technology and Personal Touches

15:19 Message to Listeners and Future Outlook

🔗 Learn more about PIMS: https://www.pimsinc.com

🔗 Learn more about Nick Howard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhow/

🔗Read Nick’s newsletter: https://imperfectinformation.beehiiv.com/

Elana Drell Szyfer, the newly appointed president of CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women), joins Mike for a candid conversation about her unconventional path into beauty, the corporate culture lessons that shaped her leadership, and her bold vision for CEW’s future.

From writing cold letters to land her first beauty role at Cosmère (L’Oréal) to navigating the vastly different cultures of Avon and Estée Lauder, Elana shares the humbling moments, panic attacks, and hard-won wisdom that come with building a career across the biggest names in the industry. She opens up about what it really feels like to go from a corner office at 767 Fifth Avenue to running small companies for private equity — and why mentoring first-time CEOs is now one of her passions.

The conversation also dives into the seismic shifts in beauty marketing — from press events and controlled brand messaging to the creator economy, AI-generated video, and the question of whether authentic brand loyalty can survive it all.

On the CEW front, Elana breaks down the organization’s 2026 strategy: a national ambassador program spanning six cities, free student memberships, intimate thought leadership dinners, a new career advice column, group mentoring programs, and upcoming university partnerships for professional development.

🔗 Learn more about CEW: https://www.cew.org

🔗 Learn more about Elana Drell Szyfer https://www.linkedin.com/in/elanadrellszyfer/

🔗 Learn more about PIMS: https://www.pimsworld.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:19 Career Journey and Early Experiences

08:59 Cultural Adaptation in Corporate Environments

17:27 Lessons Learned and Mentorship

17:58 Navigating Corporate Culture

21:51 Lessons from Leadership Transitions

24:30 The Evolution of Marketing in Beauty

32:12 Building Community in the Beauty Industry

40:41 Future Directions for Professional Development

ABOUT MINUTES WITH MIKE

Minutes with Mike is the podcast where PIMS CEO Mike Ryan sits down with the leaders, founders, and innovators shaping the beauty and personal care industry.

#BeautyIndustry #CEW #CosmeticExecutiveWomen #ElanaDrellSzyfer #BeautyLeadership #MinutesWithMike #PIMS #BeautyMarketing #WomenInBeauty #CareerAdvice #BeautyBusiness #InfluencerMarketing #CreatorEconomy #ProfessionalDevelopment #BeautyExpo #LOreal #EsteeLauder #Avon #Chanel #BeautyPodcast #Leadership #CEOAdvice #CorporateCulture #BrandLoyalty #AIinBeauty

In this episode of Minutes with Mike, Nathalie Banker, Head of U.S. Communications & Advocacy at No7 Beauty Company, shares a candid look at how the communications and marketing landscape has radically evolved—and what it takes to stay relevant.

With over 20 years of experience, Nathalie walks through her career journey from agency life to in-house leadership, highlighting the importance of building a well-rounded skill set across PR, digital marketing, influencer strategy, and advocacy. She reflects on how the industry has shifted from slow-moving, print-driven campaigns to a real-time, performance-driven ecosystem, where brands must constantly test, learn, and adapt.

She emphasizes that success today requires:

1. Speed and agility in execution
2. A test-and-learn mindset over perfection
3. Deep understanding of omnichannel strategy (earned, paid, influencer, affiliate)
4. Balancing short-term performance with long-term brand building

Nathalie also shares key inflection points—from navigating the disruption of COVID-19 to mastering influencer marketing and affiliate models—and explains how brands can measure success across both tangible metrics (sales, engagement) and intangible ones (buzz, community).

One of the most powerful takeaways is her leadership philosophy:

Don’t wait for perfection, aim for 80%, take action, and iterate.

She closes with advice for the next generation: stay curious, leverage your network, and always keep your “antenna up” to spot opportunities in a fast-moving industry.

Chapters

00:00 Career Beginnings in PR

07:53 Transition to the Beauty Industry

11:38 In-House Experience at Dermalogica

15:28 The Evolution of PR and Communications

15:57 Navigating the Blurred Lines of Marketing and PR

18:48 Adapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-19

22:34 The Shift to Virtual Events and Their Lasting Effects

24:43 Customization in Marketing: Meeting Individual Needs

26:49 Current Trends at Number Seven Beauty Company

30:53 Measuring Success: KPIs in PR and Marketing

33:19 The Importance of Testing and Learning

35:18 Mentorship and Career Guidance in PR

38:29 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies

41:39 The Journey of a Working Parent in PR

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaliebanker/

In this engaging interview, Natalie Mackey, co-founder of Winky Lux, shares her entrepreneurial journey from starting her first business at 16 to building the successful beauty brand Winky Lux. She discusses product innovation, social media influence, sustainability, leadership, and the challenges of scaling a brand in a rapidly changing market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Natalie's Background

01:00 Starting Young: First Business at 16

02:12 Transition into Beauty Industry

03:15 Origin of Winky Lux Name and Brand Identity

07:11 Startup Challenges and Viral Product Success

07:59 Handling Supply Chain Crises and Mistakes

11:02 Core Entrepreneurial Mindset and Resilience

13:53 Product Development and Market Trends

18:25 Social Media's Role in Modern Selling

22:28 Innovations in Packaging and Customer Experience

26:10 Sustainability in Beauty: Challenges and Approaches

30:10 Leadership, Business Management, and Future Plans

34:22 Reflections on Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth

38:05 Closing Remarks and Future Ventures

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-mackey-15169370/

Keywords

Entrepreneurship, Beauty Industry, Product Innovation, Social Media Marketing, Sustainability, Startup Challenges, Leadership, Brand Building, E-commerce, Influencer Marketing

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Heidi Henneman, co-founder of groaº, a creative and operational leader in the beauty industry, as she shares her journey from small-town beginnings to leading creative services for top brands. Discover her insights on brand loyalty, influencer marketing, and building community in the digital age.

Chapters

00:00 Heidi's Early Influences and Career Beginnings

04:20 Transition to Creative Services in the Beauty Industry

07:07 Establishing Creative Operations at Estee Lauder

10:03 Growth and Development in Creative Roles

12:35 Managing Expectations and Deadlines in Creative Projects

15:18 Influencer Marketing and Its Evolution

17:28 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing

21:21 Building Brand Loyalty Through Community

25:36 The Rise of Content Creators as Brands

28:46 Introducing Retention First Growth

33:23 Purpose-Driven Initiatives and Nonprofit Work

37:11 Finding Your Path and Building Confidence

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-henneman-8055a4/

#InfluencerMarketing #CreatorEconomy #BrandExperience #ContentMarketing #DigitalMarketing #UnboxingExperience #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #ConsumerEngagement #ModernMarketing

In this engaging interview, best friends Kate and Kelly share their inspiring journey from high school friends to successful entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. Discover how they built their brand around unique fabrics, social selling, and overcoming manufacturing challenges, all while balancing friendship and business growth.

Chapters

04:48 Creative Paths and College Experiences

07:42 Navigating Challenges and Discovering Passions

10:20 The Birth of the Pashmina Hoodie

12:52 From Idea to Market: The Launch

15:48 Building a Business Together

18:47 Defining Roles and Responsibilities

20:39 Overcoming Challenges in Business Growth

23:16 Transitioning to Manufacturing and Production

26:07 Establishing Overseas Manufacturing Connections

28:12 Financial Strategies for Small Business Growth

30:50 The Importance of In-Person Sales and Events

34:52 Leveraging Social Media for Sales

35:14 Navigating Social Media for Business Growth

38:21 The Power of Text Marketing

40:41 Exploring Collaborations and Partnerships

40:53 Future Aspirations and Growth Strategies

44:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

About the Guests

Kamaru Clothing Website

https://kamaruclothing.com

Kelly's Instagram

https://instagram.com/kamaruclothing

Kate's TikTok

https://tiktok.com/@kamaruclothing

In this engaging conversation, Ayla Anaya shares her journey from a young girl in New Mexico who aspired to be a secretary and wound up becoming the president of PIMS instead. She discusses her early career, the challenges she faced in the music industry, and her transition to PIMS, where she learned valuable lessons about leadership, operations, and the importance of communication. Ayla emphasizes the significance of celebrating success, the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, and her commitment to advocating for women's rights in business. She concludes with her vision for PIMS' future and the importance of continuous learning and growth.

Chapters

03:27 Transitioning to New York and Early Jobs

06:51 Challenges in the Music Industry and Seeking New Opportunities

10:31 Joining PIMS and Initial Impressions

16:27 Learning the Ropes at PIMS

20:40 Growth into Leadership and Operations

25:13 The Journey to Leadership

31:13 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

37:36 The Impact of New Infrastructure

42:03 The Future of Social Selling

45:07 Advocating for Women's Rights in Business

50:06 Vision for PIMS' Future

About Ayla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayla-anaya/

#PIMS #influencermarketing #womeninbusiness #careerjourney #leadership #operations #companyculture #success

Marketing Without Borders With Lara Schmoisman

In this engaging conversation, Mike and Lara Schmoisman explore Lara's multifaceted career journey from a teen radio host to a networking powerhouse and CEO of The DARL. They discuss the evolution of marketing in the digital age, the importance of adaptability in business strategies, and the nuances of networking across different regions. Lara shares insights into her skincare brand, Infuse Skin, and emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and building meaningful connections. The discussion also touches on the future of the beauty and wellness industry, highlighting the need for brands to be performance-driven and consumer-focused.

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraschmoisman/

https://infuse-skin.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/unpopular-opinions-6915344057930059777/

Chapters

08:59 Transition to Digital and Early Challenges

10:52 The Concept of the Non-Agency Agency

16:28 Lessons Learned and Client Relationships

18:13 Networking Insights and Podcasting Experience

20:49 The Curiosity Behind Coffee Number Five

23:01 Navigating Technology in Business

27:48 Balancing Commitments and Community Involvement

30:44 The Art of Storytelling in Marketing

35:09 Launching Infuse Skin: A Personal Journey

42:08 Future Trends in Beauty and Wellness

Keywords

podcasting, networking, marketing, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, skincare, influencer marketing, business strategy, technology, consumer behavior

In this engaging conversation, Mike and Margaret Josephs explore their long-standing friendship, Margaret’s creative journey, and her evolution as a successful entrepreneur and reality TV star. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a brand, the impact of social media on business, and the importance of authenticity in the influencer space. Margaret shares insights on her new venture, Soiree, and offers valuable advice for aspiring influencers.

About the Guest

https://www.instagram.com/therealmargaretjosephs/?hl=en

https://drinksoiree.com

Chapters

01:20 From Mayapack to Creative Hustle

04:12 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

07:11 Navigating Success and Challenges

10:00 The Impact of Licensing and Partnerships

12:36 Resilience in the Face of Adversity

15:27 Recognition and Personal Growth

19:43 The Bonds of History and Entrepreneurship

20:36 The Journey to Reality TV Stardom

22:05 Behind the Scenes of Housewives

24:37 Navigating Reality and Authenticity

26:26 Balancing Personal Life and Public Persona

26:59 The Impact of Reality TV on Personal Identity

29:09 The Evolution of Margaret’s Brand and Book

29:55 The Future of Social Selling and TikTok Shops

31:26 Creating a Unique Beverage Experience

33:50 The Importance of Influencer Marketing

36:57 Advice for Aspiring Influencers

38:48 What’s Next for Margaret Josephs?