Networking gets a bad rap, but what if the problem isn't networking itself? What if it is the way we've been thinking about it all along?

In this episode of the Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with Caroline Dell to reframe networking as what it really is: relationship building. Caroline is the founder of Goodword, a relationship operating system for the AI era, and former employee #5 at Chief, where she helped scale the executive women's network from 200 to over 20,000 members.

Even if you think "I'm bad at networking," this episode will show you how to move from transactional to relational connections, and practical strategies for staying visible and connected before you need something.

In this episode:

• The super connector who changed Caroline's career trajectory twice (and how you can find yours)
• Why AI is actually making your relationships more valuable, not less
• How to think about your network as your personal board of advisors
• The golden rule that changes everything about networking
• The one question that breaks the ice better than small talk
• What a "relationship operating system" actually does—and why you might need one
• Practical ways to stay visible and keep your network updated

Connect with Caroline: 

Website: https://www.goodword.com/

Connect with Zoe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

What if the reason your business feels stuck… isn’t your expertise—but your strategy?

In this episode of the Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with business strategist and consultant coach Leah Neaderthal to unpack what it really takes to grow a sustainable, profitable consulting business—especially when referrals stop being enough.

Leah works with women consultants who have outgrown the early-stage “word-of-mouth” phase and are ready to build intentional, scalable systems to attract clients and increase revenue. As the host of Smart Gets Paid, she’s known for her no-BS approach to sales, marketing, and value-based pricing.

Together, Zoe and Leah dive into the realities of selling in today’s market, why longer sales cycles are the new normal, and how to stop “trusting the universe” as your business strategy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why referrals eventually plateau—and what to do next
• The truth about long B2B sales cycles (and how to navigate them)
• The biggest mistake consultants make: using B2C tactics for B2B sales
• Why you don’t have to like sales to be good at it
• How to shift from reactive to proactive client generation
• The difference between “vitamin” vs. “painkiller” positioning
• What value-based pricing actually looks like in practice
• How showing up on LinkedIn builds trust (and acts as a “portfolio of your thoughts”)
• The power of simple, consistent actions vs. chasing “shiny objects”
• Leah’s personal turning point that reshaped how she runs her business

Connect with Leah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahtn

Website: https://www.smartgetspaid.com/

Money conversations are something most of us avoid—but what if learning to talk about money could completely change your relationships, confidence, and future?

In this episode of the Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with Sheila Schroeder to break down why money feels so hard to talk about, and how we can start having more open, honest, and empowering conversations in our everyday lives.

Sheila is a financial expert and the author of It’s Time to Talk: A Woman’s Guide to Navigating Money Conversations. With decades of experience in finance, she’s on a mission to help people—especially women—feel more confident, capable, and in control when it comes to their money.

Together, they explore how our money beliefs are shaped, why these conversations have been taboo for so long, and simple, practical ways to start changing that—whether it’s with a partner, your kids, your parents, or even a friend.

In this episode, Zoe and Sheila discuss:

• What makes money conversations so uncomfortable—especially for women
• The mindset shift that makes talking about money feel more accessible
• How to start a money conversation when you don’t know what to say
• What “money dates” are and how to use them in your relationships
• How your money background influences your financial decisions
• Tips for talking to kids about money in a healthy, grounded way
• How to approach financial conversations with aging parents
• What lifestyle creep is—and how to avoid it while still enjoying your income
• The importance of community and finding someone to learn with

Connect with Sheila: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaschroeder

It's Time to Talk: A Woman's Guide to Navigating Money Conversations: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/its-time-to-talk-a-womans-guide-to-navigating-money-conversations/9781394380817.html

Connect with Zoe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

Angel investing often feels like a world reserved for billionaires and insiders—but what if that wasn’t true?

In this episode of the Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with early-stage investor Marcia Dawood to break down what angel investing really is, how everyday people can get involved, and why aligning your money with your values can create real change.

Marcia is a venture partner at Mindshift Capital, Chair Emeritus of the Angel Capital Association, a member of the SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, TEDx speaker, and host of The Angel Next Door podcast. She’s also the author of Do Good While Doing Well, with her new book Unapologetic Wealth releasing this month.

Together they discuss the myths around investing, why women have historically been left out of wealth conversations, and how rewriting your personal “money story” can open the door to new opportunities.

In this episode, Zoe and Marcia discuss:

• What angel investing actually means
• The biggest misconceptions about startup investing
• How equity crowdfunding is changing access to investing
• Why impact investing can create both returns and real-world change
• The inspiration behind Marcia’s books Do Good While Doing Well and Unapologetic Wealth
• Why women often struggle with the concept of wealth
• How aligning your money with your values can reshape your future
• Marcia’s unique approach to building community and networks

Connect with Marcia:

Website: https://www.marciadawood.com/

Unapologetic Wealth: Rewrite Your Money Story From Any Beginning: https://www.marciadawood.com/wealth

Connect with Zoe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

What's the most important financial decision you'll ever make? According to leading matrimonial attorney Jackie Combs, it's who you marry.

In this episode of Not Perfect Networking, Zoe sits down with Jackie Combs, a matrimonial and family law attorney at Blank Rome and the voice behind Love Richer—a platform that's changing how younger generations think about money, relationships, and protecting their futures. Known as the Gen Z Prenup and Divorce expert, Jackie brings a refreshingly modern and practical voice to topics most people avoid until it's too late.

We dive into Jackie's journey from corporate law to family law, what working with high-net-worth clients in sports, entertainment, and tech has taught her about human nature, and how she's built an impressive network in one of the most high-stakes, emotionally charged fields in law.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Jackie believes money is no longer a taboo topic—and how to talk about it in relationships without the shame
• The four dimensions of financial intimacy: transparency, communication, alignment, and autonomy
• What "clear coding" and "future faking" mean in modern dating—and why Gen Z is getting it right
• The truth about "divorce season" and why January is the most popular month for filing
• Jackie's best networking advice: be authentic, help others, and don't force connections
• Why you should never rely on AI for legal advice (seriously, don't do it)

Connect with Jackie:

Website: https://lovericher.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love.richer/

Connect with Zoe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

Some people create brands. Some people create communities. Shena Patel does both.

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Shena Patel, a creative executive, strategist, and writer who has spent over 20 years shaping voices, narratives, and campaigns for some of the world’s most iconic brands—think the little blue boxes and stripe pink bags. Shena now helps founders and CEOs build brands that don’t just succeed—they make the world a better place.

We dive into her rare talent for distilling complex ideas into simple, unforgettable stories, her creative approach to working with leaders, and how she’s built a thriving network of extraordinary people. Shena also shares her insights on authentic connection, meaningful work, and how to spend your energy on what truly matters—from supporting female founders to fostering community in a fast-paced, hyper-connected world.

In this episode:

• Shena’s creative approach to helping founders and CEOs uncover their brand’s authentic voice.
• How to distill complex ideas into simple, memorable, and meaningful messages.
• The evolution of meaningful work and the projects that inspire Shena today.
• Building and maintaining deep, authentic relationships and communities.
• Practical strategies for networking, connecting, and showing up with intention.
• How to spend your energy wisely—both personally and professionally.
• Practices for staying grounded, finding quiet, and recharging through reading and travel.

Connect with Shena: 

Website: https://www.shenapatel.com/

Connect with Zoe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

Some people build brands. Very few build movements. Today’s guest is one of the rare ones who can do both—and she’s here to break down exactly how she does it.

In today's episode, I’m sitting down with someone who has shaped culture through every brand she’s touched. Gabby Etrog Cohen is one of those rare leaders who understands that brand isn’t a logo or a marketing plan—it’s human connection. It’s how people feel. It’s how people talk. It’s how people experience something together.

Gabby helped transform SoulCycle from a four-studio boutique fitness concept into a cultural phenomenon. She helped scale Rent the Runway into a billion-dollar business. She helped reimagine Aspen across hospitality, mountain life, and luxury. And now, through GEC Consulting, she’s guiding founders and CEOs through reinvention, growth, and the moments where clarity matters most.

She’s a master connector, a generous networker, and someone who has never taken access for granted. And she’s proof that when you nurture relationships, not transactions, your career becomes a magnet for extraordinary opportunities.

In this episode:

- How she found her way to SoulCycle and helped turn four studios into a cultural phenomenon

- How brands are really built through people and why human connection is the ultimate growth engine

- Why protecting your brand matters more than promoting it — especially when you have access, attention, or influence

- The power of generosity in networking and how leading with “How can I help?” transforms relationships

- How your network shapes your career when you nurture it consistently, authentically, and without agenda

- What modern marketing teams need to look like in an AI-driven world

- How to build a career that supports your life, not the other way around

Connect with Gabby:

Website: https://www.heygec.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyetco/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabbyetrogcohen

Connect with Zoe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

In today’s episode, I’m digging into one of the topics I care about most: personal brand positioning in a world where visibility is no longer granted, it’s built.

We’re talking about what it really takes to become known for your work (hint: it’s not perfection), why your brand is a living narrative rather than a one-time declaration, and how consistency outperforms talent every single time. I’m also sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what I’ve learned from 15+ years in PR watching leaders rise and the patterns that never fail.

If you’ve been waiting to feel “ready” before showing up, this episode is your sign to stop waiting and start leading.

In this episode:

- Why your personal brand is an evolving story — not a static identity

- The Don’t Wait to Be Picked approach and why it matters more than ever

- How to build visibility through owned platforms like LinkedIn + Substack

- The real engine behind thought leadership (spoiler: consistency beats everything)

- What I’ve learned from working with global brands, CEOs, and cultural leaders

- How your network amplifies your ideas and why visibility and relationships fuel each other

By the end, you’ll understand the exact mindset shift and visibility habits that separate “hidden talent” from “recognized leader.”

Connect with Zoe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

In this episode of Not Perfect Networking, Zoe sits down with Wendy Heilbut, founder of Heilbut LLP, attorney, angel investor, and connector in New York’s creative business community.

Wendy’s career has spanned law, recruiting, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership—giving her a unique perspective on what networking really means. Instead of chasing leads or following sales formulas, Wendy believes the best connections happen through everyday conversations and genuine curiosity.

Together, Zoe and Wendy discuss how to move beyond transactional networking and into relationship building that feels natural, sustainable, and fulfilling.

In this episode:

• Why networking doesn’t need to feel forced or awkward
• How relationships you build today can shape your career years later
• The importance of boundaries when being generous with your time and expertise
• How to stay top of mind in your network through authentic updates
• Using platforms like LinkedIn and Substack for genuine connection
• Why every conversation—big or small—can lead to opportunity

Connect with Wendy:

Website: https://heilbutllp.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-heilbut-1356022b/

Connect with Zoe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37/

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:

• The vision behind the Not Perfect Podcast Network
• Why every entrepreneur and thought leader needs a podcast
• How networking and storytelling fuel personal brand growth
• My biggest lessons from a year of Not Perfect Networking
• My birthday message for anyone waiting for permission to start