The Not Perfect Networking Podcast

What if the most important thing AI can do for you has nothing to do with writing?

Nina Willdorf is a go-to-market leader with 20+ years building positioning and content for early-stage tech and VC brands. She's worked at Airbnb, Coinbase, and Time Inc., and she's the co-founder of the Aged Intelligence Society, the "AI Tupperware party" the New York Times profiled in Wine, Cheese, and ChatGPT.

In this episode, Zoe and Nina get into how Nina grew her consultancy, Special Projects, from zero to six figures in under a year. The secret is to hand AI your soul-crushing ops work, not your voice.

They also cover why women in midlife are the people AI was made for, the three phases of networking, and the Susan Orlean invitation Nina still regrets turning down.

In this episode:

• Lightning round: the best and worst networking advice, and finding the chicest woman at the party
• Nina's red flags and green flags for clients (including the "I need you in the office two days a week" client)
• Zero to six figures: using AI as a "work girlfriend," a chief of staff, and a partner that searches her CRM
• Just starting with AI? Sign up, connect your email, and tell it "I'm overwhelmed"
• Why AI is made for women in midlife: the heaviest mental load, and the best BS detectors
• Why LinkedIn lurkers matter, and why posts with personality get the most response
• The three phases of networking: apprentice, build, give back
• The Susan Orlean story, and why you should accept the offer

Connect with Nina:

Special Projects: https://special-projects.io

Aged Intelligence Society: https://agedintelligencesociety.substack.com

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

Connect with Zoe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-weisberg-coady-57aab37

What does healthy aging actually look like — and are we making wellness way more complicated than it needs to be?

In this episode of The Not Perfect Networking Podcast, Zoe sits down with Dr. Erika Schwartz, a pioneer in longevity, hormone health, and preventative medicine, for a conversation that goes far beyond wellness trends.

From the pressure to constantly “optimize” ourselves to the role stress, sleep, and connection play in our lives, Dr. Erika shares the mindset shifts she believes matter most after decades of working with patients around the world.

The conversation also explores what it takes to build trust, create meaningful relationships, and stay grounded in a world full of noise and information.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The biggest misconceptions around wellness and aging
• Why more information isn’t always better
• The hidden impact of stress and sleep
• The pressure to constantly optimize your life
• Building trust and connection over time
• Why slowing down matters more than people realize
• Dr. Erika's approach to longevity and preventative health

Connect with Dr. Erika Schwartz: https://linktr.ee/dr.erika

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/