Refine and Shine with Angelina Rivera

Why Earned Media Builds More Trust Than Social Media — Jenny Beres of Pink Shark PR

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Refine & Shine Podcast, host Angelina Rivera sits down with Jenny Beres, founder of Pink Shark PR, a woman-owned Los Angeles PR agency specializing in fintech, AI, and innovative consumer brands. Jenny breaks down why earned media builds more trust than social media, how third-party credibility shapes public perception, and why founders must take control of their brand narrative before the internet does it for them. From her journey as a former waitress turned copywriter to leading a respected PR agency with clients featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and TechCrunch, Jenny shares powerful insights on storytelling, visibility, and leadership—especially for women in male-dominated industries. Together, Angelina and Jenny explore the real role of PR (beyond press releases), the dangers of hustle culture, the importance of routines and self-care, and practical steps entrepreneurs can take today to increase credibility and refine how they show up in the world. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who want to build trust, authority, and long-term visibility without relying solely on social media.

Episode Notes

In this episode of the Refine & Shine Podcast, host Angelina Rivera sits down with Jenny Beres, founder of Pink Shark PR, a woman-owned Los Angeles PR agency specializing in fintech, AI, and innovative consumer brands.

Jenny breaks down why earned media builds more trust than social media, how third-party credibility shapes public perception, and why founders must take control of their brand narrative before the internet does it for them. From her journey as a former waitress turned copywriter to leading a respected PR agency with clients featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and TechCrunch, Jenny shares powerful insights on storytelling, visibility, and leadership—especially for women in male-dominated industries.

Together, Angelina and Jenny explore the real role of PR (beyond press releases), the dangers of hustle culture, the importance of routines and self-care, and practical steps entrepreneurs can take today to increase credibility and refine how they show up in the world.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who want to build trust, authority, and long-term visibility without relying solely on social media.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why earned media creates more credibility than social media or paid ads

The difference between PR, advertising, and social media marketing

Why press releases alone are not a PR strategy

How storytelling builds trust and authority for founders

Why women often struggle to recognize and communicate what makes them exceptional

How journalists actually think—and why they aren’t your marketing team

The importance of controlling your brand narrative before others do

The risks of pay-to-play media disguised as earned coverage

How burnout and hustle culture harm long-term business success

Why routines, sleep, and boundaries are essential for high performers

A simple action step to start building relationships with journalists today

Action Step from Jenny:

Find a journalist whose work you admire. Read their articles, engage with their content, and build a genuine connection before pitching your story.

🔗 Connect with Jenny Beres

🌐 Website: https://pinksharkpr.com
💼 LinkedIn: Jenny Beres

🔗 Connect with Angelina Rivera

🌐 Website: angelinarivera.com
📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: angelinarivera.com/links
📲 Instagram: @refineandshinepodcast | @the.angelina.rivera
🎧 YouTube: Refine and Shine Podcast | Angelina Rivera
💼 LinkedIn: Angelina Rivera | Refine and Shine Podcast
📲 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@refineandshinepodcast
🧘‍♀️ Sukha App – 7-Day Free Trial (no card required): TheSukha.co/?ref=angelina
🛍️ Work With Me — Courses & Coaching: https://angelinarivera.com/coaching-services

#RefineAndShinePodcast #EarnedMedia #PublicRelations #PRStrateg #WomenInBusiness #WomenInTech #FounderVisibility #BrandStorytelling #PersonalBranding #BusinessCredibility #EntrepreneurLife #ThoughtLeadership #AIandFintech