Speaking at the Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN) Leadership Summit was a true highlight of my spring. Standing in front of a packed room of 125 industry leaders, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop built around a central idea from my upcoming book: Mentorship isn’t another thing to check off your to-do list—it’s a way of leading.
Structured mentorship programs can sometimes feel like just one more responsibility for leaders already pulled in a dozen directions. But what if mentorship isn’t something extra we do? What if it’s already woven into our everyday interactions—and the real work is in becoming more intentional about it?
This was the foundation of my workshop, “Adopting a Mentorship Mentality.” Together, we explored one of the core concepts from my forthcoming next-gen leadership book (coming 2026!): how to uncover your own mentorship intention. By identifying what motivates us in leadership and how we want to impact others, we can design a mentorship approach that feels authentic and aligned—not forced.
The room was energized as we moved through the exercises. We didn’t talk theory—we reflected, shared, and strategized. Once everyone had clarity on their mentorship intention, we brainstormed simple, daily actions that can reinforce that intention: giving meaningful feedback, modeling the behaviors we value, and delegating in ways that build trust and confidence.
The “aha” moment for many was realizing that mentorship isn’t reserved for formal programs or senior executives. It’s in the conversations we have, the examples we set, and the relationships we choose to nurture. It’s about seeing people—really seeing them—and helping them grow in ways that also challenge and evolve us. What made this experience especially powerful for me was the thoughtful and heartfelt feedback from attendees. Several leaders shared how the workshop gave them a new lens—not just for how they lead their teams at work, but even for how they lead within their families and communities. That’s the kind of ripple effect I hope this material continues to create.
Here are a few reflections from the group:
“I absolutely loved Amy Summers’ talk. I walked away feeling inspired and more focused.”
— Alyssa Izzi, Southwest Region Account Manager, Stratum Nutrition
“Amy’s insights and energy are inspiring! Drawing on her experiences building Pitch Publicity and nurturing dozens of PR interns, Amy’s workshop provided a framework for finding our own leadership styles and recognizing opportunities to support and help others grow.”
— Gretchen Powers, Vice President, Marketing and Member Experience, Council for Responsible Nutrition
“Amy Summers gave a workshop on mentorship at our annual leadership summit. It was exactly what we needed! Amy is professional, inspiring, enthusiastic, and engaging. Her content was on point and really hit the sweet spot between workshop and lecture—keeping attendees involved, but still relaying tons of great information.”
— Rebecca Takemoto, Executive Director, Women in Nutraceuticals
“Amy Summers is a PR powerhouse who is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and integrity. She is committed to sharing knowledge, uplifting others, and building a supportive community, and this is exactly what our industry needs. As a publicist myself, I know raw talent when I see it, but Amy is different. What truly sets Amy apart is her mentorship program, through which she is cultivating the next generation of PR leaders. I was able to experience one of her mentorship sessions firsthand and what captivated me was her passion and dedication to supporting others.”
— Lisa Miller, Director of Communications, Aker BioMarine
As I continue to shape the ideas in my book, this experience with WIN was such a meaningful first glimpse of how the content resonates in real time. It’s one thing to write in solitude, but another to watch the material come to life in a room filled with motivated, passionate leaders.
My book is still in its chrysalis phase—taking form, being refined—but it’s getting closer to spreading its wings. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I’m so grateful for the chance to connect with professionals who are just as committed to leading with authenticity, intention, and heart.
There’s more to come—and I can’t wait to share it with you.
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