Coffee with Curtis

In this episode of Coffee with Curtis, Robert sits down with Shahni Ben-Haim, founder and CEO of SBH Media Relations, to explore why PR still matters in a world dominated by social media, AI and the attention economy. Shahni breaks down the difference between public relations, media relations and marketing, and explains why earned media still plays a critical role in building trust, credibility and authority for B2B companies. Together, they discuss how startups and growth-stage businesses can use PR to elevate their profile, support sales, strengthen founder brands and turn media coverage into a wider content engine. They also dive into the changing media landscape, the role of thought leadership, the rise of human-led brands, and how AI is reshaping the way companies are discovered, researched and trusted. If you work in B2B marketing, growth, communications or founder-led business building, this is a smart conversation on why PR is far from dead and why it may be more valuable than ever.

In this episode of Coffee with Curtis, Robert is joined by Nicola Anderson, CEO and founder of Capacity to Grow. They discuss the importance of evolving leadership and the need for clarity in business growth. Nicola emphasizes the importance of understanding one's capacity, the role of people in business, and the need for motivation within sales teams. Nicola also highlights the impact of personal branding, the importance of creating a positive work environment, and the evolving role of women in the construction industry. The conversation culminates in a key takeaway about the art of delegation and trusting team members to foster growth.

In this episode of Coffee with Curtis, Robert is joined by Brian Spivak, CEO of Barzel Media. Brian shares his journey from a salesman to the founder of Barzel Media, an agency that connects brands with pro-Israel creators. He discusses the impact of the October 7th events on his career, the challenges faced by influencers advocating for Israel, and the importance of authenticity in influencer marketing. Brian also highlights the political landscape brands navigate today and shares success stories from his agency. The conversation touches on the future of influencer marketing, the role of AI, and the lessons learned in leadership and resilience throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of Coffee with Curtis, Robert is joined by Marcus Hemsley, founder of Fountain Partnership. They discuss the current landscape of performance marketing, emphasizing the importance of nurturing existing customer relationships over chasing new leads. He highlights the balance between brand and performance marketing, the role of trust in building customer relationships, and the impact of AI on marketing strategies. Marcus also shares insights on effective business growth strategies, the significance of purpose in business, and his personal commitment to environmental sustainability through the Million Tree Pledge. 

In this episode, Robert sits down with award-winning broadcaster and media coach Steve Orr, co-author of Podcasting for Small Business, to unpack why audio is thriving in the attention economy. With 30+ years in radio, Steve shares what traditional broadcasting can teach modern podcasters about structure, storytelling, and sustaining momentum. They explore the intimacy of audio, why podcasting builds trust in a way other channels can’t, and how small businesses can use it to drive visibility, thought leadership, and real revenue impact. They also dive into why most podcasts “podfade” and how to avoid it, the three-act narrative structure every host should understand, and media training tips for hosts and guests: Focus. Prepare. Practice.If you’re a founder, marketer, or leader considering podcasting as part of your strategy, this conversation is a practical playbook on how to plan, launch, and sustain it without losing the human element that makes audio powerful. Connect with Steve Orr on LinkedIn.