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Beyond the Business Card: Strategic Networking with Mike Ryan | Coffee N5

In Episode 247 of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Mike Ryan, a true master of professional relationships and a veteran of the PR and marketing industry. In this episode, they dive deep into the world of professional relationship building, the critical importance of "showing up," and how Mike has successfully navigated the digital revolution from the days of hand-typed press releases to creating premium, high-tech unboxing experiences for global brands.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Philosophy of Showing Up: Why being a "social butterfly" is about building genuine human relationships, not just filling a to-do list.
• Networking vs. Strategic Partnering: How to move beyond the traditional "booth" mentality to become a respected authority and a face people recognize at every event.
• The Evolution of the Industry: A fascinating look at the transition from 1980s manual press distribution to the modern era of digital logistics and fulfillment.
• The Art of the Unboxing Experience: Why "white glove" service and customized influencer send-outs are the new standard for brands in the digital age.
• Reputation as Your Only Contract: Mike explains why building a "circle of trust" and maintaining a flawless reputation is more powerful than any legal document.

About Mike Ryan:

Mike Ryan is a seasoned expert in networking and business development with nearly four decades of experience in the communications and fulfillment space. Known as a "Chief Networking Officer" in spirit, Mike has built his career on the principles of loyalty, adaptability, and the power of a handshake. He is a prominent figure in the beauty, fashion, and wellness circles and is the host of the podcast Minutes with Mike.

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Sara Jensen—serial entrepreneur, author, and Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Hugh & Grace—to explore hormone health, preventative wellness, chemical exposure, and the rise of community-driven commerce.

We'll talk about:

• How 14 years of infertility reshaped Sara’s understanding of hormone health
• The hidden impact of hormone-disrupting chemicals in skincare, haircare, and home products
• Why “clean beauty” lacks a clear definition—and what real preventative wellness requires
• The power of simplifying routines to reduce overwhelm and drive compliance
• Why detoxification should be gentle, daily, and sustainable

For more information, visit Sara's LinkedIn and Instagram

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Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

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In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Dr. Brent Ridge—physician, longevity researcher, co-founder of Beekman 1802, and co-author of Goat Wisdom—to explore the science of longevity, microbiome innovation, and why kindness is a powerful long-term business strategy.

We'll talk about:

• Why extreme longevity is influenced more by optimism and social connection than by genetics
• How the “anti-aging” narrative became a fear-based marketing construct
• Why longevity starts at birth—not at 40
• The science behind goat milk, skin pH, and microbiome balance
• How exosomes and oligosaccharides support skin ecosystem health

For more information, visit Brent's LinkedIn and Instagram

Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter.

Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media:

Instagram: @laraschmoisman

Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman

Support the show

Support the show