Politely Pushy with Eric Chemi

At the 27th annual PRWeek Awards, Bospar won Best in Financial Communications for its campaign with fintech platform Smarty, “How Smarty Owned the Tariff Moment.” The campaign prevailed over finalists that included Citi and a major IPO communications campaign, showing how strategic storytelling can help emerging financial technology companies compete with some of the largest global institutions.In this episode, Eric Chemi sits down with Bospar's VP of Media Relations, Brent Shelton, to discuss how Bospar's creative storytelling helped Smarty go toe-to-toe with some of the largest global institutions.

Behind every "disruptive" and "innovative" product or service is a team of expert communicators who fuel the company's story and break through in a competitive market. Mastery of storytelling is a must-have for survival.In this episode of Politely Pushy, Eric Chemi is joined by former tech journalist and PR expert, Cliff Edwards. Cliff shares anecdotes from his coveted roles at Bloomberg Businessweek, Netflix, and NVIDIA, where he deepened his knowledge of high-growth companies from the inside out and honed his craft as a seasoned storyteller. Tune in to hear Cliff discuss his pivot from journalism to global communications to gain a bird's-eye view of the tech industry. He also highlights how effectively leveraging PR and communications can mean the difference between growth and stagnation.

During the 27th annual PRWeek Awards, Bospar and San Francisco Pride celebrated winning Best in Community Relations for the "Queer Joy is Resistance" campaign. This campaign underscored the nonprofit's 2025 theme and the community's resilience during a complex cultural moment.In this special edition of Politely Pushy, Shaun Leavy and Patience Baldacci interview Executive Director of San Francisco Pride, Suzanne Ford. Hear how the team activated the campaign, carried momentum into 2026, and positioned for the challenges ahead.Bospar continues to lead strategic public and media relations for San Francisco Pride while helping the nonprofit promote the 2026 Pride Celebration. Learn more: https://sfpride.org/

AI has been the main character in every conversation across every layer of business. This year, industry analyst Josh Bersin proposes a shift in AI's role: from an individual productivity tool to a tool for problem assessment.In this episode, Eric Chemi sits down with Josh to discuss the evolution of the $400B corporate learning segment of the HR industry, the relationship between analysts and startup companies, and how to assess business health through corporate leadership.Dig into Josh's latest research and advisory work with his newly released HR and Leadership Imperatives for 2026 report: https://joshbersin.com/imperatives/

Award season and conference season go hand-in-hand. In the PR world, CES signals the beginning of another exciting event calendar.  Eric Chemi is joined by Bospar's Emily Roberts and Caroline Kamerschen to explain why integrating PR, media relations, and digital marketing efforts ahead of tech industry conferences, such as NVIDIA GTC and RSA, is a critical investment.Promoting new products through demos and feeding the customer pipeline is only scratching the surface of what's possible at industry events. Are you planning to attend or exhibit at conferences this year? This episode details how a dedicated PR and marketing partner can help plan memorable activations, seize key media opportunities, engage analysts, and sustain post-show momentum.

Where do people turn when seeking information, yet are tired of sales-minded responses? Maybe Google, but increasingly, the answer is Reddit.In this episode, Eric Chemi chats with Bospar colleagues Connor Grant and Emma Rafanello to unpack why Reddit has become the most influential–and misunderstood– platform in B2B marketing and PR. Widespread AI-generated content has driven platform users to more community-based spaces that prioritize credibility and authenticity. The conversation covers the differentiation of Reddit vs. other major platforms, including LinkedIn; how karma and moderation shape user trust; and why “stop landing messages and start answering questions” may be the most important shift B2B brands need to make.

We want answers fast. Not just any answers. We want relevant, peer-contributed, and verified answers. What happens if those answers are wrong, primarily when referring to your business and the offerings you provide?In this episode of Politely Pushy, Eric Chemi peels back the curtain on GEO (generative engine optimization). The episode features critical considerations outlined by:Bospar Principal Curtis Sparrer underscores the need for a GEO and AI search solution to uphold brand safety and keep pace with LLM updates.Bospar VP of Social Media, Connor Grant, highlights how social media platforms have become archives that LLMs scrape for relevant data. One of the key platforms contributing to AI search results is Reddit. Yet, while Reddit is one of many sources for assessing brand visibility, Jennifer Devine, founder of Freshwater Creative, shares that diversification across signals and platforms is paramount.It's time for a new playbook. Tune into this episode for expert insight into GEO and its impact on your brand.

"Frequency and authenticity are the two biggest drivers of engagement in today's channels."In this episode of Politely Pushy, Eric Chemi connects with Nathan C Bowser, a product strategist, podcast host of "The Tech Glow Up," and founder of Awesome Future. Interacting with Fortune 1000 companies and interviewing 300+ technology leaders has fine-tuned Nathan's data-meets-creative approach to helping businesses and the innovative go-to-market leaders behind them succeed. Tune into this episode as Nathan shares their insights into an AI-everywhere marketplace, coaching teams on nailing singular metrics, and the power of customer storytelling.

2025 was the 10th anniversary of Bospar, the "politely pushy" PR and marketing firm. Throughout the past decade, Bospar defied conventions and delivered winning results for companies across healthcare, finance, tech, and more.Eric Chemi sits down with Bospar Principals Curtis Sparrer, Chris Boehlke, and Tom Carpenter to discuss 10 years of lessons learned and achievements made.Cheers to the next 10 years!

Retail is at an inflection point, and AI is the lever. In this episode, Eric Chemi chats with Greg Buzek, Chief AI Officer at IHL Services, as he breaks down how leading retailers are moving from pilot projects to sustained AI implementation.

AI adoption isn't happening in isolation. If you've wondered how to turn AI from a buzzword into business value, look no further than AI Realized: a global network of enterprise AI adopters.In this episode of Politely Pushy, Christina Ellwood, organizer of AI Realized Summit, shares how this event connects enterprise executives at the Fortune 2000 level to collaborate, learn, and turn insight into action.

The secret to amassing engagement online, especially on social media, is driving divisiveness. Larry Magid, journalist, technology columnist, and President and CEO of ConnectSafely, shares how strengthening online safety is more critical than ever.Tune into this episode as Eric Chemi and Larry discuss the importance of ConnectSafely's organizational mission.

The era of AI has brought about a drastic shift in online user behavior. It's also ushered in a new consideration for elevating your brand across digital platforms.In this episode of Politely Pushy, Jennifer Devine from Freshwater Creative unpacks the nuances, importance, and implementation of SEO, GEO, and AEO.

Introducing Audit*E, a tool that evaluates company presence and content performance across eight major AI platforms, including Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Meta AI, Mistral, and DeepSeek.In this special episode of Politely Pushy, Bospar Principal Curtis Sparrer and Freshwater Creative Founder Jennifer Devine discuss a critical challenge businesses face today with the influence of AI-powered search engines. Tune in to learn how Audit*E addresses this challenge, differs from traditional SEO tools, and provides a modern brand management solution.

Your company's funding announcement is on the horizon. Now what?Seasoned journalist and Bospar Content Director, Tomio Geron, joins Eric Chemi to share best practices for crafting the narrative, including the impact of the funding, and planning your outreach strategy. 

All analysts, by definition, are influencers. But not all influencers are analysts. Eric Chemi welcomes Jon Arnold of J Arnold & Associates. Jon is an independent research analyst with a rich background in marketing and a diverse range of projects spanning telecommunications, technology, energy, transportation, and other sectors.Tune in as Jon shares how companies and leaders can effectively navigate analyst relations and maximize the value of their program.  

"I'm not here to report the news. That's the past. The job of the analyst is to predict the future by setting up a framework or paradigm that you want to establish with your readers and clients so they can visualize where the market is and where it's headed."After years of working alongside healthcare organizations, former Gartner analyst Seth Feder shares his insights with Eric Chemi. Looking to succeed in the ever-changing global healthcare ecosystem? Don't miss this episode!

Next up in the analyst relations series, Eric Chemi introduces Peter Radizeski. Spanning tech and telecoms, Peter has shaped his career from blogging to channel development to consulting.Tune in to hear how Peter has approached helping organizations get from point A to point Z.

From defying conventional PR tactics to crushing KPIs, the Bospar team navigated Intel's RealSense launch with precision, leading to:2.2 billion reach4X website traffic increase90-day LinkedIn goals hit in 12 hoursCoverage in CNBC, Reuters, TechCrunch, Fortune, and more!Eric Chemi chats with RealSense's Mike Nielsen and the PR and Social Media experts who crafted the winning strategy for this high-stakes spin-out.

Under the umbrella of S&P, Rich Karpinski and the 451 Research team are dedicated to delivering real-time analyst insights and consultation for enterprises across IoT, infrastructure, DevOps, and more.In this episode, Bospar's Eric Chemi digs into the art and opportunity of GenAI for market intelligence, the evolution of IoT adoption, and the role of analyst investment.

As part of a comprehensive and proactive PR strategy, analyst relations is an ongoing activity that relies on tight company branding and an experienced team. Eric Chemi takes a deep dive into AR with Bospar experts, Brandy and AJ.

Welcome to AI University! At Bospar, we understand that AI isn’t going anywhere. So instead of resisting, we are embracing AI and leveraging the power it holds to help us do our jobs better. Courtney Merolle and Kyle Ankney, our professors at AI University, join Eric Chemi to talk through how we thoughtfully leverage AI in our day-to-day operations and how we ensure every Bospartan is well-versed in the complexities AI can hold.

At Bospar, we’ve been proudly remote before it was trendy, but working from anywhere doesn’t mean escaping the pressures of PR.In this Mental Health Awareness Month episode of Politely Pushy, we get candid about the unique mental health challenges of remote communications professionals. From always-on expectations to navigating digital burnout, we talk about what it takes to support teams, foster balance, and prioritize well-being in a 24/7 industry. Because mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership priority.

In this episode, we dive into the world of social media marketing for B2B businesses. With so many platforms to choose from, how do you know which ones will give you the best ROI? We break down the top social media channels for B2B companies, highlighting their unique benefits, potential drawbacks, and strategies for leveraging each platform to build relationships, generate leads, and increase brand visibility. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, this episode will help you navigate the digital landscape and pick the perfect platform for your business goals.

This Earth Day, we're diving into how the work-from-home movement is reshaping our environmental impact. Bospar Principal, Curtis Sparrer, joins Eric Chemi to examine how companies can implement sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their bottom line.

As part of a comprehensive content strategy, contributed content, such as bylines or op-eds, is a powerful tool that builds credibility and carves out a space for your voice within your industry.In this episode of Politely Pushy, Bospar Chief Content Officer Paula Bernier and Content Director Joann Whitcher join Eric Chemi to analyze the effectiveness of storytelling in content marketing and contributed content.Tune in as they share how businesses can create compelling narratives to engage their audience.

Whether you’re just beginning your career in media relations or trying to garner media attention for your company’s latest announcement, don’t skip this episode of Politely Pushy!Tune in with Bospar media experts Brent Shelton, Ryan Quintana, and Eric Chemi as they offer insights into the unique challenges of tech PR and strategies for building strong relationships with journalists and media outlets.

In the latest episode of Politely Pushy, Eric Chemi sits down with a few guests to discuss the upcoming RSA Conference, a critical event for the world’s cybersecurity community.Tune in as LastWatchdog.com’s Byron Acohido, DigiCert’s Christina Knittel, and ConnectSafely.org’s Larry Magid swap their best-kept secrets and tried-and-true methods to win at RSA.As with most industry events, failing to plan is planning to fail. Take it from these experts as you get into gear and prepare to attend.

Ready to stand out from the crowd? Bospar’s Jessica Shein and Caroline Kamerschen are your guides to conquering SXSW! In this week's episode, we reveal how tech companies can rise above the frenzy of SXSW. Learn how to nail early media outreach, create buzzworthy booth experiences, arm yourself with killer virtual assets, and harness the power of authentic influencers. Get ready to make SXSW your brand's breakthrough moment & make sure to keep up with Jessica and Caroline on their SXSW adventure! Jessica Shein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicashein/Caroline Kamerschen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-kamerschen/ 

Dive into the wild world of CES 2024 with host Eric Chemi and his Bospar colleagues as they unpack the tech conference's most fascinating moments. From the AI explosion that dominated every booth to the surprising rise of content creators over traditional media, this episode offers an insider's view of the whole event. Prepare for next year's CES and discover how smaller companies can make a big splash and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Stay updated with this episode’s guests & check out their behind-the-scenes CES content! Brent Shelton, VP of Media Relations Greg Allen, Account Supervisor Tsai-Ni Ku, Senior Account Executive

This week our "politely pushy" PR agency celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special episode featuring industry leaders and long-time collaborators. The episode showcases the agency's journey from its founding to becoming a powerhouse in the PR world.Guests include: Curtis Sparrer, Bospar's Principal and co-founder, who reflects on the agency's unique approach. Priti Khare, Bospar's first client and Founder at Storyboard Consulting, praises the agency's stellar team. Anuj Nayar, a Senior Communications & Brand Executive, highlights Bospar's commitment to pushing boundaries. This episode also features Caitlin Cassady, VP of Marketing at Beyond, offering insights into Bospar's impact on the industry. Since its founding in 2015, Bospar has evolved into a powerhouse agency, accumulating an impressive 216 awards for creativity, innovation, and business excellence. This anniversary podcast celebrates Bospar's decade of redefining PR through innovation, talent, and a unique "politely pushy" approach! Stay updated with our guests! Curtis SparrerPriti KhareAnuj NayarCaitlin Cassady

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Tomio Geron, a seasoned journalist turned tech insider and content lead at Bospar. With his extensive background in covering technology, venture capital, and startups, Tomio shares his unique insights on the challenges of communicating complex tech concepts. Discover the intricacies of startup life, the significance of clear messaging, and how to effectively connect internal narratives with external media perspectives. Tune in for a conversation that bridges the worlds of media and technology, providing invaluable knowledge for anyone navigating this dynamic landscape!Stay up to date with Tomio: https://x.com/tomiogeron & https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomiogeron/ 

In this episode, we dive into the diverse world of Jeff Wilser, a versatile journalist, author, and the curious mind behind the podcast "AI-Curious.”As the host of his podcast, Jeff brings his unique perspective to the rapidly evolving field of AI. With eight books under his belt and bylines in Time and GQ, Jeff shares insights on his unconventional path, his approach to demystifying complex topics, and how he balances his wide-ranging interests in today's media landscape.Join us for a fascinating conversation about curiosity, adaptability, and the future of journalism in the age of AI.Keep up with Jeff’s latest work: https://jeffwilser.com/JW/ Read his newest book: https://www.amazon.com/Explorers-Club-Journey-Through-Exploration/dp/1984859986 

According to Lydia Dishman, the ethics of AI is a played-out topic. As the senior editor of growth and engagement, Lydia can expect nearly 200 emails daily, still receiving pitches featuring exhaustive best practices and what-ifs. Nearly two years after the explosion of AI, theories won’t cut it anymore. In this episode of Politely Pushy, Lydia urges CTOs and leaders to go beyond that and advance the conversation.Keep up with Lydia’s latest work: https://www.fastcompany.com/user/lydia-dishman

Meet Todd Eury, the CEO of Pharmacy Podcast Network, the world’s largest network of podcasts dedicated to pharmacy professionals. In this episode of Politely Pushy, Todd, also known as the Rx Podfather, shares his passion for connecting pharmacists to new audiences and markets. Tune into the latest episodes spanning 30+ podcast shows: https://pharmacypodcast.com/shows/

In this episode, The Globe and Mail technology reporter Sean Silcoff discusses his fascination with the Canadian start-up scene and his decision to pursue a journalism career. Tune in as Sean recounts his origins in tech and venture capital journalism and his process for tracking down modern-day unicorns.Keep up with Sean’s latest work: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/sean-silcoff/

In this episode, ComputerWorld columnist Evan Schuman discusses his journey in tech and B2B journalism. Evan shares his insights on AI's over-promising in generative technology, the challenges of privacy compliance, and his prediction on the decline of cyber insurance for enterprises.He also discusses the importance of tailoring stories to the audience, especially when targeting the chief information security, chief security, or chief risk officers at 50 billion-dollar companies.Read Evan’s latest work: https://www.computerworld.com/profile/evan-schuman/

Award-winning freelance journalist Mary K. Pratt prefers to keep a low profile, giving her a unique opportunity to approach her work with a clean slate and unjaded by public opinion.In this episode, Mary and Eric discuss her career in journalism, including her latest venture, launching a community newspaper. Twenty-four years of experience has shaped more than Mary’s writing style; she’s followed the growth of information technology and cybersecurity and fostered new relationships with industry leaders along the way.Interested to learn about Mary’s approach to media relations? Tune into this episode of Politely Pushy as she shares her workflow as a freelance journalist and the importance of telling the whole story– not just the shiny, happy parts.Keep up with Mary’s latest work:https://www.techtarget.com/contributor/Mary-K-Pratthttps://www.cio.com/profile/mary-pratt/https://www.csoonline.com/profile/mary-pratt/

Jacob Robbins returns to Politely Pushy to share media relations wisdom as PitchBook’s venture capital reporter. Throughout the episode, Jacob shares his do's and don'ts when pitching and navigating the PR-to-journalist relationship.On a final note, Jacob discusses the role of AI leading up to the presidential election and the future of politics and technology post-election. Keep up with Jacob’s work: https://pitchbook.com/news/author/jacob-robbins

In this episode, Eric Chemi chats with GOBankingRates senior writer Nicole Spector about her journey from freelance writing across entertainment and pop culture to full-time journalism in the finance industry. Tune in as Nicole shares her insights into the evolving media landscape and how the current economic climate and upcoming election influence her work. Keep up with Nicole’s latest work here: https://www.gobankingrates.com/author/nicoleaudrey/

Freelance technology journalist Adrian Bridgwater sits down with Eric Chemi in this episode of Politely Pushy. Tune in as Adrian shares his experience publishing work with Computer Weekly, Forbes, Techzine, Techstrong, and other digital publications.Keep up with Adrian’s latest work here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adrianbridgwater/

Microsoft, Apple, and Google all began as small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs), eventually growing into the mega corporations we know today. During that growth, these corporations scaled their processes while simultaneously scaling what made them unique. In this episode of Politely Pushy, Tom Fitzgerald, CFO at Earnest & Associates, joins Eric to pinpoint how SMBs can navigate their IT investment around AI-specific solutions to stay relevant in 2024 and beyond. However, integrating AI isn’t the cure-all solution businesses expect it to be. Tom emphasizes the effort to maintain uniqueness in a sea of sameness. This episode is a must-listen for every business leader who feels the pressure to adapt and pivot but fears what lies ahead.

Jacob Robbins, known as “Captain Wetblanket” by his colleagues, often covers the AI industry and VC landscape through a skeptical lens. Jacob uses his carefully trained eye to weed through the industry’s flashy headlines to share stories of action and anxiety bubbling just below the surface.For those unfamiliar with PitchBook, it isn’t just a data company; it also produces VC and private equity data news. Jacob refers to their niche as “second-day” stories; when Microsoft invested $10 billion in OpenAI, PitchBook thoughtfully distilled that deal for a private market audience.Tune into this episode as Jacob gives Eric his playbook to uncovering the story beneath the story and balancing journalistic integrity with what an audience demands. To read Jacob’s latest work, visit https://pitchbook.com/news/author/jacob-robbins

How does one navigate a career that began with a law degree and settled in B2B medical marketing and media? For Larry Dobrow, editorial director at MM+M, it was all in mastering the art of the pivot. After the pandemic, more companies, including big brands like Apple and Lululemon, became health companies. Even if these companies didn’t realize it then, Larry saw a similar pattern of pivoting. But a well-intentioned pivot hasn’t always guaranteed a media placement.Tune into this episode to learn critical advice from a seasoned editor about successfully landing your media relations and pitching efforts. Plus, Larry discusses how marketing leaders from heavily regulated industries, such as big pharma, have and continue to stand out. To read Larry’s latest editorial work, visit https://www.mmm-online.com/author/larry-dobrow-1/.

So, you want to be a tech startup founder. Now what? Walter Thompson knows a thing or two about the journeys of successful–and not-so-successful– founders. As many know, securing investment is only part of the role.In this episode, Walter chats with Eric about his experience curating and creating content for digital publications and leading interviews with founders and investors. Walter’s latest project, hosting the Fund/Build/Scale podcast, pulls back the curtain of starting an AI company from the founder’s perspective to share the authentic stories and wisdom of those in the driver’s seat.Interested in learning the basic skills required to launch a startup, secure initial funding, and transform your idea into a sustainable business? Tune into Fund/Build/Scale wherever you listen to your podcasts or https://fundbuildscale.podbean.com/.

On this episode of Politely Pushy, Eric takes the dive with host of Tech Talks Daily, Neil C. Hughes.At 16 years old, Hughes imagined an exciting career as a radio host or a writer before leading into a career in IT. Finding a balance between technology and business, he sought to clarify the complexity of the evolution of technology for the masses. Neil eventually began his own path in writing, which precipitated the Tech Talks Daily podcast he records today.Tune in as Neil chats about his journey from IT to hosting 3,000 podcast episodes and counting. Plus, Neil shares his point of view on the current technology trends impacting the world. To learn more about Neil and listen to episodes of Tech Talks Daily, visit www.techblogwriter.co.uk

AI is the moment, and Michael Nuñez, editorial director at VentureBeat, unravels the tension between journalism and the business of technology in this episode of Politely Pushy.Inspired by the early development of large language models (LLM) and AI, Michael sought a way to break into the space. Enter VentureBeat. Michael’s regular conversations with engineers, builders, and doers who know this emerging technology best help him distill a wildly popular and important topic to the masses.Take the evolution of digital design tools, from Adobe to Canva to AI image generators, for example. Michael’s editorial edge comes by assessing trending stories about AI and digital design tools through an enterprise lens and gauging those findings for impact among readers. Listen in as Michael and Eric discuss how newsrooms integrate AI and define “newsworthy” in the new age of digital media. To read Michael’s latest editorial work, visit www.venturebeat.com/author/michael_nunez/.

In the age of tech disruption, who is responsible for leading a company through digital transformation? Isaac Sacolick, founder and president of StarCIO, identifies these leaders as “digital trailblazers.”In this Politely Pushy episode, Isaac quiets the buzz around generative AI advancement by comparing its hype cycle to the expansion of mobile technologies. Digital transformation paved the way for more organizations to adapt web content accurately to a mobile format. Outside of generative AI and the evolution of mobile applications, digital transformation remains integral to any organization’s forward momentum.Tune in as Isaac discusses the critical investments companies must make, such as appointing innovative leaders to enable experimental cultures, to stay competitive in a digital world.Isaac Sacolick is a bestselling author and contributing writer for www.cio.com specializing in guiding leaders on digital transformation. To read Isaac’s contributed content, visit https://www.cio.com/profile/isaac-sacolick/

Sustainability is arguably one of the largest threats facing humanity today.You may have heard the terms CSR and ESG thrown around increasingly in the past few years. CSR refers to “corporate social responsibility,” and ESG refers to “environmental, social, and corporate governance.” Both are critical to brands striving to capture consumer loyalty and set industry standards. Mega corporations, including Apple, Coca-Cola, and Disney, are steadfast in their carbon neutrality commitments. For Adidas and Walmart, their commitments lie in strengthening the community.On today’s episode, Michelle Crozier, former Global Head of ESG & CSR at ByteDance, chats about the importance of these programs and initiatives across industries. Michelle brings more than 20 years of experience transforming the social and technology impact, sustainability efforts, and corporate responsibility of leading brands.Curious to know the ethos that drives Michelle’s work? No matter what the cause, mission, or community is that drives your CSR or ESG program, it's all important to create a better, healthier world.

Imagine this: You’re at a physician appointment. In the background, innovative technology documents your conversation and creates accurate notes for your physician to reference later.Need a prescription? Ambient clinical intelligence (ACI) works alongside a generative AI program to deliver appropriate and available prescription treatments that match your insurance requirements, all without pulling the attention of your physician away from you.In today’s episode, Anthony Brooke, president of provider solutions and technology at DrFirst, highlights the positive impacts and areas of opportunity for generative AI in healthcare. DrFirst pioneers healthcare technology solutions to connect people at every touchpoint of care to improve patient outcomes.