PR Expert Exposes Why You’re Not Getting Clients | Barrie Cohen | S2 E12
Download MP3What if the reason you’re not getting opportunities has nothing to do with your talent—and everything to do with your visibility?
In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, Angela sits down with PR expert Barrie Cohen, founder of BC Public Relations, to unpack the uncomfortable truth many leaders avoid: being great at what you do is no longer enough if no one knows you exist.
Barrie shares how she built her firm after walking away from a transactional agency model, and why she believes modern leadership requires a shift toward relational credibility, not just results. Through real client stories and behind-the-scenes insight, she breaks down how experts go from overlooked to in-demand—and where most people get it wrong.
This conversation goes beyond traditional PR advice. You’ll learn how visibility actually drives business growth, why “good work speaks for itself” is a dangerous mindset, and what it takes to build long-term authority in a noisy, digital-first world.
Learn More About Barrie Cohen:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barriecohenpr
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barriecohenpr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrie-cohenpr/
- Website: https://bcpublicrelations.com/
Mentioned in this Episode:
- The Trending Communicator Podcast by Dan Nestle: https://www.trendingcommunicator.com/
The discussion also tackles questions…
- How do I get featured in the media or on podcasts?
- Why am I not getting recognized for my work?
- How do I build authority in my industry?
- What’s the difference between PR and marketing?
- How long does it actually take for PR to work?
- How do I know if I’m ready for PR or media exposure?
- What makes someone “media-ready”?
- How do I turn visibility into real business growth and clients?
- What should I have in place before hiring a PR agency?
- How do I choose the right PR partner for my business?
- When is the right time to invest in visibility and personal branding?
- Can too much visibility too early hurt my credibility?
Themes:
- Visibility vs. invisibility in modern leadership
- Why expertise alone no longer drives opportunity
- Building trust and credibility through earned media
- Relational vs. transactional business models
- The reality of PR: timelines, expectations, and strategy
- Thought leadership: what it is and when it actually makes sense
- Target audience clarity and why most messaging fails
- Leveraging media opportunities for long-term growth
- Leadership decisions: values, boundaries, and firing clients
- The role of discomfort and vulnerability in building a public presence
Production
Produced by: The AGN Group
Host: Angela Gill Nelms
Producer: Katie Hart
Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.
Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com
About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.
Social Media Channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/
Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2
Want to be a Podcast Guest?
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, read more here: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/be-our-guest/
Creators and Guests
Host
Angela Gill Nelms
Angela Gill Nelms is a founder, board leader, podcaster, and award-winning entrepreneur with a career spanning SaaS, medical devices, biotech, and clinical research. She builds high-impact teams and organizations rooted in culture, resilience, and strategic execution—helping innovators move ideas from lab to market and leaders grow with intention. She hosts three podcasts that reflect her mission to elevate leadership and accelerate biomedical innovation: Badass Leaders Podcast, Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, and Recovery Advocate Network: Coffee & Conversation. Across each show, Angela creates space for honest conversations that drive impact, reduce stigma, and shape the future of leadership and health. A Georgia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni honoree and INC 500 award recipient, Angela serves on multiple boards across innovation and mental health ecosystems. Outside of work, she’s beekeeping, blacksmithing, turning wood, or training—6× IRONMAN and lifelong advocate for humans being human.
Producer
Katie Hart
Katie Hart is the Senior Client Relations Manager and Executive Podcast Producer at The AGN Group, where she leads podcast production, brand strategy, and client experience from concept to launch. Equal parts creative and operational powerhouse, she guides clients through branding, recording, and distribution while ensuring every detail runs seamlessly. Known as a customer experience magician, Katie is passionate about making every client and guest feel seen, supported, and celebrated—delivering a five-star experience that amplifies bold stories and builds meaningful impact.
