
99: People Are the Media: How Influence is Reshaping B2B Marketing - with Shama Hyder, Founder & CEO of Zen Media | REPLAY EP 27
02/19/25 • 47 min
**Originally published on August 23, 2023**
This episode is a listener favorite – and it’s one of mine, too. I had the opportunity to chat with the brilliant Shama Hyder, CEO of Zen Media, bestselling author, and four-time LinkedIn Top Voice in Marketing. We covered so much in this conversation, from the evolution of B2B marketing to the rise of influencers and why brand-building matters more than ever. The insights she shares are just as relevant today as they were when we first recorded.
Should we do a follow-up episode with Shama? What should we cover? DM me, comment, or leave a review—I’d love to hear your thoughts! - Jane
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In this episode of Women in B2B Marketing, host Jane Serra sits down with Shama Hyder, CEO of Zen Media, to discuss the evolving landscape of B2B marketing. Shama shares her journey from early social media pioneer to leading one of the top digital PR and marketing agencies. The conversation covers why B2B marketing is more complex than B2C, the importance of brand trust, and how businesses can navigate the shift from traditional sales-led models to a world driven by content, social proof, and dark social.
Shama breaks down:
- Why B2B marketing is more challenging—and rewarding—than B2C
- The biggest mistake B2B companies make when it comes to brand-building
- Why sales-led organizations struggle in today’s buying landscape
- The role of dark social, zero-click content, and modern attribution strategies
- How PR and earned media can fuel demand generation and credibility
- The rise of B2B influencer marketing and why it’s gaining momentum
- Why repetition drives revenue and how to increase brand exposure
- Personal growth: thinking bigger, taking up space, and being unapologetic in your career
Key Links:
🎙 Guest: Shama Hyder – LinkedIn | Zen Media
🎙 Host: Jane Serra – LinkedIn
**Originally published on August 23, 2023**
This episode is a listener favorite – and it’s one of mine, too. I had the opportunity to chat with the brilliant Shama Hyder, CEO of Zen Media, bestselling author, and four-time LinkedIn Top Voice in Marketing. We covered so much in this conversation, from the evolution of B2B marketing to the rise of influencers and why brand-building matters more than ever. The insights she shares are just as relevant today as they were when we first recorded.
Should we do a follow-up episode with Shama? What should we cover? DM me, comment, or leave a review—I’d love to hear your thoughts! - Jane
---
In this episode of Women in B2B Marketing, host Jane Serra sits down with Shama Hyder, CEO of Zen Media, to discuss the evolving landscape of B2B marketing. Shama shares her journey from early social media pioneer to leading one of the top digital PR and marketing agencies. The conversation covers why B2B marketing is more complex than B2C, the importance of brand trust, and how businesses can navigate the shift from traditional sales-led models to a world driven by content, social proof, and dark social.
Shama breaks down:
- Why B2B marketing is more challenging—and rewarding—than B2C
- The biggest mistake B2B companies make when it comes to brand-building
- Why sales-led organizations struggle in today’s buying landscape
- The role of dark social, zero-click content, and modern attribution strategies
- How PR and earned media can fuel demand generation and credibility
- The rise of B2B influencer marketing and why it’s gaining momentum
- Why repetition drives revenue and how to increase brand exposure
- Personal growth: thinking bigger, taking up space, and being unapologetic in your career
Key Links:
🎙 Guest: Shama Hyder – LinkedIn | Zen Media
🎙 Host: Jane Serra – LinkedIn
Previous Episode

98: From Self-Doubt to Success: Lessons from a Solopreneur's Journey - with Lashay Lewis, Founder of Authority Plug (and BOFU Content Marketing Expert)
Like WIB2BM? Show us some love with a rating or review today! <3
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Get ready for goosebumps! In this episode of "Women in B2B Marketing," host Jane Serra chats with Lashay Lewis, founder of Authority Plug and a seasoned B2B expert. Lashay reflects on her solopreneur journey, discussing the evolution of her business and the valuable lessons learned. She shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the importance of resilience, and the significance of pricing strategies. Lashay emphasizes the need for differentiation in consulting offers and the power of networking. The episode underscores the importance of community and support among women in business, encouraging listeners to connect and uplift each other in their professional journeys.
Lashay talks us through:
- Personal growth and confidence building as a solopreneur
- Overcoming rejection and resilience in business
- Facing fears and the importance of doing things despite being scared
- Understanding various business models and positioning
- The cyclical nature of opportunities and the importance of perseverance
- Practical advice for transitioning to solopreneurship
- Creating systems and processes to enhance efficiency
- How to transform negative experiences into motivation, using rejection as fuel
- The significance of sharing knowledge and expertise
- Pricing strategies for consulting services, including tiered pricing models
- Differentiation in consulting offers and creative service packages
- The role of networking and community support in business success
- Encouragement for women to support each other in their professional journeys
Key Links:
Guest: Lashay Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lashaylewis/
Host: Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/
Talk BOFU Strategy with Lashay: https://savvycal.com/authorityplug/strategy
Next Episode

100: Cheers to 100! A Celebration, Lessons Learned, and What’s Next - with ME! Jane Serra, VP Growth Marketing at Daxtra and Creator of WIB2BM
In this milestone 100th episode of "Women in B2B Marketing," host Jane Serra reflects on the podcast's journey, sharing her motivations and key lessons learned. Jane discusses the importance of amplifying women's voices in a male-dominated marketing landscape and expresses gratitude to her listeners. She highlights personal growth, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the value of building a supportive community. Jane also shares insights on embracing change, leveraging AI tools, and leading with authenticity.
Jane talks about:
- Celebrating the 100th episode milestone!!!!!!!
- Motivation for starting the podcast and addressing gender representation in marketing
- Personal growth and increased confidence through podcasting
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and recognizing achievements
- Embracing change and continuous learning in marketing
- Utilization of AI tools for enhanced marketing efforts
- Importance of authenticity in leadership
- Collaboration and building cross-departmental relationships
- Understanding customer needs through direct engagement
- Future plans for community-building initiatives and content expansion - what's next for WIB2BM!
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Hi! Jane here :)
Let me know what you think of this format - love it? Hate it? LMK if I should throw in some solo episodes once in a while - and if so, what feedback do you have/ how should I mix it up?
Always looking for feedback to make this show valuable for YOU!
Thank you for helping me make it to 100 episodes! I love you all.
<3
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Key Links:
🎙 Host: Jane Serra – LinkedIn
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