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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

All opinions expressed by the guests are their own. 9×90™ and its affiliates do not endorse or guarantee any specific outcomes discussed in this episode. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners should conduct their own due diligence and consult with professional advisors before making any investment or business decisions. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. Any such offer or solicitation will be made only through official offering documents and to qualified, accredited investors, in accordance with applicable securities laws. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or 9×90™.

About this guest

For those of you who do not know Sarah,

1. She is a fierce and uncompromising entrepreneur, community leader & publicist.
2. She is also a powerhouse investor and global connector who has quietly become one of the most influential behind-the-scenes forces in media, business, and diplomacy. 
3. This spring she launched her game-changing PR firm, helping friends become best-selling authors, land features on top-tier global talk shows, and dominate elite podcasts. 
4. Now she’s curating exclusive rooms filled with over $5B in decision-maker influence—uniting heads of state, media executives, tech leaders, family offices, and world-class founders. 
5. Through her new firm and her community, Sarah isn’t just telling stories—she’s building legacies and shifting global conversations.

About this episode

In this electric episode of 9×90™, Adi Soozin sits down with Sarah Pustilnik — the fiercely loyal, relentlessly strategic force quietly shaping the global stage.

Sarah isn’t just launching a PR firm. She’s formalizing a legacy of influence: the woman behind the curtain helping friends become best-selling authors, land global talk show features, and dominate elite podcasts… all while curating rooms filled with heads of state, tech moguls, family offices, Oscar winners, and billionaires—with over $5B in decision-maker power under one roof.

Together, Adi and Sarah unpack what it means to protect powerful networks, create safe spaces for top-tier minds to collaborate, and lead with a “quarterback mentality” — fiercely advancing clients’ goals with stealth and precision. From the Art of Empowerment summits to her matchmaker-level sponsorship opportunities, Sarah reveals how she’s shifting global conversations and building multi-generational legacies.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or future change-maker, this is the episode that pulls back the velvet curtain on how the world’s most powerful relationships are actually built.

This isn’t PR. It’s power architecture.

Sarah’s Contact Information:

1. Email: sarahpustilnik[at]gmail.com
2. Phone: +1-310-913-7010
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_pustilnik/
4. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-pustilnik-36b5876/
5. Twitter: @sarahpustilnik 

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Show Notes Generated by Gemini

These show notes were generated by AI

• Introduction to Sarah Pustilnik Adi Soozin introduced Sarah Pustilnik as a powerful entrepreneur, community leader, publicist, investor, and global connector. Adi highlighted Sarah’s new PR firm and her ability to curate influential networks, emphasizing her role in building legacies and shifting global conversations (00:00:00). Sarah thanked Adi for the kind introduction, acknowledging Adi’s own powerful influence (00:01:28).
• Inspiration for the PR Firm Sarah Pustilnik explained that her PR firm is a natural extension of her existing consulting company and entrepreneurial spirit. She realized she could uniquely curate connections and build influential rooms, managing significant wealth and influence with discretion and respect (00:01:28). Sarah also emphasized protecting those in her network (00:03:52).
• Formalizing Representation Adi Soozin noted the benefit of Sarah Pustilnik formalizing her PR firm, making it clear to others who to contact for introductions and speaking engagements (00:03:52). Adi shared a personal experience highlighting Sarah’s protectiveness and ability to insulate her network in high-profile settings (00:04:59). Sarah stated that she understands the need for safety and applies that to her friends and business associates (00:05:58) (00:08:22).
• Sarah’s Background and Approach Sarah Pustilnik mentioned her fiercely loyal nature and extensive network, attributing some of her insights to her father’s mentorship. She described her approach as expanding and growing, offering community, access, and protection (00:06:58). Adi recounted how Sarah’s persistent support and hands-on approach helped her with a book project, showcasing Sarah’s proactive and tenacious style beyond traditional public relations (00:17:14). Sarah explained that she champions people and is driven by their success, viewing her work as a passion (00:20:27).
• Curating Powerful Connections Adi Soozin inquired about Sarah Pustilnik’s ability to gather high-level attendees at her events. Sarah explained her focus on empowering women and fostering collaboration between women and men across various sectors (00:11:51). The “Art of Empowerment” events aim to provide a platform for interesting conversations between individuals from diverse backgrounds, including heads of state, Oscar winners, and billionaires, in a non-sales-oriented environment with “power talks” (00:13:02).
• Differentiating the PR Firm Sarah Pustilnik stated that her PR firm is a vertical under her existing consulting firm, leveraging her natural inclination to connect people (00:14:38). She emphasized her siloed approach, integrity, and ability to wear multiple hats, catering to unique client needs across various industries (00:16:05). Adi highlighted Sarah’s exceptional proactivity and tenacity in securing opportunities for her clients (00:19:30). Sarah affirmed her commitment to her clients’ success and her dedicated work ethic (00:20:27).
• Sarah’s “Quarterback” Mentality Adi Soozin noted Sarah Pustilnik’s intentional humility despite her significant influence, asking about the moment she decided to be more public. Sarah admitted it’s not entirely her decision, influenced by supportive friends, and while public speaking isn’t natural for her, she recognizes it as a way to have a broader impact (00:27:01). When asked for advice for powerful women hesitant to speak up, Sarah shared her father’s advice to “be the quarterback,” encouraging fearlessness and perseverance, a philosophy she is now embracing herself (00:31:00). Sarah stressed the importance of women supporting each other and being aspirational (00:34:40) (00:40:07).
• Sponsorship Opportunities Adi Soozin inquired about sponsorship opportunities for Sarah Pustilnik’s upcoming events. Sarah explained that sponsors gain exposure to her influential community, emphasizing targeted connections and her matchmaking abilities (00:35:41). She highlighted the opportunity to be in a room with significant financial, governmental, and cultural influence. Adi praised Sarah’s approach to connections, emphasizing her role as a hyperconnector who facilitates beneficial introductions (00:37:50). Sarah underscored the importance of making connections and her philosophy of paying it forward (00:38:57).

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Transcript

This transcription was generated by Gemini & edited by ChatGPT

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Adi Soozin:
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of 9×90™. Today, we’re joined by a remarkable guest, Sarah Pustilnik. For those unfamiliar with Sarah’s work, she is a bold and uncompromising entrepreneur, a dynamic community leader, and a powerful publicist. Her reputation for delivering exceptional results stems from her deep commitment to excellence.

Sarah is also a distinguished investor and global connector who has quietly become one of the most influential behind-the-scenes forces across media, business, and diplomacy. This year, she formally launched her game-changing PR firm—an endeavor that has already turned her clients into best-selling authors, placed them on premier global talk shows, and positioned them on elite podcast stages. Through her firm and her private network, she’s now curating rooms that hold over $5 billion in decision-making influence, uniting heads of state, media executives, tech leaders, family offices, and world-class founders. She’s not just telling stories—she’s shaping legacies and shifting global conversations.

Sarah, welcome.

Sarah Pustilnik:
Thank you so much, Adi. That was such a thoughtful and generous introduction. It means even more coming from someone as accomplished and visionary as you. I’m honored to be here.

Adi Soozin:
Let’s dive in. You’ve helped others become best-selling authors and land major media placements, yet until recently, you were largely behind the scenes. What inspired you to formally launch your own PR firm and step into the spotlight?

Sarah Pustilnik:
Great question. In many ways, this firm is a natural evolution of the work I’ve been doing for years through my consulting company. I’ve always been the person behind the scenes—strategizing, curating, connecting. But over time, it became clear that the impact I was making deserved a dedicated platform. I realized I could deliver results in a more intentional and scalable way by formalizing this side of the business.

I discovered I had a unique ability to build highly curated rooms and relationships—rooms that now collectively represent over $500 billion in decision-making influence. Over the past few months alone, our growth has exceeded 1,800%. I believe that success stems from a deep commitment to discretion and respect. I’m extremely selective about who gets invited into these spaces, and I ensure that those inside feel protected, empowered, and seen.

Adi Soozin:
I’ve experienced that protection firsthand. For a while, I disappeared from the public eye. I wasn’t attending events, and people were constantly asking where I had gone. When you stepped in, you didn’t just coax me back—you created an environment where I could feel genuinely safe. I remember our first event back. I told you I didn’t want to be swarmed or approached by the wrong people. You placed me at a private table, between yourself, a Rockefeller, and a Cartier. It was like being seated in a fortress of diplomacy. That level of care, discretion, and insulation is incredibly rare.

Sarah Pustilnik:
Thank you, Adi. That means a lot. I approach my work with the mindset that I want my clients and friends to feel as safe as I do when I’m with people I trust. Business is deeply personal. I believe in doing business with people I truly care about. That’s why I’m fiercely loyal. I protect my network like family. My Rolodex is global, diverse, and well-earned—not just through strategy, but through trust. And much of that ethos comes from my father, who was an extraordinary mentor and role model. His influence shaped my values, my grit, and my respect for legacy.

Adi Soozin:
I think you’re being modest. You were raised by industry titans who trained you from a young age to be completely at ease with some of the most intimidating people on the planet. That’s not something you stumble into. That’s generational excellence—and you’ve built on it with your own unique vision.

Sarah Pustilnik:
You’re right—I’ve tried to build something that’s distinctly my own. I’m naturally introverted, even though people often assume I’m an extrovert. I’ve always preferred being the one elevating others to the spotlight rather than standing in it myself. But over time, I’ve come to realize that stepping forward and owning your role can also be an act of service—to your mission and to those you represent.

The truth is, I want to build a community where people feel safe to be seen, to be powerful, and to share their stories without fear or pressure. We all want that kind of space. I’ve been fortunate to create it—for friends, for clients, and now for a broader audience through this firm.

Adi Soozin:
You’re also hosting an event that I’ll be speaking at—one where over $5 billion in decision-making power will be represented in the room. How did you pull together such an extraordinary group, and what’s your vision for it?

Sarah Pustilnik:
The event, The Art of Empowerment, is a deeply personal project for me. At its core, it’s about creating a space where powerful conversations can happen—conversations that aren’t confined by industry, title, or background. I’m a big believer in championing women and in creating opportunities where women and men come together on equal footing to exchange ideas, elevate one another, and collaborate meaningfully.

The attendees range from heads of state and Oscar winners to billionaires and founders from industries as varied as healthcare, philanthropy, finance, and media. What sets this event apart is the format: we invite each person to deliver a short “power talk”—three minutes to share something that empowers or inspires, whether professional or personal. The goal is to break from the traditional, transactional nature of most networking events and instead cultivate real connection, insight, and trust.

There are also elements of the event that remain private—discreet moments of engagement that make it truly special and unforgettable.

Adi Soozin:
There are thousands of PR firms out there. What sets yours apart—and why do you feel this is the right moment for this kind of firm?

Sarah Pustilnik:
This firm is one vertical of Next, my consulting company. The decision to formally launch the PR arm came from seeing how many people were already coming to me organically—for connections, strategy, positioning, and amplification. It was a natural evolution.

What sets us apart is the community and caliber of influence we’ve cultivated. Within months, we’ve grown our network by 1,800%, built out multiple verticals, and curated rooms with $500 million to $5 billion in active influence. We do this not through mass outreach or traditional publicity tactics, but through intentionality, protection, discretion, and trust. That’s rare in this space—and that’s our edge.

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Sarah Pustilnik:
It’s definitely a unique ask sometimes, but people come to me because they know where I come from, who I know, or the things I’ve accomplished—and they trust I can make things happen. I’ve worked across so many sectors—media, tech, energy, AI, healthcare—you name it. I’m industry agnostic, which allows me to tap into a wide range of areas and build real connections. A big part of what I do is bring people together, often in subtle ways.

Adi Soozin:
Well, sometimes not so subtle! I remember when we had just met, and you found out I had written a 440-page marketing book featuring headliner names—people closing hundreds of billions in deals. Your immediate reaction was, “My best friend and my boyfriend are going in that book.” And I told you, “It’s already gone through 15 rounds of editing with an international editorial team—I can’t add anything else.”

Adi Soozin:
But you wouldn’t take no for an answer. You actually slept over to make sure I included their stories. You negotiated all my contracts and helped me meet my deadline. I remember thinking, “What is this woman planning?” Then I watched you sit there in my office, coffee in hand, negotiating 15 contracts in one day like it was nothing. I’ve never seen anything like it. It felt like being adopted by a force of nature. With you in my corner, I felt like I could do anything.

Adi Soozin:
As a publicist, your approach is far from traditional. You don’t just say, “I’ll get you on a few podcasts over the next few months.” You’re fiercely proactive. You’re relentless. If you decide someone needs to be in a book or on a stage or show, it will happen. I had never done more than three interviews in a day, and you were like, “We’re doing four—and you’re going to nail it.” And we did. There’s no stopping you. When you set your sights on something, it’s not if, it’s when.

Adi Soozin:
You’ll wear people down—not in a bad way—but with such determination and belief in your people that they simply say yes. I’ve seen you win negotiations just by refusing to give up. And you do it all because you genuinely believe in the people you represent.

Sarah Pustilnik:
Exactly. When I champion someone, I go all in. Their success genuinely makes me happy. I’ll work 24/7 if I believe in something—it doesn’t feel like work when it aligns with your purpose. It brings me joy to help friends rise and succeed. And when I see an opportunity to connect the dots between people, I act on it. That’s where a lot of the magic happens.

Sarah Pustilnik:
So if you ask me for guest ideas, I run through my mental Rolodex and start connecting the right people. Then I make sure they follow through—submit the form, prep properly, meet deadlines.

Adi Soozin:
That was huge. Some people applied to come on the show, and honestly, if you weren’t championing them, they wouldn’t have made it. I had applicants saying things like, “Yeah, I’ll get the form to you eventually,” and I’m like, “We run a professional production cycle here.” You personally checked in with each one of them—“Did they submit the form? Did they follow through? When can we schedule them?” You carried them through every step.

Adi Soozin:
Without you, a lot of them would’ve fallen through the cracks. But with you involved, it was: “You’re on the show next Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Thank you so much.” You didn’t just secure PR for them—you made sure they didn’t miss the opportunity. And you’re doing this with people who are juggling back-to-back international meetings.

Sarah Pustilnik:
Exactly. We’re all incredibly busy, but it’s also about mutual respect. If I’m bringing someone onto your show, they should respect your schedule and your team. Just because they’re powerful doesn’t mean their time is more important. It’s a partnership—two people on equal footing, showing up with mutual respect.

Adi Soozin:
Honestly? The billionaires and ultra-billionaires are usually the lowest maintenance. They fill out the form and say, “What’s next?” They’re efficient. Sometimes it’s the people without a publicist—startups, early-stage entrepreneurs—who struggle. They’ll say things like, “The form was too hard,” and I’m like, “It’s literally just been rewritten and simplified—go fill it out.” You make sure your people don’t stall out. You push them through the whole process.

Sarah Pustilnik:
I try. I really do. I think a lot of it comes from what I saw growing up—how to create a white-glove experience and deliver it with care. I’ve been exposed to so many different personalities—through family, professionally, personally. That helped me learn how to adapt and connect with a wide range of people.

Sarah Pustilnik:
That helps when I’m playing matchmaker, thinking, “Will these two people actually connect? Are they a fit?” Sometimes the answer is no—not because anyone’s a bad person, but because the chemistry or timing isn’t right.

Adi Soozin:
Totally. You know my speed—I have zero tolerance for drama. If someone’s intimidated by me, I’m like, “Give them time. Don’t put them in the same room with me yet. Let them work through their insecurity before they come at me with passive-aggressive power plays.” You know when to keep someone out of my orbit. If they’re not ready, they’re not ready.

Sarah Pustilnik:
That’s what I love about you. You’re absolutely brilliant, but also one of the kindest, most loyal people I know. You’re warm, you’re generous, and when people really get to know you, they see how much you care. That’s rare.

Adi Soozin:
Thank you.

Sarah Pustilnik:
And I really believe in empowering everyone—women and men alike. It doesn’t have to be a grand social movement. We just need to sit at the same table, talk, and lift each other up. That’s part of why I launched the Art of Empowerment events—bringing together industry leaders from different sectors to have real, meaningful conversations. The first event was incredible. People connected, shared, and actually learned from one another. That was the goal: walk away feeling empowered.

Adi Soozin:
You’ve stayed intentionally humble while building serious influence. When did you realize it was time to channel your impact more publicly? Because let’s be real—you run a WhatsApp group that includes people managing hundreds of billions, foreign ministers, family offices… it’s wild. When did you know it was time to step out publicly?

Sarah Pustilnik:
Honestly, I’m not sure I have fully decided that. A lot of it comes from encouragement—from friends like you, Alex, and others who saw something in me that I didn’t always see in myself. I’m naturally more of an introvert-extrovert hybrid. I’d rather be the one behind the scenes, putting everyone else in the room together. But I’m starting to realize that if I want to elevate others—especially women—and make the kind of impact I dream about, I have to use my voice a little more.

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Sarah Pustilnik:
It’s not natural for me to bring out my extroverted side. It’s much easier for me to do that for others than it is for myself. But I love what I do, and I have big dreams. So I’ve been thinking of ways to make it all bigger—something I can grow, scale, and maybe even turn into a powerful force. I’ve built things before—grew something 1,800% in days, generated real financial impact, and even cultural and political influence. But the key is that I never force anyone to join. It’s all voluntary. People are drawn to this community because they want to be a part of it.

Adi Soozin:
What you’re doing is building a space where people can be involved on their own terms.

Sarah Pustilnik:
Exactly. If someone just wants to be present, they can. They don’t have to vocalize who they are or even that they’re there. But if they feel moved to contribute, they’re welcome to. It’s important that there’s no pressure.

Adi Soozin:
You’ve helped so many people rise through media and influence. Let’s talk about women specifically, especially since you have a women’s empowerment event coming up. What’s your biggest piece of advice for women who know they’re powerful but haven’t yet claimed the microphone?

Sarah Pustilnik:
I had to learn this myself. My dad once told me, “Don’t be the cheerleader—be the quarterback.” He meant that I shouldn’t be afraid to take the lead. I would fail, and that was okay. What mattered was getting back up and trying again.

When he passed, it was incredibly hard. He was my greatest mentor and source of strength. But his advice gave me courage. I can be fearless. I can be the quarterback. For so long, I’ve cheered everyone else on. But now, I’m stepping into that leadership role myself. For any woman trying to do the same—yes, it’s scary. It’s hard. Some days it will feel like you’re just throwing slime at the wall and nothing sticks. But keep going. The next day might be the breakthrough.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. Daddy’s girls…

Sarah Pustilnik:
Absolutely. But that’s also what empowerment can look like. It’s not always about a big, dramatic statement. Sometimes, it’s about sitting at the table with the right people and having honest conversations. That kind of exposure—to brilliant innovators, to people who are way smarter than me—is incredible. I love learning from them. That’s what I want to create for others too: the chance to be in those rooms.

Sarah Pustilnik:
And I think sometimes women are hesitant to be aspirational. They’re afraid to say, “I want to be a billionaire,” or “I want to be CEO of a Fortune 500 company,” or “I want to direct an Oscar-winning film.” But why not say it? Say it out loud. Maybe you’ll do it, maybe you won’t. But there’s power in owning your ambition.

Adi Soozin:
Yes. And we’ve talked about this before—especially in the U.S., women aren’t really taught to self-advocate. We’re taught to wait to be invited. So we sit on the sidelines waiting for permission. And having male mentors in their 50s, 60s, or 70s has really opened my eyes. They say, “Ask for the speaking engagement. Tell me you want it.” But we’re conditioned to think it’ll be offered to us if we’re good enough, that we have to earn it quietly. Meanwhile, the men our age are out there asking for what they want.

You have some major events and sponsorship opportunities coming up. What kind of exposure can sponsors expect? And how can they get involved?

Sarah Pustilnik:
It’s easy to reach out—email, phone, LinkedIn. I offer a few different opportunities. The biggest value is access to the community. I carefully curate introductions and opportunities that are targeted and meaningful. I’ve always had a knack for matchmaking in that way. It’s about reading the tea leaves and connecting the right people.

Sarah Pustilnik:
Of course, there are other exposure benefits, but for those looking for real access, this is it. Imagine sitting in a room with $500 billion in assets, government leaders, cultural influencers, Oscar winners… If that’s what you’re looking for, this is the room.

Adi Soozin:
And what I love is that you don’t treat your black book like you own people. You’re a hyperconnector. When you see a fit, you just make it happen—“Adi, meet this person, meet that person.” That’s why when people ask who they should know, I always say: “You should know Sarah.”

Sarah Pustilnik:
Thank you. I think that’s really important. A lot of people hesitate to ask for connections—even when they need them. I’ve had people help me like that, and I’m so grateful. Now, I always try to pay it forward. It’s second nature to me. I might meet someone at an event or even at Trader Joe’s, and I won’t know what the connection is yet. But three months later, I’ll remember them and know exactly who they need to meet.

Sarah Pustilnik:
I try to stay connected with everyone, and I truly believe in sharing. I hope more women start doing this for each other. Real empowerment has to be actionable. We can’t just talk about sisterhood—we need to live it, support each other, and really create those opportunities. That’s how we change the world. That’s how true impact happens. It doesn’t need to be a huge movement. Sometimes, it’s as simple as putting the right people at the same table. You never know what will come from it—and so far, it’s working.

Adi Soozin:
You’re doing a great job of being the quarterback. I think your dad would be very proud.

Sarah Pustilnik:
Thank you. I hope so.

Adi Soozin:
Well, that’s our time. Thank you, everyone, for tuning in to today’s episode. I’ll see some of you at Sarah’s upcoming events this summer—some of which are ultra-exclusive and top-secret. Stay tuned.

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Listen to this episode using your favorite app

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

All opinions expressed by the guests are their own. 9×90™ and its affiliates do not endorse or guarantee any specific outcomes discussed in this episode. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners should conduct their own due diligence and consult with professional advisors before making any investment or business decisions. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. Any such offer or solicitation will be made only through official offering documents and to qualified, accredited investors, in accordance with applicable securities laws. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or 9×90™.

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