We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Lam & Michael Munson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle & Michael , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
As a single mom, time is valuable and highly structured. Mornings start early—around 6:00 a.m.—with water to hydrate, coffee, and a quick scan of emails and messages. A short yoga flow and breathing set the tone for the day, followed by breakfast prep.
Next comes the school routine: waking my daughter, helping her get ready, packing her lunch and snacks, and preparing my own. Breakfast is a shared moment together before we head out. After drop-off, the commute becomes productive time—responding to emails and messages, catching headlines, and then switching gears to music and a quick reset while watching the NYC skyline.
At the office, the day moves fast: coffee, client calls, press outreach, strategy sessions, campaign planning, and event preparation—along with reviewing social media strategy and deliverables. Lunch often happens mid-workflow, especially while staying in sync with international clients.
After work, it’s back home for dinner and family time, followed by a second stretch of focused work—follow-ups, calls, and final tasks to close the loop. Evenings wind down around 11:00 p.m. with more yoga, a calm routine, and a cup of sleepy tea before getting ready for the next day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Michelle Lam is the Founder and CEO of M.L. Bklynite Media, Inc. (est. 2019), an award-winning boutique public relations and brand storytelling agency specializing in strategic communications for the hospitality, food, and beverage industries across the U.S. and internationally. Headquartered in New York City, the agency supports premium beverage brands and restaurants in key markets.
Winner of Best of Small Business Awards: Best PR Agency 2025, the PR Net Next Gen Award 2025 recipient and Facebook Small Business Grant awardee, Michelle also co-hosts the award-winning radio program Beverage Chronicles. With 17+ years of experience, she leads national campaigns for emerging beverage and hospitality brands—spanning single malt whisky, rum, gin, vodka, tequila, RTDs, and craft spirits—with services including strategic communications, media relations, copywriting, media training, events, brand ambassador programming, and educational tastings.
Michelle’s work consistently drives national and regional coverage across top-tier print, digital, broadcast, and podcast outlets, while positioning clients for panels, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My family taught me the most about work. As immigrants in the hospitality industry, they built their lives through long hours, discipline, and resilience. My parents worked seven days a week, from early mornings to late evenings, doing whatever it took to keep the business running and the family supported.
By the age of five, I had responsibilities beyond my years—helping care for my younger cousins, supporting my grandparents, and looking after my sister. In our household, contributing wasn’t optional; it was part of survival and pride. Hospitality taught me to anticipate needs, stay composed under pressure, and understand the value of consistency and service.
Growing up in an immigrant family instilled accountability early on and a deep respect for hard work and sacrifice. Those lessons continue to shape how I lead today—rooted in resilience, empathy, and an unwavering work ethic.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
After failing hard, I changed my mind about perfection and control. I used to believe that if every detail was managed and every outcome was planned, mistakes could be avoided. But failure taught me something far more honest: everyone makes mistakes—nobody is perfect—and trying to control every aspect of life and business only drains your mental health.
Now, the focus is on letting go, riding the waves, and trusting the process. Life moves fast, and the only way forward is with less resentment and more presence—living with intention, as if each day matters. Failure didn’t break anything; it reframed everything. And the biggest lesson is simple: everything will be okay.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Smart people are getting a few things wrong today—especially when it comes to AI.
One is treating AI like the solution to every problem, instead of a tool that supports better thinking. AI shouldn’t be feared, and it also shouldn’t be blindly trusted. Platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, Notion AI, and Jasper can help accelerate research, writing, brainstorming, analysis, and workflows—but the real advantage comes from pairing these tools with human judgment, creativity, and context.
Another mistake is not asking about ROI. Too many teams adopt tools, campaigns, or strategies without clarifying what “return” actually means. ROI isn’t just revenue—it can mean time saved, efficiency gained, qualified leads, pipeline movement, brand lift, customer retention, or reduced costs. When ROI is defined upfront, decisions become sharper, resources go further, and results become measurable instead of “nice to have.”
It’s also increasingly important to understand every component of a business—marketing, operations, finance, sales, partnerships, customer experience—because that’s where the analytical advantage comes from. Knowing how the pieces connect helps spot problems faster, ask better questions, and make decisions that are both creative and strategic. AI can support that learning, but it can’t replace real-world understanding.
Most importantly, human interaction and authenticity are still the foundation of success. Relationships, trust, and leadership can’t be automated. The people who stay ahead will use AI wisely as guidance, expand their skill set, stay flexible, and maintain a growth mindset—always learning, always evolving.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes—because giving your best isn’t about praise, recognition, or applause. It’s about integrity. It’s about knowing you showed up fully, even when no one was watching.
Some of the most important work is done quietly. Effort builds character before it builds results, and consistency matters long before validation arrives. Praise is temporary—but discipline, self-respect, and growth last.
Giving your best, even in silence, is how trust is built with yourself. And eventually, the right people notice—not because you asked for recognition, but because excellence has a way of revealing itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bklynitemedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ml.bklynitemedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bklynitemediapublicrelations
- Twitter: https://x.com/bklynitemedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bklynitemedia
Image Credits
first picture: PR Net Next Gen
Second picture: Laura Marz
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