Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Lam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
My journey to becoming the CEO of Bklynite Media has been anything but conventional, but every step along the way shaped my perspective and resilience. I started my career as a paralegal’s assistant in immigrant law, helping immigrants in Midtown Manhattan while attending college. At the time, I believed I was on the path to law school, but life had other plans.
After earning a degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, I expanded my skillset with Public Relations courses at New York University and workshops in PR and communications taught by leading professors and industry experts. Although I found forensic psychology captivating, my career pivoted into financial public relations, representing Fortune 500 firms and hedge funds in the financial services sector. This high-stakes, fast-paced environment demanded precision, intelligence, and confidence—qualities I possessed yet often doubted, leaving me feeling like I didn’t entirely belong.
As a first-generation Chinese-American, I didn’t see many Asian faces in the financial PR world, let alone in leadership. That lack of representation, combined with the pressure of working in an environment where everyone seemed to have a pedigree, fed my imposter syndrome. I often questioned if I truly belonged.
But I was up for the challenge. I threw myself into the work, clocking 60-plus-hour weeks, learning from some of the most brilliant professionals, and continuously expanding my skillset. To combat my internal doubts, I took extra academic courses and joined programs focused on communications, public relations, and social media. These efforts weren’t about proving myself to others — they were about proving to myself that I could excel.
What eventually helped me overcome imposter syndrome was recognizing my own worth and embracing my uniqueness. I came to understand that my path is mine alone — it wasn’t chosen by others, and it didn’t need to follow anyone else’s template. My community also played a critical role. The unwavering support of my family and friends reminded me that I wasn’t alone in my journey. Their belief in me helped strengthen my belief in myself.
It’s also about trusting your work and your ability to adapt, adjust, and learn from others. I’ve learned that it’s okay to always be a student, to approach every situation with curiosity and humility, and to seek growth from every experience.
Now, as the CEO of Bklynite Media, I use those lessons to help others tell their stories authentically. For anyone struggling with imposter syndrome, my advice is this: accept and celebrate your uniqueness. Your journey is your superpower, and your ability to learn, adapt, and believe in yourself will take you further than any doubts ever could.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Bklynite Media Public Relations, we believe in the power of storytelling to bridge cultures and introduce incredible global brands to the U.S. market. Whether it’s a unique food concept, a beverage brand, a hotel, or a restaurant rooted in rich culinary traditions, our focus is on bringing these stories to life, particularly in a vibrant city like New York, where culture and diversity thrive.
As an AAPI voice, I am deeply committed to showcasing Asian food, beverage, and cuisine culture to a Western audience, advocating for greater AAPI and Chinese representation. Our mission is to provide a platform for brands that may have been overlooked or told “no” in the past, helping them push boundaries and break into new markets.
Entrepreneurship gives small business owners the opportunity to amplify their voices and unleash their creativity. At Bklynite Media, we aim to represent their vision, mission, and goals through impactful communication strategies. We specialize in securing media placements in magazines, newspapers, TV networks, and shows, as well as facilitating celebrity endorsements and industry-speaking engagements at conferences.
But we don’t stop there. We create immersive experiences that allow audiences to truly connect with a brand’s culture and story. Whether it’s hosting tasting events, offering samples, or fostering brand partnerships to cross-promote across diverse customer bases, we ensure that consumers don’t just learn about a brand — they experience it.
In a world where not everyone can travel and explore different cultures firsthand, we bring those cultures to them. By leveraging food, beverage, and storytelling, we help people understand the history, traditions, and creative processes behind the brands they engage with.
At Bklynite Media, we also prioritize education. Through thoughtfully curated events and campaigns, we aim to inform and inspire, helping people appreciate the richness of global cultures and their contributions to the food and beverage world. For us, it’s about making the unfamiliar familiar and fostering connections that transcend borders.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, the three most impactful qualities and skills that shaped my path are adaptability, communication, and resilience.
Adaptability
In any career, especially one as dynamic as public relations, the ability to adapt to new challenges, industries, and technologies is critical. I’ve worked in industries ranging from law to financial PR to food and beverage, and each required me to learn quickly and pivot effectively. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace change as an opportunity to grow. Take courses, attend workshops, and immerse yourself in industries or topics outside your comfort zone — the broader your knowledge base, the more versatile you’ll become.
Communication
Effective communication is the foundation of any successful career. Whether it’s presenting a client’s vision, writing a compelling story, or pitching to the media, clear and impactful communication is key. My experience translating letters for my family as a child taught me the importance of tailoring messages to resonate with different audiences. For those just starting, focus on honing your writing and speaking skills. Join organizations like Toastmasters, take public speaking courses, and practice articulating your ideas confidently and concisely.
Resilience
Resilience has been essential in overcoming challenges and navigating the uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship. From being told “no” to building my own business, resilience kept me moving forward. For those beginning their journey, remember that setbacks are part of the process. Stay focused on your goals, surround yourself with a supportive community, and view obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.
Ultimately, success isn’t just about talent or knowledge — it’s about the willingness to learn, adapt, and persevere. By cultivating these qualities, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate your journey and turn challenges into opportunities.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I am always looking for exciting partnerships and collaborations! At Bklynite Media, we focus on connecting brands with opportunities to tell their stories in unique and impactful ways. We are especially interested in collaborating with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creatives who are passionate about bringing global food, beverage, and cultural concepts to the U.S. market. This includes restaurateurs, beverage brands, hospitality leaders, and those in the fashion, arts, and entertainment spaces who want to tell compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
We are also keen to collaborate with like-minded agencies, influencers, and thought leaders who can help amplify our clients’ messages and create cross-promotional opportunities.
If you’re interested in partnering with us, whether for a media campaign, event, or brand collaboration, I encourage you to reach out directly via email at michelle@bklynitemedia.com. Let’s discuss how we can work together to create something truly special and elevate your brand’s story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bklynitemedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bklynitemediapublicrelations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bklynitemedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bklynitemediapublicrelations
- Twitter: https://x.com/bklynitemedia
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bklynite-media-new-york
Image Credits
Bklynite Media
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
