Growing Greatness from Within: How SBS Comms Built a Pitch-Perfect Mentorship Model

At 829 Studios we believe that some of the most impactful marketing work doesn’t start in a boardroom. It starts with a culture of curiosity, coaching, and investing in people. That’s why we’re spotlighting SBS Comms’ Media Mentorship Program, a smart and intentional approach to developing PR talent from the inside out.

In an industry where media moves fast and relationships matter, this four-month immersive program trains team members not just to pitch, but to think strategically, understand the media landscape, and build real connections with journalists. Here’s what we love about their model, and how any agency or in-house comms team can apply similar principles.

Structured Learning with a Real-World Edge

The SBS Media Mentorship Program isn’t just a workshop, it’s a fully integrated experience. From understanding newsroom dynamics and building reporter relationships to crafting tailored pitches tied to real client work, mentees get hands-on exposure from day one.

The takeaway for agencies? Give junior team members a chance to practice, fail, improve, and win in the real world. Simulated scenarios have value, but nothing builds confidence like landing the story.

Media Relationships as a Craft, Not a Shortcut

Whether organizing private events with The Wall Street Journal and Forbes or building thoughtful one-on-ones with The New York Times, SBS teaches its team how to cultivate relationships with purpose. It’s not about blasting press releases, it’s about getting the right story to the right journalist at the right time.

“The program helped me think more like a reporter,” said alum Molly Brice, whose pitch ultimately landed Deel’s co-founder in The Information. “Media is a long game. It’s about relationships, context, and timing.”

Pitching Across Verticals with Clarity and Creativity

Mentees worked across a wide array of accounts, including crypto, AI, consumer tech, mental health, blockchain, and sustainability, and consistently found angles that resonated. From aligning Flexport’s logistics story to elevating Runway through high-impact podcast hits, the mentorship program sharpened the team’s ability to pitch not just cleverly, but strategically.

Strong pitches solve editorial problems. Mentorship programs should push participants to go beyond “announcement mode” and into storytelling that adds value for journalists.

A Culture of Feedback and Iteration

Across every success story was a common thread: mentorship wasn’t a checklist, it was a dialogue. Whether swapping ideas with their coach or reworking a draft together, participants praised the power of collaborative learning and creative feedback.

“Talking through changes live with my mentor improved my pitch writing immensely,” said mentee Hannah Burkey.

A Scalable Model That Fosters Long-Term Confidence

After four months, mentees don’t just walk away with stronger skills, they walk away with wins. From placing client stories in Axios and Fortune to building rapport with tier-one journalists, this program creates tangible outcomes that build lasting confidence.

“Now, I bring proactive ideas and new angles to every account I touch,” said Jessie Foster.

Why It Matters

PR is evolving, but great earned media will always come down to sharp instincts, strong writing, and smart targeting. SBS Comms’ mentorship program is a blueprint for how to build that skillset across a team, and a case study in how thoughtful training can unlock both individual growth and client success.

At 829 Studios, we know that elevating your people elevates your brand. If your agency or internal comms team is looking to build something similar, let’s talk.

Want to brainstorm how to structure a mentorship model or media training system inside your organization? We’re here to help.