Rhett Hintze served as Chief Operating Officer of Bravo Group, the largest privately held public relations firm in Pennsylvania.
Rhett has a strong academic foundation, holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Brigham Young University and a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University. His career is marked by a deep commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies and embracing technological advancements within the Bravo Group.
Under his leadership, Rhett Hintz She has been pivotal in streamlining operations, significantly reducing costs, and driving innovative strategies that enhance profitability and service delivery. He is known for a leadership style that emphasizes integrity, agility and a person-centered approach, fostering a workplace culture that values empathy and teamwork.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Rhett is a strong supporter of community initiatives, contributing to local charities and global educational programs. His personal interests include gardening, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors through road trips. Rhett’s approach to life and work is greatly influenced by his mentor, emphasizing flexibility and strategic insight, principles that have guided him through various challenges and achievements.
What inspired you to pursue your academic studies in public administration and finance?
I always wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of others and had an interest in technical studies that involved problem solving. I interned as a volunteer intern at a local government’s economic development office and helped them develop a more structured budget and operations plan.
Shortly thereafter, I had the honor of visiting and speaking with one of the first city managers in the United States, and from him I developed a desire to pursue some aspect of public administration. So, I switched my studies to Finance and pursued the graduate program at the #1 school for the Master of Public Administration program – the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, where I received my Master of Public Administration with distinction. Focus on public finances.
I was able to do internships while in school at the county budget office and at the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee. I enjoyed using what I learned in school and through my self-teaching of technology to solve problems in unique ways and positively impact every organization I worked with. This motivation continues today, having developed through various experiences in the public and private sectors and other entrepreneurial activities.
How did you approach risk management in your role at Bravo Group?
In public relations, risk is constant. We approach risk management by maintaining a proactive stance – anticipating potential challenges and incorporating flexibility into our operational strategies. This includes regular scenario planning with our HR and Customer Service leaders and fostering a culture where team members feel empowered to flag potential issues early.
What is the most significant change in the PR industry since you started your career?
Digital transformation, especially in terms of data use and analysis, has been revolutionary. It has transformed how we engage with audiences, track engagement metrics, and design our campaigns. Staying ahead of the curve has been a challenge and an exciting opportunity for innovation.
How do you measure success in your initiatives?
Success is multifaceted. For each initiative, we set specific, measurable goals and timelines. Each was aligned with our strategic goals and company vision. We have met as leadership to regularly review progress and make any adjustments based on real-time events or circumstances. Some initiatives have specified quantitative metrics, while others are more qualitative in nature. Your plan and strategy for achieving that success often comes down to answering the question: “If we achieve X, what do we need to be successful at doing?” Then build and measure a plan to achieve that goal.
What book has most influenced your leadership style?
One book that has profoundly influenced my leadership style is Leadership and the New Science by Margaret J. Wheatley. What impressed me most was her approach to seeing organizations as living systems rather than static structures. It challenged me to embrace the natural unpredictability and interconnectedness within teams and processes. This perspective has helped me lead with more adaptability, and understand that fostering collaboration and flexibility can often lead to more innovative and flexible outcomes, especially in complex or rapidly changing environments.
Wheatley’s ideas have shaped how I deal with change and uncertainty. Instead of controlling every variable, I have learned to empower the people I work with, allowing them space for creativity and self-regulation. This has been invaluable in my leadership journey, especially in moments when rigid top-down approaches may stifle growth or miss opportunities to solve problems collectively.
What is one technology that has greatly impacted your business?
No single piece can have an impact if other technology tools and applications work together in a way that allows team members to access data when and where they need it, collaborate, and retrieve knowledge and data for future use. So, one’s technology stack is what’s important. Hence, always be curious to see if this needs to be modified through innovative testing and operational improvement – and be prepared to pivot when the tool no longer provides the operational excellence needed to differentiate your business.
How do you stay up to date with the latest industry trends?
I regularly review a curated list of authors I read online, on LinkedIn, on X, and subscribe to a few of the top industry publications. I also enjoy speaking with other professionals and thought leaders, which helps keep my perspective fresh and informed.
What challenges do you anticipate in the PR industry in the next 10 years?
I think some key issues will emerge. First, the rapid development of technology, especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence and digital platforms, will continue to reshape how we communicate.
PR professionals must quickly adapt to these changes, ensuring they leverage new tools effectively while addressing concerns about data privacy and misinformation. The challenge will not just be to keep up, but to stay relevant in a landscape that is constantly evolving.
In addition, public relations strategies should focus on authenticity and engagement as audiences become more discriminating and difficult to persuade. This means prioritizing diversity in messaging and representation.
Overcoming the complexities of our current public engagement with information and data will require a combination of creativity, adaptability, and ethical considerations to thrive in the future of public relations.
Finally, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to take on executive roles in PR?
For young professionals seeking executive PR roles, my biggest piece of advice is to develop a continuous learning mindset. The industry is always changing, so staying curious and open to new ideas is crucial. Look for opportunities to expand your skill set, whether through formal education, workshops, or simply keeping up with industry trends.
Communication is also incredibly important. Building authentic relationships with mentors and peers; You never know when a connection could lead to a new opportunity or valuable insight. Finally, don’t be shy to take risks and get out of your comfort zone. Whether you’re leading a project or proposing a bold new strategy, showing initiative can set you apart from others. Accept challenges as opportunities for growth, and remember that every experience is a stepping stone on your path to leadership!
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