In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Nicole Rodrigues, the Founder and CEO of NRPR Group, embarked on her path to success in the world of public relations. Join us as Nicole shares her experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided her along the way. Discover what sets NRPR Group apart from other PR agencies, how Nicole navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Nicole’s journey as a CEO and her relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of public relations.
Early Passion and Professional Growth
As we sit down with Nicole Rodrigues, she takes us back to her college days, when her love for Public Relations began. It was when she took PR 101 as an undergrad at San Jose State University that she discovered a profound passion for the profession, fuelled by her innate interests in writing, strategy, and leadership. However, Nicole was not content with merely theoretical knowledge; she yearned for practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of the profession.
Industry Experience and Lessons Learned
In pursuit of her goal, Nicole embarked on a journey in the tech industry, where she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience in her first role as a PR intern at a tech startup in Silicon Valley. A significant turning point in her career was the opportunity to work with the renowned Raiders organization. Starting as a PR intern and graduating into the Player Development Coordinator role and a Raiderette, the Oakland Raiders’ world-famous cheerleading squad, Nicole immersed herself in the worlds of consumer, sports, and entertainment PR, acquiring invaluable time management and prioritization skills along the way.
Founding NRPR Group
Despite the invaluable experiences gained with the Raiders, Nicole realized that she needed to venture beyond the organization to truly make her mark in the industry. Thus, after years of dedicated work in digital entertainment and collaborating with industry giants such as MobiTV, YouTube, Hulu, Dolby, and Plantronics, she finally took the leap of faith and founded NRPR Group in 2014, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Leadership Style and Approach
At the core of Nicole’s leadership style lies her inspiration drawn from her days working for the Raiders and as an NFL cheerleader. Emulating the leadership styles of the late Al Davis, her bosses within the organization and coaches, she approaches her role as a CEO with the same vigour, challenging and encouraging her team while imparting the values of self-discipline, goal setting and self-motivation. As the coach of Team NRPR, Nicole identifies and nurtures each team member’s individual strengths, placing them in positions where they can truly excel.
Differentiating Strategies and Initiatives
What truly sets NRPR Group apart from other agencies, Nicole reveals, is their unwavering emphasis on cultivating genuine relationships with the media. Gone are the days of merely blasting press releases and pitches. Instead, Nicole and her team adopt a thoughtful, long-term, and strategic approach to achieve remarkable results while fostering stronger connections. Furthermore, NRPR Group excels at leveraging digital channels to amplify PR wins and create enduring interest for their clients. Through an ingenious combination of social media presence, media coverage, and customer retention, they not only benefit their clients but also fortify their own standing in the industry.
Navigating Challenges and Upholding Values
No journey to success is without its challenges, and Nicole candidly shares how the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant hurdles for NRPR Group. However, armed with unwavering determination and resilience, Nicole and her team navigated through these uncertain times without the need for external funding or staff layoffs. Notably, Nicole herself endured hardships, including the loss of 12 close family members in under 12 months, while building her team and earning her MBA from UCLA. Yet, her strength and optimism never wavered as she stood at the helm of her team, providing constant guidance and support.
Guiding Values and Continuous Growth
As a CEO, Nicole firmly believes in the power of hard work and its pivotal role in decision-making. She understands that mistakes are an inevitable part of the journey but recognizes that dedicated effort can ultimately pave the way to success. Furthermore, Nicole emphasizes the significance of continuous education and personal growth, both for individual careers and organizational development. By staying informed and delivering relevant and up-to-date strategies, she ensures her clients’ success while contributing to the overall growth of NRPR Group.
Contributing Factors to Success and Future Aspirations
When asked about the factors contributing to her success, Nicole highlights her commitment to consistently show up and give her utmost energy and effort in anything she does. Regardless of the circumstances, she remains focused, results-driven, and deeply motivated, inspiring her team to strive for excellence and propel the business forward. Looking ahead, Nicole envisions continued growth for NRPR Group, expanding their client base, reputation, team, and offerings portfolio. Embracing the power of AI and innovation, she aspires to usher in a new era of public relations, fostering a symbiotic relationship between publicists and the media.
Personal Accolades and Industry Recognition
Throughout her journey, Nicole has garnered widespread recognition for her exceptional contributions to the field. Notably, she was honored as the Bulldog Reporter PR Awards Leader of the Year (Agency) and received the prestigious Ragan’s Top Agencies Awards Agency Leader in 2022. Additionally, she has been awarded as a Stevie Award winner for Communications, Investor Relations, or PR Executive of the Year. The accolades continue with PR Daily’s “PR Professional of the Year” Award in 2019, Bulldog Reporter’s “Stars of PR – PR Professional Who Makes a Difference” Award in 2018, and a Gold Award for “Public or Media Relations Professional of the Year” in Bulldog Reporter’s “Stars of PR.” Furthermore, PR News recognized Nicole Rodrigues as one of the Top 50 Game Changers in Public Relations in 2017.
In conclusion, Nicole’s journey as a CEO is a testament to her passion for Public Relations, her diverse experiences, and the core values that shape her decision-making process. From navigating challenging situations to leading her team with a coaching approach, Nicole Rodrigues has distinguished NRPR Group through unique strategies and a commitment to relationship building. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, she looks toward a future of continued growth, industry leadership, and groundbreaking contributions to the field of public relations.
