Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Rodrigues.
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for PR. It was my major in college, and I knew early on it was the field for me. My first opportunity came through a mentor who I actually used to babysit for in high school. She gave me a shot, and from there, I kept going and turned that first chance into a 25+ year career doing what I love. Being born and raised in Silicon Valley, I was surrounded by tech, so naturally I started my career in tech PR. From my first job in Silicon Valley, I went on to work with brands like MobiTV, YouTube, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Hulu, and the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders.
I shifted into sports and entertainment PR when I joined the Raiders. Those two worlds – tech and entertainment – provided me with a special set of skills I used to my advantage when mobile entertainment first started to pop up.
Working with some of the biggest names in business is what inspired me to start my own agency, giving me the confidence I needed to venture out on my own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No career path is completely smooth and that’s just part of the journey. You learn lessons along the way. Sometimes a job works for a while and then things shift, maybe leadership changes or your own direction evolves, and you realize it’s time to move on.
Running my own agency has come with its own set of challenges. I’ve had to navigate a global pandemic, economic turmoil, and clients irresponsibly walking away from their retainers. Tumultuous times like that really test your resilience, your ability to pivot quickly, and figure things out on the fly.
It hasn’t always been easy for me, but it’s definitely been rewarding, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Even in your dream career, it’s unrealistic to think that your journey won’t be filled with twists and turns.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about NRPR Group?
We’re a full-service public relations agency dedicated to helping companies of all sizes, from start-ups to what I like to call “grown-ups,” – tell their stories in meaningful, impactful ways. We work with companies across a range of industries, including entertainment, tech, and consumer products.
What sets us apart is our commitment to staying ahead of the curve. We pride ourselves on spotting trends before they become trends and that comes from always reading, learning, and connecting with our clients.
I’m especially proud to be the sole female owner of a well-established PR firm that’s been thriving for 11 years, even through some of the most uncertain times. One of my proudest moments from running my own agency is being recognized as one of the top 10 PR firms in all of Los Angeles during our 9th year. On top of that, we were the only independent firm on the list. That kind of recognition means a lot, especially in a city as creative as Los Angeles.
At the heart of what we do at NRPR Group is a love for storytelling, building long-lasting relationships with both the media and our clients, and helping our clients stand out in client spaces.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Reading, writing, and comprehension skills are absolutely critical. Especially now with AI and advanced technology, it’s easy to be replaced if you don’t bring something unique to the table. You really have to strengthen your brain and creativity or you risk being out of a job. That’s what will set you apart and keep you valuable. It’s not just about clocking in and doing the work laid out in front of you, but thinking outside of the box and using the creative muscles in your brain. That’s what will keep your career evolving in an industry that’s always changing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nrprgroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nrprgroup/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NRPRGroup/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nrprgroup/
- Twitter: https://x.com/nrprgroup/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NRPRGroupTV
