Episode 116

116. Creating a Refreshing Company Culture from the Start with Greta Schmid

Today, we have the privilege of hosting Greta Schmid, the founder and CEO of Ragdoll PR. This episode promises a whirlwind exploration of entrepreneurship, leadership, and the world of PR in the fashion and beauty industries. Greta takes us on her remarkable journey, touching on her very first hire, the audacious business goals she set, and the incredible growth that unfolded during the course of her journey as an entrepreneur, which I've had the honor to observe over the past couple of years as her mentor and cheerleader.

We'll also delve into her intriguing shift from pursuing a career in law to mastering PR and ascending to prominence in the fashion and celebrity PR landscape. Greta's unwavering commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture shines brightly throughout.

Starting a business, navigating the complexities of hiring employees, and achieving remarkable growth are pivotal chapters in Greta's story. She embarked on her ragdoll venture without the crutch of loans, relying instead on her lifelong savings. Her vision? To transform her agency into a global presence with a thriving team.

Our discussion also delves into the fascinating realms of outsourcing, accounting, and the art of cultivating a thriving business culture. Greta shares her pearls of wisdom on the significance of prioritizing cultural fit over mere technical skills during the hiring process, giving us an insider's view of her screening process.

Greta's story serves as a testament to resourcefulness and adaptability, whether it's juggling accounting and HR tasks or navigating the turbulent waters of client relationships during the pandemic. Don't miss this episode—it's a treasure trove of inspiration and practical insights into the realms of entrepreneurship and PR.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[3:35] Greta's transition from her childhood dream of becoming an attorney to pursuing public relations

[8:10] How Greta started her business

[8:45] Greta's ambitious business goals

[10:35] Greta's first hire and goals for her business

[12:55] How Greta was intentional about building culture from the beginning

[16:10] Tips and tricks on how to hire for desired traits and screening potential employees

[25:15] Outsourcing and delegating for the things that you are not an expert in

[27:55] Greta's experience working with clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how she continued to work with them for free

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