Rhett Buttle is Founder and CEO of Public Private Strategies and a national leader working at the intersection of business, the economy, and public policy. As Founder & CEO of Public Private Strategies (PPS) and President of the Public Private Strategies Institute, he partners with companies, nonprofits, philanthropy, and policymakers to advance entrepreneurship, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration. Rhett is widely recognized for building coalitions that support entrepreneurs and help communities navigate a rapidly changing economy.
Leadership and Public Service
Rhett has held senior roles shaping policy and economic engagement for the White House Business Council, a governor’s office, and multiple presidential campaigns. In these positions, he worked closely with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to advance policies that promote economic mobility, innovation, and growth across the United States.
Public Private Strategies
Rhett founded Public Private Strategies to bring together the public and private sectors and build partnerships that drive policy and market outcomes. Under his leadership, PPS has played a central role in creating and supporting national initiatives including:
– Small Business for America’s Future, a national coalition advocating for policies that support small businesses and economic growth
– The Small Business Roundtable, the nation’s largest coalition of small business organizations
– The Entrepreneurship Exchange, a global platform that connects business leaders to promote commerce and economic diplomacy
– The Small Business Innovation Summit, an annual convening of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business leaders spotlighting innovation, policy, and the future of small business
– The Next Gen Chamber of Commerce, future-forward national chamber advancing innovation, leadership, and opportunity for the next generation of business leaders
Through PPS, Rhett advises corporations, philanthropic organizations, and nonprofits on strategies that support small business growth, workforce development, innovation, and long-term economic competitiveness.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
No two days are exactly the same, but most start early with a session at the gym (I’m addicted to HIIT classes), then a coffee and a scan of the news to understand what’s going on. From there, it’s a mix of conversations with our team and partners. I try to keep my calendar focused on the conversations and decisions that really move work forward.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by talking to the people closest to the problem. The best ideas usually come from listening to the people who are living the challenges we’re trying to solve. Then, it’s about building a coalition around the idea which includes getting the right partners involved and taking small steps towards progress. Our team is always mindful of the fact that big ideas rarely happen overnight. We center the growth of ideas into reality through collaboration and consistent iteration.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited to see more recognition that small businesses are essential to solving big economic challenges. Public Private Strategies came to life with the aim to connect the big gaps in collaboration between the public and private sectors. When we see big players invest into initiatives that support small businesses, it’s a great sign that we are moving toward a more mindful system that works for all.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I try to start each day by identifying the one or two things that will make the biggest difference if they get done.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient with the process! Early in your career it can feel like you need to have everything figured out immediately. In reality, most meaningful work develops over time through relationships, curiosity, and a willingness to try things that don’t always work out.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Taco Bell should be a food group! Lol.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Stay curious. Ask questions, listen to people outside your immediate circle, and be willing to challenge your assumptions. Some of the best opportunities I’ve been part of started with simple conversations.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I try to step away and get perspective. Usually that means lacing up my shoes and working out! Exercise is seriously grounding for me. A good workout clears my mind right away.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Investing in relationships has been the most valuable strategy. Policy, business, and entrepreneurship are all deeply connected to people and trust. Taking the time to build genuine relationships with entrepreneurs, advocates, policymakers, and partners creates opportunities to collaborate and move ideas forward in ways you couldn’t do alone.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I sometimes assumed that if an idea was strong enough, it would move forward on its own. I learned that good ideas need champions, communication, and persistence. That experience taught me that impact doesn’t just come from having the right idea, it comes from building support and clearly communicating why it matters.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I regularly use AI to optimize processes and automate my work flow. When you’re juggling multiple initiatives and partnerships, having personalized systems that can track notes, priorities, and next steps makes a big difference.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Honestly, the best investments are often in people. Recently, I spent about that amount taking my colleague out for lunch to talk through ideas and opportunities.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I enjoy podcasts that focus on entrepreneurship and leadership and highlight the real effort it takes behind building companies.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Honestly? The Bear. I love seeing how restaurants work behind the scenes. It’s a great picture into how much leadership, teamwork, and culture matter in any organization. And I love Jeremy Allen White!
Key learnings
- Relationships are everything. Whether in policy, business, or entrepreneurship.
- Start with the people closest to the problem. The approach to bringing ideas to life begins with listening, not strategizing. The best solutions come from those living the challenges firsthand.
- Good ideas need champions, not just merit. One of the biggest lessons was that strong ideas don’t sell themselves. They require persistence, clear communication, and people willing to advocate for them.
- Take care of your mind and body. Exercise isn’t just for fitness, it’s a reset button.
- When overwhelmed, get up and move. Treat physical activity as a core productivity tool.