Rhett Hintze is an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of expertise in business operations, public sector procurement, and organizational leadership. From 2001 to 2024, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Bravo Group, Pennsylvania’s leading privately-held strategic communications firm. During his tenure, Rhett played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, driving a 130% increase in workforce, streamlining operations with innovative technologies, and achieving a 15% reduction in annual expenses. His efforts were aimed at enhancing efficiency, boosting profitability, and aligning strategies to meet client objectives.
Rhett’s professional journey began in public service within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Office of Administration. There, he was instrumental in shaping technology policies and implementing e-government initiatives, experiences that forged his collaborative and empathetic leadership style.
Originally from Wisconsin, Rhett holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Brigham Young University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on Public Finance from Syracuse University. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he approaches his work with a broad, inclusive perspective. In his personal life, Rhett enjoys traveling across the U.S., horticulture, skiing, and contributing to charitable efforts such as the Daraja Academy in Kenya and the MidWest Food Bank in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start each day with a review of my priorities, aligning them with long-term goals. This includes a mix of strategic planning, meetings, and problem-solving. Exercise and meditation help me stay centered, ensuring I tackle the day with clarity and focus.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by framing the problem and inviting diverse perspectives. Collaboration is key. Once we outline the idea, I create a phased plan, ensuring it’s actionable and measurable. The real magic happens when the team takes ownership and refines it further.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing integration of AI in business operations excites me. AI has the potential to optimize workflows, predict trends, and free up human resources for more creative and strategic tasks.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Weekly reflection and planning. I choose one day a week, to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and what needs adjustment. It keeps me on track and minimizes wasted effort.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush. Success is a journey, not a sprint. Take the time to learn, build relationships, and understand the bigger picture.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that inefficiency often stems from trying to move too fast without fully understanding the problem. Slowing down to assess can sometimes save more time in the long run.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Listen. Truly listen. Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or stakeholders, understanding their perspectives builds trust and leads to better outcomes.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and reset. A walk outside, time in nature, or a quiet moment in meditation clears my head and allows me to refocus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships across all levels of an organization. Understanding people’s motivations and aligning goals creates a unified team and better results.
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 underestimated the importance of team buy-in during a major project. The lack of support slowed progress. I learned that involving the team early and ensuring their voices are heard is critical for success.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform for small businesses to share real-time operational data anonymously. This could create a benchmarking tool, allowing businesses to see where they stand and identify areas for improvement.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Asana. I use it to track tasks, delegate responsibilities, and monitor project progress. Its simplicity and transparency keep everyone aligned.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“Leadership and the New Science” by Margaret J. Wheatley. It reshaped my understanding of organizational dynamics and the importance of adaptability in leadership.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed Drive to Survive on Netflix. As an F1 fan, I appreciated the insights into teamwork, strategy, and how individuals manage immense pressure—a lot of parallels to business leadership.
Key learnings
- Collaboration Fuels Innovation
- Adaptability Drives Success
- Empathy Enhances Leadership