Randolph Pitzer is a seasoned communications leader with over 30 years of experience driving high-impact public relations campaigns across enterprise technology, telecommunications, and industrial B2B sectors. A former journalist turned PR strategist, he began his career with the St. Louis Public Schools, earning recognition from the National School Public Relations Association and a local Emmy. Randy later held key roles at global agencies such as Edelman, Ketchum, and Ogilvy, and led communications for SPSS (IBM) and Spyglass during their IPOs. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he combines strategic precision with storytelling mastery to help brands strengthen reputations and achieve measurable business impact.

In this episode, Brad and Randolph discuss:

• The journey from journalism to public relations and lessons learned along the way
• The role of storytelling and strategy in effective brand communication
• Challenges of running a solo PR business and managing cash flow
• The impact of AI on communications and how to use it as a productivity tool
• Overcoming imposter syndrome, taking smart risks, and the mindset of “just doing it”

Key Takeaways: 

• Align communications with business goals, not vanity metrics. True PR success isn’t about how many impressions you make — it’s about creating measurable business impact and strengthening a brand’s bottom line through purposeful storytelling.
• Cash flow remains one of the toughest challenges for entrepreneurs. Building strong relationships, maintaining persistence, and consistently nurturing your network can help sustain momentum even during lean seasons.
• AI can be a powerful ally when used with intention. It enhances productivity, sharpens writing, and accelerates workflows — but it should complement human creativity and strategy, never replace them.
• Imposter syndrome is more common than most admit. The best antidote is forward motion — keep working, stay grounded, and trust that progress builds confidence faster than perfection ever will.
• “Just do it” isn’t just a slogan — it’s a mindset. Preparation and strategy matter, but nothing replaces taking action. Success often begins the moment you decide to move, even when the path isn’t fully clear.

“When we got on the JUST DO IT thing, and how simple that message is, but how meaningful it is, I would impart it to any small business person or any person trying to think about and going into business. Be smart about it. Be prepared. But at the end of the day, if you don't do it, it's not going to get done. So, you just have to do it. And if you fail, you just pick yourself up and try it again.” - Randolph Pitzer

Connect with Randolph Pitzer: 

Website: https://pitzerrelations.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randolphpitzer/ 

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.