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    UG 014 – From Pizza Parlor to PR Super Star: Ronn Torossian on Believing in Yourself, Taking Chances and Doing the Impossible

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    My guest today is a man who doesn’t take no for an answer.

    Ronn Torossian, founder and CEO of 5WPR, one of the most powerful PR firms in New York, is the two-time winner of the PR Executive of the Year award and semifinalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. He is the bestselling author of For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations.

    Ronn walks us through his journey from his job at a pizza parlor to CEO of a PR firm and describes the lessons he’s learned along the way. We discuss the power of believing in yourself and establishing “your brand.” We delve into the value of knowing who you are, what you want and what you are willing to sacrifice.

    This episode is great for the hungry entrepreneur who wants to take his or her business to the next level.

    SHOW NOTES:

    • Where it all began: starting young and working hard in a pizza parlor (1:26)
    • Realizing that 9-7 is the new 9-5 (7:53)
    • Ronn’s first “entrepreneurial” experience (10:20)
    • Believing in yourself, doing what’s right and taking responsibility (13:11)
    • Standing behind your employees and yourself (19:08)
    • Knowing who you are and what you stand for (22:14)
    • Ronn’s first days at 5WPR: Failure is not an option (27:38)
    • Ronn’s formula for success: Time management, sacrifice and realism (31:52)
    • Know your limitations; know your strengths (38:57)
    • Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; just keep pushing ahead (41:39)

    QUOTES:

    • “There is no substitute for hard work.” RT
    • “I want to do what I want to do, right or wrong.” RT
    • “When you are going to take your first job, the company is important but the person you are going to work for means more.” RT
    • “What is it that you are willing to sacrifice to get ahead?” RT
    • “Adapt, change but you need to always be moving.” RT
    • “Yes is a lack of knowledge of who you are. No is more indicative of your knowledge of I can’t do that.” CH

    RESOURCES:
    For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations by

    5WPR

    RONN’S BIO:
    Ronn Torossian is the founder, president, and CEO of 5WPR, an award-winning, top 20 independent U.S. PR agency.

    An entrepreneur and as a PR firm CEO, Ronn has extensive experience in all aspects of public relations, marketing and reputation management, having led assignments for Fortune 500 companies and start-up companies, government agencies, academic institutions, corporate executives, politicians, non-profits, and luminaries in the business, entertainment and media worlds.

    Ronn is a two-time winner of the Public Relations Executive of the Year by the American Business Awards, and a semifinalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. He is nationally recognized as being one of the most well-respected Public Relations professionals in the industry.

    Ronn is a native New Yorker who lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with his family. He is active on a number of not-for-profit boards, and a member of Young Presidents Organizations (YPO).

    ASK YOURSELF:

    • What unique value can I add to the world?
    • What am I willing to sacrifice to develop my talents?
    • What does success mean to me?
    • What risks have I not taken because I am too scared to fail?

    Thank you for listening to Unlocking Greatness!
    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and written review on iTunes (they affect the ranking of the show) and share the episode on social media (buttons below)! As always, we want to hear from you. Please leave your comments and guest suggestions in the comments section.

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    Topics: Success, Leadership, Management Tips, Inspiration, The Unlocking Greatness Podcast

    One thought on “UG 014 – From Pizza Parlor to PR Super Star: Ronn Torossian on Believing in Yourself, Taking Chances and Doing the Impossible”

    1. Richard Thomas
      Posted On

      Thank you so much for this post Charlie. Inspiring to hear a message like this from a successful man like Ronn Torossian. He is poised for even more big things. Go Ronn Torossian

      Reply ↓

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