By: Gldn PR

Building a successful public relations agency requires more than just an understanding of media—it demands leadership, resilience, and the ability to balance growth while maintaining personal brand visibility. JJ Carter, founder of Gldn PR, has mastered this balance, leading the agency to new heights while carefully cultivating their own public persona. Over the years, JJ has built Gldn PR into a global powerhouse and become a respected thought leader in the industry, all while managing a growing team of over 35 professionals.

The Leadership Journey: From the Ground Up

When JJ Carter first co-founded Gldn PR with David Dzierzega, the journey was anything but smooth. Starting with just a laptop, a car, and a vision, JJ navigated numerous challenges, including a brief period of homelessness. Despite these hardships, JJ and David stayed focused on their mission—helping businesses amplify their media presence through strategic PR campaigns.

As the company grew, so did the team. One of the critical elements to Gldn PR’s success has been JJ’s leadership ability—creating a culture of trust, innovation, and collaboration. JJ knew that as the business scaled, effective leadership would be crucial in ensuring the team stayed aligned with the company’s core values.

“Leadership is about more than managing people; it’s about inspiring them, helping them see the bigger picture,” JJ explains. “At Gldn PR, we’ve created a culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute, innovate, and take ownership of their work.”

Navigating Team Growth and Building a Vision-Driven Culture

Growing from a two-person operation to a team of over 35 was no small task. JJ’s approach to leadership was to foster a team-first mentality while encouraging creativity and strategic thinking. Every hire was intentional, with a focus on building a team that shared the same passion for PR and client success.

JJ credits much of Gldn PR’s growth to the development of a tight-knit team that works in synergy. As the company scaled, JJ transitioned from doing all the work personally to delegating critical tasks and trusting the team to execute Gldn PR’s strategies. This trust in their team allowed JJ to step further into leadership, guiding the company’s vision and managing relationships with high-profile clients.

Maintaining a Public Persona While Leading the Team

One of the unique challenges JJ faced was maintaining a solid public persona while managing a growing agency. As the face of Gldn PR, JJ is responsible for leading the team internally and representing the agency in the media and at industry events. JJ’s public presence is a crucial part of Gldn PR’s success, as it establishes the agency’s credibility and authority to clients.

While juggling leadership responsibilities, JJ has also become a highly visible figure in the PR world, regularly appearing on panels, podcasts, and interviews. “Being the face of the brand while leading the company requires a delicate balance,” JJ shares. “I’ve learned to manage my time effectively, prioritize where I need to be present, and always ensure that the team is empowered to handle day-to-day operations.”

By maintaining a consistent presence in the media, JJ has not only helped elevate Gldn PR’s reputation but has also set an example for clients on how to build and manage a public persona while leading a business.

Leadership in Public Relations: A Balancing Act

JJ’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the understanding that building a PR empire involves more than just securing media placements. It’s about building a team, creating lasting relationships, and being a thought leader in your industry. Leading a fast-growing agency while maintaining a public image requires focus, discipline, and a clear vision.

“The most important part of leadership is adaptability,” JJ explains. “You have to be ready to shift gears when needed, to listen to your team, and to make decisions that keep the company moving forward, while also staying true to your personal brand and vision.”

In Conclusion: Leading with Purpose and Vision

JJ Carter’s journey to building Gldn PR into a multi-million dollar agency is a testament to the power of strong leadership, resilience, and the ability to balance personal and professional growth. By fostering a culture of innovation and trust within the company, JJ has successfully navigated the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining a powerful public persona. As the PR industry continues to evolve, JJ remains a leader, guiding Gldn PR to new heights and inspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

With a commitment to both team success and personal brand visibility, JJ Carter is redefining what it means to be a leader in the modern PR world.

Published by: Nelly Chavez