In December 2007, PR Week named Richard Strauss to their inaugural "40 Under 40", recognizing and profiling 40 PR pros, nominated by industry peers, who have achieved tremendous feats prior to turning 40.
But how he got here had a lot to do with whom he met along the way.
Richard learned very early in his career that meeting the right people made a huge difference in one’s life. Starting as a reporter for a small newspaper during college at UCLA, he also worked on the college radio station. He interviewed some heavy hitters such as Dusty Baker of the LA Dodgers and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. He even interviewed Larry King during the era when Larry was a radio host. Although Richard wasn’t with a major publication, he was able to get coverage of Magic Johnson’s announcement of his retirement from basketball because a friend of his snuck him into the press conference.
His father, always a proponent of strong connections, suggested that Richard check out a Democratic political candidate gaining a lot of interest. He also suggested that Richard apply as a volunteer for the Bill Clinton campaign effort as they prepared for the Democratic Convention. He was rejected because he applied too late. Undaunted and determined, he dialed 411 in Little Rock, Arkansas and “met” Steven Cohen, Executive Assistant to W.H. Clinton. Steven Cohen greenlit Richard’s interview in New Hampshire because in the conversation Richard mentioned he had radio experience.
He flew to New Hampshire on a $99 certificate he had saved. On the very day of his interview, he found himself shoved into a receiving line where he met none other than the promising candidate himself. He was offered a volunteer position and decided to leave college to work as a volunteer on the campaign.
Working side by side with some of the most brilliant and innovative political strategists and influencers gave him not only the insight and experience of working in the communications and political arena, but relationships that impacted his life forever. He was mentored by some of the outstanding experts of the Clinton era: David Wilhelm, Jeffrey Eller, George Stephanopolus, and then later David Gergan, and Wolf Blitzer. Richard was later invited to be part of the White House staff where he served three years as the first-ever White House Radio Director. In this capacity, Strauss was responsible for coordinating and producing President Clinton’s weekly Saturday morning radio address. On the day of the first Clinton address, he walked into the Oval for the first time. There, sitting behind the famous desk, was Bill. Seeing Richard’s awe at entering the history-filled room, he said to Richard: “You know, Richard, I was a little overwhelmed the first time I came into this room too!”
Richard lived the West Wing life for a while, and credits his relationships with all of the Clinton Administration icons as helping him build a very successful career. He saw being part of this influential community, and one that was willing to mentor and introduce him to others who could help him advance, as being a key element in who he has become today.
As a very young man, Richard had to overcome great shyness to take the steps necessary to converse and interact with experienced and powerful people. He adopted the Nike philosophy: “Just Do It” but advises people use a method which he calls The 3-Second Rule: When you’re nervous about approaching someone, you give yourself 3 seconds and then you just GO!
