Community Highlights: Meet Katie Radel of Ripple Consulting Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Radel. 

Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have worked for large organizations in marketing and public relations roles for more than 20 years. In 2010 during the financial crisis, I took a risk and left my position at a large bank to start a corporate event planning firm. I did it on a whim and didn’t know what I didn’t know, but I knew that I had the foundation of a strong network, so I jumped right in. I thrived as an entrepreneur and loved designing my work life. After spending a few amazing years as a business owner, I had the opportunity to work at a hospital as the director of marketing and public relations. The timing was right, and it was a chance for me to learn about healthcare (I had no prior experience), so I decided to go back to the corporate world and went to work at the hospital. 

I spent several years at the hospital and loved learning something new every day and being in the healthcare environment. I enjoyed the constant opportunities to pitch stories to the media, raise the awareness of the hospital, and create strategic partnerships with the community. Towards the end of my time at the hospital, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted to go back to being an entrepreneur. It took me a little while to listen to myself and take the leap back into owning a business after being out of practice. In July 2019, I founded Ripple Consulting Group, a strategic communications firm. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I launched Ripple Consulting Group in July 2019 and had a runway of eight months before the pandemic hit. There were so many unknowns to navigate, but over time, I found ways to provide value to my clients, I nurtured existing relationships and got creative by finding new ways to network and build my business. Although it hasn’t been a smooth road, I am grateful for the many lessons learned and have loved every minute of the journey. Coming out of the pandemic, I feel confident that if I can keep a new small business running during a global pandemic, I can do anything! 

We’ve been impressed with Ripple Consulting Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ripple Consulting Group provides strategic communications to organizations who need to connect with their audience and community. We believe in the power of using clear communication to provide connection and to create positive, long-lasting ripple effects. 

After 20 years of PR and marketing work in various roles, I have realized the common denominator in what brings me joy in my work is connecting with people and telling stories. What sets me apart is my vast experience working for large organizations and my ability to bring big picture thinking to my work. 

When I first started my business, I intended to work exclusively with healthcare clients. But then I realized that I really enjoy working with clients in diverse industries. Most of my clients are in the healthcare industry, but I also work with service providers and non-profits. I am a lifelong learner and thrive when I’m learning outside of my comfort zone. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Ripple Consulting Group works with organizations that need to share news and get noticed through media coverage and thoughtful, strategic communication. We are small but mighty. If clients have needs that go beyond communications, we partner with experts such as graphic designers, photographers, and videographers. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.rippleconsultinggroup.com/
• Instagram: @rippleconsultinggroup

Image Credits
Steve Lowry
Nathan Morgan