Charles Rickert is a welcome new face to the Heart+Mind family–he’s joining us a Senior Director of Client Partnerships on the Public Policy + Issues practice. We already know a little bit about Charles–he’s from the midwest and super smart–but we needed to dig a little deeper with our Q+A.
Q: Describe what you do in 5 words or less.
A: Learning and persuading through insight.
Q: When you were a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A: An astronaut, meteorologist or the radio voice of the Milwaukee Brewers
Q: What about Public Policy + Issues most interests you? What makes it your passion?
A: It is fascinating to discover how and why people make decisions and form opinions. Working with clients to uncover those insights is energizing, especially when our work becomes the key to persuading and motivating the right audiences.
Q: What drew you to Heart+Mind Strategies?
A: Our people and our process. We are the best at uncovering the values that drive choices. I get to work with some of the best nonprofits, advocacy groups and trade associations in the country.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I love spending time in the northwoods of Wisconsin. I hike, canoe and enjoy the outdoors with my wife and five children. You could say “free time” is hard to come by with five kids.
Q: What’s your favorite genre of music to work to? How does it influence your work?
A: The Focus Praylist on the Hallow app. It is a blend of lofi, instrumental music, light vocals, and chant, the perfect mix to stay in a state of ‘flow’ while working.
Q: What is your current obsession?
A: Baseball Savant and Stathead from Baseball Reference. There is a rich history in baseball, and I love how nearly everything in the game is measured, down to the cause-and-effect relationship within every at-bat and the season as a whole.
Q: In your opinion does pineapple belong on pizza?
A: No, absolutely not.
Q: What question are you dying to answer that we haven’t asked?
A: What is one piece of professional advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
Q: What’s the answer?
A: “Know that you know.” Don’t think you know, hope you know, or wish you knew. One of my first bosses told me too much of business is based on guessing and assumptions. If you are unsure of something, ask. So much productivity is lost because of incomplete or inaccurate information. Research consulting is a perfect remedy.