We recently connected with Alexandria Hurley and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alexandria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success, to me, is rooted in resilience, adaptability, and the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships. My journey, from being a first-generation graduate degree (masters) student raised by a single father in Huntington, West Virginia, to becoming a PR Director managing high-profile hospitality and destination accounts, is a testament to these values.
Growing up in a small town, I learned the importance of resourcefulness and grit. My dad, Richard Hurley, instilled in me a strong work ethic and the belief that hard work opens doors. This mindset carried me through my time at the University of Kentucky, where I specialized in Integrated Public Relations, and later, during the monumental opening of Circa Las Vegas—a career-defining moment.
Launching Circa in 2020, amid a global pandemic, tested every aspect of my professional capabilities. It wasn’t just about managing PR for the first newest resort downtown in over 40 years; it was about doing so while navigating unprecedented challenges. Coordinating media outreach and government relations while adhering to ever-changing safety protocols required unwavering focus and adaptability. That experience taught me that success isn’t just about executing a vision but also about adjusting your strategy to thrive in uncertain circumstances.
Pursuing my master’s degree in Strategic PR & Public Affairs at the renowned George Washington University while continuing to work full-time was another defining chapter. It was an exercise in discipline, passion, and determination. Balancing academic rigor with professional responsibilities reinforced my belief in the power of continuous learning and self-investment.
Today, as the Director of PR & Influential Communications at Paradise Advertising, I continue to draw from these experiences while working with national destination and resort clients. Whether developing the narrative behind a destination’s unique charm or crafting impactful campaigns in partnership with renowned global brands, each project underscores the importance of storytelling, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying agile in an ever-evolving industry.
Success is a mosaic of lessons learned, relationships nurtured, and challenges overcome. My story is proof that when you combine hard work with adaptability and a passion for your craft, you can create opportunities where others see obstacles.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For those who may not be familiar with my work, I specialize in destination and hospitality public relations and public affairs. My journey into this industry began with a passion for storytelling and an unwavering curiosity about how effective communication can shape perceptions and build connections. I have always been drawn to the power of sharing narratives that inspire and resonate—a fascination that led me to pursue a degree in Public Relations and later, a master’s in Strategic Public Relations and Public Affairs.
In my role, my team and I provide a range of services designed to help clients achieve their PR and communication goals. This includes developing strategic PR plans tailored to their unique needs, crafting compelling stories, and pitching them to journalists to secure meaningful media coverage. I also specialize in crisis communications, helping clients navigate challenging situations with transparency, strategic foresight, and poise while protecting their best interests. My focus is always on delivering results that not only address immediate objectives, but also drive long-term success and year-over-year growth.
What sets me apart is my unwavering work ethic and commitment to integrity and honesty as a professional. I go above and beyond for my clients to move the needle—whether it’s hopping on 5 a.m. calls, navigating natural disasters, client events or dedicating double-digit hour weeks to ensure they receive the crème de la crème of PR services. In public relations, transparency and honesty aren’t just ideals—they are essential for success. I firmly believe in advising clients ethically, even when it requires having tough conversations. Authenticity fosters credibility, and credibility is the cornerstone of effective communication and lasting client trust.
I’m most proud of the impact mine and my teams work has on communities and clients. Whether it’s bringing a destination to the forefront of someone’s travel plans or guiding an organization through a challenging moment, I’m driven by the knowledge that mine and my teams efforts make a meaningful difference. I also take pride in my ability to adapt to complex situations, from creating proactive strategies to responding effectively in high-pressure environments.
For anyone considering working with me or following my journey, I want you to know that my work is rooted in a passion for public relations. I strive to amplify voices, craft meaningful stories, and deliver results that exceed expectations—all while staying true to the principles that guide me: honesty and hard work.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn is that making mistakes equates to failure. Early in my career, I was so terrified of making mistakes that it became paralyzing. I would feel crippling anxiety about missing a deadline, sending out a press release with typos or incorrect links, or not living up to expectations. Ironically, the more I feared making mistakes, the more mistakes I made because I was so focused on avoiding them that I couldn’t perform at my best.
I had to step back, take a deep breath, and remind myself that perfection isn’t realistic—especially in an industry as fast-paced and high-pressure as public relations. PR is a field filled with highs, lows, and intense expectations. Clients rely on you to deliver results, and when you’re new to the field, it’s easy to internalize that pressure and let it erode your confidence.
What I’ve learned is that mistakes are inevitable, but they’re not the end of the world. What truly matters is how you respond: correct the mistake, own it with transparency, and move forward. You are human, and every mistake is an opportunity to grow and refine your skills. This perspective shift early in my career has been transformative for me.
Now, I approach challenges with more grace and resilience. Instead of being paralyzed by fear, I focus on problem-solving and staying proactive. This lesson has not only made me a better publicist but also a stronger leader, and it’s something I always try to instill in others—whether it’s a colleague or a client. Mistakes don’t define your capabilities; how you handle them does.
Any advice for managing a team?
When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, transparency and fostering a safe, open environment are absolutely crucial. As a leader, it’s essential that your team feels they can communicate honestly and openly with you about their needs, concerns, and challenges. If there’s an atmosphere of fear or intimidation, it not only breeds toxicity, but it also prevents issues from being addressed, which can lead to bigger problems down the line.
In PR, we’re often dealing with high-stress clients and tight deadlines, so having clear and open communication within your team is vital for both managing client expectations and keeping morale high. My advice? Lead by example. Remember, your team is made up of human beings—just like you. They have personal challenges and stressors outside of work, so it’s important to create an environment that supports their well-being while also ensuring productivity. When you show empathy and prioritize effective communication, your team will feel valued and empowered to do their best work.
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