SD Voyager | An Inspired Chat with Rachel Dickman of Fallbrook

Written By Rachel McGuire

Article originally appeared in SDVoyager.

We recently had the chance to connect with Rachel Dickman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

My mornings are intentionally calm and focused. I start early, usually before the rest of my family is up. I make tea, feed the kitties who run the house, and take a few quiet minutes to reset before the day begins. I avoid checking emails right away and instead use that time to review priorities, reflect, journal, and think creatively about the day ahead. Once the house wakes up, the energy shifts, and I’m ready to jump into strategy meetings, client projects, or creative work with a clear head and a sense of purpose.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?

I’m the Founder and CEO of RMG Communications, a California-based, woman-owned public relations firm that helps public agencies, such as cities, water agencies, and utilities, tell their stories with clarity, creativity, and credibility. We specialize in transforming complex public sector topics into meaningful connections with the community through high-impact visuals, award-winning campaigns, and education programs that make government communications feel human again.

What makes RMG unique is our balance of strategic depth and creative heart. We understand the realities of government work, from policies to public process, but we approach every project with the storytelling mindset of a brand campaign. Our work focuses on elevating trust and transparency while keeping people at the center.

Beyond client work, I co-host the PRessing On in Public Relations podcast and co-authored A Practical Guide to Starting Your Own PR Firm, which became a #1 Amazon new release. Both projects reflect my belief that PR professionals should lift one another up, share what works, and redefine success as something sustainable, collaborative, and values-driven.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?

My mom taught me the foundation of hard work and resilience. As a single mother working full time, she showed me what dedication truly looks like and that doing your best, even when it’s hard, always matters. That example shaped my work ethic long before I ever entered the professional world.

I’ve also learned so much from mentors and colleagues who modeled integrity and compassion, the ones who didn’t just talk about leadership but lived it daily. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work alongside people who valued both excellence and empathy. But the biggest teacher has been experience itself. Leading teams, navigating challenges, and learning to trust my instincts have shaped me more than any formal lesson could.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?

The fear of letting people down, often fueled by moments of imposter syndrome and self-doubt. I’ve always held myself to a high standard, which can be both a strength and a stumbling block. There have been times when I questioned whether I was “enough” to lead, to speak up, or to take the next step. Over time, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about being present, empowering others, and showing up with authenticity. Letting go of the fear of unworthiness has opened space for more creativity, collaboration, and confidence.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?

Yes, but it’s the distilled version. The public me is poised, professional, and purposeful (for the most part). The private me is that too, but with more humor, quirkiness, and cat hair. I believe authenticity is the foundation of great communication, so I don’t try to project something I’m not. I just lead with the genuine parts of myself that inspire trust and connection.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?

When I’m by a body of water, especially the beach. There’s something about the rhythm of the waves and the openness of the horizon that immediately grounds me. It’s where I find the most clarity and creativity. I think that connection runs deep because I’m a Scorpio, a true water sign at heart. Water represents both calm and strength, and it reminds me that those two qualities can coexist beautifully.

When I can’t make it to the ocean, that same peace finds me at home, sitting with my husband and our cats, just enjoying life and the little things. Those quiet, ordinary moments are often when I feel the most gratitude and the most myself.

Contact Info:

Rachel McGuire
Next

Consulting Success Podcast | How To Collab With Your Competition