Alexandra Drobysheva is a multilingual communications professional with a proven track record in developing and delivering strategic communications for leading international and Russian corporations. Based in Moscow, Alexandra opened up HINT after finishing her education in the United Kingdom where she works with clients like Crate & Barrel.
Name: Alexandra Drobysheva
Title: Founder & CEO
Location: Moscow, Russia
Education: BA International Studies with Political Science, Birmingham University, UK
Company: HINT PR
Instagram: @hintpr
Facebook: @hintpragency
LinkedIn: Hint Communication Agency
I moved from the UK to Moscow in 2009 after graduating from university and immediately dived into the local public relations environment. I started my career at the state nuclear corporation but left after couple of years due to bureaucracy. Afterward, I worked at local PR agencies and absolutely fell in love with the agency atmosphere. At some point I knew I want to launch my own agency where I could focus on lifestyle communications and create a unique work culture. This is how HINT was born.
We fully immerse ourselves in our client’s business and act as an extension of their team. Each project is run by the Hinter (project manager) who manages clients’ accounts on a daily basis and pushes campaign boundaries. We also have digital analysts, copywriters, assistants who help with the projects depending on the scope and set goals.
Client service is my priority. I also oversee new business opportunities, manage our social media accounts and mentor the team. The mood is adventurous. Everyone takes an active part in forming our client list and nourishing corporate culture.
My favorite publication at the moment is The Village. It not only covers local cultural news but also tells stories through people living in the city.
We love to experiment with content. Just recently created a series of illustrations with a popular Russian artist for an international hotel chain about careers in hospitality. The reach and engagement on social media was absolutely fantastic!
Signing our first contract with a client. It made the dream feel very real.
Each project is run by the Hinter (project manager) who manages clients’ accounts on a daily basis and pushes campaign boundaries.
Attending a charity ball organized by the wives of ambassadors based in Moscow and supported by our client – Crate and Barrel. It was 1920s theme and took place at Metropol – is a historical hotel in the center of Moscow built in 1899 in Art Nouveau style.
Back in 2014 I was working at Olympic Games in Sochi. As part of the project I was responsible for organizing interviews with celebrities, including a British violinist Vanessa Mae. On the day the camera broke so we had to record and stream a live interview via iPad, which was not very professional.
No one likes to fail. But failure is a normal part of a life and sometimes it is important to just let it go. At the end of a very stressful day I usually go to Sanduny Bath House in Moscow. It is a place of peace and relaxation where I can get my thoughts together and re-charge.
Adobe Scan makes my account management easier – it captures phone images and transforms them into versatile PDFs.
Also love Bear App and Telegram, a Russian messenger for its chat groups about the latest industry gossip and news.
Not everyone in our market really understands how important PR is for business growth; that it is much more than just media relations. I hope that this will change.
I’m excited by the increased speed of communications, new platforms and technologies.
Customer behavior and needs are constantly changing, faster than ever before. The main challenge is to adapt to these changes, be ready to experiment with content and communications in general.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, life is about learning.
If you are planning to visit Moscow give us us a shout, we will be happy to show you around and tell more about specifics of doing PR in Russia – hello@hintpr.com
Thanks, Alexandra!
