Welcome to “A Day in The Life,” where members of PR Club’s Board of Directors interview some of the most interesting, multi-faceted, and innovative change-makers moving and shaking up the PR and communications industry!
As Founder and Principal of Hollywood Agency and co-owner of btone FITNESS Walpole, Darlene Hollywood maintains a carefully balanced schedule that starts well before most people’s alarm clocks ring.
What does your morning routine look like?
Darlene rises around 5 a.m., dedicating her early hours to a morning walk while listening to The Daily podcast. She catches up on The New York Times and Boston Globe headlines, goes to another franchise owner’s btone to work out (Walpole is too far from home), and ensures her home is in perfect order – beds made and pets fed – before heading out for the day. By the time she walks into the Hingham Shipyard office, she’s been up for at least three hours.
How do you keep your busy schedule organized?
“If it’s not on my calendar, it doesn’t exist,” Darlene explains, referring to her meticulous Outlook calendar system. Everything from client meetings to grocery store runs finds its place there, with personal commitments marked accordingly to maintain flexibility for business needs.
What is it like balancing agency life with owning a fitness studio?
While Hollywood Agency remains her primary focus, Darlene finds joy in co-owning a btone FITNESS studio. The fitness business operates largely independently, requiring only about 25 minutes of administrative work daily which she can do remotely. “It moves at a different pace, and clients are always happy there,” she notes, appreciating the contrast to agency life.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Darlene emphasizes the importance of physical and mental wellness, especially given the networking demands of agency life. “With all the lunches and dinners in this industry, maintaining physical exercise is crucial for balance,” she shares. This also inspired her desire to get involved at btone.
What has been your proudest professional moment?
Since founding Hollywood Agency in 2011, Darlene has received both the Crystal Bell Lifetime Achievement Award from the PR Club and the PRSA Diane Davis Beacon Award for her community contributions and excellence in the PR field. These recognitions have humbled her and reflect her growth as an empathetic leader who understands the deep connection between people and their work.
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Darlene encourages decisive action: “Push yourself to make decisions quickly. The benefits and rewards of taking chances are invaluable.”
How do you unwind after a busy day?
At day’s end, you’ll find Darlene on her couch with her dogs, likely watching a true crime documentary – her unique way of decompressing after a full day. Her friend even gifted her a mug that reads, “I watch serial killer documentaries to relax.”
This blog was written by Holly Bertschmann, PR Club Board Member