Name
Ronnie Kroell
Occupation
Political Strategist & Advisor
Short Bio
Ronnie Kroell is a bridge-builder, creator, and strategist whose work lives at the intersection of art, advocacy, and public service. As a campaign manager and senior advisor, he is known for bringing clarity, compassion, and common-sense solutions to California politics — pushing past tribalism to unite people around shared values and real-world results. A lifelong storyteller and creative entrepreneur, Ronnie is the founder of THRIVE by Ronnie Kroell, a luxury, all-natural fragrance line inspired by personal transformation and emotional alchemy. He is also the creator and host of The Rise with Ronnie Kroell, a multimedia platform dedicated to helping people rise above division and reconnect to purpose, personal power, and community. Ronnie’s career spans film, television, nonprofit work, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and political communications. Whether he’s building out a statewide campaign operation, producing a deeply human interview, or crafting a scent meant to inspire confidence and connection, Ronnie leads with heart, honesty, and a commitment to helping people — and communities — rise and thrive.
In each day that we are alive, what are the three things you are grateful for?
My family, my friends, and my health.
Favorite type of music?
Jazz, R&B, and Tropical House.
Who would you switch lives with for one day if you could?
Keanu Reeves
Name the biggest pet peeve you have. It can be anything and it’s no holds-barred.
Willful ignorance and the outsourcing of critical thought.
How do you psyche yourself up for the day ahead?
I give thanks to God/Universe and remind myself that there’s a bigger plan at work and my purpose is to serve.
Go-to products in your bag that you can’t live without?
My Thrive Emerald Healing Mist, lip balm, and breath mints.
How do you use Sundays to de-stress from work?
I either go to the Melrose Trading Post or to the Venice Beach Drum Circle.
How would you describe yourself?
I’m just someone who’s spent a lot of time learning the hard way and trying to turn those lessons into something useful for other people. I’ve worked in creative spaces, advocacy, and now politics, but the through line has always been the same: I try to bring people together, listen more than I speak, and build things that actually help. I’m not perfect, but I care deeply, I work hard, and I try to show up with integrity and heart wherever I am.
What is your biggest weakness and strength?
My biggest strength is that I’m a bridge-builder at heart — I can walk into almost any room, find common ground, and help people feel seen, even when they completely disagree. I lead with empathy and clarity, and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work. My weakness is that I carry a lot on my shoulders; I care so deeply about people and outcomes that I sometimes take on too much or push myself past empty. I’m learning to balance that passion with healthier boundaries so I can lead and serve from a place of sustainability, not burnout.
What’s your hidden and weird talent that no one, not even your partner, knows about?
I have a unique way of scratching my inner ear itches that I’ve only witnessed a handful of others do in person.
What is a trend that you wish to obliterate forever?
If I could get rid of one trend, it’d be performative outrage — this habit of screaming past each other instead of talking to each other. Outrage is easy. Solutions take courage.
The best compliment you ever got from anyone?
I was told once by a friend that even when they disagree with me, they still respect my courage of conviction and my willingness to speak my truth, even if it’s unpopular.
