The Rutledge Perspective Podcast

We have entered an era of calling out and canceling those who exhibit behavior that is deemed unacceptable. And sometimes, doing those two things is all that we can do. But if the point is to change behavior and not just punish or shame, we have to connect the less than desirable behavior directly to the consequences. That is where the learning happens.   About the Host: Laurel Rutledge's human-ce...

We are NOT ok in Texas! This Snowpocalypse has been soul-crushing. BUT, because I believe when you change your perspective you change your circumstances, it has also been an opportunity to remember to stay in flow. Let go of what cannot be controlled. Honor the emotion, but push through the emotional response. We have bigger work to do!   About the Host: Laurel Rutledge's human-centered approach,...

It's LOVE week on The Rutledge Perspective and I want us to think about showing ourselves some love. For those who are single and struggling with isolation, see what you can do to turn that energy into self-care. For those who are spending all their time and energy on others, turn that energy around for some self-care. As Holly Dowling says, "you have to be a little self-ish in order to be self-le...

Not every situation deserves a response. Not every fight is yours to engage in. BUT, it is important to recognize that silence can be interpreted as consent and there are consequences – good and bad – to entering into any heated discussion. It is also important to be really clear with yourself on why you are or are not choosing to take up the fight. There is much still to be done socially. And, th...

Surrendering to the flow INCLUDES surrendering the ego that prevents us from asking for help. Somehow, we have grown into the habit that the more you have accomplished, the less you have to learn. We have learned that if you are deemed an "expert", it is career or reputational suicide to say "I don't know." But the best leaders know that no single person knows everything. #Trueleaders seek out exp...

Not everyone's "hustle" is the same; yet we measure ourselves by what others are doing. But we need to give ourselves grace. Grace to have a minute. Grace to have doubts. Grace to move forward. And, as leaders, when we give ourselves grace, we create the space to give grace and a safe space to others. And that is what it's all about!   About the Host: Laurel Rutledge's human-centered approach, emp...

Sometimes we don't know how much power we have. At other times, we are VERY CLEAR but fail to reign it in because it suits our agenda at the time. But #trueleaders are always aware of both positive and negative consequences of their behaviors and how they choose to wield their power. True leaders also know that they are often imperfect because they are human. And that being "in flow" also means be...

How did "hustling" become the measuring stick for success? Words matter and we have taken a word that means "to forcibly move" or "to con" and turned it into the definition for acceptable effort. Although the way the meaning of words morphs over time is fascinating for us word nerds ("side hustle" is cool), the impact of the change can be detrimental. If we perceive our hustle as less than someone...

It is time to take off. It is time to celebrate what is to come. It is time for 2021! After a  year of madness all around we have made it to the next level. And, I don't know about you, but I'm ready. Let's use what we have learned and what we have experienced and put that WISDOM to good use as we show up bigger, better and stronger in 2021. You with me????   About the Host: Laurel Rutledge's huma...

What a year. As we end our month of reflection and celebration, I want to celebrate all we have learned and all we have experienced. I want to celebrate our strength and our resilience. And I want to celebrate 2020 being behind us. Let's take our wisdom and make 2021 the best year yet!   About the Host: Laurel Rutledge's human-centered approach, empathy, and understanding of individual needs make...

When you are in pain, you do something about it. And I've been in pain for a while and I found an expert to help me figure it out! Welcome back Mariam Haddad. Listen to the exercises she is going to take me through and practice them. Better yet, once you listen, go check out the video on laurelrutledge.com/podcast and SEE them.   Work with Mariam: If you enjoyed this podcast and want to visit with...

Sometimes our reflection challenges us to change a perspective. Sometimes, it actually solidifies one. As I listened to Ms. Loretta Ross on "On Point" both happened. She gave a fantastic definition of the difference between a cult and a movement which easily translates into organization culture. But then she talked about "Calling in" the "call out culture" and I had to differ – at least a little....

We made it to December! Normally I'm speaking of preparation for the next year, but this year, it seems like a good time to reflect on the past year and celebrate some successes. Just as there is always something to be grateful for, there is always something to celebrate! Always. Let's find a few things and toss those out there. Your input may just be the thing that gives another person permission...

There is power in gratitude. Yes, there is science behind how our neurotransmitters are strengthened by the practice of gratitude and how stress is relieved, and sleep is enhanced. But gratitude is more than a brain exercise. It is a spiritual and emotional exercise. It is an ACTIVE decision of focusing on what we have or what we have learned rather than what we are lacking or what we have suffere...

Speaking Truth to Power is about 3 key things: information, inclusion and service.  You have important, potentially critical information. The culture needs to be such that your perspective is included. And the sharing of the information is about serving the outcome, not about the individual impact. And overarching these 3 things is WHY your are delivering the information so you can decide the best...

There is power in taking a pause and evaluating or re-evaluating your situation. And sometimes, we are forced to take a pause. That's what happened to Sherri McManus. And her pause led her to not only a deeper connection to her purpose, but a clearer vision of how leadership behavior has a direct mental, physical and emotional impact on employees. She is taking this vision and helping leaders make...

We toss around the word "power" a great deal. But what does it really mean? Does everyone have power? Is power only given or is it earned? What does it really mean to "stand in your power?" For the month of November, the theme is power and we are going to talk about all that stuff. But first, in this short episode, we are going to start simply with the word "power" and what it really means.   Abou...

We often distinguish between "Creatives" and "Scientists." But today's guest is the personification of the blending of both. As a classically trained performer, Mariam has a perspective on how we show up that challenges our "practice makes perfect" paradigm. Instead, it's about practicing in a way that turns knowledge into skill and new skill into skills that can be trusted to support showing up f...

"Did you hear what you just said?" Words matter and they have power. Especially what we tell ourselves. But we don't always hear those words clearly until they are repeated to us. Same message. Different messenger. When we are speaking, we are focused on the act of speaking and the words we are using, but not necessarily on context or conveyance. But when we listen to understand, we can hear the m...

Self-care is not selfish. But if self-care is a challenge for you, I give you a quote from my dear friend Holly Dowling: "you have to be a little selfish in order to be selfless." And being self-aware enables us to exercise self-care. Understanding what we are feeling and what is driving behavior that may be inconsistent with our intent enables us to serve bigger and better. And that awareness ena...

Resilience is a superpower. The current craziness serves to make us all a bit off-kilter. As leaders, we must acknowledge that everyone is managing through these times differently. Now more than ever, managing uniformly is impossible. We must meet people where they are and move forward accordingly.  As individuals, we must acknowledge our own grieving process and channel the discomfort into forwar...

Standing in your convictions is not easy, but it is necessary to ensure you are operating in integrity and showing up authentically. Having your convictions challenged is one of the best ways to ensure they are truly your convictions and not just your opinions. Opinions can be easily swayed. Convictions direct our actions.   About the Host: Laurel Rutledge's human-centered approach, empathy, and u...

Now, more than ever, it is important to set some boundaries and prioritize self-care. And Farah Harris can help you do that. Not only is her journey one of following divine purpose, but her experience has put her in the perfect position to deliver with impact. She is the epitome of knowing who you are, where you are, what you want, and making a plan to get there. Even when we don't know how, if we...

Putting together a strategy is critical to achieving the vision. But ALIGNMENT is the lynchpin in all of it. If what you are going after is not aligned with what you truly desire, your ability to achieve the vision will be significantly compromised. Not only that, but the misaligned actions you are taking may actually be blocking an opportunity that could catapult you to your desired state. Instea...

I spent the Labor Day weekend cleaning and organizing my home – finally! And while I'm not completely done, most of the spaces now have clean "space." And my mind is clearer. It reminded me of this early episode of the Rutledge Perspective (ignore the reference to the end of the year!)  that I think is timely now as we move into the end of the year and are less than 60 days away from one of the mo...