UnLeadership

62Leadership and Human Resources

“Failed HR lady” Laurie Ruettimann has spent over two decades revolutionizing the world of work through her candid storytelling, innovative solutions, and passion for driving better employment experiences, dedicating her career to increasing employee retention rates and improving job satisfaction by challenging the status quo and empowering change. She is a respected consultant, keynote speaker, punk rock HR podcaster, and best-selling author of Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career. Laurie is currently working on her second book, Corporate Drinker, about how to survive, thrive, and build culture in the boozy world of work and alcohol.

(Highlights from our interview, recorded June 19, 2023.)

INDIVIDUALS AT EVERY LEVEL OF an organization should be self-leaders first and lean into individual accountability, no matter their job title. This means being the best version of yourself and modeling curiosity, empathy, and compassion, and connecting with your community, so when called up, you can inspire, coach, and help others become their own leaders. Leadership is helping others understand they are the CEO of their own lives; if they're making good decisions for themselves and their communities, they will have a positive effect up and down the organizational chain.

When an organization is doing its job well, nurturing people and allowing them to work at the intersection of purpose and meaning, they need ...