In this episode, former HR Exec, Ruth K. Ross talks about why the journey to reengage your life and career is ongoing, the 7 signs you’re disengaged and why millennials need to save for a walk away fund.
Ruth K. Ross spent 30 years climbing to the top of the corporate executive ladder, becoming an Executive Vice President of HR at Wells Fargo. At her peak, she did what many consider but few do: She quit, reassessed and recommitted to the life she wanted to lead. As speaker and the author of Coming Alive: The Journey To Reengage Your Life And Career, Ruth helps professionals of all stripes address the feelings of disengagement, anxiety and apathy and bring joy back into their life and work.
Episode Highlights
• 0:46 – The journey to reengage your life and career is ongoing. At the age of 53 Ruth walked away from a successful career
• 1:35 – Ruth’s moment of truth: “When the hell are you going to admit that you’re completely dead on the inside?”
• 3:40 – What triggers disengagement? We dig in and explore the causes
• 5:00 – How Ruth was able to successfully get things done as the only woman in a sea of senior executive men
• 7:00 – The 7 warning signs of disengagement (you can feel invisible in a very visible role)
• 9:20 – Engagement isn’t about programs and perks but recognition and thanks
• 19:05 – Why millennials need to save for a walk away fund
• 20:26 – Death by a 1000 paper cuts: disengagement doesn’t happen overnight and reengagement won’t occur quickly either
• 28:14 – Why Ruth says, “Life needs to come first.” How to cherish every moment and change the conversation from work/life to life/work.
• 37:05 – The story of a message carved into the sand from Ruth’s deceased husband
1. Favorite book for women?
2. Favorite self-care hack?
- Walking with a mug of green tea
3. Best piece of advice and who gave it to you?
- “You have to get up every day and love what you do” (her dad)
4. Female CEO or thought leader you’re into right now?
- Kat Cole, Group President of Focus Brands
5. One piece of advice you’d give your 5 years younger self?
- “Be more aware of how you’re feeling and don’t fight that.”
Resources and People Mentioned
• Ruth’s website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email
• Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
• Drive by Daniel Pink
