Check Out Laurie Ruettimann’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Ruettimann

Hi Laurie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Laurie Ruettimann, an author, podcaster, and former HR leader turned speaker and advisor. My career began in 1995 as an HR intern at Leaf Candy Company, where I learned the ropes in a heavily unionized manufacturing environment, working alongside a diverse staff of local workers, out-of-state corporate professionals, and immigrants from war-torn Bosnia. My professional journey led me through roles at Monsanto, Alberto-Culver, Kemper Insurance, and Pfizer. Disenchanted with outdated workplace practices, I left corporate America to dedicate myself to speaking truth to power through my writing, speaking engagements, and advisory roles.

CNN recognized me as one of the top five career advisors in the United States in 2009. My insights have been featured in NPR, The New Yorker, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and Vox. I am also the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Betting On You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career,” published by Henry Holt & Company in January 2021.

I champion the power of self-leadership and individual accountability in shaping the future of work. Through my writing, speaking, and podcasting, I aim to inspire change in workplace cultures that support, empower, and engage workers meaningfully.

Living in Raleigh, NC, since 2008—the longest I have ever stayed in one place—I continue to advocate for innovative workforce solutions that benefit everyone. I am actively involved with local organizations such as SPCA Wake, SafeHaven for Cats, and ShieldNC. Beyond my professional life, I am an avid ultramarathon runner and recently completed the OakWood24 at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m human, and life hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve lost dear friends to illness, had sickness in my family, and experienced a lot of career ennui. Plus, I’m like everybody else and often my own worst enemy.

No matter the bumps, I’m deeply grateful for every new day. It’s a chance to try again.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m Laurie Ruettimann, an author, podcaster, and former HR leader turned advisor. I teach leadership on LinkedIn Learning, where my videos are among the most popular on the platform. I also host a podcast and coach corporate leaders on improving their job performance, risk-taking, and capacity to drive change. Additionally, I deliver keynote speeches globally about the future of work.

I’m known for cutting through the noise. Work is complicated and often unnecessarily complex, but we can manage it—it’s almost the same everywhere. I specialize in helping people navigate this reality without sugarcoating it.

What sets me apart? I advocate that fixing work starts with fixing ourselves. This philosophy means taking charge of our well-being, pushing ourselves to learn continuously, leading ourselves first, and doing the right thing, HR department or not.

I’m most proud of my straightforward, no-BS guidance, which empowers people to lead authentically and effectively.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have learned that nobody is coming to save me or fix things. I am the agent of change in my life. And so are you.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://laurieruettimann.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/lruettimann
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/laurieruettimann
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLORRwI2PTkJbGI-89EEiSBHaxUANUsebs
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/punk-rock-hr/id1360374196