Welcome to this special segment of the Rutledge Perspective called the Founders Intensive, where we delve into the stories of remarkable entrepreneurs. Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Candice Tolbert, the Executive Director of Super Seeds as well as the President & Founder of Assist Financial Group. Candice’s dual roles as a businesswoman and advocate exemplify her commitment to empowering individuals and communities through financial education and social change. Highlights ✨     👉🏽 Candice shares her experience with her son's unjust school suspension and how that inspired her to create Super Seeds. 👉🏽 She emphasizes the emotional drive behind her mission while strategically utilizing data to effect change. 👉🏽 Super Seeds’ multifaceted approach involves educating educators, engaging parents, and empowering students to break the cycle of punitive school discipline. Learn more about Candice here 👉🏽 https://assistfinancialgroup.com/profile/ 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Connect with Us:  Website: www.laurelrutledge.com Email: welcome@laurelrutledge.com Social Media: Follow us on Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge,  Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge, and Linkedin:Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for more insights and updates. Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Don't Forget to Subscribe and Share! Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Rutledge Perspective. We value your feedback, so don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts with us. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on business, leadership, and beyond. #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

In this episode of The Rutledge Perspective, let’s dive into the transformative power of letting go and moving forward. With the onset of the second quarter of 2024, it's evident that change is on the horizon. As we navigate through the remainder of this year, let us embrace the opportunity to let go of what holds us back and step into a future filled with new possibilities. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Letting go is an act of moving forward. 🔑 Your purpose is not about you, it’s about the impact it makes on others. 🔑 People, things, and situations come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 This week, think about what it is that you can let go to move forward. 🤔 What is something that may not necessarily be holding you back, but it's absolutely not going to catapult you forward? What are those things that just are no longer serving you, your business, or your career? 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Connect with Us: Website: www.laurelrutledge.com Email: welcome@laurelrutledge.com Social Media: Follow us on Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge,  Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge, and Linkedin:Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for more insights and updates. Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective  Thank you for listening!   Don't Forget to Subscribe and Share! Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Rutledge Perspective. We value your feedback, so don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts with us. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on business, leadership, and beyond. #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Today, we’re going to be talking about goals and gardening. I know that may sound crazy but please allow me to explain. Oddly enough, my personal journey of gardening has taught me valuable lessons about determination, perseverance, and the true worth of pursuing your goals. In this episode, I will draw parallels to the challenges entrepreneurs face in building their businesses through anecdotes of failed cucumber harvests and the importance of pollinators aka bees. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Only you can decide what it is you want and how willing you are to do the work to make it happen. 🔑 Bees in gardening serve as a metaphor for the indispensable roles of support systems and teams in business success. 🔑 You must be willing to adapt and pivot in the pursuit of success. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 This week I want you to dig deep. Sit, pause, and think with no judgment and decide what is that thing you want worth to you. What are you willing to do to make it happen? Let me know what you come up with. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Connect with Us: Website: www.laurelrutledge.com Email: welcome@laurelrutledge.com Social Media: Follow us on Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge,  Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge, and Linkedin:Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for more insights and updates. Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!   Don't Forget to Subscribe and Share! Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Rutledge Perspective. We value your feedback, so don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts with us. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on business, leadership, and beyond. #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Let’s dive deep into the realm of data and its critical role in shaping business strategy. Understand that your data is essential, whether you're an entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader. From gathering insights to driving informed actions, let’s explore how data can be your greatest ally in achieving your business objectives. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 It's not personal. It's not emotional data is just data. 🔑 Data is a superpower, and the insight that you can gather from that data is a super superpower. 🔑 Being a numbers person simply means that you know the information that’s needed to make informed decisions for the business. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Ask yourself three questions: 1.         Where are you trying to go? What is the mission? 2.         What do you need to do to get that mission accomplished? 3.         Who do you need to help make it happen? Allow the data to be the driving force for these answers. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Connect with Us: Website: www.laurelrutledge.com Email: welcome@laurelrutledge.com Social Media: Follow us on Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge,  Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge, and Linkedin:Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for more insights and updates. Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!   Don't Forget to Subscribe and Share! Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Rutledge Perspective. We value your feedback, so don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts with us. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on business, leadership, and beyond. #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Let’s delve into the concept of "Mission first. People always." There’s something significant about prioritizing the mission of a business or organization while valuing the individuals involved in achieving that mission. Today, I will share my own experiences and insights, that emphasize the importance of aligning personal values with the vision of the business and making strategic decisions to build and lead effective teams. Throughout this episode, you’ll gain valuable insights into compassionate leadership, intentional decision-making, and fostering a culture that empowers both mission success and individual well-being. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 If you don't know where you're going, how do you know who needs to be on your team? 🔑 It is critical as a business owner and as a leader that are totally aligned without a doubt about who you are and where you are. Only then will you know where you’re headed and can you put action in place to get there! 🔑 It’s important that you learn from the right places, gather the right experts around you, and build your team intentionally with the skills, attributes, and attitudes that you need to achieve that mission. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 This week, I want you to reflect on your own leadership practices and organizational alignment with the mission-first principle. Ask yourself, “Have I designed this organization around the skills that people have, or have I designed the organization around the mission we're trying to achieve?” Understand that building teams that prioritize both mission success and individual well-being, can propel your organizations toward greater success and fulfillment. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

In this episode of The Rutledge Perspective, the focus is on collaboration in leadership, particularly within the context of women business owners. Collaboration, although a powerful tool, can sometimes be misunderstood, especially for leaders who prioritize input from others. This episode delves into the nuances of collaborative leadership, exploring its strengths and potential pitfalls. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Collaboration extends beyond internal teams and encompasses partnerships with external entities, fostering innovation and growth. 🔑 Effective leaders set the tone for collaboration, ensuring that it aligns with the organization's goals and values. 🔑 Intentional collaboration can lead to exponential growth and positive outcomes for businesses and teams. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 This week I want you to go out and think about how to collaborate with your team. Are your values promoting collaboration? Are your values promoting intentional partnering? How are you showing up and are your words and actions demonstrating a desire for collaboration along with an ability to make really tough decisions? 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Do you feel like it’s time to make a change in your business or revamp some things? Whether you own a business or are building a career, it may be time to instill the “start, stop, continue,” process. This process allows you to objectively evaluate your current situation and focus on the things that matter. Proper prioritization will leave you re-energized and refocused. This will also allow you to see exponential change as it pertains to accomplishing your goals. Please listen as I break down how you can implement this process within your business or organization and maximize your team’s success. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 The things we often keep on our priority list are the things that are comfortable for us. 🔑 You will always rely on someone else if you do not hold yourself accountable, develop your discipline, or have a desire that moves you into action. 🔑 At some point, you have to stop and apply the knowledge that you've learned and determine what works for you and what doesn't. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 As you go into this week, I really want you to think deeply and pause… We are now in the last month of the first quarter. What do you need to stop doing? What do you need to continue doing? Lastly, what do you need to start doing? Evaluate all of that against the objectives that you have for this week, month, and rest of the year. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective  Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Okay…I know that we all want to see a quick turnaround and desire fast solutions but it’s a climb to build a business. We can’t focus on the silver bullet, the quick fix, or the easy bucks. You have to put in the work, there’s no way other way around it. There are some people who seemingly blew up overnight but if you dig a little deeper you will find that they actually blew up over many nights. If you’re going to build a sustainable business or career that you will appreciate, you must let go of your desire for that silver bullet.  𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Sometimes you must let go of the amazing to make room for the unimaginable. 🔑 You must be willing to do the work and the reward from doing the work is better than anything you could have imagined. 🔑 Every conversation is an opportunity to serve, and your services are an investment! ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Determine what work it is that needs to be done. Sit that silver bullet aside just for a little bit and decide that you are ready, willing, and able to do the work! Let me know how that turned around for you! 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Let’s talk about managing expectations. Whether you are building a business or a career, you need to be very clear about the expectations you set with others. More importantly, you need to have clear expectations for yourself. This clarity and understanding are important because they allow you to focus on the outcome and objectively evaluate detours that will ultimately arise. Managing expectations is about saying, here's what I'm doing, here's how I'm preparing, here's what I've committed to do, here's the history of how I deliver, and I'm going to do that all the time, consistently. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 You have to get aligned with who you are, understand where you are, get really clear on what you want, and then focus on what it's going to take and what you're willing to do to make it happen! 🔑 If you’re building a team, the only result you can guarantee is if you're setting clear expectations and then holding people to those expectations. 🔑 Preparation trumps raw intellect every single time. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 There are four things that you need to know if you’re going to properly manage expectations. Those four things are: Who you are. Where you are. What you want. What it's going to take to get there. Do you have clarity in these four areas? 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Let’s grab our hard hats, lace up our boots, and put on our PPE because we’re about to do some construction on this week’s episode of the Rutledge Perspective. When I say construction, I’m not talking about buildings or homes, but more so the idea of building ourselves. Being under construction means breaking things down and breaking down barriers so you can move through and be in that space where you’re meant to be. Whether you are building a career or business, it's about strategy and people. It's about learning, growing, and confronting those things that are holding you back. Listen now for tips that will guide you through that construction zone right into greatness. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 We are all under construction. We're all in the process of being built. Even when you think you've made it, there's still something else to be worked on. There's still something else to be built. 🔑 If you are well prepared to be in the construction zone, you are even better prepared for the outcome of the work that goes into that construction zone. 🔑 We're not always ready for the messages that are meant for us and sometimes we are not looking for the message that is there for us, we're looking for the message we want to hear. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 I want you to think hard about the construction zone that is put around you. What is being broken down? What is being busted up so that it can be moved out of the way? What needs to be paved over and smoothed out so you can skate right over it and get to the next frontier? That place where you are shining, glowing, delivering messages, and using skills to build people up and make an impact. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Previously on the Rutledge Perspective Podcast, we talked about being nonnegotiable and how this is the year of truly being committed to our goals and our peace. While that’s true, and it’s very important to protect your peace, I don’t want you to become a pushover in the process. A part of protecting your peace is being nonnegotiable about how people treat you. It’s time to show up in our power and be nonnegotiable about what we want and what we mean without being ugly or nasty but in a way in which we will be heard. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Being non-negotiable about my peace means that I'm going to be non-negotiable, about how I let people treat me. 🔑 Words have power. You don't have to use nasty words because you mean what you say, and you’re willing to walk away. 🔑 Don't let your emotions make you think that you can't speak up for yourself! ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 This week, I want you to think about how you run your businesses, how you run your career, how you run your life. Are you being nonnegotiable? Are you showing up in all your power and as your authentic self? If not, it’s time to make some adjustments. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective  Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

We’ve reached 200 Episodes!!! Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to listen, share, comment, or leave a review on the podcast. There is no podcast without your contributions and I’m truly thankful for each one of you. For this special 200th episode, we’re going to be talking about rejection and how what we often deem as rejection is actually an opportunity for redirection. That rejection is not a rejection of you and your character or a demonstration of your worth, you’re actually being put in a position to get the thing that was really meant for you, which is probably better than the thing you thought you wanted. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 We can reject the things that are meant for us by wanting the things that are meant for everyone else. 🔑 The lesson that you've had through that hardship is actually giving you those battle scars that make you ready for the next thing. 🔑 Mindset is the foundation of everything we think we can do or think we cannot do. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Ask yourself four simple questions: Who are you? Where are you? What do you want and what is it going to take to get there? Having the answers to these four questions allows lots of movement for flexibility and adaptability to situations that will ultimately come your way. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Alright y’all, this is the year that we are going to be nonnegotiable! No more plan B’s. We have gotten to a point where our nest egg has turned into a safety net. Be clear, I’m not asking you to crash out or do anything crazy. I’m not even asking you to avoid thinking this thing through. However, I am asking you to be committed, and if you’re spending a significant amount of time crafting your backup plan then it’s time to reevaluate your level of commitment to the thing that you say you want. Let’s talk through how we can be nonnegotiable in the pursuit of our goals as leaders in 2024. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Just because the results didn't happen overnight doesn't mean they're not coming. 🔑 Being nonnegotiable means that you figure out a way to work it out when things get hard. 🔑 If you're not willing to be nonnegotiable, then is that really the thing you want? ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 One very important question this week: What are you going to be nonnegotiable about going into 2024? 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Happy New Year! It’s officially 2024 y’all, we made it. I’m here to tell you that if we set ourselves up properly, we will leave no space for this year to be anything less than incredible! This year, you have to make an assertive effort to sit in possibility and not toxic positivity. You have to truly believe that you have the skills and the aptitude and the drive and the energy to make things happen. Listen now to learn how you can set yourself up in a way that everything you do in 2024 is moving you towards a better year. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Just because you are redirected doesn't mean the ultimate goal is the wrong one. It may mean your way to get there is just a little bit different. 🔑 This is your year. 2024 is going to be incredible! 🔑 Say out loud what’s going to happen this year and it won’t be a lack of trying that causes it not to occur. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 As you go into 2024, I want you to answer these simple questions: What are the things that are indicative of how you're going to show up this year? What are you going to go ahead and do to ensure that you set this year on the right track? 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

This is your time if you choose it to be. It’s your time if you are willing to take the step to do something different and if you are willing to choose the things that are going to move you toward the thing you say you want as opposed to away from it. You must be able to challenge yourself to be uncomfortable, to get the thing you say you want. We are in the last few days of the year, and I know that 2023 was a hot mess for most of us but I'm claiming that 2024 is going to be different. This is undoubtedly your time, but it starts with a choice. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Every time you're choosing to do what is moving you closer to the thing you say you want; something will show up. 🔑 Your comfort and your conviction do not live on the same street. 🔑 Whether you're building a business or a career, it’s important to think about four key questions, who you are, where you are, what you want, and what it's going to take you to get there. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Sit with this: What are you doing? Why are you doing it? What are you willing to change to get the thing that you say you want? You can lie to a lot of people, but you can't lie to yourself if you're willing to be honest with yourself and ask those questions deeply, the information you're going to get will enable you to change your trajectory. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

It’s that time of year when we as business owners start looking over things and begin to worry about what’s coming next. Do I have enough clients? Am I going to be able to pay my bills? Am I going to be able to pay off my business debt and personal debt? All the things! It’s very easy to go into desperation mode and beat yourself up. Instead of making decisions out of desperation, leaders allow themselves to gather data, interpret the data, and translate the data into new actions toward their goals. Let’s talk about how you can move from being desperate to deliberate as you begin to do your year-end evaluation and start prepping for 2024. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Worry is hoping for things you don't really want. 🔑 Live in a world of deliberation. Be deliberate about your actions, your time, and the words you use, because what you put out comes back. 🔑 Desperation is debilitating. It excludes evidence and tells you that everything that you're thinking, seeing, and feeling is true. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Think about how you’re going to take these last few days of the year and move with deliberation, and expectation. You have to claim exactly everything that you desire and that you want over your family, life, business, and company. What are you calling in so that there is no room for the stuff that you want to push away? Make a list and then call in all of those things for yourself and others in 2024. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Let’s talk about desires. Specifically, the desires that we have for our business, career, and teams. We tend to convince ourselves that we don’t deserve the desires of our heart and as a result we negate them. I’m here to tell you that those desires in your heart were divinely given to you and you are not wrong. The key, however, is that you must be open to believing that you deserve that thing, as well as being open to however the fulfillment of that desire shows up. Let’s dig into that big vision that you have and how to make it a reality so that you can stand your purpose. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 If you break down the word desire, de means of or from, and sire means father. These desires that we have were given to us. They are within us. 🔑 By fulfilling that desire that is tied to your purpose, you are going to be able to make an impact on this world and fulfill your purpose by utilizing the gifts that are innately yours. 🔑 Building a brand requires that people know who you are, what you do, and what's important to you. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Ask yourself these questions: What are the desires of your heart? How can you get those really clear? How can you start doing the work and be ready for the amazing things to show up and start claiming them? 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Do people actually know your story? It’s important that your team members, clients, and/or colleagues know about the things you’ve gone through and how you’ve gotten to where you are. When share your story and allow other people to tell theirs, you're able to find those common connections that really are the basis for incredible work. The power of your story moves you not only towards your goals but towards the impact you're trying to make for yourself and for others. Let’s dive deeper and understand why your success is tied to how you talk about yourself and who you say you are. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 When we sit in our stories, it also allows us to own the expertise that we have. 🔑 People are willing to take more risks when there's more trust and there's more trust when people understand who you are. 🔑 Building a brand requires that people know who you are, what you do, and what's important to you. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Two questions this week: Who do you say that you are? How often do you tell people? 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

We’ve reached the end of the year, and this time can be challenging for many of us for various reasons. It's important for you to really think about how you’re going to reset. Also, in that resetting, what do you need to reframe? When you begin to reframe it, how are you then going to renew your energy, effort, mindset, and attitude to continue to move forward in your purpose? It’s a requirement that leaders reset their minds, reframe their stories, and renew their energy if they are to effectively lead others. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 Resetting is understanding and then making intentional changes that are related to the goals and objectives that you have set for yourself, for your people, for your organization, and for your business. 🔑 You must get renewed energy because change takes effort and change takes energy. 🔑 Keep doing what you're doing because there's a reason you're here. Continue to believe in your purpose. ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Enjoy your Thanksgiving break. Be safe! Enjoy the time to relax, rest, reset, reframe, and renew your spirit and energy. Renew your commitment to yourself and to others. 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation

Today, let’s talk about picking your battles. I’m here to tell you that you do not have to show up to every fight that you’re invited to. As Leaders, we must recognize that someone is always watching, and how we choose to engage says a lot about us. Our engagement speaks to our intrinsic character and the values that we stand by. This is also true in a corporate setting. How we engage in those difficult conversations as leaders around the performance of our colleagues and employees without being contentious is also important. Let’s dig into today’s topic and explore why It’s important that we understand how we as leaders are willing to engage. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 📝 🔑 You must protect your peace! 🔑 We get to choose how we want to engage. 🔑 Practice the pause. Ask yourself, is this how I want to show up to this argument? ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 📚 Think through these questions: 1.         How are you choosing to engage? 2.         Who are you choosing to engage with and when are you engaging with them? 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 🎧 𝓪𝓷𝓭 📹 𝓪𝓽 🔗 𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓲𝓸  Be sure to tune in each week for new episodes!  Learn more about the host here: https://laurelrutledge.com Let’s connect: Instagram: @laurel.k.rutledge Facebook: Laurel K Rutledge Linkedin: Laurel K. Rutledge MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Check out The Rutledge Perspective on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therutledgeperspective Thank you for listening!  Thank you so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.  Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!  Subscribe to the podcast.  If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.  Leave us a review. 
 Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on the platforms, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review.  #therutledgeperspective #hereforapurpose #leadershipfromtheheart #dopeblackpods #blackpodcastersassociation