“Another Ruettimann video?”

Yeah, man, another video. I want to relaunch my Punk Rock HR speaking career without calling myself Punk Rock HR. Your interaction (or lack thereof) helps me to understand what works, what doesn’t, and how my fans consume media.

It’s also practice. Over the past three years, I’ve worked on consulting projects and started a tech company. I did all of this, in part, because I wanted nobody to see me. In the video, I talk a little about my fears.

I can’t change the world from behind the laptop in Raleigh, NC. I’m ready to reboot my career and help people think about work. And I can’t do it without showing you how the sausage is made.

So, uh, thanks for enjoying my tubular meat, baby. 

These dumb videos are part of a broader strategy to make a difference in the world. Practicing, communicating, trying to keep my head still and my eye forward. Thank you so much for watching and providing feedback, love and support.

The world of work sucks, and we can fix it. We’ll do it one conversation at a time.

17 Comments

  1. Good luck with this change of approach. Wait, that sounded like sarcasm. It wasn’t. My understanding is that the internet is unkind to its public figures and females are a particularly victimized group.

    So, best wishes with this brave new approach. The path you tread today may make it easier for the rest of us to follow tomorrow.

  2. I love that you’re sharing this Laurie – thank you!
    I’m also looking forward to hearing more from you – you add so much value to the conversation about how we make work better for everyone!

  3. Having dealt with anxiety attacks since my late 20’s, which started after a very minor fender bender but have roots deep in my childhood, I’ve learned how to work my way through them so that they are rarely noticed by anyone else. That doesn’t make them less real, but it does make them more manageable, both professionally and personally. Don’t laugh, but a little chocolate before major speaking engagements really helps — not a pound of M&Ms or you’ll barf but rather a few squares of great chocolate. Something else that helps is to be VERY prepared, and I do that by talking my way through what I want to say, in my head, while swimming laps. You can do this.

  4. Laurie, it took considerable thought and courage to do this. It was magical and the benefits to those similarly situated will extend far beyond your reboot. Thanks for stepping up and leading by example, both professionally and personally.

  5. Fellow GAD-haver here. I don’t know much about the speaking circuit, but I think a podcast would be awesome. I love podcasts and listen to many different kinds (from Ghost in the Burbs to Note to Self). I like them better than videos because I can listen and brush my cat or clean my house at the same time that way. I especially love the shorter-in-length but big-on-impact types. It’s like getting a call from a friend for a quick pep talk. I think you would be amazing at it. <3

  6. Have always appreciated your perspective. You’ve got the talent and the expertise, the rest comes with practice. As you did with PRHR you can do with this. Just deliver the content and refine as you go. Most importantly, don’t be anything but you. I realize we don’t know each other personally, but I’ve taken value from your content in the past, so if there’s ever any assistance I can offer (based on a 15+ year on-air broadcasting career and talent coaching) please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll happily offer any encouragement and advice I can. Keep it up!!

  7. I have learned from you Laurie. Thanks for being you, honest, human, empathetic, wise and brave. We need your voice so keep it coming in video or print!

  8. I am glad I watched your video today. I am also rebooting my career after leaving a corporate VP job of 9 years. I, too, want to make people’s work lives better and help managers work lives better. So I will be on this journey with you and you have my full support on the reboot and whatever else you need. If you are ever in Southern California, let me know!

  9. Sending lots of positive vibes your way. Its not easy being honest and authentic. Can’t wait to see more of you in the future!

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