Say It Skillfully® – Mike Rutstein, Strikes with Finesse & Force

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 140, Molly is joined by Mike Rutstein, who shares his story, from an uncertain childhood to becoming an extraordinary creative writer and communicator; he ascended the corporate ladder to thrive in the world of advertising and helped to build some of the most famous and successful healthcare brands in the world. When Mike was 5, his parents divorced. He recalls feeling lost in a household full of uncertainty. He shares how he’d escape into his imagination, his love for commercials, and how his father was his greatest inspiration. Sports was also a guiding light for him. After graduating in a recession, Mike talks about his early career and (brutal) job hunt. Don’t miss a hilarious story of how lying about knowing how to type to get a job ended with him gaining a great mentor! Also, hear about a “make or break” moment when his mentor threw him—last minute—into the limelight of a big presentation (it ends well…). Mike sheds light on how he thrived in big companies and talks about adversity faced during his career, including getting into political firefights for taking strong positions on what he believed was best for the company. No longer willing to “play the game,” he opens up about how building his own business was at times extremely difficult. Mike shares his gratitude for an amazing business partner and lessons learned over the years, including the difference between hearing something and listening, and how supporting each other is key to break past mediocrity. As one who seized opportunity and never looked back, Mike inspires all to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be safe, seen and heard, and our true and best selves. Molly’s thought for the week (thank you Mike!): The greatest meeting room in the world is around the dinner table. More about Mike and Strikeforce Communications: http://www.strikeforcenyc.com And Molly’s #sayitskillfully resources for you at https://sayitskillfully.com How you, as a leader, react to a dissenting perspective speaks volumes about your culture. https://bit.ly/2uHaD0B