Meet Stacey Ruth | CEO, Unstoppable Leader & Inside Out Marketing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacey Ruth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacey, how do you think about risk?
Most people crave comfort, safety and certainty – especially right now. Entrepreneurs and leaders of all types need to lean into the risks that come with blazing new trails. No one has ever innovated in the herd or by playing it safe. I think people like myself, who are drawn to entrepreneurial ventures are wired to take bigger risks. Don’t misunderstand me – each risk is carefully considered, but at the end of the day, I realize that even the most rational choices can be impacted by the unexpected.

So I lean into my intuition (one of my passion topics) and follow my inner guidance first, then build a plan to achieve it second. That’s how I started my first agency, by literally coming down off a mountain knowing it was time to start my first agency. I quit my job, and in 60 days, I had launched what became a multimillion-dollar agency. I had no idea how to build it or grow it. But I knew it was what I needed to do, and I took the leap, trusting I could do just that next right thing.

Risk-takers know things can go wrong, but we learn we can adapt, change and grow, through a flexible and dynamic resiliency. That’s what kept me going, and why I am doing the work I am doing coaching other leaders to build their track record and resiliency through taking those risks, and knowing whatever happens, they can stay unstoppable.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the founder of 2 multimillion-dollar agencies, an acclaimed marketer, entrepreneur, coach, minister and award-winning author.

I have been among the Top 50 Entrepreneurs Under 50 in Atlanta, and twice awarded Top 100 “It” Agencies by Experiential Marketer – all before the age of 40.

As a novice entrepreneur, I made nearly every business mistake possible – and still managed to thrive. I’ve learned a repeatable process you can use to avoid those mistakes, and succeed at even greater levels than I have.

Today I coach powerful leaders who want to grow the impact and influence they have worked so hard to attain.

Whatever leadership challenge you are faced with right now, I’ve been in your shoes before. I’ve had 2 failed marriages, struggled with imposter syndrome, overwhelm, exhaustion, and disillusionment.

It wasn’t until I went through a process of deep self-discovery that I cracked the code for my own personal and business transformation.

Obviously, I was very proud of my achievements, but visible success was taking a major invisible toll on my body physically and mentally wearing me down.

I realized that I had lost my enthusiasm for the work that I was doing as my health was suffering. I reached the point where I knew I wanted to be doing something else – but I was so wrapped up in my work that I didn’t know how to untangle myself without hanging myself.

I knew something had to change, so I started taking major action. I asked my business partner to buy me out, and set up shop as an author and speaker.

I did become a professional speaker, and I published my first book…but it wasn’t enough. People still begged me to help them with their marketing and branding…and coach them in their business as well. It dawned on me then how critically important spiritual principles are in a successful business – values, purpose, mission, vision…they’re badass when you really use them.

That was my aha moment.

I got my coaching certification – and began teaching (and coaching) business transformation. Wow. What satisfying work!

Fast forward 3 years, and I’ve helped hundreds of people rewrite their story, conquer imposter syndrome, and rise to their next level.

When I’m not helping my clients grow their own influence and impact with power and confidence, you’ll find me on my local hiking trails, with a strong cup of coffee, or planning my next adventure travel.

Regardless, my mission is to help you create a vision for the impact that you want to create so that you can attract new clients, live your purpose, and step into your natural boldness.

I believe that when you claim your seat at the table, you need to save a seat for the next person as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I didn’t choose Atlanta. Atlanta chose me, and I have lived here for 32 years in various neighborhoods, from the Highlands to Avondale Estates, and from Peachtree Corners to Sandy Springs. By far my favorite spot is here in Roswell, where we can hike beautiful trails for hours. We live right by the Chattahoochee River and the ability to be out in nature as well as stroll to a local coffee shop or family-owned restaurant has an unbeatable neighborhood vibe. We love the Alive at Five in downtown Roswell, the concerts at Riverside Park with the food trucks in the summer, and if you haven’t tried the Fickle Pickle in Roswell, now might be the right time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have drawn an enormous amount of inspiration from the work of Brené Brown, not just on leadership, but exploring the concepts of vulnerability, our heart space, and being imperfect. These ideas gave me the vision and strength to break away from the work I had done for nearly 30 years, and follow my inner compass in order to help others too.

Website: https://www.unstoppable-leader.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyruth_says/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyruth/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StaceyRuthSays

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theunstoppableleader

Image Credits
Mo Lima Photography