Today's guest, Cari Rutkoskie, is an incredible leader and has helped organizations, mid-sized companies, small businesses and nonprofits communicate clearly and tell compelling stories to shape cultures, attract talent, drive engagement, strengthen brands and clarify their vision, mission, goals, and strategy. Cari has over 25 years of brand and communication experience with special expertise in executive and organizational communications and employer branding. Her successes include creating a communications function for several companies and propelling a leading medical technology company from number 80 to number 11, on Fortune's 100 best "Companies to Work For" list and number 10, on Fortune's "World's Best Company to Work For" list. Listen to this interview with host Natalie Benamou and Cari Rutkoskie as they discuss her career transformation and "When Words Matter". Be Open To New Opportunities:>> Ask yourself, how can I serve, how can I help others get to where they want to go? >> What is the best way to apply what I've learned? >> Find ways to shift your mindset.  Best Practices When Someone Leaves: >> Be gracious and show kindness and care. >> Treat people with dignity and respect. >> Do not burn bridges. >> Help employees exit into their next role. Great Communication Includes Listening and Asking the Right Questions: >> Tell me what is going on how you decided that you wanted to take this approach. >> Rephrase what you heard in your own words to show you understood. "I actually like to lead with my strength around asking questions and showing up and listening. I've learned a lot about how to ask good questions, to get people to process and help them figure out what their message is." -Cari Rutkoskie Thank you Cari Rutkoskie for being on the show! Connect with Cari Rutkoskie on LinkedIn and Words Matter Consulting LLC Natalie Benamou is the Founder of HerCsuite™, transforming the way organizations retain and advance women in every career phase.  HerCsuite™ Solutions include: All-In-One Platform and app- Corporate Portal for Employee Resource Groups and Women's Organizations, Networking, Programs, Mastermind Advisory Circles and Group Mentoring with Coaches. Visit HerCsuite™ and schedule a demo to see how companies like Coupa and Terumo BCT use the platform for their ERGs and Mentoring Women. Have a question? Reach out to Natalie at HerCsuite™ or send a text to 224-209-6424. LinkedIn: Natalie Benamou | HerCsuite™ | HerPower2 Lead This podcast is sponsored by Aaptiv, our favorite health and wellness app with over 3,000 videos. Listeners can get your free 30-day trial here. Credits: Thanks to Julie Deem and the Business Podcast Editor for editing our podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hercsuite/message