From Temp to CEO: Reflections on 18 Years of Growth and Purposeful Leadership

Reflections on the Journey: Insights on Purpose-Driven Leadership and Building a Strong Team

I cannot believe I’ve been with the same company for 18 years — a lifetime! What an adventure this has been!

Eighteen years ago, I walked through the doors of AnywhereWorks as a temp-to-hire employee, not knowing where this path would lead. Today, as CEO, I reflect on a journey rich with growth, change, and invaluable lessons.

Nearly two decades of building teams, embracing change, and learning from every setback have taught me a few things about leadership, growth, and what it means to work with purpose.

Here’s what I’ve learned — and why I’m more excited about our future than ever:

1. Ambition drives us, but collaboration takes us further.
2. Be a team player. Everyone has a role to play, and when we work together, we achieve more.
3. Speak up and act with integrity. Your voice and values matter — always do the right thing.
4. Treat people well. How you treat others defines you more than any title and leaves a lasting impression.
5. Do more than what is expected. Going the extra mile creates lasting impact.
6. Stay curious. Curiosity fuels innovation, learning, and growth.
7. Be a helper. Small acts of kindness build a stronger, more cohesive team. All of us have something to give.
8. Commit to good habits. Consistent actions over time compound and shape our success.
9. Learn something new every day. The world is changing rapidly; survival and growth and come from constantly seeking knowledge and challenging what you think you already know.
10. Leadership is a privilege. Lead by example and with empathy — care about your people!
11. Not everyone will see your vision — and that’s okay. True innovation often lies in what others don’t yet see.
12. Play the long game. Patience and persistence pay off in the end.
13. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Hire to complement and strengthen your team. No one excels at everything.
14. Make work fun. A positive environment inspires creativity and collaboration.
15. The right people make all the difference.
16. Meaningful work makes all the difference. When what we do matters, it’s more fulfilling.
17. Be accountable. When you mess up, and you will — take responsibility and work to make it right.
18. Mentors and advocates are invaluable. They open doors and help you grow beyond your limits.

I’m incredibly grateful for ALL of the experiences, the challenges, and the amazing team I get to work with every day. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and trying to leave people and places better than I find them.

🌸 A bit more about me:

I’m Natalie Ruiz, CEO of AnswerConnect, and I often say that my path to success has been unconventional. My journey has fueled my drive to continually challenge assumptions about what work, success, and balance in life really look like. Along the way, I’ve been honored to receive awards such as Female Executive of the Year and Women Helping Women from the Stevie Award Association, one of the 100 Women to Know in America, as well as being named a Woman of Influence by the Portland Business Journal.

Outside of my day job, I’m passionate about giving back. I volunteer, speak on international stages, share my insights through podcasts and publications, and always aim to leave people and places better than I find them.

Connect with me here: on Medium, on LinkedIn, and Instagram

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