Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ruth Wooderson's Journey

02:53 Breaking Barriers for Women in Leadership

06:10 The Loneliness of Leadership

08:45 Authenticity in Leadership

11:49 Building Trust and Team Dynamics

15:09 Navigating Post-COVID Work Environments

23:12 The Purpose of Office Return

27:01 Trust and Flexibility in the Workplace

29:37 Personal Growth and Authenticity

35:20 The Human Side of Leadership

38:57 AI: A Tool, Not a Solution

42:12 Love Letters: A Unique Leadership Approach

Summary

In this conversation, Ruth Wooderson shares her remarkable journey from a part-time employee to the Chief Information Officer at Santander. She discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and the loneliness that often accompanies leadership positions. Ruth emphasizes the need for trust and open communication within teams, and she reflects on the changes in work dynamics post-COVID, advocating for a balance between flexibility and accountability in the workplace. In this conversation, Ruth discusses the evolving nature of work, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the office and the need for trust and flexibility in workplace policies. She reflects on her personal growth journey, advocating for authenticity in leadership and the significance of embracing one's true self. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in leadership, highlighting it as a tool rather than a solution, and concludes with Ruth's unique approach to communication through 'love letters' to her team, fostering engagement and connection.

Keywords

leadership, women in tech, authenticity, career journey, trust, team dynamics, post-COVID work, barriers for women, resilience, career progression, office return, workplace flexibility, leadership, personal growth, AI in leadership, employee engagement, human connection, authenticity, trust in teams, communication