Finding Strength and Clarity Through Grief
When I decided to sign up for Ruthie’s freebie, I was a freebie whore. I had signed up for every free course that you can possibly imagine for years, but no one, no matter how good they were or whether I could afford the course and coaching or not, had spoken to me in the way that Ruthie had. As a seasoned marketer who had been out of the game for a year, I needed a fresh perspective on strategies and trends. What I didn’t know at the time was how pivotal this free course—and Ruthie herself—would become in my life, not just professionally but personally.
During Ruthie’s freebie course, my father passed away. The loss was sudden, profound, and earth-shattering. It wasn’t just grief that took over—it was an unraveling of everything I thought I could balance. I was emotionally drained, barely holding it together, and questioning whether I could continue with the course or any of my business plans.
But Ruthie was there…
She didn’t just offer words of comfort; she showed up for me in the most tangible ways. Late-night phone calls, long messenger chats, and moments where she simply held space for me to process. She stayed with me through some of the darkest nights, helping me navigate the overwhelming grief while still believing in my ability to heal and move forward. Her presence was a lifeline, and it’s something I will never forget.
What made this experience even more profound was the community Ruthie had built within her group, The Leadership Uplevel (TLU). The women in this space—strangers at first—quickly became a support system. They offered kindness, understanding, and encouragement that helped me feel less alone in my grief. Their support during the freebie course, combined with how Ruthie held space for me during that time, inspired me to commit to Ruthie’s six-month program, The Leadership Uplevel (TLU). For the first time in my 16+ years of running my own business, I finally decided to invest in myself, and over time, these women became close friends, reminding me of the power of collective healing.
A Safe Space for Everyone
One of Ruthie’s greatest gifts is her ability to create a space where everyone feels welcome, no matter their beliefs, background, or status. There’s no judgment in her groups—only support, growth, and a shared commitment to becoming the best versions of ourselves. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to find a space where you can show up as you are, raw and unfiltered, and still be met with compassion and acceptance.
Rediscovering My Voice and Pivoting My Business
There was always something missing in my pivot within my business—an elusive puzzle piece I couldn’t quite identify. Ruthie helped me stop and take one step at a time, focusing on my foundation instead of getting lost in the details. Intuitively, I knew there was something incomplete in the new design, but I was stuck in freeze mode. You know that fight, flight, or freeze response? I was frozen—caught in this ether space of nothingness, unable to move forward even as everyone around me seemed to be making progress. I couldn’t figure out what exactly was missing, but I felt it in my gut.
Ruthie’s guidance and support helped me thaw that frozen state. She encouraged me to keep moving, step by step, until I finally reached a breakthrough. At some point, the pieces clicked, and I was able to move forward with courses I created that completely aligned with who I am and what I want to offer the world. These courses didn’t just feel good—they felt amazing, like they were meant to be.
A huge part of this success was thanks to Corinne, one of the incredible women from the group. She became my first collaborator, testing out my theories and offering invaluable feedback as I built out the course. Through this process, Corinne also became a good friend and a trusted sounding board, supporting me every step of the way as I refined my strategy and prepared to launch. Together, we created something that felt authentic and powerful, and I’ll forever be grateful for her role in my journey.
As the weeks went on, I began to realize that my grief was more than just personal; it was deeply intertwined with my professional identity. I had been running a marketing agency for years, but something about the work no longer felt aligned. I was contemplating a massive pivot—shifting from traditional agency work to a more holistic, heart-centered approach that reflected my evolving values and new way of life.
Ruthie was instrumental in this transformation. She helped me see the value in social marketing strategies that had shifted during my time away from the industry. She guided me in creating new leads and building awareness while staying true to my authentic self. But more than that, she helped me find clarity about the direction I wanted to take my business. Her insights, encouragement, and no-nonsense guidance gave me the confidence to embrace this pivot fully.
The Power of Community
One of the unexpected joys of TLU was the incredible community of women Ruthie brought together. Each person in the group offered something unique, and many of us ended up collaborating in ways that enriched our businesses and lives. It was a reminder that we’re not meant to do this work alone—there is so much power in connection and shared wisdom.
Lessons Beyond Business
During the six-month coaching program, I disappeared from the group for about a week. What no one knew was that I had fallen into a deep suicidal depression. It was the first time I had shared such thoughts so openly and publicly, and I was scared as shit. But I knew I had to speak up. I woke up one day and called Ruthie immediately because I needed to tell someone—I needed someone to know.
Her response, and the support I received from the group after sharing, was nothing short of astounding. Ruthie and the women in the group met me with compassion, kindness, and a space to simply exist as I was, without judgment. That moment of vulnerability became a turning point, not just for my mental health but for my belief in the pow
er of sharing my truth. It taught me that even in the darkest moments, there’s strength in letting others in.
For me, the past six months in TLU were about much more than business growth. They were about navigating deep grief, rediscovering my voice, and finding the courage to share my story with the world. There were moments when I felt out of place, especially when others were focused on big business wins while I was simply trying to make it through the day. But Ruthie reminded me that my journey was just as valid. She helped me see that speaking my truth—even in the midst of pain—was a powerful step toward healing and growth.
Ruthie also held me accountable in ways I desperately needed. She helped me identify financial leaks, tighten my operations, and course-correct areas of my business that had been neglected. Her tough love, paired with her unwavering support, gave me the tools and confidence to take control of my business and my life.
Moving Forward Unapologetically AF
Today, I feel stronger, more aligned, and more confident than I have in years. Ruthie’s coaching didn’t just help me pivot my business—it helped me pivot my life. I’ve embraced a new way of working and living that feels authentic to who I am and the impact I want to make. And I’m ready to share my story unapologetically AF, knowing that my experiences—the grief, the growth, the pivots—can inspire and empower others.
To Ruthie, THANK YOU. For your kindness, your guidance, and your belief in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. You’ve changed my life, and I’m forever grateful.