We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erik Rueter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erik below.
Erik, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
From Hot Mess to Hot Shot: My Journey with Mental Health
I had my first panic attack as a high school freshman when I realized I had completely blown a project deadline. I called my friend in a full-on meltdown, convinced that messing up meant I was a failure, unworthy of love or success. Looking back, the reaction was extreme—but in that moment, cortisol had hijacked my brain, and I had no tools to fight back.
Anxiety became a familiar companion, showing up before tests, derailing my days, and convincing me that every mistake would lead to disaster. My teachers thought I was faking sick. I wasn’t—I just hadn’t learned yet how to fight the all-or-nothing thinking running the show.
That mindset followed me into adulthood. Even in my 20s, I still had panic attacks. But that’s when I decided to do something about it. I got a therapist, worked with a psychiatrist, and started learning strategies to take control of my own thoughts. One of the biggest turning points? Realizing that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s a power move.
Fast forward to a few years ago: both my husband’s car and mine died on the same day. The old me would have spiraled, convinced this was the beginning of financial ruin. Instead, I used box breathing to calm my nervous system, then exaggerated the situation to the point of absurdity—what if two dead car batteries somehow triggered the apocalypse? I laughed at my own inner saboteur, took a breath, and handled it. (Spoiler: We just needed two new batteries. No financial ruin. No apocalypse.)
I still have bad days. I still have to fight against my own worst instincts. But I succeed more often than not—and that’s a major win.
So if you’re struggling, hear this: It’s possible to go from hot mess to hot shot if you have the right tools, ask for help, and surround yourself with supportive people.
You don’t have to do it alone. And it doesn’t have to be this hard forever.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m creating a framework for executive design using the principles of human-centered design to help project and PMO leaders make business-savvy yet empathetic decisions. My approach combines research, deep listening, concise problem framing, co-creation, executive presence and strategy, and iteration—ensuring that leadership decisions are both strategic and people-centered. This philosophy also drives my work as a leadership coach, where I help clients recognize both their self-defeating behaviors and their underutilized talents. I truly believe that everyone is a genius in their own way—they just need the right tools and environment to unlock their full potential.
What excites me most about this work is proving that profitability and empathy don’t have to be at odds. It is possible to be both caring and successful, but it requires intentionality, creativity, and a willingness to listen. I saw this firsthand when I helped build a Project Management Office at the American Marketing Association. We initially designed a process based on employee surveys, only to face resistance when we rolled it out. Instead of forcing the system through, we admitted our misstep and then held a design sprint with key stakeholders to co-create a structure that truly worked. The result? Higher productivity, a better reputation for our department, and, most importantly, employees who felt seen, heard, and valued.
This experience shaped how I approach my work today—deep listening and co-creation aren’t just leadership buzzwords; they’re powerful tools for real change.
Right now, I’m in the process of formalizing my executive design framework and will be sharing more about it in the coming months. I’ll also be hosting free workshops in the future and just released the Build Your Leadership Influence Prototype guide, so stay tuned! If you’re interested in following my work, getting a copy of the leadership prototype guide, or attending an upcoming session, connect with me on LinkedIn.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey: curiosity, resilience, and making connections.
Curiosity has been the driving force behind my growth. Being curious about my industry, my role, my own values, and the people around me has kept me engaged and always learning. If you’re looking to build curiosity, start by asking yourself why you like what you like. Then, keep asking why until you get to the root of it. Once you understand that, you can branch out and explore similar areas—before you know it, you’ll be naturally curious about more things.
Resilience has been another key factor—but not in the “never quit” way that people often think of it. I’ve learned that it’s important to recognize when you’re quitting something because it’s hard versus when you’re quitting because it’s not a good fit. I used to stay in jobs way past when I should have left, thinking that quitting would mean I’d failed. What I’ve come to realize is that trying something and learning from it is incredibly valuable, even if you decide it’s not for you. If you’re struggling with this, ask yourself: Am I staying because I’m growing and learning, or because I feel like I have something to prove? If it’s the latter, dig into that with the five whys—you might be surprised at what you uncover.
Making connections has also been essential. One conversation at a conference—just being open and sharing my ideas—led to an invitation to speak at the San Antonio Spurs organization. That moment set off a ripple effect that helped me realize I could build my own business around workshop facilitation. If you’re unsure where to start with networking, begin on LinkedIn. Find people with similar interests, connect, and reach out for a conversation. Once you get comfortable with that, start attending in-person events and set a goal of meeting just one person you want to keep in touch with.
At the end of the day, curiosity is the thread that ties everything together. It helps you build resilience by reflecting on why things work (or don’t) and how you respond to challenges. It also fuels your ability to grow and expand your network in meaningful ways.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is a Director or Vice President of Project Management or the PMO in the tech or MedTech industry—a leader responsible for managing up, down, and sideways while navigating competing priorities, leadership team dynamics, and tight resources.
They are naturally curious and open to new ways of working—especially those that promote productivity, impact, and team engagement. They want to be strong, respected leaders who drive results while ensuring the well-being of their teams. They are visual learners and thinkers who crave transformation, not just incremental improvement and leadership theory.
Typically, they are either stepping into a new leadership role or feeling stuck in their current one, recognizing that they need fresh strategies to break through. They are willing and able to invest in an elite coaching program because they see leadership growth as an essential part of their success.
Beyond their role and challenges, my ideal clients share a distinct mindset—they are compassionate, curious, intelligent, and driven. They care deeply about results but reject the idea that success has to come at the cost of burnout. They embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and never want to hear the phrase, “But that’s how we’ve always done it.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.humancenteredsuccess.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikrueter/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
