Meet Luciano Ruscitto

We recently connected with Luciano Ruscitto and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Luciano, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
The path to overcoming imposter syndrome has been a transformative journey for me, particularly as a young sports owner in an industry where youthfulness can be misconstrued as inexperience. Despite not fully conquering imposter syndrome, I’ve approached its challenges head-on, by simply being honest with myself about my capabilities and limitations. This process mirrors the perpetual journey towards self-discovery, demanding self-awareness, continuous growth, and a willingness to be vulnerable.

Confronting imposter syndrome involves exploring the characteristics that define one’s personal identity. It’s about recognizing that self-doubt often stems from a distorted view of our own capabilities, leading to a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. Instead of succumbing to these feelings, I’ve learned to channel them into motivation, acknowledging my worth without diminishing my achievements.

The essence of my story lies in the ongoing commitment to self-discovery and personal growth. Overcoming imposter syndrome is not a one-time event but a continuous process of embracing challenges, learning from them, and using them as fuel for motivation. It’s about acknowledging the journey, appreciating progress, and developing a mindset that sees imposter syndrome not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for personal and professional development.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Certainly! Thank you for having me! My professional journey has been a dynamic and rewarding adventure. I recently transitioned from a six-year career as an intervention specialist to fully focus on building the Cleveland Crunch brand. This shift marked a significant and exciting chapter in my life.

What excites me the most is the opportunity to leverage soccer as a force for positive change. The Cleveland Crunch, beyond being a sports team, has evolved into a community-driven initiative. My commitment is to create a broader impact within the community, especially by serving the underserved and providing opportunities for youth and adults who may not have easy access to sports. The Crunch has become a platform for fostering growth, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Our on-field success, securing 30+ wins over the course of three seasons and a championship in 2021, adds a thrilling dimension to our story. This success, coupled with the nostalgia behind the Crunch brand, has not only created a vibrant community but also fueled our dedication to excellence. Soccer has opened countless doors of opportunity for me, and I am thrilled to continue making a positive impact through the beautiful game.

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?
Adaptability and resilience have played a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the sports industry. Embracing uncertainties as opportunities for growth and developing a mindset that views challenges as integral parts of the process, has provided me with valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. Drawing upon my background as an intervention specialist underscored the importance of empathy and effective communication for fostering robust community relationships. These skills have played a significant role in understanding the needs of diverse individuals and building strong connections within the community. Having a strategic vision for the Cleveland Crunch has also been fundamental. Thinking creatively about soccer’s role in driving positive change and community engagement has set the foundation for our initiatives.

For those embarking on their own journey, my advice is rooted in essential principles. Develop a growth mindset, recognizing challenges as opportunities for learning, cultivate a strong network, embrace continuous learning, and prioritize the refinement of soft skills such as communication and empathy. Actively seek diverse experiences to fuel personal and professional development and always operate according to your values, ensuring that authenticity is the compass that guides your decisions.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“The Game of Life and How to Play It” by Florence Scovel Shinn is one of my favorite books as it has been a cornerstone to my personal and professional development. Published in 1925, this book offers invaluable insights into the power of positive thinking, affirmations, and understanding spiritual laws. One crucial takeaway is the profound impact of thoughts and words on shaping our reality. Shinn emphasizes the transformative nature of positive affirmations and the importance of constructive language in influencing desired outcomes. The concept of the Law of Attraction introduced in the book has been instrumental in aligning my thoughts with positive outcomes, attracting corresponding experiences and underlining the significance of maintaining a positive mindset.

Shinn’s teachings on unwavering faith and belief in desired outcomes resonate deeply, highlighting the role of confidence in manifesting aspirations. The guidance on detachment from specific outcomes has been insightful, allowing for a greater sense of fulfillment by trusting in the divine plan and being open to unexpected opportunities. Additionally, the discussion on karma underscores the importance of cultivating positive actions and attitudes for attracting favorable circumstances. Engaging in acts of kindness, empathy, and goodwill, as suggested by Shinn, contributes positively to the karmic cycle, leading to the manifestation of beneficial circumstances. This book has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on personal growth, emphasizing the significance of forgiveness, gratitude, and visualization in creating a positive and fulfilling life.

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Image Credits
Erin Morris, GViper Photography

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