We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Ruth Nemzoff. Check out our conversation below.
Ruth, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day begins with a cup of coffee and half a cup of granola. I then either go for a bike ride or do aerobics in the pool.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have had 7 careers and 4 children. I have been a teacher, guidance counselor, administrator of programs for person with challenges, assistant minority leader of the NH Legislature, NH Deputy commissioner of Health and Welfare, fundraiser, Professor and Author. I used this experience to write 2 books (Don’t Bite Your Tongue: How to Foster Rewarding Relationships with Your Adult Children , Don’t Roll Your Eyes: Making In-Laws Into Family) and am currently writing a 3rd on Grandparenting.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
In each job I was fortunate to find a person who was willing to teach and mentor me. I had mentors of many different races and ages 9some older than me some younger). They were generous in helping me understand the organization, giving me tips on how I could improve and reinforced my best actions.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The same week that I was elected to the legislature, I discovered that i was pregnant with my 3rd child and I was accepted to Harvard for my doctorate. I did not have the option to postpone any of these items. So, I proceeded to do all three. I was superwoman with a very tattered cape. During this year I had many times when I almost gave up but I persevered, became a powerful person on my legislative committee, worked toward my degree and had a beautiful baby girl.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
My experience in the legislature taught me that you can work with many different people even those whose views are opposed to yours. In fact a person can be an ally on one issue and and opponent on another. I believe the assumption that someone else can tell you what you must believe in order to count them ally cuts one off from growing and learning. Believing that your allies must think like you on all issues is wrong. Working together on one issue can create a relationship in which you can educate each other on other issues.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People will think I did more than I did. People are often impressed when they hear I was a legislator as if I had great influence over public policy. I sponsored the legislation to open adoption records. I suggested pro-rated benefits for part time workers (We’re still working on that). I started the national women legislators lobby. This group of state legislators still exists and lobbies the national congress. In reality, I moved the needle a little and I am proud of that but no one has the ability to save the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
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- Linkedin: [email protected]
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