stephanie ruhle
About Stephanie Ruhle
Stephanie Ruhle is an award-winning journalist, news anchor, and business analyst for MSNBC and NBC News. Before becoming a journalist, Stephanie worked on Wall Street, holding leadership positions at Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse, where she was the highest-producing credit derivative salesperson in the U.S. Now, Stephanie covers news stories with some of the most influential leaders in politics, sports, entertainment, and business. Through her daytime morning program on MS Now, Stephanie makes complex business and economic issues accessible to the public.
My Reflection
Stephanie challenges the status quo, and she encouraged me to challenge my own mission. When asked what "Made by Her" means to her, her response was: "nothing”. This differing perspective challenged me not to question my mission, but to be confident in what I have created not as a woman, but as a young, motivated individual. Stephanie says she cares about what’s “made by YOU.” I think it’s important for each young woman to remember this. It’s not your success being applaudable because you're a woman; it’s because of your hard work, resilience, perseverance, and spirit.
Before speaking with Stephanie, I never considered the trait “kindness” in the context of the corporate world. Often when I think of “climbing the corporate ladder” and competing for the best job, I think about how I need to be tough, competitive, and individually focused. Not to say these things aren’t necessary, but what if we were kind too? How much more unique and successful will we be if we are kind, loving, and supportive of one another? Stephanie challenges us to be exceptional: be a kind leader.
As I continue exploring journalism, entrepreneurship, and discovering my future home for the next four years, this conversation will remind me that I need to put 100% effort into what I am doing in that moment in order to unlock the next step. I need to be kind. And I need to be proud of who I am. Stephanie Ruhle reminds us that we can’t wait for someone else to help us reach success– we have the power to do it ourselves. Made by You.
Three Lessons
You can’t wait for a mentor or someone to hold your hand; you have the power to accomplish what you dream of, so chase your dreams.
Success isn’t measured by financial success; it’s measured by who you are as a person.
In the end, people care about what you’ve made, because you are enough.
The Need She Saw
Stephanie has recognized a gap in how women are represented, not based on numbers, but on how they’re defined by gender rather than what they have built, contributed, and accomplished. This circles back to the idea that although it may be Made by Her ultimately, people care about what’s Made by You, so always be proud of the work, character, and impact that you have created, unique to you.
