Creating a global movement around unhiding
Ruth Rathblott
TEDx & Keynote Speaker | Bestselling Author | Consultant
Hiding isn’t new.
For many, the past few years have intensified feelings of isolation and disconnection. But for those who have spent a lifetime hiding parts of themselves—whether visible or invisible—this has always been reality.
We navigate workplaces and relationships by masking our differences, downplaying our challenges, and finding ways to fit in. But what if we stopped hiding?
Unhiding is the key to connection, belonging, and unlocking potential.
Looking for strategies to create psychological safety, engagement, and real inclusion in your workplace? Want to foster authentic leadership and high-performing teams?
Ruth has the insights and framework to move you forward.
Ruth Rathblott, MSW is an award-winning CEO
who is committed to creating inclusion for all.
As a former CEO, Ruth brings a wealth of experience around topics crucial to organizational success, such as staff structure, strategic planning, community impact, fundraising, and financial management.
With a unique blend of executive leadership and program development expertise, Ruth shares her profound insights into embracing hidden differences and unlocking individual potential. Drawing from her personal and professional journey, she navigates the complexities of leading through crises, demonstrating that living without limits or labels is not only possible but empowering.
Ruth’s interactive presentations address the unspoken aspects of diversity, including invisible disabilities and the concept of “otherness.” She explores the universal human experience of coping with isolation, the innate need for connection, and the resilience to overcome life’s challenges. Through her authentic storytelling, she illuminates the transformative power of embracing one’s true self, inspiring us to recognize that our differences are, in fact, our greatest gifts.
Whether it’s a keynote, workshop, or fireside chat, Ruth’s presentations are not just another lecture of what you’re not doing. It’s an invitation to look at where you may be hiding in your life and opening the conversation for defining diversity differently.
After I speak, people have three reactions:
- Thank you for sharing your story in a way that felt personal, not prescriptive;
- I saw myself in your story. I didn’t realize how much I was hiding, too–and how it was holding me back from thriving and connecting; and
- How do I lead differently–how do I create a culture where people feel safe to unhide, ask for support, and bring their best ideas–without fear of judgment?
If you’re looking for someone to engage your attendees and have them feel seen and heard, while being informative and entertaining. I’d love to come speak at your organization.
Not sure what type of talk is best for your organization? Click the button below and let’s explore what fits best with your current needs.
FIRESIDE CHAT: Leaders Go First
(my most popular offer)
Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about authenticity, connection, and trust.
Join us for “Leaders Go First,” a transformative Fireside Chat series designed to help leaders embrace vulnerability, foster belonging, and create a culture where every employee feels seen, valued, and heard.
In these intimate, unscripted conversations, we explore:
Why leaders must go first in modeling openness and trust How hiding holds back engagement and innovation The power of active listening and recognition in building loyalty and retention
When leaders share their real stories, teams feel safer, more engaged, and more connected. And when employees feel valued, performance, retention, and customer relationships thrive.
Add-On Options: Unhiding Follow-Up Consulting for executive leaders (30 days post-session) + 3- or 6-month follow-up check-ins.
Ready to support your Executive team in a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free environment? Let’s talk.
KEYNOTES
Singlehandedly. How a disability showed me what we are all hiding.
Most of us believe that success comes from fitting in. We assume there’s a right way to show up in our workplaces, industries, and relationships. And if we don’t fit that mold, we cover it up, blend in, or overcompensate—hiding the very things that make us valuable.
For 25 years, I hid my left hand, convinced that if people knew, they’d judge or reject me. But I wasn’t alone—we are all hiding something.
Hiding isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a leadership and workplace challenge. Employees hide their differences, ideas, struggles, and perspectives every day, fearing they won’t be accepted. But when we unhide, we unlock engagement, creativity, and deeper human connection.
This keynote is about breaking free from the limits of hiding—and stepping into the power of being seen.
Learning Outcomes:
1) The Hidden Cost of Hiding – How concealing parts of ourselves fuels anxiety, imposter syndrome, and disengagement.
2) Identifying What We Hide – A guided reflection on what we’re holding back—and how it limits both personal and professional growth.
3) Creating a Culture of Openness & Belonging – How leaders can build psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their best ideas forward.
This is not just a keynote—it’s an invitation to unhide and create spaces where we all can thrive.
Unhide and Thrive: 4 Transformative Steps to Discovering Your Best Self
Hiding holds us back. Unhiding unlocks potential.
For too long, we’ve been taught that fitting in is the key to success. In reality, the pressure to hide—whether it’s our challenges, perspectives, or ideas—leads to disengagement, lost innovation, and burnout.
It’s time to rethink leadership and workplace culture. When people feel safe to be seen, heard, and valued, engagement rises, innovation thrives, and performance soars.
In this transformative keynote, Ruth Rathblott—TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and former nonprofit CEO—shares how leaders and teams can move from hiding to thriving by creating cultures of openness, trust, and belonging.
• The Hidden Cost of Hiding – How fear of judgment holds employees back and limits creativity.
• The 4 Steps to Unhiding – A simple, actionable framework for fostering engagement and innovation.
• Unhidden Leadership – How leaders can create workplaces where people bring their best ideas forward—without fear.
This is not just a keynote—it’s a movement.
When we stop hiding, we unlock human potential. Let’s create workplaces where people thrive.
Ready to start the collective journey of acceptance?
Ruth can deliver this talk in either a condensed 20-30 minute presentation format or a 45-60 minute presentation with Q&A format.
A few attendee insights:
• I joined this session thinking I had nothing to hide—turns out, I was wrong. This talk completely changed how I see myself and others.
• It really hit home. I expected a talk on leadership and disability, but it was so much more—it was personal, powerful, and deeply relevant to everyone.
• A must-hear talk that will benefit everyone, no matter where they come from or what they do. A true eye-opener!
• The session encouraged me to be brave enough to share myself at work.
• I realized I’m not the only one hiding. And for the first time, I feel ready to unhide.
• More than just a talk—this is a movement. Every company, no every leader, needs to hear this.
WORKSHOPS
Ruth’s workshops explore the profound shift from the antiquated model of leadership to a refreshing, forward-thinking approach.
In the old school model, leaders often shied away from vulnerability, maintained an emotional distance, and prioritized performance over people. This created a negative work culture where fear of mistakes and the pressure to overachieve prevailed, leaving employees feeling unsupported.
Our new leadership paradigm, in stark contrast, prioritizes psychological safety, embraces diverse perspectives, and provides tailored support to team members. Leaders are seen as loyal, fostering genuine connections and trust. We’re dedicated to reshaping workplace culture, allowing individuals to bring their authentic selves to work.
This transformation is a two-way street. Leaders must lead the way by unearthing their true selves and creating a safe space for diverse experiences and viewpoints. Employees, in turn, engage in this journey, collectively building a culture of trust and collaboration.
At the heart of our workshops lies the courage to have those tough conversations, yielding profound results. Hiding and overcompensating in leadership perpetuates a toxic environment – a cycle we aim to break.
The C.U.R.E. to Inclusion Workshop
Ready to have a conversation around Inclusion, but not sure where to start or what that looks like?
Ruth leads attendees in personal reflection and small group activities that encourages them to explore 4 dimensions of Inclusion.
Connection – how do we build attachment and display humanity?
Understanding – how do we create safe places for conversations about difference?
Representation – how do we ensure that everyone has a seat at the table?
Empathy – are we fostering a workplace with allies and ambassadors?
And how does all of this relate to our human need for belonging?
This workshop addresses these questions … and more!
Inclusion as Part of Talent Life Cycle: The 3 Rs
A 90-minute workshop for HR and People Leaders
Inclusion isn’t just a hiring initiative—it’s embedded in every stage of the employee experience. This interactive workshop is designed for HR, DEI, and People Leaders looking to go beyond surface-level diversity and build workplaces where employees feel seen, valued, and supported at every stage of their journey.
What We’ll Cover:
- Recruit: Rethink hiring practices to attract diverse talent who feel safe to show up authentically.
- Retain: Create a workplace culture where employees thrive, engage, and bring their best ideas forward.
- Reimagine (Beyond Release): Support transitions—whether internal mobility or exits—with dignity, connection, and care.
Why ERGs Matter – Learn how Employee Resource Communities (ERCs) can be leveraged beyond events to drive real cultural change and belonging at every stage.
This isn’t just another DEI session. It’s an actionable roadmap to help HR leaders create workplaces where employees don’t feel the need to hide—so they can contribute, innovate, and stay.
Ready to lead the next evolution of workplace culture? Let’s get started.
RETREAT – COMING SOON!
Unhide and Thrive!
Half-day and weekend retreats coming soon!
Join us at the “Unhide and Thrive” Executive retreat, where we invite members of your leadership team to break free from self-imposed barriers and reconnect with their authentic selves. Delve into the core of what’s holding you back and embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
Through guided journaling, meditation, and collaborative group activities, you’ll uncover the keys to unlocking your true potential while fostering a sense of belonging within your team. In a world where 36% of individuals feel disconnected in the workplace, this retreat is essential for building a resilient and supportive community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to reignite your personal and professional growth.
THE UNHIDING BOOK CLUB
More than a book club—it’s a catalyst for transformation.
Reading Unhide & Seek or Singlehandedly is just the beginning. The real impact happens in the conversations that follow. Bring this experience to your team and speak meaningful dialogue about connection, belonging, and leadership.
How it Works:
- 60-minute facilitated discussion (virtual)
- Custom discussion guide to explore key takeaways
- Optional Q&A with Ruth for a behind-the-scenes look at the journey to unhiding and writing
Perfect for:
- Leadership Teams & ERGs
- Employee Development Programs
- DEI & Culture Initiatives
Bonus: Ask about incorporating a fireside chat or keynote alongside your book club for a multi-layered engagement experience.
PAST SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDE:
Barclays
The Lincoln Center
Bloomberg
Your organization has made some great strides when it comes to DEI. But there are some common oversights that many companies make around inclusion. Is your organization making any of these 5 mistakes?
Grab your free report on the 5 Mistakes Companies Make Around Inclusion and learn the quick action steps you can take to make your organization more inclusive today.
