What happens when a thriving corporate career collides with a mother's love?
In this powerful episode of Awake In the Network, where destiny happens, we sit down with Sally Rucking—a woman who traded first-class airline travel for a front-row seat to changing lives.
After 17 years soaring through the corporate skies with a major airline, Sally made a decision that would transform not only her life but also thousands of others'. When her daughter's severe allergic asthma led to 40 hospitalizations, Sally discovered something more valuable than any boardroom success: purpose.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How a chance encounter on an airplane redirected an entire career path
- The moment Sally realized grassroots storytelling could move mountains (and money)
- Why "imposter syndrome" didn't stop her from becoming a nonprofit powerhouse
- The secret to building a legacy that outlasts any paycheck
- How to connect your passions to create opportunities that matter
From volunteering with the American Lung Association to leading as VP of Corporate Relations, from serving as President and CEO of Beyond OCD to now building a performing arts nonprofit spanning three countries, Sally's journey proves that when you answer your calling, the network awakens.
This isn't just another career pivot story. This is a masterclass in:
- Recognizing connected outs that change everything
- Turning personal tragedy into transformational impact
- Building nonprofit organizations with a clear mission and vision
- The art of fundraising through authentic storytelling
- Creating a legacy through service
Whether you're contemplating a career change, starting a nonprofit, or simply wondering if there's more to life than the corner office—Sally's story will remind you that the greatest success is measured in lives changed, not bonuses earned.
Join hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson for a conversation filled with wisdom, heart, and even a nostalgic trip down Romper Room memory lane.
Because in business, and in life, being aware of the connections, great and small, can be the difference between success and significance.
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage
Rewarded for bravery that goes above and beyond the call of duty, the Medal of Honor is the United States’ top military decoration. The stories we tell are about the heroes who have distinguished themselves by acts of heroism and courage that have saved lives. From Judith Resnik, the second woman in space, to Daniel Daly, one of only 19 people to have received the Medal of Honor twice, these are stories about those who have done the improbable and unexpected, who have sacrificed something in the name of something much bigger than themselves. Every Wednesday on Medal of Honor, uncover what their experiences tell us about the nature of sacrifice, why people put their lives in danger for others, and what happens after you’ve become a hero. Special thanks to series creator Dan McGinn, to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Adam Plumpton. Medal of Honor begins on May 28. Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear ad-free episodes one week early. Find Pushkin+ on the Medal of Honor show page in Apple or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com