In a world where leadership is often associated with authority and hierarchy, Ashaki Rucker, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, stands as a testament to the transformative power of authenticity, empathy, and unwavering commitment to growth.
She does not only embody these qualities but also personifies the essence of a true game changer. From humble beginnings, Ashaki’s journey has been defined by resilience, guided by the values of love and kindness instilled in her by her upbringing. Her story is one of overcoming obstacles with grace and integrity, navigating through diverse industries while remaining steadfast in her dedication to fostering meaningful connections. Rooted in principles of integrity and fueled by a passion for effective leadership, Ashaki’s approach transcends conventional boundaries, shaping a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture. With a leadership style characterized by authenticity and empowerment, she not only leads by example but also champions the voices of those often overlooked, driving innovation and excellence at every turn.
We would like to get to know your story. Who is Ashaki and what is her story?
My journey began in humble circumstances, raised by a single mother alongside my brother, where love and kindness formed the bedrock of our home. These values, deeply ingrained in me, have shaped my career path, leading me to a career in human resources where I find solace in fostering meaningful relationships despite the day-to-day challenges. Guided by the principles of integrity, kindness, and hard work instilled in me since childhood, I’ve navigated through various industries, always staying true to my core beliefs. Trustworthiness has been central to my professional journey, allowing me to effectively deliver difficult messages with credibility while earning increased responsibilities as a leader who is unafraid of confronting tough situations. Rooted in a clear vision for my team that is aligned with broader business objectives, I emphasize disciplined project management to ensure our goals and objectives are met. My success story is one of resilience, courage, and a commitment to staying humble amidst accomplishments, all while striving to be not just a leader, but a trusted guide for my team’s journey forward.
Can you tell us about your leadership style?
I’m passionate about effective leadership and its impact not only on organizations but also on individuals. Leading by example, staying focused, and prioritizing people are intrinsic to my leadership DNA, shaping both my role within the business and my team’s dynamic. It’s immensely gratifying to hear that my team finds inspiration in my leadership, signaling that I’m fulfilling my purpose as a leader by empowering others to discover their unique paths. I see my role as amplifying the voices of those who may lack representation and guiding my team to align their personal purpose with our collective objectives, believing that this fusion leads to optimal performance and fulfillment. Emphasizing authenticity, I encourage both my team and the executives I coach to stay true to themselves, even if it means diverging from the norm. This commitment to authenticity fosters trust and unleashes creativity, driving us to challenge the status quo and continually innovate. Despite being with Telemundo for five enriching years, my journey continues, fueled by a dedication to fun, freedom, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence. Taking on the responsibility for Latin America within the second year of my tenure at Telemundo, I’ve witnessed the evolution of the employee experience in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina where I oversee small yet dynamic HR teams collaborating with local leaders to implement adapted best practices from our US operations.
Given your background in HR leadership across diverse industries, what have you found to be the most effective strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace?
I believe in a holistic approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), seamlessly integrated into the fabric of our daily operations rather than treated as a separate initiative. Aligning DEI objectives with overarching business strategies and specific and measurable deliverables ensures their effectiveness. Whether it’s within learning and development, compensation strategy and plans, or talent acquisition, embedding DEI considerations into every aspect of our HR and business operations is key to mitigating biases and fostering a culture of inclusivity. This integrated approach has become ingrained in our organizational DNA, both here and in Latin America, where DEI is not just a program but an integral part of our culture. We prioritize offering timely programming that addresses current events and societal issues, such as our response to events like the murder of George Floyd, demonstrating our commitment to supporting our employees and promoting inclusivity. This proactive stance, coupled with our day-to-day efforts, reflects our dedication to ensuring that DEI remains at the forefront of our company’s agenda.
What does it mean to you to be a game changer?
Game changers, in my view, embody a mindset of consistent innovation and proactive adaptation, constantly challenging the status quo. With my team, I emphasize the importance of viewing things through a fresh lens, avoiding stagnation by assessing changes in our organization and industry, and adjusting our approach accordingly. Rather than waiting for opportunities to present themselves, we actively seek out new possibilities, such as exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). By staying ahead of the curve and sharing best practices within our organization, we maintain a position of leadership rather than playing catch-up. This proactive approach ensures that we remain agile and responsive to emerging trends and challenges, ultimately driving our success forward.
Who is Ashaki?
Full Name: Ashaki Rucker.
Age: 52.
Position: Senior Vice President, Human resources.
Company or organization: NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
Nationality: Black/African American.
Where do you live?
Miami – Florida.
Do you have kids?
1 son, 14 years old
Favorite Food: Pasta and seafood.
Hobbies: Traveling, going to the movies, watersports.
Favorite places in the world: Greece, Dubai and New York.
Let’s Rock!
How would you describe yourself in one word? Free.
Favorite movie or TV Show: Selling real estate shows.
Favorite Book: The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger
If you could turn into an animal, what would it be?
Eagle.
Favorite music band or gender: I like Reggae, Rock, R&B, country, jazz and hip hop.
Do you like sports? Are you a fan of a sports team?
I like basketball, the Warriors.
What contribution do you feel you make to a better world?
Love and kindness, I am a loving individual.
One piece of advice that you were given and would give:
Be authentic – true to who you are.
What activity makes you feel calm?
Meditation on the beach is like perfection. Even just being at the beach, I don’t have to meditate. Being in the company of water, large bodies of water, always makes me feel very calm.
