I was honored to join NBC, CNBC and MSNBC leadership and some of Stephanie Ruhle’s circle of support in Manhattan last night as she and they celebrated her one year anniversary of and for the 11th Hour on MSNBC.
Notable amongst notable attendees was my friend Rashida Jones, president of MSNBC and the person who most supported the show’s creation and launch. She could not be prouder, and neither could I. Stephanie is one of those rare individuals who is actually who she presents herself to be — and works harder than everyone else around her. Translation: she deserves to win.
Stephanie Ruhle is the one who told me that real leaders should always — when they see outside talent that others do not see — be willing to ‘expand the table, and add a chair.’ That’s Stephanie, right there. Always trying to find ways to expand the table of opportunity for all involved. And all perspectives. Even when she passionately disagrees with them, she still wants them heard. And respected.
I also know the Stephanie that gives back, such as the countless times she has answered the call from me and my team at Operation HOPE, to come and join us at one of our HOPE Global Forum Annual Meetings, or other gatherings of importance — where we need her credibility and her voice.
If I had just one description for Stephanie, it is her commitment to leaning in. Even when she doesn’t know how the experiment is going to turn out. If she believes — then she is there with you 100%. That’s called authenticity in leadership in my book.
And so, we join her colleagues and friends in congratulating Stephanie on her one year anniversary of her great show called the 11th Hour, with Stephanie Ruhle. Which by the way is wholly appropriate as a title — because she is always burning the midnight oil in search of the truth, and certainly through — the 11th hour.
Kudos and congratulations Stephanie. We here at Operation HOPE are proud of you friend. Keep charging. We have much work to do, and a world to change.
Let’s go…
John Hope Bryant, founder, Operation HOPE