We had the good fortune of connecting with Traci Ruiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Traci, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk isn’t just a part of life—it’s the defining factor between hesitation and High Stakes Leadership. Growing up in a spirited household shaped by my grandparents’ resilience, I learned early on that risk isn’t a threat, it’s an opportunity to grow. My grandparents left Mexico in search of the American dream, and their sacrifices taught me that transformational rewards often come from stepping into the unknown with faith and determination.

As a young Latina in law enforcement, I didn’t just face risks, I lived them. In one high-stakes undercover drug buy, I was locked inside a triple-deadbolted apartment with armed dealers when one claimed to recognize me. Surveillance and tactical teams had the apartment complex surrounded, but if anything went wrong, back-up would take precious minutes to arrive. In that moment, I had only seconds to stay calm, think clearly, and lead myself out of danger. The success of the mission—and my life—depended on it. That experience, and many others like it, became a real-life masterclass in making decisions when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Following my undercover position, I transitioned into a leadership role, training police officers and recruits in survival strategies, de-escalation tactics, and hand-to-hand combat. Breaking barriers, I served as the only woman of color in Michigan, in this role, for nearly two decades. I saw firsthand how empowering others to act decisively under pressure can change outcomes for entire organizations. These experiences taught me that the ability to act with clarity and confidence in high-stakes situations is what defines success, whether in high-risk environments or the boardroom.

The difference between success and failure lies in facing risks with clarity and speed—qualities that empower leaders to navigate crisis, challenge, and change with confidence. Today, I bring these lessons to leaders and emerging leaders across industries.

Leadership is about embracing risk. Like a high-stakes operation, it demands clarity and the tools to execute your next tactical move. With the right mindset and preparation, risk becomes your greatest advantage.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Getting to this point as a solopreneur with my company, Traci Ruiz, wasn’t easy. Transitioning from law enforcement at the top of my game to building a business required me to start over as a “rookie.” I had to develop new skills, reframe my language from police talk to words that connect with diverse audiences, and learn the nuances of entrepreneurship. I hold myself to the highest standards and have learned that progress—not perfection—drives real results. By focusing on continuous improvement, I ensure my clients receive relevant, actionable strategies tailored to their unique challenges.

What sets me apart is my real-world experience in high-stakes environments. Retiring as one of the highest-ranking Latina police officers in the United States, I bring 25+ years of hands-on expertise—undercover operations, complex investigations, training officers in survival strategies, and leadership in unpredictable situations. My High Stakes Leadership programs are built on lessons I’ve learned in the field, equipping leaders to navigate challenges with clarity, confidence, and precision—not just in theory, but in practice.

What I’m most proud of is creating opportunities where others see obstacles. My ability to assess risks, identify solutions, and mobilize the right people and strategies fuels meaningful change, helping leaders and emerging leaders build high-performing teams. Through my keynotes, executive leadership training, strategic advising, and virtual programs, leaders gain the tools to lead with precision, inspire trust, and drive lasting impact when the stakes are high.

Leadership isn’t about going it alone. If my story resonates with you, let’s connect. Find me on LinkedIn at Traci Ruiz or email [email protected]. I would love to hear how I can help you strengthen your High Stakes Leadership.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Lansing and East Lansing
• Morning: Tour of the Lansing Capitol Building
• Lunch: People’s Kitchen, Soup Spoon, or Art’s Bar-Friend’s choice
• Afternoon/Evening: Tour the Michigan State University campus, Dinner at Bowdie’s Chophouse, and a show at Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Day 2: Mount Pleasant
• Morning: Drive to Mount Pleasant Soaring Eagle Casino for a spa treatment
• Lunch: All you can eat seafood and beef buffet
• Afternoon/Evening: Concert and stay overnight

Day 3: Frankenmuth
• Morning: Drive to Frankenmuth
• Lunch: Bavarian Inn for classic German-style cuisine
• Afternoon/Evening: Frankenmuth’s downtown shops, riverboat tour, and stay overnight

Day 4: Detroit-Mexicantown and Greektown
• Morning: Drive to Detroit and tour Mexicantown
• Lunch: Taqueria Mi Pueblo in Mexicantown
• Afternoon: Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park
• Evening: PizzaPapalis for Chicago Style Pizza, nightlife in Greektown, and stay overnight

Day 5: Northville and Grand Rapids
• Morning: Drive to Northville for the downtown area shopping
• Lunch: Deccan Bawarchi Indian Cuisine
• Afternoon: Drive to Grand Rapids for shopping
• Evening: Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant or Leo’s for dinner, Van Andel Arena for a concert, and stay overnight in Grand Rapids

Day 6: Saugatuck, Holland, and Silver Lake
• Morning: Drive to Saugatuck and explore art galleries, boutiques, and waterfront
• Lunch: Lakeside seafood dining in Saugatuck by the Yacht Club
• Afternoon: Drive to Silver Lake Mac’s Dune Rides for a dune buggy experience
• Evening: Return to Saugatuck to stay overnight in a bed and breakfast

Day 7: Traverse City, Sutton’s Bay, Petoskey, and Charlevoix
• Morning: Drive to Traverse City and Sutton’s Bay to explore the lakeshore, wineries, and downtown areas
• Lunch: Surprise eatery along the path of travel
• Afternoon: Drive to Petoskey to shop and enjoy scenic views of Little Traverse Bay
• Evening: Drive to Charlevoix, surprise eatery along the path, explore the downtown area, and stay overnight

Day 8: Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island (saving the best for last!)
• Morning: Drive to Mackinaw City and explore its quaint shops and lake views
• Afternoon: Take a ferry to Mackinac Island, rent bikes, tour the island, and eat along the way at any one of the many restaurants
• Evening: Dine on the island, take in the scenery, and stay overnight at the Metivier Inn Bed & Breakfast

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Behind every impactful leader are key people whose love and support influenced their journey. My path wouldn’t have been possible without the unconditional support from my paternal grandparents, Gumecinda and Domingo Ruiz. Their strong faith in God, resilience in the face of adversity, and steadfast work ethic gave me the foundation to pursue my ambitions. Living through an era marked by poverty, systemic racism, and segregation, they were rich in love and demonstrated resilience in everything they did. Their sacrifices taught me the value of representation and gave me the strength to pursue a police career, knowing that my presence in uniform gave others hope.

During my college years, Eva Kennedy Menefee changed the course of my life. After earning my associate degree, I couldn’t afford to continue my education. Then, weeks after graduation, I received a full-ride academic scholarship to complete my bachelor’s degree—a life-changing opportunity. When I opened the letter, my grandmother cried, calling it an answered prayer, while I thought it was a joke from a friend. Eva later confirmed the scholarship and provided invaluable guidance throughout my program.

That scholarship became the foundation for my growth and success, reinforcing my commitment to giving back. It taught me the importance of creating opportunities for others, knowing that strong leadership emerges when people are given the chance to rise—a value at the heart of my High Stakes Leadership philosophy today.

In my career, I was fortunate to have the guidance of several high-ranking leaders—Mayor Tony Benavides, Police Chief Mark Alley, Assistant Police Chief Paul Teszlewicz, Lieutenant John Rojeski, and Detective Jimmy Renton—who recognized my potential and empowered me to excel. Their confidence in my abilities, support for my decisions, and encouragement to grow shaped my approach to leadership. They showed me the power of lifting others to succeed, a value that remains central to my High Stakes Leadership work.

From my grandparents’ sacrifices, to Eva’s encouragement, and my career mentors’ guidance, these individuals taught me that leadership is about the impact you create by helping others rise. They shaped the leader I am today and I’m forever grateful for their influence.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-ruiz/

Image Credits
None applicable, as the professional photos were purchased from Allie Siarto & CO Photography and the others are my personal pictures.

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