In this episode, Angie Lion of Black River Performance Management and James Rutchi, explore the intricate world of diplomacy and tact in leadership. Angie and James share their top strategies for maintaining composure and effectively using emotional intelligence in challenging situations. Discussing how emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in understanding and navigating sensitive issues. Whether you are a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, this episode is a resource for learning how to navigate the complex landscape of sensitive situations with diplomatic finesse. Tune in to gain expert insights and enhance your leadership toolkit!
James Ruchti was born and raised in Pocatello and is a West Point graduate. He served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army from 1993-98. His military service took him to Germany, Jordan, Kuwait and throughout the United States. James graduated from the University of Idaho law school in 2001. He worked as a law clerk for federal district court Judge B. Lynn Winmill prior to entering private practice. He and his law partner, Joel Beck, own a thriving plaintiffs’ practice in Pocatello, serving clients throughout southeast and east Idaho in personal injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation and insurance claims. James served in the Idaho House from 2006-10, including a term as the Assistant Minority Leader. He was elected to the Idaho House again in 2020 and served on the Agriculture Committee, the Judicial and Rules Committee, and the Revenue and Taxation Committee. James was elected to the Idaho Senate in 2022; is presently the Assistant Minority Leader; and serves on the Judicial and Rules Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the State Affairs Committee. James is a past president of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association. His wife, Wendy, has a Ph.D. in education and is a professor at Idaho State University. They have been married since 1993 and are the proud parents of two adult children, Spencer and Drew.
