Julia Gets Wise with Ruth Reichl

Career Risks

Ruth Reichl's career is marked by bold decisions that often involved significant risks. She recounts her daring review of Le Cirque, where she wrote from two perspectives, risking her job at the New York Times. Despite her fear, Ruth believes that embracing fear is crucial for growth:

It's the things that frighten you that are the things that you have to do.

--- Ruth Reichl

Her philosophy is that new experiences keep one young and vibrant, urging others to seize opportunities despite fear 1 2.

   

Balancing Criticism

Handling criticism was a significant part of Ruth's role as a food critic. She maintained integrity by imagining a young couple saving for a special meal, ensuring her reviews were honest and impactful. Ruth acknowledges the power of her words:

Those reviews, really, they have an impact.

--- Ruth Reichl

She navigated the world of entitlement by staying grounded, refusing to adopt the lavish lifestyle of her peers at Conde Nast, and focusing on authenticity 3 4.