There Are No Unimportant Jobs

Summary In this episode of Parenting at Work, host Lindsey sits down with Maggie Ruvoldt, a chief human resources officer with more than three decades in HR, most recently leading people at Learn Behavioral, a national network of ABA therapy providers serving children with autism. Maggie leads a frontline workforce of behavioral technicians and clinicians who can't work from a laptop, and she brings a refreshingly honest view of what it means to support working parents and caregivers when the usual flexibility playbook doesn't apply. The conversation moves from the difference between hearing and listening, to a vulnerable beach-day story that reshaped her leadership, to her conviction that there are no unimportant jobs. It's a thoughtful listen for HR leaders, people managers, and any working parent balancing the pull of everywhere they're supposed to be. Chapters 00:45 Welcome and Maggie's three decades in HR 02:05 Hearing versus listening as a leader's biggest tool 04:35 No unimportant jobs and the trouble with "non-essential" 06:15 Flexibility when your workforce can't work from home 08:45 The benefit nobody used and why assumptions fail 12:30 Caregivers, not just parents, and the pull of everywhere 14:30 The beach, the Ziploc bag, and "I really hate that thing" 17:30 Modeling balance and scheduling the Sunday emails 19:30 Mentoring Mondays, Eve Was Framed, and benefits across the life cycle 24:30 A small moment of courage for HR leaders Takeaways Listening is a leader's most powerful tool, and it is different from simply hearing someone wait for their turn to talk. There are no unimportant jobs, and every role deserves to feel valued for the time it takes away from family and personal life. When a workforce can't flex on location, get creative on time, mental health support, and financial wellness instead. Don't assume you know what working parents need, ask directly, watch what people actually use, and spend each benefits dollar transparently. Model the balance you preach, because permission you don't live by, like logging off on vacation, isn't real permission at all. Connect with the Guest LinkedIn:   / margaretruvoldt   Website: https://learnbehavioral.com/ Sponsor Juno is the modern financial safety net for working families, helping organizations offer affordable, long-term financial coverage for children diagnosed with a new, severe illness or disability. Learn more at https://www.junokids.com/