How to LOVE your Job as a Risk Professional: A Conversation with Scott Ritto | Unparalleled Episode 002
We kicked off our Unparalleled podcast series strong with Kristin Peed. Today, we are excited to unveil our second episode with Scott Ritto, Vice President of Risk Management at Kilroy Realty Corporation and President of the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Chapter of RIMS. Scott is a big advocate of loving your job. In this episode, Scott sheds light on finding passion and job fulfillment.
1. You need to truly love what you do!
Scott strongly believes that you need to enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy it, you will never be good at it — simple as that. Scott has been in the risk management field for over 31 years, and he says that it has only grown in terms of enjoyment. There’s always something new every day for him, and he never gets bored. Having a passion for what you do will set you apart and make you successful in your career.
2. Find the right organization.
A key factor of job satisfaction and happiness is working for the right organization. Some components to consider are:
Do the company’s values align with your own?
Is there growth and upward mobility? And if so, can you thrive there?
Do you genuinely like the people you work with? Is there a strong company culture?
Does the organization allow you to have a work-life balance?
Even more importantly, Scott thinks that being seen as valuable and being given the opportunity to continually add value is critical to feeling fulfilled in your role within the organization. Scott feels that Kilroy checks the box for many of his needs; hence, he’s been with the organization for over nine years. In the episode, Scott shares that he’s able to drive impact there and that it has a strong company culture which is why many people choose to stay at Kilroy for a long time.
3. Get involved outside of work.
Another tip Scott gave for feeling happy in your job is to actually get involved outside of work. He believes participating in industry organizations will help grow your passion for what you do, advance your career, and keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in the industry. Currently, Scott is involved with RIMS and a number of advisory boards and councils. He believes that these activities keep him energized and motivated about risk management. Scott’s biggest advice is to find something meaningful to get involved in.
4. Make time for things that matter.
Even though work is important, Scott is a firm believer in work-life balance. He shares that it’s important to make time for things outside of work, such as spending time with family and friends or focusing on one of your passions. It all comes down to having balance in your life! Scott speculates that this balance dramatically contributes to your happiness and will be an essential buffer from burnout.
5. Find the best path for you.
No matter where you are in your career — whether you are starting out or a seasoned professional — it’s essential to set goals on what you want to accomplish. Only then can you find the best pathway to get to where you want to be. According to Scott, there are many ways to get to a destination, but the purpose of this is to help you clarify your goals. Scott says you need to determine a personalized approach that works best for you. This is the only way to keep you engaged and happy as you pursue your career goals.