We spend so much time trying to make our businesses look polished, professional and perfectly put together that sometimes we edit out the very thing people would connect with most: ourselves.

Deanna Dolecki is the president of Blue Duck Agency, where Ashley Ruggeri serves as account director. Together, they also host the Ducks Unplugged podcast—an unscripted mix of business, work, life and the wonderfully ridiculous debates that happen when two women with different perspectives stop trying to sound polished and simply let themselves talk.

Deanna and Ashley share why their podcast became more effective when they stopped trying to make every episode perfect, how being themselves helps clients understand what it is actually like to work with them, and why fun, creativity and human connection still matter in business.

We also talk about resilience, career pivots, raising children who may eventually work in jobs that do not exist yet. And, naturally, whether anyone should get bangs.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Following the fun as a business strategy
• Why people want to work with people they like
• Creating trust through real human connection
• Using AI without losing your ideas, creativity or voice
• Releasing imperfect work and learning from the response
• Hiring for personality, motivation and other intangibles
• Why trying something and changing direction is not failure
• Making room for both meaningful conversations and ridiculous debates

Connect with Deanna and Ashley:

Website: https://www.blueduckagency.com/
Ashley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-ruggeri/
Deanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-dolecki-45b2482/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueduckagency/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueduckagency/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueduckagencymarketing/

Wine Camp is laughter, adventure, girlfriend connection—shared over some very good wine and cocktails.

We're heading to Temecula, CA, July 15–18, 2027, for brand-new experiences centered around women, community, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

Registration is limited to the first 40 women. Learn more and save your spot at https://winecamp.info.

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