Linda Ruffenach

Linda Ruffenach is an entrepreneur, author, and business strategist committed to helping business owners and senior executives maximize business value and protect their legacy. With over 20 years of C-level experience—including as CEO of a $100 million international enterprise—she brings a seasoned, relatable perspective to the challenges leaders face every day. She’s navigated nearly every phase of a company’s life cycle: fast growth, rapid decline, full-scale transformation, and a successful exit.

In 2014, she founded two purpose-driven companies: Execuity, a strategic advisory firm focused on growth and succession, and Whisky Chicks, a lifestyle brand breaking down barriers in the bourbon industry. Both ventures reflect her belief that knowledge and experience breed confidence—and her mission is to empower others to lead boldly, think strategically, and own their impact.

Linda is a skilled facilitator known for turning strategy into measurable results. She currently serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Louisville’s Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship, where she teaches Venture Finance and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, equipping future founders and leaders with practical tools for long-term success.

She blends practical insight with personal storytelling, making her a sought-after speaker for audiences looking to grow their business—and their confidence—with bold vision and authenticity.