b CAUSE work doesn't have to suck: Recent Episodes

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Erin tried to become a "better" speaker.

She got the coach.

Did the reps.

Rehearsed the lines.

Followed the advice.

And then realized she may have accidentally polished the magic right out of herself.

In this solo episode, Erin shares what happened when a huge speaking opportunity pushed her into full preparation mode, why over-rehearsing made her feel less connected on stage, and the old coaching advice that came back swinging:

Trust your creative process.

This one is for anyone who has ever tried to improve themselves and accidentally started sanding down the exact thing that made them stand out.

In this episode you'll hear:

-Why "best practices" are only useful if they actually work for you

-How over-preparing can make you technically better but less you -Why Erin had to 50% Rule her own speaking proces

-The difference between memorizing words and connecting to the message

-Why your weird little way of doing things might be the whole damn point Book Erin to speak

Ready to modernize your culture, liberate your leadership, and differentiate your business without sounding like every other company on LinkedIn?

Bring Erin Hatzikostas in to show your team how authenticity can become an actual strategic advantage, not just another corporate buzzword. Book Erin to Speak

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Take our simple, fun and insightful "What's your workplace superhero name?" quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book, You Do You-ish
• Throw out half the playbook and start competing in a league of your own. Check out Erin's book, The 50% Rule.
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "Trust your creative process."
• "I spent more time searching for the words than searching for the feeling and the passion."
• "What's worked for you in the past actually might work in the future."
• "Constantly look for ways to improve without throwing away what makes you you."

Trust Your Creative Process Editor's note: This transcript has been edited for clarity, length, and readability.

In this solo episode, Erin Hatzikostas shares what happened when she followed traditional public speaking advice so closely that she lost some of the authenticity that made her effective. She explores over-preparation, creative confidence, the 50% Rule, and how to improve your work without abandoning the process that makes you uniquely good at it.

When "Leveling Up" Starts to Change You Erin: Over the last nine months, I've gone through a journey that feels full circle, ironic, and maybe even a little hypocritical.

Erin: I preach authenticity. In my second book, I talk about the 50% Rule: whenever you're doing something, keep some of what works, introduce something new, and throw out the pieces that feel inauthentic or simply do not fit you.

Erin: I'm also a professional speaker. That's my main occupation, and last summer my speaking career was really starting to pick up steam. Then I was selected to speak at the International Association of Speaking Bureaus conference. These are the people who often help organizations find speakers for major events, so getting the chance to speak in front of them felt like a very big deal.

Erin: There were almost 100 applicants, and only six of us were selected. Speaking can be a roller coaster. You are constantly trying to earn the next opportunity, even after you've had success. But this felt like one of those moments where I thought, "Okay, Erin. This is your chance. Get your act together."

The Pressure to Rehearse Perfectly Erin: Around that same time, I had started working with a true speech and vocal coach, Darcy Webb. She was wonderful because she did not try to turn me into somebody else. She understood what made me, me, and helped bring more of that out.

Erin: She helped me embrace the facial expressions I naturally make. She also told me to stop whispering. I insisted I was not whispering, but then I watched the recordings and realized, "Oh. That is a little weird."

Erin: One of the biggest things she taught me was that I needed to rehearse. I needed to put in the hours, record myself, repeat the material, and get the words into my body.

Erin: I resisted that advice for a long time. Then this huge speaking opportunity came along, and I only had 20 minutes. In the speaking world, shorter is often harder. You have to be more concise, make stronger choices, and communicate the point in less time.

Erin: So I decided it was time to become the polished, mega-professional speaker I thought I was supposed to be. I rehearsed and rehearsed.

Why Perfect Preparation Did Not Create a Perfect Performance Erin: I already had some baggage around over-rehearsing. When I did my TEDx talk in 2020, I practiced it so much that the delivery stopped feeling like me. I still love the content, but the performance felt too controlled. My passion did not fully come through.

Erin: Still, I prepared heavily for the speakers bureau conference. I used some of my best material, knew what I wanted to say, and felt ready.

Erin: Then the event came. I did not flop, but I did not knock it out of the park either.

Erin: I am always trying to knock it out of the park, not because I think I work harder than everyone else or because I need people to tell me I'm great. I want to connect. I want people to feel something. That connection is what authenticity can create.

Erin: At first, I found other things to blame. Someone after me absolutely crushed it. My necklace was jangling against the microphone. There were all these little details I could point to.

Erin: But the deeper truth was that I had over-prepared. I was not fully in the moment with the people in front of me. I was delivering something polished, but I was not drawing from that conviction and energy that usually comes from deep inside me and pours into the audience.

When Rehearsal Became the New Habit Erin: The confusing part was that I had also learned how to rehearse. So for the next several months, I kept doing it.

Erin: I practiced for events in January, February, and March. I crafted catchy lines. I added new language. I made sure I could nail the material.

Erin: The talks went well. I did not bomb. I created customized moments and found creative ways to make each speech feel specific to the audience.

Erin: But something was missing.

Erin: Usually, I can feel the connection in the room. You can see it in people's faces. You know when the audience does not want the experience to end. These events were successful on paper, but they did not feel the same.

Erin: Then I spoke at an event in Chicago. I said everything I meant to say. I did not forget the important parts. Technically, I nailed it. But that thing I care about most still was not there.

Words Versus Intent Erin: That was when I realized what over-preparing had taken away from me.

Erin: My talks have structure. They are mapped into sections, and I know the points I want to make. I may have specific phrases or stories I want to land, but I have never needed every word written out.

Erin: Before I became so focused on rehearsal, I spent more time thinking about the intent of each section. I would ask, "What am I really trying to get across here? What do I need these people to understand or feel?"

Erin: Then I allowed myself the freedom to communicate that idea in the moment.

Erin: That freedom gave me space to bring in something I heard earlier in the day, respond to the audience, interact more naturally, or follow a thought that came to me while I was speaking.

Erin: When I over-rehearsed, I spent more time searching for the exact words than searching for the feeling, the purpose, and the passion behind them.

Erin: I cannot do both equally well. Some people can. Actors can deliver rehearsed lines with incredible emotional depth. Some speakers can memorize every beat and still make it feel spontaneous. God bless them. That is a real skill.

Erin: But it is not my skill. It is not where I bring the most value.

"Why Don't You Trust Your Creative Process?" Erin: This brought me back to something my first executive coach taught me years ago when I was still in corporate.

Erin: I was preparing a speech for a leadership event. I had planned the whole talk, but I had not figured out the ending. In my notes, I had essentially written, "And then some bada boom, bada bing ending."

Erin: I went into our coaching session and confessed that I thought I had a major flaw. I told her, "I'm a great starter, but I'm not a great finisher. I worked on this talk for hours, and I still could not complete it."

Erin: I expected her to give me techniques, hacks, or some process that would fix what I believed was broken.

Erin: Instead, she stopped and asked, "Erin, are you typically successful?"

Erin: I told her that I was not successful at everything, but yes, especially when it came to public speaking, I was usually better than average.

Erin: Then she said, "Why don't you trust your creative process?"

Erin: That question has stayed with me for more than eight years.

Advice Is Not an Absolute Erin: People love to give advice in absolutes. Never start a conversation this way. Always prepare for an interview that way. Follow this formula to find your career path. Use these exact steps to become successful.

Erin: My rule is this: be very cautious about advice that begins with "always" or "never."

Erin: There is more information available than ever, and many people make money by selling certainty. They tell you they have the formula. But even excellent advice may not work exactly as prescribed for you.

Erin: If you talked to 100 successful speakers, probably 99 of them would tell you that you have to do the reps, practice constantly, and rehearse until the material is locked in.

Erin: That may work beautifully for those 99 people. It does not work that way for me.

Erin: My mistake was not the rehearsal itself. My mistake was failing to apply my own 50% Rule. I accepted the advice as a total system instead of asking which parts would help me and which parts would erase something important.

Improve Without Erasing What Makes You Good Erin: The answer is not to reject coaching, training, or preparation. I have learned so much from all of it.

Erin: I am a stronger speaker now. I understand my voice better. I am more aware of my physical presence. I have new ways to customize talks and prepare meaningful openings. I am continuing to evolve.

Erin: But I am no longer willing to give up the creative process that works for me.

Erin: Now I prepare in my own way. I spend hours thinking, organizing stories, and deciding what each section needs to accomplish. I rehearse important pieces, but I do not force myself to say every sentence exactly the same way every time.

Erin: I focus on the intent. I focus on the passion. I focus on the point I want to make and the people I want to reach.

Erin: When I returned to that process for events in June and July, I could feel the difference. I felt like myself again.

Trust the Evidence From Your Own Life Erin: I want the same for you.

Erin: People will tell you how to run a meeting, answer interview questions, build a career, lead a team, create content, or prepare for a major opportunity. Learn from them. Borrow what makes you better. Stay open to coaching and improvement.

Erin: But also trust the data from your own life.

Erin: What has worked for you in the past may still work in the future. Your process may need to evolve, but evolution does not require you to throw away the qualities that made you effective in the first place.

Erin: Use the 50% Rule. Keep some of what works. Add new tools. Throw the pieces that do not fit into the trash.

Erin: Constantly look for ways to improve without abandoning what makes you, you.

Erin: Trust your creative process.

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Modern work is getting weird.

In this episode, Erin and Nicole talk about career envy, AI "bot sitting," Gen Z's job search chaos, parents overstepping in the hiring process, airport drama, bathroom hideouts, and the deeply human ways people are trying to stand out, stay sane, and survive work right now.

They also unpack one of Erin's favorite new questions for killing comparison: "Would I actually want their life?" Because chasing someone else's version of success only works if you're willing to take the whole life that comes with it.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Why career envy gets a lot less powerful when you zoom out
• How AI slop is changing resumes, hiring, and the way we try to stand out
• What "bot sitting" says about the strange new reality of work
• Why parents need to step away from the hiring manager
• The hilarious and slightly unhinged ways people cope at work

This one is part workplace commentary, part group therapy, part "what the hell is happening out there?" And honestly? We need all three.

Anya Roodnitsky Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/DU6VPHhEgGn/

Book Erin to speak Ready to modernize your culture, liberate your leadership, and differentiate your business without sounding like every other company on LinkedIn?

Bring Erin Hatzikostas in to show your team how authenticity can become an actual strategic advantage, not just another corporate buzzword. Book Erin to Speak

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Take our simple, fun and insightful "What's your workplace superhero name?" quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book, You Do You-ish
• Throw out half the playbook and start competing in a league of your own. Check out Erin's book, The 50% Rule.
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "You cannot compare yourself to somebody else without first asking: would I actually want their life?"
• "We do make shit up all the time. It's just usually bad shit about us and good shit about other people. You have the right to flip that."
• "You're creating an entire life you don't have to escape from."
• "If you want to be heard, stand out, picked, chosen, or done business with, AI slop is going to kill you."

Editor's note: This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity, readability, and flow while preserving the core conversation and strongest takeaways.

In this episode, Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata unpack the weird, wild, and deeply human ways people are surviving modern work. From career envy and AI "bot sitting" to Gen Z's job search chaos, parents overstepping in hiring, airport drama, bathroom hideouts, and the pressure to stand out in a world full of sameness, this conversation is part workplace commentary, part group therapy, and part "what the hell is happening out there?"

Women, Work, and the Underground Network Erin: I have some updates. The first one is related to something you just said. I have to laugh at how freaking amazing working women are at multitasking.

This morning, I drove 45 minutes to Southington for an 8:30 coffee meeting with a former client who is now a current client because they're bringing me back again. But before that, I had placed a BJ's Warehouse order at the Southington location because we have a graduation party coming up.

So I had the coffee meeting, got gas under $4, picked up a ridiculous amount of party supplies, came home, sweated my ass off putting it all away, and thought, this is how women work.

People underestimate not only how efficient we are, but also how connected we are.

That reminded me of something else. A few weeks ago, our financial advisors decided to move to another bank for the second time in six years. The first time, we followed them. The second time, we paused.

I happen to use the same financial advisor as my woman work crush, Jean LaTour, who is a former chief investment officer for CBS and Aetna. She is a big deal, authentic as hell, and I'm proud to call her a friend.

When we both got the news, we immediately started texting. I told her the deal Morgan Stanley offered us to incentivize us to stay, which was different from hers. We were sent to different people. We've had lunch. We've compared notes on how the transition has gone.

So story number one is this: do not underestimate women and our ability to get all the things done, whether it's picking up BJ's after a business meeting or quietly sharing information behind the scenes to make sure we get the best deal possible.

Nicole: That reminds me of one of our early episodes about the things women don't talk about. One of the big ones was finances.

It's a mistake I still make sometimes. When things are changing, it can feel overwhelming. You want to trust what's happening. You get comfortable. But these are businesses. These are deal makers. You're their client, and you're paying them.

The more information you have, the better. I applaud you for asking, "Who else is in this with me? Let's have some conversations," instead of blindly going along with a deal that sounded good enough.

Erin: Exactly. And I know we have a lot of male listeners, so I'm not saying women are better. But get women into leadership positions because we are doing this at work too. We're multitasking, sharing information, and doing business differently.

Sometimes that women's network is working under the covers more than people think. And I mean that in the least weird way possible.

The Question That Kills Career Envy Erin: My second thought is something that has been helping me a lot lately.

I've been feeling really good about a mindset shift I've made around jealousy, comparison, and chasing things I don't actually want.

The speaking business can be ego-driven. I'm not selling widgets. I'm selling myself. So it's easy to get caught up in the idea that more bookings equal more validation.

But I don't want to be a speaker who does 40, 60, or 80 gigs a year. I used to think that was mostly because I didn't want to be on the road that much or because it was too much to balance with family. But it's also because I can't give fully to clients if I'm doing that much.

I have eight gigs between June and September, and I'm at capacity in terms of my ability to customize, understand each client, and not come in with a cookie-cutter talk.

So here's the question that has helped me when I see another speaker's amazing new reel or big event announcement:

Would I want their life?

And I don't mean, "That probably sucks because they're on the road so much." I mean literally: would I want their whole life?

Sometimes I know these people and their backgrounds, and sometimes I don't. But I ask myself, would I want the entire life that comes with that thing I'm jealous of?

The answer is almost always no.

I want my life. I want time with my husband. I want time with my kids. I want breathing room on a Friday. I don't want to take one thing and give up everything else.

You cannot compare yourself to somebody else without first asking, "Would I actually want their life?"

Maybe once in a while the answer will be yes. But even with celebrities, ask yourself: would I want their life?

You don't get to have the thing you're jealous of and keep everything you already have. You can't say, "I want that event with 3,000 people on a stage in Hawaii," without also taking the number of gigs, sacrifices, relationships, lifestyle, location, and everything else that comes with it.

You cannot pick and choose.

That has put me in this place of gratitude for the holistic picture of my life.

When speaker friends ask, "How's it going?" there is often this undertone of, "How many bookings are you doing?" And I've started answering differently. I say, "I really fucking love my life."

Yes, this is the busiest summer I've had speaking. But when you ask how I'm doing, I'm thinking about my daughter having the time of her life in her senior year, my husband and I getting along great, the weather being beautiful, visiting family, and building a life I actually want.

Nicole: What you're saying is interesting because you're not saying don't change or don't evolve. You're saying look at the landscape, the tools, the opportunities, and the framework you actually have.

Don't look at someone else's life with no context about who they are, how they got there, or what sacrifices they made, and assume you can just import one piece of it.

Erin: Yes. And I'm also giving people permission to make shit up.

Let's say someone's title comes across your feed and you think, "I always thought I wanted that role." You don't know that person. So you have the right to create a different narrative.

We make shit up all the time. It's just usually bad shit about us and good shit about other people.

You have the right to flip that.

If you're going to tell stories in your head, tell great stories about yourself too.

Nicole: As long as the narrative gives you balance and helps you dig into where you are instead of making you feel terrible about yourself, it can create growth.

Erin: Exactly. Because when you stop spending so much energy being depressed about where you are, you can actually grow.

And this is where the 50% Rule helps too. Once you do things half-normal, half-you, it becomes almost impossible to compare because you're not trying to do it the same way anyway.

I've told the universe something different. I've said I want around 25 gigs a year. I want balance. I want this life. And the universe has started to deliver exactly what is perfect for me.

Nicole: It goes back to what you said. You're creating an entire life you don't have to escape from.

Erin: Yes. This is not the time in my 50s to create something that looks good on paper but feels terrible in reality. I'm creating a lifestyle.

Authenticity as a Business Differentiator Erin: My third thought is something I'm still processing.

I had a repeat client who brought me in specifically for their sales organization, which I love because authenticity can sometimes sound like an HR thing. But where I get really excited is when it becomes about differentiation, growing your business, and doing things differently in a tangible way.

This client brought me in for a leadership keynote, and then we worked together for six months doing real-time group coaching with their sales team. We took actual scenarios and worked on making their responses, proposals, and communication more authentic.

Recently, I learned they had their best sales year ever by far.

And they are going through DOJ approval for an acquisition at a 20X EBITDA, which is hard to come by these days. They're not an AI company. The investment community is very focused on AI right now, so this was a big deal.

I am not taking full credit. There are always many factors. But I also don't believe in coincidences.

They invested in differentiating and doubling down on authenticity as their advantage. Then they had a huge sales year, which contributed to the valuation and the sale.

That was pretty freaking cool.

Nicole: They found their mantra, put it into action, and got results. Weird how that works.

Airport Drama Nicole: I want to share the latest reason I got stopped at the airport, because there is always something.

I was coming back into the United States, and my luggage got flagged. I've been traveling only with carry-on luggage because I'm constantly booking multiple flights with different airlines to maximize scheduling and pricing. The travel market is crazy, and I am not a bazillionaire.

So first, my known traveler ID and redress number disappeared off my ticket. I get sent through multiple lines at JetBlue. They finally put the information back in, and I go to the TSA PreCheck line.

Then they tell me I have to go to the special TSA PreCheck line.

Erin: Who knew those even existed?

Nicole: Exactly. I had already given myself a lot of time, and I had already passed USDA inspection, so no fruit and vegetable jail this time.

Then they immediately flag my bags. They pull them aside. There are officers, dogs, everything.

An agent comes up to me and says, "Ma'am, we've seen some unknown powders in here. Do you have coffee?"

I said, "I do have coffee, but it's in this bag," meaning the backpack he had already handed back to me.

Then he starts going through my suitcase and pulls out a packing cube. He says, "Ma'am, the issue is that your luggage is too well packed. It is too dense."

I was like, "My bathing suit and underwear?"

Then he finds some lady products because I'm a woman in menopause. He asks, "What is this syringe?"

I told him to read the label. He opens it, pushes it out, and realizes it's Lady Lube.

He starts calling over officers and saying it's illegal. Then a woman walks up out of nowhere, slams the suitcase shut, and says, "You're free to go."

Erin: Women to the rescue.

Nicole: Pink underwear, coffee, unknown powders, densely packed luggage, Lady Lube. I was done.

Bot Sitting and the Strange New Reality of Work Erin: Let's dive into some of the craziest recent workplace stories. Will there be lessons that inspire you and make you a better person? Probably not. Possibly. But mostly, we're here to laugh.

The first one I came across was the concept of bot sitting. Have you heard this term?

Nicole: I have, but explain it.

Erin: It's basically babysitting AI.

I've seen it with my 15-year-old, Mick, who has become really talented with AI, especially coding and building things. But he'll set something up, and then I'll walk into his room and see his laptop out while he's on his phone scrolling videos because he's bot sitting.

He's waiting for AI to crank something out or process.

This article was talking about how AI is supposed to make everyone more efficient, but in companies, people are using AI and then waiting two hours for it to process. So they're basically being paid to scroll their phones and bot sit.

Nicole: I know someone from the art world who just lost his job. He's a young medical researcher, and the only jobs he's being offered are essentially bot sitting jobs.

These are entry-level roles where he helps internal AI systems learn inside research companies. His job is to feed data into the bot, help it spit things out more efficiently, check the results, and fix errors.

That's what he's being offered as a PhD researcher.

Erin: Wow. Bot sitting.

Gen Z, Job Search Chaos, and the Resume That Actually Worked Erin: That's a good segue into one of my favorite articles: Anya Roodnitsky and her resume.

Anya is a recent Dartmouth grad with a mathematical physics degree. Not a slouch. But the job market is tough, especially for new grads.

She sent out hundreds of resumes, and she didn't just phone it in. She customized them. She did all the things HR people tell you to do. And she got nothing.

So out of frustration and fun, she made a simple, authentic PowerPoint-style resume and posted it on social media.

She did exactly what I talk about all the time: she exposed who she was and her flaws right away. She didn't pretend. She said, basically, "I've been doing hundreds of these, and it's rough out there, so here's what I'm going to do."

She talked about working with nuclear reactors and joked that she was basically Oppenheimer. She included competence, personality, and humor. She even promised to bring in baked goods.

The video got hundreds of thousands of views. She got 52 introductions or coffee chats, 20 referrals, 10 interviews, and landed a job.

Yes. Different is better than better.

If you're going through the same thing every day, whether it's resumes, sales presentations, town halls, or HR emails nobody reads, it is your fault if people aren't paying attention.

You're not pattern interrupting. You're not being authentic. You're not giving people a reason to stop and notice.

In this day and age, especially if you're trying to get hired, AI slop is going to kill you if you want to be heard, stand out, picked, chosen, or done business with.

Nicole: It's also disheartening that we can't trust these giant systems we've created. It feels like you have to be a disruptor just to access society and get a job.

I love her, but it's also fully disheartening for someone like me who would never do that.

Erin: Right. Her example was outlandish, but the broader point is that Gen Z is taking to content and social media because that's what they know. They're frustrated and saying, "Fuck it."

And honestly, this is what I'm saying. This is the future.

Parents, Please Step Away From the Hiring Manager Nicole: One thing I'm finding as a hiring manager is that students are getting more tools, encouragement, and guidance around networking and mentoring than we had.

That part is good. But with that, I'm having a total Step Brothers moment because I'm getting emails from parents.

Erin: Oh no. When we say work networks, we are not talking about your parents.

Nicole: Do not call me and say, "What does my kid need to do?"

Erin: Are you kidding me?

Nicole: I'm not. Parents are engaged in their kids' lives and professional development in a way our families weren't because the world has changed. But I cannot take that seriously.

It's unfair to the student too. Maybe they're lazy, or maybe they have an overbearing parent. Either way, it makes them look bad.

Erin: It's a red flag. A disqualifying red flag.

And if a parent did contact me, I'd be tempted to ask, "Is this how you've operated throughout their schooling? Have you been stepping in like this?" Because if the answer is yes, there's your reason.

You are the problem. Not just because you picked up the phone now, but because you've probably spent years enabling them instead of slowly stepping back and letting them figure things out.

Nicole: We all understand networks. We all understand nepotism exists. But cold-calling nepotism is a whole different world.

If you're engaging with a hiring manager, make sure it's for a job you want. And ask yourself: if your child were dating someone, would you call that person and ask 27 questions?

Professional and personal relationships are not in totally different universes. They're on the same spectrum.

So from the hiring desk of Nicole: if you're a parent, don't call me.

Workplace Weirdness, Government Voicemails, and HR Stories Nicole: One of my favorite stories you sent was about the Washington State DMV.

The story was that when people called the DMV and chose Spanish language support, instead of getting Spanish, they got heavily accented English.

I don't know if it's real, but because I work for a government agency, I can absolutely see how this could happen.

Government tech systems are constantly evolving, and agencies don't always have access to all of their own systems. Voicemails are not always recorded by voice actors or vendors. Sometimes it's just someone in IT with a nice voice.

Erin: And maybe they were trying to save money and decided Rosario down the hall would do it.

Nicole: Exactly. Someone says, "She speaks clearly." And suddenly that's the voicemail.

Erin: I think it's real. I tried to look it up, and it didn't immediately flag as fake.

I did have another article on the list about a woman supposedly working three full-time remote jobs, but that one appears to be fake.

Listeners, you'll have to tell us: do you know if the DMV story is real?

The Bathroom Popsicle Bandit and Where People Hide at Work Nicole: The random HR stories also had me dying. My favorite was the Bathroom Popsicle Bandit.

Apparently, an employee would sit in the bathroom all day eating freeze pops and reading a book on her phone. She was in there so long that someone found her and thought she was dead.

There were freeze pop wrappers all over the floor.

Erin: You can picture it.

Nicole: I can picture it because our bathroom situation at work is not great. We have one stall for a lot of people. The light goes out. The toilet doesn't flush well. And if you sit there too long, it keeps flushing, so people know you're in there.

But sometimes when people are constantly walking into my office, I hide in there. Or I hide in the old lactation room/mail room/storage room. I push the chairs aside just enough to slip in and sit there for 20 minutes with my phone flashlight.

There's no air. No ventilation. But sometimes you need a moment.

Erin: It's mental health. It's better than putting in a mental health claim.

Nicole: I want to know where people hide at work. What are your work hide-and-seek spots?

Mine is the mail room/lactation room/storage room, sometimes the bathroom, near the emergency exit no one uses.

Erin: That reminds me of when my kids were young and wanted to play hide-and-seek. I would grab a glass of wine and go to the hardest place for them to find me.

They would eventually say, "Mom, we give up," and I would just sit there drinking wine. Best game ever.

Substance Coping and Surviving Modern Work Nicole: A lot of those HR stories involved substance use too. People coming into the office drunk or medicated.

And I'll be honest: people seem much more medicated or open about their medication at work now than I'm used to.

I'm not always sure what counts as substance abuse versus substance coping these days.

Sometimes I like people better on their coping substances than off them. I'm not saying I condone it, but sometimes I'm like, please come to this meeting chilled out.

Erin: Can you blame them with the current workplace?

Nicole: I cannot.

Erin: That's why we share these stories. That's why we share this podcast. It's all part of your medication.

Nicole: We are all living this dream together and showing up every damn day because we've chosen it.

And sometimes you just have to call your squad and ask, "Am I getting the best deal where I am?" Have that conversation.

Erin: Work the underground tunnel.

Nicole: Exactly.

Final Thought Erin: Modern work is weird. AI is changing the way people apply for jobs, companies are asking people to bot sit, parents are emailing hiring managers, employees are hiding in bathrooms, and everyone is trying to stand out without losing their minds.

But underneath all of it is something deeply human. We're trying to build lives we don't have to escape from. We're trying to stop comparing ourselves to people whose lives we don't actually want. We're trying to be seen, chosen, trusted, and remembered in a world full of AI slop and workplace noise.

And honestly? Sometimes the best thing we can do is laugh, call our people, and ask better questions about what we actually want.

View Details

Trust at work isn't built through big promises or polished corporate statements. It's built in the tiny moments.

In this episode, Erin sits down with bestselling author, speaker, professor, and filmmaker Minda Harts to talk about her framework for the 7 Trust Languages and why trust is really a communication issue hiding in plain sight.

In this episode, you'll hear:

-Why leaders need to stop pretending employees don't see what's happening

-How the 7 Trust Languages can help leaders build stronger relationships

-How to rebuild trust after a mistake without rushing the repair

This episode is for anyone who wants to lead with more honesty, communicate with more humanity, and make work suck a whole lot less.

Minda's Website: https://www.mindaharts.com/

Connect with Minda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindaharts/

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Ready to modernize your culture, liberate your leadership, and differentiate your business without sounding like every other company on LinkedIn?

Bring Erin Hatzikostas in to show your team how authenticity can become an actual strategic advantage, not just another corporate buzzword. Book Erin to Speak

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram

• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz

• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"

-Throw out half the playbook and start competing in a league of your own. Check out Erin's book, The 50% Rule.

-Work with Us

-Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

"Don't outsource your humanity."

"People are human first and colleagues second."

"Trust is a noun and a verb."

"We can solve for respect, right? We can solve for trust."

Intro Note: This transcript has been edited for clarity, readability, and length while preserving the core conversation and key insights from the episode.

In this episode of b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck, Erin Hatzikostas talks with Minda Harts about workplace trust, the seven trust languages, leadership communication, rebuilding trust after mistakes, giving better feedback, psychological safety, and why leaders need to stop outsourcing their humanity.

Why Trust Is the Real Workplace Issue

Erin: I'm fascinated by your background because I'm like, "Oh yeah, she's all about trust. She's a speaker." And then I'm like, "Oh wait, she's a professor. Oh wait, she's a filmmaker. Oh wait, she wrote books."

I'm curious about trust. It's not exactly the sexiest topic, but there must have been a moment or story that made you obsessed with it.

Minda: The obsession actually started during COVID. I was living in New York City at the time, and I woke up around three o'clock in the morning. I kept hearing this voice saying, "The issue is always trust."

I didn't think too much about it in the moment, but I wrote "trust languages" in my notes app. Over time, I kept coming back to it. The more I thought about all the writing I'd done over the years, I realized the real problem I was trying to solve was trust.

In the workplace, when certain things happen, there's usually an expectation underneath that isn't being met. That erodes trust. But often, people don't even know they're doing it.

So I started to see that it's not just a trust issue. It's also a communication issue. If the other person knew what you needed, could that get trust back on the tracks?

In personal relationships, trust is a no-brainer. If I can't trust you, I don't know if this relationship is going to work. But in the workplace, we give people a pass for doing things that aren't trustworthy, and we never have conversations about it.

The Seven Trust Languages

Erin: I love the idea of trust languages because everybody thinks of love languages. You have seven trust languages. Where does it start? Do you need to understand the other person, or are these seven things everyone needs to do?

Minda: My thesis is that we all have a primary, secondary, and tertiary trust language. There may be a time when we're speaking all of them, but if I'm a leader and you report to me, and I want to get the most productivity out of my entire team, not just my go-to people, then in our next one-on-one, I'm going to ask, "What does trust look like to you?"

I want to make sure we have the most harmonious working relationship possible. I want to make sure you get the most out of being on this team. So what does trust look like to you?

When someone answers that question, they'll usually tell you two or three of their trust languages without even knowing the labels.

If I know feedback is important to you, or transparency is important to you, I can make note of that. Then when we're working together, I remember, "Erin values transparency. She values when I'm not being ambiguous. She values feedback that's meaningful and insightful."

I tell people it's about the double E's. We're either enhancing trust or eroding trust.

Erin: Always up or down.

Minda: Exactly. We may not be able to solve everything at work, but we can solve for respect. We can solve for trust.

The Question Every Leader Should Ask

Erin: That question is so powerful. I used to lead a lot of employees, and I'm thinking, "Crap, if I could've simply said in one meeting, 'Trust is important. What does trust look like for you?'"

Minda: I never had a manager ask me that. Not because they didn't want trust with me, but because we're all moving so fast in the workday that we forget there's a human on the other end.

The data shows that if we have more trust, we're more productive and less anxious. I don't want to be the reason someone is spiraling through the day and not even know it.

Erin: Imagine asking that in an interview when you're trying to attract the best talent. You think people aren't going to flock to that? They're going to be like, "Wow, I've never heard that before."

Minda: Yes. And I write about that in the book. If you know acknowledgement is important to you, ask questions in the interview process that help you see whether that environment can provide it.

Some people don't naturally say, "Great job. Thank you for delivering that project. I don't know where we'd be without it." That may not be the language they're most comfortable giving. But you may need that to survive and thrive at work.

So tell people what's important to you. Advocate for yourself. We're not always going to work for the person who asks, "What does trust look like?" Sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns.

Erin: And by sometimes, we mean most of the time.

How to Ask for the Trust You Need

Erin: Most of our listeners are leaders, but let's be honest, they're also employees. Everybody wants to be a great leader, but they also want to know how to be led better.

Can you give an example of how someone might use the trust languages in an interview to understand what kind of manager they'd be working for?

Minda: One trust language that is really important right now is sensitivity, which is about empathy and being mindful of our actions, tone, and behaviors.

If I were interviewing, I might say, "Many people work together in the workplace, but they experience the workplace differently. If I reported to you and there was a natural disaster where I live, and I couldn't get into the office three or five days a week, how would we handle that?"

That question tells me a lot about the manager.

If they say, "Absolutely. Were you impacted by the fires? I know that must have been tough," that tells me something.

But if they say, "Maybe you should move somewhere else because we need someone in the office five days a week," that tells me something too.

You start to see how people humanize you, or whether they're robotic.

Sensitivity, Security, and Psychological Safety

Minda: Another example is what happens in meetings. We've all been in a situation where someone says a joke that isn't funny to everyone. Does the leader sweep it under the rug and let that person keep saying inappropriate things in team meetings?

Or, if I have an issue, can I bring it to you without fear of retribution?

A lot of trust is eroded in big team meetings. People speak over each other. People say things that are inappropriate, not necessarily because they woke up deciding to be inappropriate, but because they're used to talking any kind of way.

That's where psychological safety comes in, which is connected to the trust language of security. Even if we have a difference of opinion, there should still be enough respect for me to have a good conversation with you.

And if someone gives feedback, how do you receive it? Do you say, "I've never heard that before," and get defensive? Or do you say, "Let me consider what you're saying. Tell me more. Let me ask some questions."

These behaviors keep showing up at work, and people don't always realize how detrimental they can be.

Erin: Everybody's different. I'm thinking about two people who support my business. One is more on the sensitivity side. If something gets messed up, I know I need to say, "Dude, no big deal at all." And when something is done well, I need to say the thing that's already inside my head: "You crushed it."

The other person is about as far from sensitive as you can imagine. For her, follow-through probably matters more. She's my operations person. It's more like, "Erin, you said you were going to send me three videos. Send me the three videos."

Understanding those people is really important.

How to Rebuild Trust After You Mess Up

Erin: Rebuilding trust is always a big one. Let's say you screwed something up with a client, customer, or major project. What are some ways to rebuild trust that people may not think of?

Minda: One trust language that matters here is demonstration. Do our actions align with our values?

I can tell you all day that I'm going to make the tacos the way you expect them every time you come to the taco truck. But if every time you come, they're made differently, I'm not demonstrating that you can trust this place.

When we make a mistake, we can acknowledge it. "You know what? We have a new cook. We're training them today. But we value you as a customer."

Then we pay attention. "Oh, you like your cheese sprinkled this way? Now that I know that, I want to demonstrate that you can trust us. Next time you come, I'm going to check the bag before you leave."

It's the show and the tell.

A lot of times in life, we want to skip over the repair part. We say, "I said I'm sorry. Move on." But rebuilding trust requires demonstration over time.

I believe if trust can be broken, it can be rebuilt, if it's not egregious. But it requires action. Trust is a noun and a verb.

Erin: It takes patience. When we mess up, we want instant gratification. We want the wound to be healed right away. In a big corporation, it might be, "We'll give you a fee holiday," because we want something tangible and quick.

But if you slow down and accept that it may be uncomfortable for a little while, then next week you can show up differently. You can go above and beyond. You can demonstrate the repair.

Minda: Absolutely. And we also have to give people the opportunity to rebuild. If we've been burned in our personal or professional lives, sometimes we come into the next situation with our defenses up.

You may be the best boss I've never had yet, but if I'm still holding onto hurts and broken promises from my last situation, I'm not going to get the best out of the situation with you, and you're not going to get the best from me.

So we also have to be self-aware. Is this person really eroding trust, or am I bringing baggage from past experiences?

Erin: Right. It's easy to tell stories like, "The boss is mad at me because I got a three-word email." But maybe the boss is running to another meeting and isn't actually worried about the mistake you made.

What to Do When You Break Trust With Your Boss

Erin: Let's say you mess something up with your boss. Maybe you botch a report, lose a customer, or mess up some technology. Beyond demonstrating that you can get it right next time, what else helps?

Minda: Remember that your boss is human too. They have expectations you may not be aware of, especially if you're new to the team.

You might say, "I know expectations can change depending on priorities, and I want to make sure we're aligned. I really enjoy working on your team, and I want our working relationship to be strong. What do you need from me to do your best work?"

Success is not a solo sport. When you ask that kind of question, they may not say, "Transparency is important to me," or, "Follow-through is important to me," but they'll tell you something that reveals what matters.

Then you can make a mental note. If you say you'll get something done by five and you can't, don't workplace ghost them. Follow up and say, "I know the deadline is approaching. Could I get an extension of one hour? I'll get it to you shortly."

That keeps trust on the tracks.

We create narratives in our heads that people will be upset with us, but most people just want honesty. We all bump up against deadlines. We all make mistakes. The issue is how we communicate it.

The Leadership Mistake That Drives Minda Crazy

Erin: What gets under your skin? What's your biggest leadership pet peeve? What's the simple thing leaders do wrong that you wish they'd change?

Minda: I really value transparency, which is clarity and honesty. What gets under my skin is when leaders act like employees are stupid.

We see the smoke coming out of the chimney. We hear the alarms going off. Then you come and tell us, "There's nothing to worry about. Nothing to see here."

You may not know why the smoke is happening. You may not know why the alarms are going off. But acknowledge it. Say, "I know you've smelled the smoke. I've smelled it too. I don't know exactly what's causing it, but once I do, I'll let you know."

That feels better and keeps trust intact more than pretending nothing happened.

Don't pretend we didn't just do a reorganization. Don't pretend we didn't just lay off half the team. Let's humanize it.

People are human first and colleagues second.

Sometimes leaders think they can't be honest because they're privy to certain information. Then say that. "I don't have all the information right now, but I understand how this might make you feel. If you have questions, book time with me and let's talk it through."

That feels much better than watching someone's work friend get laid off after ten years and then pretending nothing happened.

Erin: I love that. Stop thinking your employees are stupid. The bar is low, isn't it?

Minda: It's so low.

Don't Outsource Your Humanity

Erin: I saw a post where someone asked you a question about AI, and the gremlin that came out of you was, "Don't outsource your humanity." What caused that?

Minda: Someone asked me about using AI in workplace communication. I think it's important to use the tools available to us. But what can happen is I put my thoughts into an agent, then I email you. Then you put your thoughts into an agent, and now you're emailing me back.

At that point, we've taken ourselves out of it. It's just two agents talking to each other.

There's no nuance. The tools don't understand the history of what happened in the meeting. They're getting it from one angle.

So before you press send, just because the grammar is great and the message is direct, take another look. Think about the nuance. Think about the relationship.

When this person finishes reading the email, how are they going to feel? What is the relationship going to feel like?

If we're just two agents talking to each other, we may not be building trust. We may be eroding it. That's why I said, "Don't outsource your humanity."

Erin: Preaching to the choir. I'm an authenticity girl. Sounding smart is now suspicious. Stop sounding smart.

How to Give Tough Feedback Without Eroding Trust

Erin: Can we talk about giving tough feedback? Whether it's an annual review or on the fly, I think the feedback sandwich is over. Maybe that worked when people didn't know they were being sandwiched, but now we all know.

How do you give transparent feedback while still building trust?

Minda: One thing I created is a game called The Trust Catalyst, which helps people practice these conversations so they don't erode trust.

If we're doing a one-on-one or year-end review, I'm not going to start by launching into feedback. If you sit down or appear on Zoom, and the first thing I say is, "That report you did last week should have been done differently," you're immediately thinking, "I didn't know this was a problem."

That sets the tone for the whole meeting.

Think of the seven trust languages as tools. If you have a nail, you're not going to grab a wrench first. You're going to grab the right tool.

Maybe you start with acknowledgement. Maybe you start with sensitivity because you know this person has had a rough year. When you do get to feedback, make sure it's meaningful and gives the person an opportunity to grow.

It's not just what you say. It's how you say it.

You can say, "We need to meet these deadlines more consistently. Is there something you need from me so we can make sure you hit this mark three weeks from now?"

That sounds very different from making someone feel like they may not have a job by the end of the week.

I always go back to the double E's. Is what I'm about to say going to enhance this relationship or erode it?

Think about what you want the end of the conversation to look like. Do you want the person to feel down and out, waiting to turn off the camera? Or is there a way that when you see each other later, the relationship still feels intact?

Growing up, my mom and dad could say the exact same thing to me, but when my dad said it, I wanted to spiral down the wall because his delivery was harsh. My mom could say the same thing, and I would receive it because I knew she was telling me in a way that helped me grow.

That's something leaders and colleagues can do better.

When Your Peer Becomes Your Employee

Erin: Here's a sticky situation: your peer becomes your employee. You get promoted, and Joe, who used to be your sidekick and confidant, is now reporting to you. How do you build this new level of trust when the relationship changes?

Minda: That happens a lot, and it can be sticky depending on which side of the friendship you're on.

A big part of it is transparency. Talk about the elephant in the room.

You might say, "I know we have a great working relationship, and now I'm in this leadership position. There may be times when I have to put certain priorities first, but I want you to know you can always come to me. I hope we can have two relationships: our working relationship and our friendship. There may be times when I have sensitive information I can't talk about like I could before, but I hope we can find that balance."

I would much rather someone be transparent with me and create that sense of security than pretend I don't exist anymore or start acting weird.

Nine times out of ten, if people would communicate instead of being conflict avoidant, we could have better relationships.

We create narratives that it can't work, but why not talk about how it can work? Say, "If it ever feels like our friendship isn't there, or I'm acting differently because I'm in this role, tell me. I value that."

We have to say what we mean without being mean.

Erin: Exactly. Say the thing you're already going to say to your coach or your partner. Why not say it to the actual person?

Minda: Yes. Because now I have that information. I may think everything is fine, but you may feel like, "We used to talk every day, and now we only talk once a month."

You might assume I don't care as much now that I have this leadership title, when really, I'm just busy and hadn't thought about it.

Again, many of these things are communication issues before they become trust issues.

Green-Lighting Yourself

Erin: You haven't just focused on trust. You're also a filmmaker, and part of that is telling stories about real-life situations, friendships, and the things that make life beautiful and complicated.

So many people listening are trying to make work suck less, but they're also looking for inspiration to do things that feel uncomfortable or outlandish. Can you talk about the filmmaking side?

Minda: I never intended to be an author. I fell into it. So I would encourage people to remember that you can learn new things.

During the pandemic, I started taking screenwriting classes because I knew I wanted to take the stories I'd been telling and share them in another medium. I wanted to be a better storyteller, and I'm a big advocate of investing in yourself.

Whether I win an Oscar, a Webby, or nothing, I wanted to enhance that skill. I also thought about the intellectual property I have and how I could tell those stories in different ways.

I started taking classes about six years ago. At some point, I said, "I'm not going to wait for the green light from somebody else. I'm going to green light myself."

So I started making short films. I kept taking coursework, reading books, finding my crew on social media, and asking people around. Now I'm four short films in, and they've been in many festivals.

It feels good to uncover a new area of my life that I'm good at. Maybe I'll win Oscars in the future. Maybe I won't. But I'm enjoying this part of my life because it's another way to get stories heard by people who may never read my books.

Erin: You said something so simple: "I took a class." So many times we act like we don't even know where to start. But there's a class for everything.

Minda: Everything.

Erin: Just take the class. Get curious.

Minda: I'll tell you and your listeners a secret. Since I was a teenager, I've always wanted to take piano lessons. Every year, I'd put it on the vision board: "Take piano lessons." And I never did.

But later today, I'm taking my first piano lesson.

I may end up in a recital with preschoolers, but this is for me. Sometimes we just have to do things for us.

Minda's "Buck That" Story

Erin: We always ask people for their "buck that" story. It's a time when you bucked the norm, went against the grain, and something good happened as a result. Do you have one?

Minda: Yes. It's the intersection where I sit now.

I was in corporate America for 15 years, and in 2015, I started this dinosaur thing called a blog. I was frustrated about the workplace I was in. There was no trust anywhere.

The blog was a way for me to talk about what I was experiencing, not from a "woe is me" place, but from a place of, "If anybody else is feeling this way, here are the tips I wish I had used or that I'm working through."

Every Monday, I put out a memo. Eventually, those memos became my first bestselling book, The Memo. I had no idea that would happen. Now I'm on book four and making films.

So sow those seeds. Take the step.

I left a very stable job, and I was terrified. I'm type A. I love stability because I didn't have a lot of it growing up. I thought, "Give me the gold watch. I'm here forever."

Taking that leap, betting on myself, and bucking the system showed me that success isn't just one way. I think I'm a constant "buck that" girl now. That's just how I live.

Erin: Once you buck it once and it works out, that's the end of the story. That's why we love to share these stories for people who are holding themselves back.

One Last Tip to Make Work Suck Less

Erin: What's your one last tip to make work suck less?

Minda: Ask yourself, "What do I want out of work?"

Sometimes we do things at work to make work work for everybody else, but we never consider what it needs to look like for us.

Once you understand what you need, you can ask for it more clearly. Not what the person next to you wants. Not what someone on Microsoft Teams wants. What is really going to make you say, "This was worth the ride"?

We should remember that we are good enough to deserve the best workplace possible.

View Details

After years of advising CEOs and senior leaders, she's learned that the higher you climb, the more the same human stuff shows up: insecurity, miscommunication, fear of failure, and avoiding the conversations nobody wants to have.

In this episode, Erin sits down with the self-proclaimed "C-Suite Whisperer" , Paru Radia, to talk about tough conversations, turning adversity into an advantage, and why standing still might be the riskiest thing you can do. Along the way, Paru shares lessons from her own journey and her no-BS coaching style.

Some of the things you'll hear are: -Why Paru actually loves tough conversations (and how to stop dreading them)

-How being bullied, underestimated, and treated like an outsider became her superpower

-Why "magic happens in momentum"

If you've ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure of your next move, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, leadership, and success.

Check out Paru's Website

Connect with Paru on LinkedIn

Book Erin to speak

Ready to modernize your culture, liberate your leadership, and differentiate your business without sounding like every other company on LinkedIn?

Bring Erin Hatzikostas in to show your team how authenticity can become an actual strategic advantage, not just another corporate buzzword. Book Erin to Speak

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram

• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz

• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"

-Throw out half the playbook and start competing in a league of your own. Check out Erin's book, The 50% Rule.

-Work with Us

-Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

"Don't self-filter and be apologetic about something. It is what it is.

"If you are not confident about the things that you don't like about yourself, you are giving people ammunition to also dislike you. Just own it."

"Magic happens in momentum."

"The magic won't happen if something is standing still. You need other things to happen for the reaction to happen, which equates to magic."

Editor's note: This transcript has been edited for clarity, readability, and length while preserving the core conversation and key teaching moments.

In this episode, Erin talks with executive strategist Paru Radia about how to navigate tough conversations at work, communicate with more clarity, own the messy parts of your story, and use momentum to create real career growth. Their conversation covers executive coaching, leadership communication, performance reviews, workplace conflict, career transitions, and the real-life messes behind success.

Transcript

Why Paru Calls Herself the C-Suite Whisperer

Erin: You call yourself the C-Suite Whisperer. If I saw that on a page without knowing you, I might side-eye it. But after meeting you, I thought, "Oh my gosh, she totally is." Where did that come from?

Paru: I was talking to a client a few years ago, describing what I do without making it sound too prescriptive. I was explaining how I listen, question, translate, and help executives understand what is really happening.

I thought of the show Ghost Whisperer, where someone translates what ghosts are saying to the people who cannot hear them. I realized, "I do what she does, but for executives." So I said, "I'm a C-Suite whisperer."

She completely got it. A week later, she told someone she had hired a C-Suite whisperer, then wrote about me on LinkedIn using that phrase. So I thought, "I guess that's what I am."

Erin: I love that idea of translating between what someone says and what people actually hear. What gets mistranslated the most when you are working with executives?

Paru: Intention. And that applies to everyone.

People are often so busy thinking about themselves, what they mean, and what they think other people are hearing that they miss how the message is actually landing. I do not mean that in an arrogant way. No matter how senior you get, it is the same stuff with more at stake.

It is the same insecurity, the same miscommunication, the same desire for the business to be successful, the same desire to look good, be liked, be understood, be seen, and be heard. We are all human. The stakes just get higher.

How Childhood Shaped Her Ability to Read People

Erin: I saw in another interview that when you were asked what time in your life you would change, you mentioned primary school and high school. What were those years like, and how did they shape the bold person you are now?

Paru: I want to be careful with that answer. I am really happy in my life now, and I know I would not be where I am today without everything I experienced. But if I could still be where I am today and remove some of the pain from those years, I would.

I grew up in a very conservative, traditional Indian household in the seventies and early eighties in racist Britain. We had bricks thrown through our window. We had racial slurs shouted at us. As a child, I had people on the street threaten me because I was Indian. It was scary.

Some of that racism translated to school. I was made fun of for being Indian. I was also a chubby kid, so I was made fun of for that too.

What happened was that it became safer for me to observe than to participate. It was safer to figure out where the next landmine was or where the next grenade might be thrown.

That has worked in my favor now. I observe closely. I have a very keen eye and a very keen ear. I think some of that came from life circumstances that forced me to develop those skills.

Erin: That makes so much sense. For people listening who have gone through challenges, trauma, or difficult experiences, how do they start to turn those things into a strength?

Paru: First, be kind to yourself. And I do not mean that in a fluffy way. I mean dig deep and own everything about yourself.

I am a big advocate of owning all of it. When I work with clients, I am their biggest fan, but I am also very direct. I often say that when you work with me, you will be punched and hugged at the same time.

I am not soft. I will tell you things other people are too scared to tell you. I will tell you things you may not want to hear. But I am also there to catch you. I am not doing it to be mean. I am doing it to be real, so we can actually address what is happening.

The first step is not self-filtering or apologizing for what is true. If something happened, it happened. If you messed something up, own it. If you do not like something about yourself, name it.

Many people start to malfunction when they are not being who they really are. When you try to cover something up or perform as someone else, it creates friction. It is what it is. Own it.

If you are not confident about the things you dislike about yourself, you give other people ammunition to dislike those things too. Own them. There are things about me I do not think are fantastic, but I love them anyway. It has taken me a long time to get here.

Why Tough Conversations Matter

Erin: One thing I wanted to talk to you about is tough conversations at work. The employee who is not performing. The job elimination. The numbers that are not hitting forecast. A lot of smart, capable people want to crawl under their desk when it is time to have those conversations. What advice do you give them?

Paru: I love tough conversations.

Erin: Why?

Paru: Because they are the beginning of something different. Once you have the tough conversation, something is going to change. It might be an action, a perception, or a mindset, but something shifts.

I am all for change. I challenge the status quo all the time. I am always looking to be better, do better, and grow. I want that for my clients too.

When it comes to tough conversations, language is incredibly important. If I were giving general advice, I would say: get out of your own head and be factual.

Avoid making everything about "you," because that can sound aggressive. Keep it business-focused. Ask questions. Do not go straight into the conversation without understanding the other person. Be genuinely curious.

I start many difficult conversations by asking for the person's understanding of the topic first. That way, we are on the same page. Then I can share my definition or perspective.

That moves me from being opposite them to being next to them. It becomes, "This is how I am looking at it. How are you looking at it?"

Then I stay factual. I might say, "The business needs this. The problem we have is this. What do you think we could do about that?"

If their answer is not feasible, I might say, "Here is what I am thinking. What are your thoughts on that?"

Behavioral issues are different and need more specific examples, but in general, curiosity, clarity, and facts matter.

How to Approach a Performance Conversation

Erin: Let's use an example. Joe is a project manager. He has moments of brilliance, but he is inconsistent. Sometimes he solves a big problem. Other times, he makes promises he cannot deliver, or his work is not good. How would you coach someone to have that conversation?

Paru: There is a lot I would want to understand first. I would want to know what is going through Joe's mind when he performs well, and what is going through his mind when he does not.

I would ask whether Joe agrees with the assessment that he is inconsistent. Does he think he is not performing well? What does "well" look like to him? What outcome does he want?

I am very outcome-focused. I always ask, "What outcome are you looking for?" Then we work backwards.

Many people start from where they are and move forward, but ego and fear get in the way. They think, "I do not want to look bad. I do not want them to think this. I do not want to say that."

As a kid, I never saw the point of doing a maze by constantly hitting walls. I would start in the middle, draw the path backwards, and say, "This is the way to get there." I approach coaching the same way.

When we start with the outcome, ego becomes less of a problem. We can say, "If you want that outcome, it will take this. You will need to say this. You will need to do that."

Once the person can see the outcome clearly, they are usually willing to put their ego aside because they know what they are aiming for.

Erin: So with Joe, instead of starting with, "How do you think you are doing?" you would start with what he wants?

Paru: Yes. If Joe says, "I want a promotion," I would ask, "What do you think it would take for that promotion to be awarded to you?"

He might say he needs to perform at a certain level. Then I would ask, "What would it take to perform at that level?" We would look at relationships, technical ability, consistency, communication, and everything else involved.

If relationships are part of the issue, I would ask, "What would your relationship with your boss need to look like?"

I do not call myself a coach. I am an executive strategist. Coaching is part of what I do, but I am also opinionated and will share my perspective. I do not do that upfront. I want the client to get there first, but if they do not, I will share what I see.

So I might say, "To me, it sounds like your boss needs to see this, this, and this. Right now, you are not showing it. What can we do to make sure you show that?"

Why Clarity Changes the Conversation

Erin: I love that because so many people go into reviews and ask broad questions like, "How do you think you are doing?" But that can feel like a trap.

Paru: Exactly. I like asking a lot of questions to get clarity. Clarity is the first word on my website because it matters so much.

When there is clarity, you can have conversations without obsessing over, "What are they going to think? How are they going to take it? What if they do not understand me?"

If someone asks me a question that is too broad, I usually do not answer it right away. I ask for context.

If someone asked me in a performance review, "How do you think you are doing?" I would either break the answer into categories or ask, "Is there a specific context for that question, or is there a category you would like me to focus on first?"

That way, I know I am answering the question they are actually asking, not the question I think they might be asking.

Erin: That is such a useful takeaway. If someone asks a question that feels too big or like a landmine, you can ask for clarity. You can say, "Are you asking about my attitude, my deadlines, my communication, or something else?"

Paru: Yes. It gives everyone a better chance of having the real conversation.

Preparing for High-Stakes Business Conversations

Erin: Let's say someone is going into a quarterly business review with their boss, the CFO, and other senior leaders. The business has missed revenue numbers three months in a row. Most people would dread that conversation. How would you advise them to go into it?

Paru: If there is going to be a tough conversation with a group, I would get to the audience before they are all in the same room.

Relationships are easier one-to-one. If there are four senior stakeholders in the room, I would try to speak with each one individually beforehand.

I want to know what I am walking into. I want to be able to predict what is coming my way. If I can preempt some of that through individual conversations, I am better equipped to have a potential solution, even if I have not fully actioned it yet.

I might still get hurt a little, but I am less likely to get destroyed by the meeting.

Erin: So you would have those pre-conversations, understand the feedback and questions, and make sure the missed numbers are not a surprise. What else?

Paru: I would want to know why the numbers were missed. What went wrong? How can it be fixed? How can you make sure it does not happen again? What will you do differently? How do you feel about it?

Then I would help the person take ownership of the parts they are responsible for. I would help them own the mistakes with confidence instead of becoming defensive.

No one wants to deal with someone who is defensive. The audience is already taking care of themselves. They do not have time to take care of your defensiveness too.

Go into the meeting understanding the problems, owning the mistakes, and bringing possible solutions.

Why Magic Happens in Momentum

Erin: You said something that caught my eye: "Magic happens in momentum." Tell us more about that.

Paru: I had that as the screenshot on my phone for about a year. There is an old saying that standing still is the equivalent of moving backwards. Things move. Things change. People evolve. Time passes. If you are not moving, you are going backwards.

Even if you are scared, do it anyway. Change will happen. You will grow. You will learn something. You might learn, "I do not like that," or "That did not work," but at least now you know and can move forward.

I am a big fan of momentum. Standing still bores me. That is my personality. Some people love stability. I am not risk-averse. I like newness, change, and growth. Momentum creates that.

Erin: When I read that, I thought about momentum in relationships too. Someone sends an email saying, "I loved your book," or "I loved your coaching session." There is a difference between responding three days later and capturing that energy in the moment.

Paru: Yes. People are forgetful, and enthusiasm dwindles.

If someone says, "I loved your book," and you respond a month later, they have already moved on to the next shiny object. The effort it takes to remind them how great you are becomes wasted energy.

When there is energy, build on it. That is what improv taught me too. I did improv classes for a year, and so much of improv is about building on other people's ideas. Momentum works the same way. You do something, then the next thing, then the next thing.

Magic is the result of action causing a reaction. If everything is standing still, nothing reacts. You need movement for the reaction to happen.

The Expiration Date on Favors

Erin: For our listeners, especially corporate women in mid-career and up, momentum is so important in relationships and sponsorship. If a senior leader notices what you are doing or reaches out after a good meeting, grab that momentum.

Paru: I have the same theory with favors. If you have done something for someone and they say, "Let me know if there is anything I can do for you," there is always an expiration date on that offer.

If there is something they can genuinely do, do not waste the favor. But if there is something meaningful, ask while the momentum is there.

They have just experienced the good feeling of what you did for them. That feeling will dwindle. People get distracted. Later, they may still help, but it is harder.

Erin: A body in motion tends to stay in motion.

Paru: Exactly.

The Messes Behind Successes

Erin: I want to talk about your book, Messes Behind Successes. What is the premise?

Paru: It is about navigating reality on your rise to the top.

I am tired of reading books about unicorn billionaires. I am happy for them, but many of those stories sound like, "Life was tough, I lost money, then I was on the golf course with my dad's best friend and he invested in my business. Now look at me."

That is great for them, but how does that help the rest of us? I do not have a rich dad. I do not have a golf course. I did not go to Harvard, and most people did not either.

We hear success stories, but we rarely get a real how-to guide for navigating the mess on the way there.

Mess is real. People get married. People get divorced. People move houses or countries. People get sick. People pass away. That is the personal side.

At work, you may not get along with your boss. You may not get the promotion. You may mess up an interview, a meeting, or a target. You may be scared you are going to get fired. People do not talk enough about those moments.

I am interviewing C-suite leaders who look very successful on paper, and many of them are successful and happy. But they had so much mess along the way.

I want to share those stories so people do not feel alone, and so they have tangible examples of how to navigate real life and still make it.

Erin: I love that. Those are the stories people need when they are wondering whether they should go for the career move, the big meeting, the executive job, or the new business. It is inspiring to hear how people got through the hard parts.

Paru: Exactly. The mess is part of the story.

Helping People Recalibrate in Career and Life

Erin: Who is your ideal client? Who might be listening and think, "I would really benefit from working with Paru"?

Paru: I work with executives in corporations, first-time CEOs, C-suite leaders, rising C-suite leaders, small businesses, startups, and multi-billion-dollar companies.

I love working with first-time CEOs because they often do not realize how great they are, and I get to help them shine.

I also work with individuals in transition. A lot of people come to me saying, "I want to do this," or "I want to do that," and I ask, "Why?" I really want to know why.

About half the time, once they answer that question, they realize they have been working so hard for a dream that is no longer their dream. Their dream has changed.

I love when those epiphanies happen. I like helping people in transition understand who they are deep down.

Things happen along the way, and sometimes people need to recalibrate. Who are you today because of everything that happened, or despite everything that happened? What does today's version of you want?

That is what I want to know, and then I want to help you get there.

Where to Find Paru

Erin: Where can people follow you and get more of your brilliance?

Paru: The only social media platform I am on is LinkedIn. You can find me there as Paru Radia. You can also visit my website.

I share a lot of my thoughts, stories, and lessons on LinkedIn. The book also includes many personal stories, including some I cringed while writing. But they are a big part of who I have become, how I think, and how I operate.

Erin: Please promise me you will read your own audiobook.

Paru: I absolutely will.

Erin: Good. Your personality and authenticity need to come through in the audio version. Thank you for sharing your candor, your insights, and part of yourself with us today.

Paru: Thank you for opening the door into your world and letting me in. It has been so much fun.

View Details

This episode is part journalism, part therapy, part "girl WHAT?!"

Today's guest, Melanie Marshall, is a former BBC foreign journalist turned filmmaker, speaker, and coach who has reported from some of the most intense places on earth. And somehow… despite seeing humanity at its messiest, she still believes people are mostly good.

Some of the things you'll hear:

-The wildly unexpected way radicalized followers of Osama Bin Laden welcomed her into an interview shortly after his death

-What actually creates human connection when people disagree on literally everything

-Why she repeatedly ignored her boss's instructions, chased stories anyway, and somehow ended up with life-changing moments… and a goat

-Stories that prove women across the world are a lot more alike than we think, even in radically different circumstances

-The time she got smacked repeatedly with a feather duster by a man, plus the moment she relied on her single greatest survival skill to get herself out of danger

Melanie tells stories the way your funniest friend would if your funniest friend also casually wandered through war zones, political unrest, and deeply human moments while carrying BBC equipment. It's equal parts hilarious, eye-opening, uncomfortable, hopeful, and "HOW IS THIS A REAL STORY?" energy.

How you can use Human Connection to drive change | Melanie Marshall | TEDx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-marshall-237a641/

Substack: https://imrama.substack.com/

Website:http://melaniemarshall.com

Book Erin to speak

Ready to modernize your culture, liberate your leadership, and differentiate your business without sounding like every other company on LinkedIn?

Bring Erin Hatzikostas in to show your team how authenticity can become an actual strategic advantage, not just another corporate buzzword. Book Erin to Speak

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram

• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz

• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"

-Throw out half the playbook and start competing in a league of your own. Check out Erin's book, The 50% Rule.

-Work with Us

-Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

"She impacted me, she impacted my friend, she impacted all of these people with her goodness and her fiery spirit. She lived."

"If you think about the different stages that you get to in your career and when you reach a new one, you realize, 'oh, they're all people'"

"I am grateful that I have let myself be impacted so much by the people I have met because I feel a gift and a responsibility to let what I have learned from them go forward."

"I am not the lady in a sheet. I am the boss."

"The story wasn't over. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't over. And that's where I get hope."

Note: This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity, readability, and length.

In this episode of Because Work Doesn't Have to Suck, Erin sits down with former BBC foreign journalist Melanie Marshall to talk about leadership, courage, connection, resilience, and why she still believes humanity is fundamentally good after reporting from some of the world's most dangerous places. From interviewing extremists in Pakistan to reporting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and the Philippines, Melanie shares unforgettable stories about human connection, optimism, fear, and what really helps people survive difficult moments.

Why Melanie Marshall Still Believes in Humanity

Erin: You've seen some of the worst parts of the world, yet your message is still rooted in hope and optimism. That feels almost impossible right now.

Melanie: I know optimism gets eye rolls these days. But what I've learned traveling the world is this: if you let it, the world will humble you. It'll break your heart. But it also teaches you that people are far more complicated, funny, resilient, and loving than headlines make them seem.

I've spent years in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Gaza. Even in places under terrible oppression, people still laugh. They still flirt. They still joke. They still find joy behind closed doors. Human beings don't stop being human just because circumstances become horrific.

That's where my optimism comes from. The story is hard, but it's not over.

Meeting Followers of Osama Bin Laden

Erin: Tell us about the experience you had just after Osama Bin Laden was killed.

Melanie: We went to Pakistan shortly after his death because I wanted audiences to understand something important: Bin Laden wasn't just a man. He represented a movement.

We arranged to meet with radicalized followers of his in Karachi. I was nervous. Deeply nervous. Externally, I looked calm. Internally, I was thinking, "Am I completely insane for doing this?"

As we drove up, I heard children playing. We were meeting at a school.

That immediately lowered my fear level because they had intentionally chosen a setting they knew would make us feel safer. Then we walked in and the welcoming committee was wearing USA baseball caps.

These were people whose ideology I completely rejected, but they were trying to communicate something human: "You're safe here."

That moment changed how I think about connection. Even in situations where people fundamentally disagree, humans still look for ways to create understanding.

"Be As Normal As Possible"

Melanie: One phrase I've used throughout my career is: "Be as normal as possible."

I used it walking into Taliban prisons. I used it in war zones. And honestly, it applies to corporate life too.

If you're about to walk into a terrifying meeting with a VP or ask for a raise, don't pressure yourself to be perfectly poised or fearless. It's not a normal situation.

Just be as normal as possible. A little awkwardness is fine.

The Currency Everyone Wants

Melanie: I met a young woman in Gaza who created art sculptures out of sand because that was the only material available to her.

What she wanted most wasn't pity. She wanted to be seen.

I told her her work reminded me of art I'd seen in California. That mattered to her because it acknowledged she belonged in the same conversation as artists everywhere else in the world.

Erin: I always say everyone has a currency. Usually it's much smaller and simpler than we think.

Melanie: Exactly. Most people just want acknowledgment, respect, or connection.

The Woman Who Changed Her Life

Melanie: One of the people who impacted me most was a woman named Ghada in Mosul, Iraq.

She was funny, independent, ambitious, and full of life. We instantly connected. We joked about men, talked about work, laughed constantly.

She was also exactly the kind of woman extremists hated: outspoken, educated, joyful, politically active.

At one point she escaped Mosul, but she went back because she didn't want to leave her father behind.

ISIS killed her.

What stays with me is that even while living under horrific conditions, she remained hopeful. Loving. Funny. Fully alive.

That changed me forever.

Why Connection Matters More Than Status

Melanie: I've interviewed celebrities, billionaires, world leaders, and people no one has ever heard of.

The people who changed me most were usually the latter.

Connection matters more than status. Once you really sit down with someone, the hierarchy starts disappearing. They're just people.

And I think we forget that constantly.

The Feather Duster Incident

Melanie: I once visited an extremely conservative shrine near the Iranian border where modesty rules were intensely enforced.

I was trying to manage my reporting team while also wearing a chador that kept slipping off my head. Every time even the tiniest strand of hair showed, a man would smack me with a feather duster.

Eventually I was furious. Absolutely furious.

And then a group of women saw what was happening.

They didn't confront the man directly. Instead, they surrounded me, fixed my chador, sat me down, and pulled out snacks.

That moment stuck with me forever.

Women see each other. They protect each other. Sometimes survival looks like forming a circle around someone and handing them food.

Bravery Isn't What People Think

Erin: People constantly describe you as brave.

Melanie: I honestly don't think I'm brave. I think I'm good at functioning during chaos.

There's a difference.

I've run from airstrikes in Ukraine. I've dropped to the ground while bullets flew overhead in Libya. I assure you: I was not standing there heroically.

Most people aren't fearless. They simply have a purpose bigger than their fear.

Families survive war zones because protecting their children matters more than panic. I kept reporting because I believed it mattered to connect people with the truth of what was happening.

Purpose propels you forward.

The Story Wasn't Over

Melanie: After covering devastating typhoon damage in the Philippines, I left feeling overwhelmed with guilt because I could leave and everyone else had to stay behind.

Years later, I stayed in touch with the local drivers and families we worked with there. I watched their children graduate school. I watched them rebuild their lives.

That experience taught me something important: the story wasn't over just because I left during the worst part.

We do this in our own lives too. We assume difficult moments are final chapters when they're often just hard middle sections.

Bucking the Norm in Afghanistan

Melanie: I once fought hard to report from one of the most remote regions of Afghanistan because I wanted to document what childbirth looked like in the most dangerous place in the world to give birth.

My bosses kept trying to convince us not to go.

We went anyway.

The journey was brutal. Multiple flat tires. Dangerous mountain roads. A clinic fire in the middle of the night. At one point villagers handed my bra around after rescuing our belongings from the fire, which became an entire cultural misunderstanding on its own.

Eventually, a woman arrived at the clinic to give birth. Her baby died, but she survived, and she was relieved simply to have lived.

That story changed how people understood maternal healthcare in Afghanistan because we insisted on going all the way to where the story actually lived.

Sometimes bucking the norm simply means refusing to stop halfway.

Final Thoughts on Hope

Melanie: The world can be heartbreaking. Truly heartbreaking.

But everywhere I've gone, I've also found humor, generosity, resilience, love, and connection.

That's why I still believe in people.

The story is difficult. But it isn't finished yet.

View Details

Life isn't all smooth conversations and easy people. Sometimes it's messy, uncomfortable, and straight-up frustrating.

In this episode, Erin sits down with former trial lawyer turned entrepreneur and conflict expert Gabe Karp to talk about how to handle tough situations without spiraling, avoiding, or blowing things up.

Because here's the truth: conflict isn't the problem. How you handle it is.

Gabe shares practical strategies to help you stay grounded, take control, and walk away without regret… even when the other person is making it hard.

Here's what you'll hear:

• Why there are always "two tokens" in every situation and how to choose wisely

-The 5 traps that quietly sabotage your ability to handle conflict

-A simple shift that helps you stay calm when things start going sideways

-Gabe's least proud leadership moment and the lesson that stuck

-The subtle behavior that might be holding others back (and you don't even realize it)

Website: GabeKarp.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-karp-1b772a1b

Check out Gabe's TED Talk, How To Thrive With Difficult People: https://youtu.be/ggOQg6uUV2M?si=nKviXwvHJkGgvLGk

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "Everyone knows what "better" looks like. They just don't know where to start."
• "When you really screw something up for a client, that is an opportunity to make the relationship stronger and better."
• "Mistakes are inevitable and a real true test of character is how we react once we recognize we've made a mistake."
• "You cannot drive growth and innovation without conflict."
• "What do you get out of being mad?"

Episode Transcript

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and readability.

In this episode, Erin Hatzikostas talks with conflict expert Gabe Karp about how to handle difficult workplace conversations, give feedback without becoming the bully, manage conflict with bosses and clients, and use practical tools like the "two tokens" theory, the "shopping list voice," and the penguin philosophy.

Why Conflict Is So Hard at Work

Erin: I'm really excited to talk to you today. I think we can never have too many episodes about tough conversations. Conflict is the word you use, and our audience is working in a very Game of Thrones-type environment — corporate America.

Erin: You are a conflict expert. Was there a moment when you realized this was the work you wanted to do?

Gabe: There was. I spent ten years as a litigator, mostly in commercial litigation and legal malpractice. If you think a normal lawsuit is contentious, suing lawyers for screwing up is that on steroids.

Gabe: I learned a lot about anger and how it flows through a room. For all the wrong reasons, I loved it.

Gabe: Then I left private practice and joined a startup. We were growing fast, and whenever there were issues — a client problem, an internal mistake, anything — I wanted to jump in and fix it. But everyone around me was uncomfortable with conflict, and I didn't realize that at first.

Gabe: I realized we couldn't fix what needed fixing if everyone was tiptoeing around issues. I had to consciously find ways to help people feel comfortable having difficult conversations.

Can People Get Better at Conflict?

Erin: Do you think people can transform? A lot of people listening may think, "I just naturally run from conflict."

Gabe: Absolutely. I think it's nurture, not nature. We all have the same fight-or-flight instinct. But the ability to pause that instinctive response in the moment is something people can learn.

Gabe: The thing I've found most effective is helping people find the right entry point into a difficult conversation. One line I use all the time is, "If I were in your position, I'd want someone to tell me this."

Gabe: Once people have that one sentence to break the ice, all the things they need to say can come out in a productive, respectful way.

Erin: So one of the most important things is the entry point into the conversation.

Gabe: Exactly. Most people have a sense of what needs to happen. They just don't know how to begin.

When Your Boss Keeps Changing Priorities

Erin: Let's take a common scenario. Someone's boss keeps changing priorities. One week it's one thing, the next week it's another. The employee is overwhelmed and hasn't said anything. How should they approach that conversation?

Gabe: You want to bring awareness to the boss. It's like holding up a mirror and letting them see what their behavior looks like.

Gabe: In the moment, you might say, "It sounds like this is important, but two days ago you told me the thing I'm working on now had the same level of urgency. If I drop this, it remains unfinished. If I move to this new thing and then two days from now we switch again, that becomes difficult for me because I don't know what's actually important."

Gabe: You're not attacking them. You're helping them see the pattern. Most people don't want to be perceived as the person who creates fire after fire after fire.

Erin: I think one of the most important things you said is to address it in the moment. A lot of people wait for the next one-on-one, and by then they're nervous or the meeting gets delayed.

The Two Tokens Theory

Erin: Let's talk about customer conflict. How do you handle a situation where you have to tell a client that something you promised isn't going to be delivered?

Gabe: There's a concept I love called the choice between two tokens. In every customer service complaint, there are two tokens on the table: the "it's not a big deal" token and the "this is the end of the world" token.

Gabe: Whoever picks up the first token forces the other side to pick up the only token that's left.

Gabe: If a customer has a serious complaint and you minimize it, they are forced into the "end of the world" position. But if you immediately take accountability and say, "This is unacceptable. We failed you. We're going to fix it," the customer often becomes the one to say, "Okay, it's not that bad."

Gabe: In business, there is almost no downside to taking accountability first, even if you don't know all the facts yet. If you later learn the other side was also at fault, you'll have more credibility because your default response was accountability.

Gabe: When you really screw something up for a client, that can actually become an opportunity to make the relationship stronger. Mistakes are inevitable. The real test is how you respond once you recognize the mistake.

Erin: I love that metaphor. I've never heard it explained that way, but I've seen that strategy work.

Why Conflict Drives Growth

Erin: You say conflict can drive growth and innovation. Tell us more about that.

Gabe: You cannot drive growth and innovation without conflict. It's impossible.

Gabe: Companies where everyone is a yes person and no one raises their hand when there's a problem will kill innovation. The same is true for careers. People grow when they receive feedback, learn from mistakes, and get better.

Gabe: If someone is repeatedly making a mistake and you know exactly what they're doing wrong, but you withhold that information because you don't want them to feel uncomfortable, you're depriving them of the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.

Gabe: People often think avoiding feedback is kind. But sometimes it's actually cruel because you're withholding information they need in order to grow.

Gabe: You can say something like, "If I were in your position, I'd want to be told this," or, "I think you're being perceived in a way you don't want to be perceived." Then get specific.

Gabe: It's not enough to tell someone what they did wrong. You also need to give them something they can take away and use to improve.

Feedback as a Leadership Gift

Erin: That reminds me of a boss who once gave me feedback after I ran a town hall. I thought I had crushed it, and he told me I said "I" a lot — "I think," "I want," "my vision." It stuck with me because he was right.

Erin: If he hadn't told me, he would have deprived me of becoming a better leader.

Gabe: That's huge. Whether or not he was your favorite boss, that was a real service he did for you.

Don't Get Mad at Penguins

Erin: We have to talk about penguins. Your book is called Don't Get Mad at Penguins. Why?

Gabe: Don't get mad at penguins because they can't fly.

Gabe: It's a lesson in acceptance. We need to accept people, limitations and all, and stop expecting them to do things they are not capable of doing.

Gabe: The hard part is that limitations are often hard to see. A penguin is a bird. It has wings and feathers. Everything about it suggests it should be able to fly. But it can't. Flight is literally beyond its ability.

Gabe: People often say, "Of course this person is capable of behaving differently. They're smart. They can analyze other people's behavior." But that doesn't necessarily mean they can see or change their own behavior.

Gabe: If someone behaves the same way every single time, and you know there's a 100% chance they'll do it again, why keep getting mad? Sometimes you have to accept the limitation.

Gabe: The penguin analogy helps people separate themselves from anger. They start picturing the difficult person as a little penguin who can't fly, and it takes the hot air out of the situation.

Erin: I love that. Think of people as penguins.

The Five Conflict Traps

Erin: You talk about five traps that turn conflict against businesses. What are they?

Gabe: The five traps are the bully trap, the need-to-win trap, the liar trap, the avoidance trap, and the judgment trap.

Gabe: These show up in all human interaction, not just business. Things like anger, fear, ego, and judgment are not always bad. In healthy amounts, they can be useful. Anger can motivate you to fix something broken. Fear can protect you.

Gabe: But when those things move outside their healthy range, they become toxic.

The Bully Trap

Gabe: The bully trap is not about a playground bully who enjoys hurting people. It's a situation where someone, because of urgency, fear, or passion, behaves in a way that is perceived as bullying.

Gabe: If someone on my team makes a mistake and I yell at them because I'm angry, I may think I'm giving feedback, but I'm not. I'm just beating them up.

Gabe: If I want to understand why something happened and I start by yelling, they're just going to defend themselves. There won't be a genuine conversation.

The Need-to-Win Trap

Gabe: The need-to-win trap happens when your desire to win a small battle eclipses the reason you entered that battle in the first place.

Gabe: I experienced this as a litigator. I had a case where I found a smoking gun piece of evidence. I knew I could destroy the other side at trial, and I wanted that moment.

Gabe: A judge pulled me aside during a settlement conference and reminded me that my job wasn't to win for the sake of winning. My job was to get the best result for my client.

Gabe: I had become so focused on winning and punishing the other side that I almost lost sight of what was actually best for the client.

Erin: I think we can all relate to that. Maybe not in a trial, but definitely at work or in relationships.

The Shopping List Voice

Erin: Let's talk about detoxing the bully trap. How do you do that?

Gabe: I love using what I call the shopping list voice.

Gabe: Imagine someone says, "Hey Gabe, I'm going to the store. Do you want me to pick anything up?" And I say, "Yes, eggs, milk, frosting, and sprinkles." It's matter-of-fact. Neutral. Calm.

Gabe: Now take a workplace example. A client fires us because someone on my team sent deliverables with mistakes, the client had to redo the work, and they missed a deadline.

Gabe: I could explode and attack the person. Or I could say in a calm voice, "I just got off the phone with the client. The deliverables had mistakes. They had to redo the work. They missed the deadline as a result. They said this wasn't the first time it happened, and they fired us. That was a $2 million account."

Gabe: The substance is the same. But in the angry version, the person stops listening almost immediately. In the shopping list voice version, they may not like what I'm saying, but they can actually hear it.

Gabe: If you're really mad, practice first. If you can't say it in the shopping list voice, you're not ready for the real conversation yet.

Accountability Plus Reaffirmation

Gabe: When people screw up, it's also an opportunity. Deliver the feedback in a shopping list voice, then reaffirm the person.

Gabe: You can say, "This is serious. But you are not horrible. You're smart and capable, and my hope is that this becomes a turning point in your career."

Gabe: That combination helps you avoid being perceived as a bully. You tell the truth clearly, and you also remind the person that the mistake is not their identity.

Erin: So it's a one-two punch: use the shopping list voice, then reaffirm the person at the end.

Bucking the Norm by Having the Hard Conversation

Erin: We always ask guests for a "buck that" story — a time they went against conventional wisdom. What's yours?

Gabe: I'll tell you about another mistake I made. When I first moved from litigation into a startup, I was still communicating like a litigator. Lawyers swear at each other all the time and no one is offended.

Gabe: One night, a sales person made a mistake, and I was dealing with the fallout. I sent him a brutal email with a subject line I should not have written. I copied another lawyer because I thought I was showing how I was managing the situation.

Gabe: The next morning, that lawyer told me, "You can't do that. These people aren't lawyers. They're real human beings with feelings."

Gabe: That was a turning point. I realized the way I communicated in litigation wasn't effective in the real world.

Gabe: The norm I decided to buck was avoidance. So many people avoid difficult conversations, but I made a commitment not to carry anger or frustration around at work or in my personal life.

Gabe: If someone does something that feels disrespectful of me or my time, I assume first that they don't realize it and are not being intentionally mean-spirited. Then I make them aware of it respectfully and quickly.

Final Advice to Make Work Suck Less

Erin: What is your final tip to make work suck less for our listeners?

Gabe: Think about the things that bother you at work and draw a circle around yourself. Anyone who enters that circle has to adhere to the higher standard you hold yourself to.

Gabe: When people fall short of that standard, respectfully give them the gift of awareness.

Gabe: It will make your professional life easier because people will learn how to work with you. It will also help you build the skill of expressing difficult concepts in a way people can actually hear.

Gabe: If you were about to walk on stage and I saw spinach in your teeth, it would be mean not to tell you. Workplace mistakes are the professional version of having food in your teeth. Tell people. It's a gift.

Erin: I love it. This has been great, and conflict is such a hot topic with our audience. Thank you so much for spending this time with us.

Gabe: Thanks for having me.

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What happens when you actually step away from work… like really step away?

In this episode, Nicole shares what it looked like to take a true 19-day vacation with zero email, zero checking in, and zero control. What started as a milestone birthday trip turned into something much bigger: a reset on how she works, leads, and lives.

From skinny dipping under a full moon in Mexico to rethinking perfection, boundaries, and identity at work, this conversation gets real about burnout, control, and what it actually takes to create a life that feels good. Not perfect. Just good.

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "When you focus on perfection, you lose the moment. When you focus on the vibe, you create connection."
• "I don't want to do whatever time I have left the same way I've done it up to this point."
• "It wasn't about the birthday. It was about deciding how I wanted to feel and actually planning for that."
• "I can't make good decisions when my nervous system is out of whack."

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In a world of overflowing inboxes, AI-generated emails, and corporate language that all sounds the same, most messages get ignored. Erin explains how changing just one word, adding an unexpected phrase, or using a little personality can break the pattern and actually get people to pay attention.

If you want people to listen to you at work, communicate more authentically, and stand out in workplace conversations, sometimes the fix is surprisingly simple.

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "The same people you're doing business with are the same humans who can't watch an Instagram video if they're not captured in three seconds."
• "With this overflow of information and AI-generated emails and blah blah blah, the best thing you can do is pattern interrupt."
• "Just using those fun little flippant sayings you'd use with your best friend over a quarter glass of wine is enough for people to stop, smile, and read what you have to say."
• "Change one word and you'll change the game."

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A toxic workplace pushed this week's guest to his breaking point. That moment changed everything for him.

In this episode, Erin sits down with Shola Richards, CEO of Go Together Global, bestselling author of Civil Unity, host of the Kindness Extremist Podcast, and a speaker who has taken his message from Google and Microsoft to the TODAY Show, CBS Mornings, and even Congress.

But this conversation is not about fluffy kindness.

After years of bullying, workplace toxicity, and untreated depression, Shola hit rock bottom and attempted to drive his car off an overpass in Los Angeles. The guardrail held. That moment launched his mission to change the world by changing how we treat each other at work.

Here's what you will hear:

-The difference between a bad day and workplace bullying and why pattern matters

-A practical three-step framework for addressing toxic behavior

-Why "kill them with kindness" does not always work

-What leaders must start doing immediately to make work suck less

If you have ever worked with a bully, tolerated bad behavior, or wondered whether kindness is weakness in leadership, this episode will challenge you in the best way.

Connect with Shola:

Linkedin: Shola Richards

Podcast: The Kindness Extremist Podcast

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "I had reached my capacity for accepting unkindness. I was done."
• "You can't hold someone accountable to a standard that doesn't exist."
• "The difference is one word: pattern."
• "Honeybees don't waste a moment of their time trying to convince houseflies that honey tastes better than shit."

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​​Do you work for a neurotic boss?

You are capable. You know your numbers. You've done this before. But the moment there is a board meeting or executive presentation, your boss spirals and catapults into weeks of prep and endless rehearsals.

In this episode, Erin shares an executive coaching story about a seasoned P&L leader reporting to the COO whose boss demanded over-preparation and fully scripted talking points before presenting to the board.

The problem? No executive wants to be read to.

Erin breaks down three strategies to handle the panic without sacrificing credibility or authenticity.

If you'd like quick, tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email hello@bauthenticinc.com If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, be sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole) Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group Take our simple, fun, and insightful "What's your workplace superhero name?" quiz Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book, "You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ass merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

"If you start reading from a script, they are going to immediately want to poke their eyes out."

• "If I had 45 seconds and like seven bullets, what would I say?"
• "Comply and then don't comply when you get in the meeting."
• "Do not let them make you go down that inauthentic river and deliver something that doesn't connect."

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In this episode, Erin sits down with her friend Drew Sullivan for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and what it's like to grow up feeling misunderstood. Drew shares how being labeled "too much," navigating ADHD, and never being asked why shaped the way he moved through the world and how those early experiences quietly laid the groundwork for addiction long before substances entered the picture. This isn't a polished redemption story or a neat recovery arc. It's a human conversation about loss, self-awareness, and what finally made change unavoidable. If you've ever felt misunderstood, struggled with addiction (your own or someone close to you), or are still carrying stories from your early years that shaped who you became, this episode is for you. What you'll hear: 1) Why being labeled "too much" is often about context, not character—and how to tell the difference. 2) What it actually means to live inside-out instead of chasing approval from the outside world. 3) How Drew believes addiction often starts long before substances, and why unmet needs fuel it. 4) A simple, brutally honest way to know when something in your life has crossed the line. 5) Why work gets easier when you stop hiding parts of yourself and find people who can carry their own baggage too. Follow Drew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjamessullivan/ If you'd like quick, tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email hello@bauthenticinc.com If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, be sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole) Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group Take our simple, fun, and insightful "What's your workplace superhero name?" quiz Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book, "You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ass merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsuitable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments "I wasn't being asked why I was being told what I was doing wrong." "I never felt safe. I never felt heard, and I never felt seen." "When we focus on living our lives from the outside in, we are f*cked. But when we focus on living our lives from the inside out, anything is possible." "I don't feel like I have to think about doing things before I do them anymore and that's how I know my life has aggressively changed."

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This episode is for anyone who swears they're "fine" while secretly letting work run their entire nervous system.

Erin and Nicole get honest about toxic attachment to jobs, the martyr complex disguised as responsibility, and why being the most dependable person in the room isn't the flex you think it is.

If you've ever said "I'll just do it," treated every email like a five-alarm fire, or confused being needed with being valuable, this one might hit close to home.

Here's what you'll hear:

1. Why a toxic job isn't always the problem, sometimes it's your attachment to being needed
2. How "I'll just do it" turns into martyrdom and quietly wrecks teams and leaders
3. The difference between being responsible and absorbing everything like it's your fault
4. Why not every urgent thing is a crisis and why you're not the crisis manager
5. What it actually looks like to care about your work without letting it run your nervous system

If you'd like quick, tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email hello@bauthenticinc.com If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, be sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole) Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group Take our simple, fun, and insightful "What's your workplace superhero name?" quiz Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book, "You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ass merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsuitable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments

"You could work in the most functional place, you could own the business, and still have a toxic attachment to the role you have." 6. "We often confuse responsibility with absorption. Just because you own something doesn't mean it has to become your inner essence." 7. "The things that make us feel safe are sometimes the very things that make us appear inflexible." 8. "You are not the crisis manager unless your job is literally crisis manager. Not everything urgent is a crisis." 9.

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What does a futurist actually do, and how can understanding change make leadership and life feel less overwhelming?

In this episode, Erin talks with futurist Cecily Sommers about how change really works, why uncertainty feels so intense right now, and how leaders can stay grounded when planning horizons keep shrinking.

Here's what you'll hear: -A futurist studies change, not to predict outcomes, but to understand patterns.

-The future is not figure-out-able. It is followable.

-All change moves in cycles of order, disorder, and re-order.

-Understanding change lowers anxiety and increases agency.

-Leaders need shorter horizons, more experimentation, and stronger inner stability.

cecilysommers.com

leadlikeafuturist.com

Book:Think Like a Futurist

LinkedIn: Cecily Sommers

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "The future's not figure-out-able. It is only followable."
• "All living systems function in cycles."
• "Anxiety goes down, and your agency goes up."
• "We can't really change it, but we can observe it, respect it, and work with it."

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​​In this micro-motivator episode, Erin shares the one strategy every new leader underestimates: using real stories of failure to build trust.

Whether you're stepping into a new role or trying to earn trust with a team that already knows you, this episode gives you a simple habit that makes people think, "I can be myself around this leader."

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "This was the first time that I had learned this lesson that working harder wasn't necessarily the answer to success."
• "Being a great leader or being a great successful person in business or in what you do isn't necessarily about following a rubric or doing it the same way."
• "A humility moment is essentially a story about a time when you screwed up."
• "As soon as you share a humility moment, immediately your trust radar sort of goes down and they think, well, if they told me that and they didn't have to, they're probably not hiding other things from me as well."

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Seven years, 300 episodes, and more stories, meltdowns, breakthroughs, and belly laughs than anyone could've planned for. In this monumental milestone episode, Erin and Nicole pull back the curtain and celebrate the journey that started on a couch in New Haven and somehow turned into a community of thousands navigating work, life, leadership, burnout, and everything in between.

And in this episode, they're not alone. They invited some of their most loyal listeners to join in the discussion and episode!

153: The 3-Step Method to Getting Anything You Want with Brandon Fong

216: How Pushing Back Propelled Her Career Forward with Barb Flitsch

207: From the Vault: Riding the Elevator Up with Renee Zaugg

206: From the Vault: Nicole's Moving Out, Up, and Onward

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "How am I bringing creativity and expression to my life to help me both in my career, but also just life and bringing your full self to the table."
• "Sometimes the ROI is the people and the memories."
• "I remember thinking maybe the world will wanna hear this."
• "I had a space to be fully me and fully heard and seen at a time when I think I felt very unseen."
• "Maybe TMI is not a bad thing. Maybe it's just market research."

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Most resumes read like brag sheets no one asked for. Big words, boring buzzwords and mile-long bullet points that hiring managers will never read. In this episode, Erin breaks down what actually gets attention.

If you're tired of blending in and ready to get noticed by real people scanning hundreds of resumes, this episode shows you the exact shift to make.

If you're tired of blending in and ready to get noticed by real people scanning hundreds of resumes, this episode shows you the exact shift to make.

Here's what you'll hear:

1.) Why your resume should act like a marketing flyer, not a brag sheet

2.) The one section that matters most if you want to stand out

3.) How to write a summary that hooks people fast

4.) What a real superpower sounds like and how to explain it

5.) How to use keywords without turning your resume into fluff

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "A resume is simply a way to grab the attention of somebody and say, Hmm, they're intriguing."
• "I want you to think about talking about yourself as a unique superpower."
• "Different is better than better." ~Sally Hogshead

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If you've ever wondered how to lead with more humanity without losing authority, this episode is for you.

Rachel DeAlto, keynote speaker, communication and leadership expert and author joins Erin to unpack what it really means to be a relatable leader-one who's respected, trusted, and real even when the pressure's high.

Here's what you'll hear:

The one thing teams say they crave most and most bosses forget to give

What it really takes to rebuild confidence after ego-driven leadership

How to use her "Me-You-We" method to navigate tough conversations

Check out Rachel's Book: The Relatable Leader: Create a Culture of Connection

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "People get stuck thinking being relatable means being nice or being friends. It doesn't. You can still be a leader and maintain boundaries while showing up as a human being."
• "If you're not sure your team feels respected by you-ask them. And if you don't have the relationship to ask, they probably don't feel respected."
• "It takes seconds to show that you're a human being."
• "Teams are looking for respect from their leader. That's how they feel connected when they feel respected."

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In this episode, Erin sits down with author, researcher, and keynote speaker Sheri Jacobs, whose new book The Unexpected Power of Boundaries flips the traditional idea of creativity on its head.

Sheri argues that innovation doesn't thrive in limitless freedom, it thrives inside clear constraints.

From playground fences to corporate experiments, from polar bears in the Arctic to the diagnosis that changed her life, Sheri shares powerful stories that prove boundaries aren't barriers, they're catalysts.

Here's what you'll hear:

1.) How boundaries don't limit creativity, they unleash it

2.) Why "Risk tolerance" is overrated and what you need to focus on instead

3.) The "Best New Mistake" award mindset

4.) How constraints spark innovation

5.) Why boundaries can be life-saving

The Unexpected Power of Boundaries Rethinking the Rules, Risks, and Real Drivers of Innovation

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "When we know how far we can go, then we feel safer to experiment, explore, to be creative, and to play."
• "Most people think take more shots means try everything, but that actually doesn't work."
• "Rather than saying, 'How can I break through the boundaries?' she said, 'What can I do with what I have?'"
• "Sometimes the best opportunities are in the worst conditions, when everybody else is turned away."

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In this micro episode, Erin shares one of the most powerful (and wildly overlooked) tools for building trust as a new leader: the humility moment. Not just “I suck at Excel” level vulnerability, but a real, human story that opens the door for connection, honesty, and trust. She also tells the story of failing seven actuarial exams, how that shaped her leadership style, and why ditching the old-school success rubric is actually the smartest move you can make.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

-Why trying to be perfect is killing your leadership credibility

-What a “humility moment” is (and how to find yours)

-How to use storytelling to build trust fast

Why failing early might be the best thing that ever happened to you

Whether you’re leading for the first time, managing former peers, or just trying to earn credibility quickly, this episode gives you a practical mindset shift to build trust in a way that actually works.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I was taught, like you and so many people, that there’s this rubric for success… and the reality is, a lot of that doesn’t matter.” “That is the number one way to build trust-purposely mine for, be aware of, and share your humility moments.” “As soon as you share a humility moment, especially when people don’t expect it, immediately your trust radar goes down.”

View Details

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Think leadership is about pep talks, perks, or pushing harder? Phil Putnam, former tech executive, speaker, and author of Desire-Based Leadership disagrees.

In this conversation, Erin and Phil chat performance, loyalty and even take us into a topic most leaders avoid: menopause.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• Why traditional motivation tactics don’t work

• The overlooked link between leadership and loyalty

• What companies miss about remote work culture

• The attrition math every leader should track

• How menopause symptoms get misread as performance problems

• Creating real safety and support at work

• Why Phil speaks out about menopause on stage-and why leaders should listen

Website: https://philputnam.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philputnamspeaks/

We Do Not Care Club IG: @justbeingmelani

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Menopause is not a performance issue. It’s a biological process being misread by the system.”
• “People don’t work for a paycheck—they work for the life the paycheck helps them create.”
• “She didn’t tell me because she felt safe. She told me because she had nothing left to lose.”
• “The bar is low. Just signal that menopause is something people can talk about.”

View Details

What if caring less actually made you a better leader? In this episode, Nicole shares how dropping the mental load, setting unapologetic boundaries, and leading with humor have made her team stronger (and her stress levels lower).

Erin also jumps in with insights on why authenticity is finally winning in the workplace.

What’s Inside:

1.) Why “I don’t care” is Nicole’s new leadership mantra

2) .How humor helps you set boundaries without sounding like a jerk

3.) What ChatGPT is teaching us about tone, trust, and real connection

4.) The subtle difference between burnout and badassery

31: Thankful for 30: Erin & Nicole Recap the First 30 b CAUSE Episodes

246: Kill Your Company's Complexity with Lisa Bodell

We Do Not Care Club IG: @justbeingmelani

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "ChatGPT isn’t the problem. It just sounds like corporate emails always have. Now people finally notice.” “Please refer to my face before sending a follow-up email. It already told you what I think.” “Leadership isn’t about doing it all. It’s about knowing what you don’t care about and making space for what you do.”

“I used to care about everything. You know where that got me? Miserable and stressed. Boundaries are the new promotions.”

View Details

Hate the “Tell me about yourself” question? Ok, we all kind of do, but truthfully you’re probably answering it all wrong. In this solo episode, Erin breaks down how to stop regurgitating your resume and start captivating your interviewer from the first question. Using her signature “Intriguing Intro” method, you’ll learn how to combine humility, credibility, and a dose of what’s-in-it-for-them to make hiring managers lean in and actually remember you.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "You can win the job with this one question, but only if you do it with authenticity."
• "People are more connected to people who are a little bit imperfect."
• “It's all about connection and trust. And you build that through authenticity."

View Details

In this solo episode, Erin chats about the kind of burnout we don’t talk about enough—the kind that masquerades as dedication. After a powerful moment during a workshop with a high-achieving leader, Erin unpacks the hard truth: working nonstop isn’t always selfless… sometimes, it’s selfish. From addiction to the “hum” of hustle to the unintended signals we send our teams, this episode offers a tough-love reframe for anyone who’s worn burnout like a badge of honor.

If you’ve been struggling to set boundaries or feel guilty for slowing down, this one’s your permission slip (and reality check).

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”Your job as a leader isn't to take on their burdens.”
• “It's an addiction. It's also not necessarily the thing that's best not just for you, but for your team and for your others.”
• ”Recognizing it is the first step.”

View Details

You don’t need a PhD to get AI—you just need Dan Chuparkoff. A former tech leader at Google and McKinsey, Dan now helps people make sense of innovation as the “Understandable Technology” expert. From dropping out of college to redefining how leaders use AI, this episode is packed with mic-drop moments, real-world use cases, and fresh ways to rethink how you work.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

1.) Why he dropped out of college and how that actually served him better in the long-run

2.) How using AI can be thought of as simply as finding small "copy/paste" moments

3.) How leaders should think about using AI to be more efficient (and why AI might not always be the answer)

4.) The biggest changes he sees coming with AI and work

5.) One company's unique approach to leveraging all those meeting notetakers' notes

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuparkoff/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Almost a billion people are using one of the top three AI tools every single week.”
• “Some people are choosing to be left behind.”
• “What I think most people are missing is that you want to create efficiencies in the places that you're actually spending five or six hours a day.”
• ”Let AI take all that minutia away so you can focus on building great relationships with people that you like and enjoy being around.”

View Details

In this episode, Erin and Nicole swap stories about the work traumas that shaped them—some painful, some funny, all of them unforgettable. From leadership flops and job losses to the quiet moments that hit a little too hard, they unpack the professional PTSD that left a lasting impression (and taught them what not to repeat). If you’ve ever wondered why a small comment still haunts you—or how to make meaning out of a mess—this one’s for you.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

1.) Why your “superpower” might actually be a trauma response

2.) What Erin learned when a boss called her character into question

3.) The toxic startup job that taught Nicole how to separate brilliance from bullshit

4.) What happens when you sacrifice your wholeness for a job

5.) How validation-seeking keeps us stuck—and how to break the cycle

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”Just because you can be the calm in the storm doesn't mean you need to make the storm your habit.”
• “Do not confuse prestige with integrity.”
• ”I'm certain she doesn't remember it, but I'll never forget it.”
• “ When you're not chasing validation, you can make a difference. “
• ”Sometimes getting taken out is the only way that you wake up.”

View Details

If stress has ever hijacked your brain mid-meeting or made you question your own success, this episode is for you. Dr. Rebecca Heiss—stress physiologist, keynote speaker, and author of Springboard and Instinct—joins us to unpack the science behind stress and how to harness it as a powerful force for growth, resilience, and confidence. Here’s what you’ll hear:

1.) Her Fear(less) Formula, a 3-step process for dealing with stress

2.) What the Hedonic Treadmill is and how it explains why you often feel stressed

3.) What the Winners Effect is and how it can help you achieve big things

4.) What a Disaster Diary is and how it can help you

5.) How to rewire (and rename) the age ole "Imposter Syndrome"

Dr. Rebecca’s Book-Springboard: https://rebeccaheiss.com/books/springboard/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaheiss/

Instagram: @drrebeccaheiss

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”Stop trying to get rid of stress. It is a losing battle.”
• ”Rather than calming down, what we need to do is shift the energy.”
• ”One thing that actually mitigated negative stress feelings was service to others.”

View Details

What if the key to better work wasn’t more hustle—but deeper connection? In this episode, Shasta Nelson dives into the surprising science of friendship, why belonging matters more than ever, and how your relationships at work could be the hidden driver behind your success (and sanity). Shasta Nelson is a former pastor turned pioneer on the topics of loneliness and friendships, She's an in-demand keynote speaker, popular media resource, and author of three books in which she teaches how to build healthy relationships, including The Business of Friendship: Making the Most of the Relationships Where We Spend Most of Our Time.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

1.) How being a pastor helped her see things others might not regarding loneliness and belonging

2.) The three things all friendships must have

3.) How setting a routine and capsule for your friendships is key to maintaining them

4.) The business case for having a best friend at work

5.) How she pushed back several times in her career against advice that would have derailed her work

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shastanelson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shastamnelson/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Some of the research shows that we are replacing half our close friends every seven years. And that's not because we don't like those friends— it's because life changed.”
• “Most of us aren't lonely for more interaction. We're lonely for more intimacy.”
• “We don’t have to have matching lives. I think we so often go through the world thinking we need to have the exact same kids at the same ages, similar jobs, or make the same amount of money—we just crave all these similarities. But really, commonalities don’t matter.”
• “How seen do you feel? How supported do you feel? How truly held do you feel? “

View Details

In this episode, Rashad Rayford brings the energy (and the poetry) with a fresh take on owning your voice, trusting your timing, and turning fear into fuel. From embracing boredom to battling imposter syndrome, Rashad breaks it all down with humor, heart, and a spoken-word mic drop you won’t want to miss. Rashad Rayford is an award-winning speaker, actor, and poet featured at TEDx, on NPR, and in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He's also a MOTH Story Hour GRANDslam champion. Rashad is known for his high-energy presentations that blend storytelling, spoken word, and actionable insights.

1.) How boredom was critical to him finding his calling

2.) Why you shouldn't try and microwave your growth

3.) How he 50% Rules poetry and keynote speaking

4.) How he almost didn't do the thing that launched his speaking career, and the simple acronym that helped him through it

5.) His improvised poem to you to make work suck less

Website: https://www.rashadthapoet.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”Sometimes we don't see our light, we don't see our shine. We may see a little bit of it, but we may not see it fully until someone else is like, “Hey man, you're the sun. You're shining.”
• “ I like to bring right brain ideas into left brain spaces, and it helps folks to really unpack and see things from a different perspective.”
• “How do you connect with people in a way that says, ‘I’m supposed to be here, I belong here, and I have a purpose here?’”
• ”Sometimes it just takes looking beyond ourselves and asking ‘How can we continue to grow?‘“

View Details

What does it take to build a leadership legacy that lasts? Stephanie Chung knows. As the first African American president of a private jet company—and now a sought-after speaker, author and board member—she’s lived the kind of career most only dream about.

In this episode, she shares the pivotal moments, tough lessons, and mindset shifts that helped her rise, lead with purpose, and leave a mark that matters.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

1.) The time she TRIED to say "no thank you" to a big-girl job and what transpired

2.) The two powerful lessons she learned from her father and stories of how she put those into action

3.) How those annoying "bombs" that executives throw your way can be formative and helpful

4.) The unique way she handled her boss when someone on her team made a mistake and he was "hunting" for them

5.) What ALLY leadership stands for and practical ways to use it to be a legacy leader

Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You

Website: https://stephaniechung.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheStephanieChung/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheStephanieChung/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”Becoming an ally is a head and heart issue.”
• ”It's okay to actually know what that is for you.”
• ”You don't just want to be a leader when times are good and everything's rainbow and unicorns, you are the leader when times are good, bad, or indifferent.”
• ”You have a brand. Now it's really important that you determine what that brand represents.”

View Details

In this episode, Erin and Nicole tackle something we all need to get better at: ignoring. (Ignoring—strategically, of course.) Whether your inbox is flooded, your DMs are piling up, or you're just plain overstimulated, this episode is your permission slip to stop responding to everything like it’s a fire drill.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

1.) Why every message doesn’t deserve a reply—and how to tell the difference

2.) How to stop treating work like a courtroom (you’re not on trial, promise)

3.) Practical ways to prioritize what actually needs your energy

4.) What ignoring with intention looks like (and why silence is a superpower)

5.) And the real reason vague DMs are getting ghosted

From Pavlovian pings to text message booty calls (yep), this one’s packed with the hard-earned wisdom of two recovering over-responders. You’ll laugh, nod along, and maybe even mute a few notifications.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”Life is not a rap battle. You don't have to respond to every single point right away. You're not Eminem.”
• “I don’t do work booty calls.”
• ”If it doesn't feed you or free you or feel fun, then it's probably not worth your immediate attention.”
• “It's okay to put it aside or reconsider it or let it go. You have to be able to assess the risk of that and to live with the consequences."

View Details

Networking isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s directly tied to your promotions, paycheck, and how others perceive your value. In this episode, Erin sits down with speaker, author, and networking expert Julie Brown to unpack why networking is critical for your career growth and how to do it more effectively (and authentically). Julie brings the data, the tough love, and the practical steps — from small, doable actions you can take today to common mistakes that are sabotaging your efforts, including the two most boring questions that kill any conversation. If you’ve been avoiding networking or just going through the motions, this conversation will change the way you think about it.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) The hard cold stats on why networking is key to your success

2.) The small first steps you can take if you're not doing enough networking

3.) The top two dopamine killing (i.e., bad) questions you probably ask at networking events

4.) Alternative, dopamine inducing questions to ask instead

5.) Her biggest pet peeve in networking

This Shit Works

https://juliebrownbd.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”Being good at the job is such a barrier to entry now-that's the barrier to entry. What's gonna set you apart is who knows what you do? Who is invested in your success? Who wants to see you succeed?”
• ”Our offices, meetings, work and workspaces are designed for productivity over connection. It's our job to filter back in the connection and still stay productive.”
• “ Don't grow your network. Just use the one you already have.”

View Details

What if the setback is the setup? In this episode, Angela Gargano shares how she went from biochemist to 6x American Ninja Warrior—and the mindset moves that kept her climbing (literally). From her RIGHT framework to delusional action, this convo is your reminder that even when everything feels off track… it might just be going right

Angela Gargano is a 6x American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America 2016, 3x Cover Girl, international keynote speaker, and the founder of the Pull-Up Revolution, where she’s helped thousands of women conquer their first pull-up.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) How her time as a biochemist surprisingly served her as an American Ninja warrior

2.) The mindset shifts she made when everything seemed to be going wrong

3.) Her RIGHT framework for getting through setbacks (and my real-time use of it to get over a setback I had just that day)

4.) Why brain dumping is critical to making the most of your setbacks

5.) The power of taking delusional action

www.angela-gargano.com

Podcast: www.angela-gargano.com/podcast

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”I have to go through this process, but I am in control of so much more.”
• ”What if this actually goes right? What does that look like for me? And what little things can I do each day in order to come out stronger from this?”
• "Live your life by design instead of default. Default is: I'm gonna let this frustrating thing—someone's rejection—control my life. Design is: I'm gonna take this, use it as an opportunity, figure out what I can control, and keep going, keep showing up for something even better."
• "You need to be ready to fully adapt to anything—and make sure whatever you're working toward can hold up when life starts lifing.'Cause life is gonna, life is gonna be life thing at all times.”

View Details

What does it really take to leave a legacy as a leader? In this solo episode, Erin is coming in hot with a message that’s been on her mind for a while—one that’s part pep talk, part practical how-to: how to leave a real leadership legacy (and no, it’s not about working yourself to death or following every rule in the book).

From the awkwardness of admitting she left a legacy… to the specific things she did (and wishes she had done), this episode is packed with straight talk, strategic insight, and stories you’ll carry with you.

You’ll hear:

1.) Why Erin believes your legacy isn’t in the numbers—it’s in your people

2.) A behind-the-scenes look at the rule-breaking that actually paid off (even if it got her a slap on the wrist)

3.) The one thing most leaders forget to do—but makes all the difference

Erin’s 3-point checklist to make sure you’re building a legacy you can be proud of. No fluff. No fake humility. Just the truth about what works—and what matters.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Once somebody has worked for you, they don't forget that-and they don't forget both the good and the bad.”
• ”You have to care more about what your people think of you than the leaders above you.”
• ’You have to freaking break the rules.”
• “ Be a thought leader. Have leading thoughts, but package those leading thoughts in a way that others can really follow, both inside and outside your company.”

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What if the chaos you’re experiencing isn’t a crisis… but a transformation? In this episode, Nicole opens up about turning 49, revisiting her own evolution, and what it’s taken to stay grounded when the world keeps shape-shifting.

From embracing therapy to rewriting her definitions of success, she lays out a real-life-tested five-point plan for navigating seasons of massive change — without losing yourself (or your sense of humor).

There’s some tough love, some funny sidebars (we’re looking at you, custom bra fitting), and a whole lot of clarity for anyone who feels like the ground is shifting beneath them.

We talk about:

1.) Why redefining “exceptional” might be the most exceptional thing you do

2.) What Nashville, leadership mugs, and chameleons have to do with adapting

3.) The difference between crisis and transformation — and why it matters

4.) How to simplify, reconnect, and stay sharp when resources are thin

5.) Nicole’s five-point framework for not just surviving, but sur-thriving

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”Extraordinary is different than exceptional. It's okay to be exceptional in some areas, but make sure you understand what that definition means to you.”
• ”The people who got you here might not be the people that get you forward.”
• ”It is not a time of crisis. It is a time of fucking transformation.”
• ”I don't care what it is that you believe, create a support network.”

View Details

What do a $10 Old Navy vest, mushroom coffee, and a curling iron that feels like butter have in common? They’ve all earned a permanent spot in Erin and Nicole’s lives. In this episode, Erin and Nicole swap their usual leadership talk for their Top 10 Products That Have Changed Their Lives in the Last Year—from game-changing health finds to everyday items that just make life better.

You’ll hear:

1.) The back-saving sleep hack Erin swears by

2.) The coffee alternative that secretly slashes inflammation

3.) The beauty tool Nicole thought was a sex toy (spoiler: it’s not)

4.) And of course, the skort that brought Nicole to the dark side (of shorts)

Is it life-changing? Possibly. Is it hilarious? Absolutely. And hey—there’s still a little leadership talk tucked in there… but mostly, it’s a love letter to the little things making life easier (and more fun) right now.

Nicole's Products:

Ryze Mushroom Coffee

Best Hairspray

Language Learning

AI helper

Skorts!

Erin's Products:

Mattress topper

Balanced Femme

Trader Joe's grilled chicken (not meant to buy here but to show you what it looks like

Old Navy Pleather Vest

1-inch curling iron

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”When someone shares who they are authentically, it rubs off.”
• ”Sometimes you have to do less with less.”
• ”I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm not on Ozempic, even though they tell me I need it all the time.”
• ”I feel like I'm wearing a skirt, but my hooter is like protected.”

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Meet Jesse Cole, the Walt Disney of baseball. In 2016, Jesse and his family took a chance on a struggling baseball team in Savannah. What happened next? They didn’t just revive the team—they completely reinvented the game. If you've ever wondered "How did the Savannah Bananas start?", this episode dives into the wild journey that transformed them into a global sensation.

Instead of focusing on the sport itself, Jesse became obsessed with one thing: the fan experience. By challenging traditional baseball norms and making entertainment the priority, he and his team built a phenomenon that sells out every single game.

In this episode, Erin and Jesse talk about:

1.) Lessons from their success—how the Bananas became more than just a baseball team

2.) The power of putting fans first (and why most businesses get this wrong)

3.) Why standing out isn’t about being the best—it’s about being different

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or just someone looking for inspiration, Jesse's insights will make you rethink how you show up in your own field.

Find Your Yellow Tux

Fans First

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Every single day, I get fascinated and obsessed with new ideas and new things we can create for our fans.”
• “How you view things is how you do things.”
• “Corporate and public companies are always focused on the next quarter. I'm focused on the next quarter century.”
• “You have to be able to throw away some short-term profits to create long-term fans.”
• “It starts with you being the number one fan of what you're doing.”
• “How can you really create fans if you aren't the biggest fan of what you do?”
• “Follow your energy, not your passion.”

View Details

Ever wondered what it really means to be brave at work? Jennifer Pestikas, SVP of Business Development and founder of Brave Women at Work, shares her journey from a shy bank teller to a bold leader, proving that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. In this episode, Jennifer and Erin chat about:

1.) The seemingly simple but bold "ask" that changed her career trajectory

2.) Her greatest leadership challenge and how she took control when things didn’t go as planned

3.) The difference between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth—and how challenges can lead to unexpected success

4.) Real-life examples of being brave at work—from speaking up in meetings to making bold career moves

5.) The Greek concept of Chronos (bending time)—how to make space for your passions without burning out

If you've ever felt stuck, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered how to make courageous career moves, this episode is packed with lessons that will inspire you to take action.

LinkedIn: @Jennifer Pestikas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravewomenatwork/

Website: https://bravewomenatwork.com/author/jpestikas/

Find out more about Thrive in 2025 here: https://thrive-in25.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "I had to write his eulogy on a cocktail napkin and get up in front of like 100 people and then lead his team. And I even went to the CEO at the time who didn’t know what to do with our department. And I said, 'You’re going to let me lead them right out of this.' And that’s pretty brave."
• "Would you rather live with the ‘no’ or the regret that you knew you could have asked, and then you are in a job situation where you’re resentful because you know you could have gotten more money or better benefits?"
• "They didn’t give me the big job. They gave it to somebody else after 18 months. Even after I led everybody. And I had to get cojones again. And I had to be like, 'Screw you all. I love you, but you guys have missed it.'"
• "Most women don’t feel brave. They can be successful business owners. They can be speakers. They can be writers. And they’re still like, ‘No, I’m not brave.’ And I wanted to disrupt that."

View Details

In this raw and unfiltered solo episode, Erin chats about the weight of life, work, and the mental roadblocks that hold us back. From personal struggles to coaching insights, she shares what’s been on her mind—including three key mindset shifts that can change how you show up in your career and life. Erin also gets candid about challenges at home, why reaching out for support is always worth it, and the surprising advice that helped her land a CEO role.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, second-guessing yourself, or waiting for the “right moment” to take action—this episode is for you.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "Say their names, stop calling them by their title. They are a human. They came in just like you did."
• "When you protect people, you’re only hurting them. When you protect them from tough conversations, you’re only hurting them and the rest of the team."
• "Nobody ever knows what you want if you don’t tell them. People are not walking around giving two shits about what we’re thinking."
• "The number one quality I want in my team? That they’re not a bobblehead. I don’t need ‘yes’ people—I need people who push back."

View Details

This episode is one for the books. Melanie Marshall, a former BBC foreign journalist turned filmmaker, speaker, and coach, joins us with jaw-dropping stories from the world’s most challenging places. She’s witnessed humanity at its worst—and yet, she’s still relentlessly hopeful. Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.)How radicalized followers of Osama Bin Laden made her feel welcome in an interview just shortly after his death

2.) What anyone can do to create connection, despite differences

3.) How she defied her boss' (on multiple occasions) to do a story they thought was both dangerous and unnecessary, and the magic that resulted (and goat!)

4.) Stories of how some of the most oppressed women are actually just like you and find joy in their own ways

5.) So many other AMAZING stories, including the time she got repeatedly beat by a man with a feather duster and also the time she saved herself using her most important asset

Melanie’s storytelling is raw, hilarious, and filled with lessons on courage, connection, and seeing the good in the world—even when it’s hard to find.

How you can use Human Connection to drive change | Melanie Marshall | TEDx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-marshall-237a641/

Substack: https://imrama.substack.com/

Website:http://melaniemarshall.com

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”She impacted me, she impacted my friend, she impacted all of these people with her goodness and her fiery spirit. She lived.”
• ”If you think about the different stages that you get to in your career and when you reach a new one, you realize, ‘oh, they're all people’”
• ”I am grateful that I have let myself be impacted so much by the people I have met because I feel a gift and a responsibility to let what I have learned from them go forward.”
• “I am not the lady in a sheet. I am the boss.”
• ”The story wasn't over. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't over. And that's where I get hope.”

View Details

New year, fresh start… or just another round of unrealistic expectations? In this episode, Erin and Nicole chat about the pressure that comes with the start of the year—why we feel it, how it messes with our motivation, and why setting massive, all-or-nothing goals can actually work against us.

Oh, and there’s also the story of how Nicole, a state regulator, opened an email full of unsolicited pics. So yeah, this episode has range.

If you’re feeling the weight of it all—personally, professionally, or just existentially—this one’s for you.

206: From the Vault: Nicole’s Moving Out, Up, and Onward

Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “ I have to do that shit again and supposedly better? Fuck! Somebody kill me.”
• ”Motivation is fleeting, but habits have staying power.”
• ”Have a little grace, have a little perspective and then we have to adopt some tools to make that a reality.”
• “Write down your failures.”
• "All our failures, fumbles, stresses, anxieties, and bad decisions—those are fabulously powerful stories that make us interesting and interested."

View Details

In this episode, Erin sits down with Don Barden—a globally recognized expert in leadership and decision-making with a PhD in organizational leadership and behavioral economics—to explore the research behind his latest book, Here Come the Girls. Don makes a bold declaration: by 2028, the scales of leadership will tip, with women leading the way. But can the data back it up? Erin and Don discuss the systemic barriers, cultural shifts, and surprising factors influencing women’s roles in leadership—and dig into whether women even want to occupy those top spots.

This isn’t an episode packed with immediate action steps—it’s a thought-provoking conversation designed to explore where we can begin.

There’s some pushback, some probing, and a lot to reflect on as we tackle how individuals like us can drive meaningful change. If you’re ready to challenge assumptions and spark new ideas, this is the episode for you.

Here Comes the Girls book

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwbarden/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donbarden/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “ I always knew that education was the only way for me to break the binds of the past.”
• ”Women outproduced men in equal business environments, three to one. It's not just in revenue and profits it’s in everything.”
• ”Women are better at helping their teammates work through critical problem solving issues on their own.”

View Details

How can you be successful and stay authentic doing it? In this episode, Leigh Brown—real estate authority, 3-time author, and speaker—gets real about why chasing money and the top spot left her unfulfilled.

She shares how redefining success and leaning into her imperfections helped her build deeper connections, stand out, and turn her outrageous authenticity into her ultimate power move.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) How Leigh embraces her 50/50 blend of being her dad/mom to create trust and be unique in the market

2.) The one thing SHE uses to balance work-life on a daily, micro basis and how she also does it on a macro basis

3.) Why attaching your success to things that can be taken away may not be your best strategy

4.) How she makes videos about boring or controversial topics unique and worth watching

5.) The time she drove herself into a chainsaw company and got herself a job

Leigh’s Book: Outrageous Authenticity

From Smoky to Sellable: How to Prep a Smoker's House for Sale

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighthomasbrown

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighthomasbrown

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “ If you're able to connect while asking questions, you can serve people really effectively.”
• “Humor breaks down defenses. It's not about a lack of seriousness. It's about finding a way to reach people.”
• ”The magic was in me being myself telling the truth in a really relatable way.”
• ”Your imperfections are the coolest thing about you.”

View Details

What happens when you ditch the corporate fluff and give your company a bold, authentic identity? In this episode, Erin takes us behind the scenes of helping a company embrace the theme “Taking the BS out of E&S” causing a major internal shift that sparked excitement from the top dog CEO to their employees.

Meanwhile, Nicole shares how leading an unconventional office Christmas party embraced their company’s theme—and their colleagues' personalities.

If you’re stuck playing it safe, it’s time to rethink what your audience—and your team—really crave: something real, memorable, and worth talking about.

If you liked this episode, you may also like:

206: From the Vault: Nicole’s Moving Out, Up, and Onward

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ”You can do amazing shit in imperfect circumstances.”
• ”Having the perfect charcuterie board is not worth your mental sanity.”
• ”Somebody that leaves a legacy is somebody that when people look back, they talk about how that person made them feel.”
• "Having a kind of persona, theme, culture, and some measure of fun and humanity in this work gives you permission when you screw up."
• ”Don't build culture from the top. You build culture from the trenches.”
• “A theme is almost as powerful as a leader.”

View Details

In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s both incredibly important and eye-opening—understanding and supporting neurodivergent needs in the workplace. Sounds like a heavy topic? Well, it’s actually one that’s filled with tons of practical, real-world tips that could make a huge difference in your work environment.

From sensory needs to access and support, we’re breaking it all down in a way that’s easy to digest and—dare we say—kind of fun. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your workplace more inclusive (or just want to know what “neurodivergent” even means), this episode is for you.

Pasha Marlowe (she/they), is a trained marriage and family therapist, coach, speaker, and author. She wrote the best selling book "Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion" and is recognized in Forbes as a neurodiversity expert. She enjoys presenting keynotes and workshops on neurodiversity-affirming practices and policies to organizations around the globe. Pasha proudly identifies as multiply-neurodivergent, disabled, and queer.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) Why we need to get away from talking in terms of functioning labels (ADHD, bipolar disorder, disabled, autism) and instead focus on unique needs

2.) How to focus specifically on three categories of needs: sensory, support, and access

3.) The practical things you can do and ask to be more inclusive of neurodivergent people

4.) How Pasha "Bucks That!" when she gives presentation, and how that can empower you

5.) How to talk with your child or children who might be neurodivergent

Connect with Pasha:

Instagram:@neuroqueercoach

LinkedIn:@PashaMarlowe

If you liked this episode, you may also like:

265: How to Nourish Neurodivergent Minds in a Neurotypical Workplace

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "It took a lot of bravery for me to finally say, 'I haven't been following my innateness. I've been following the script. I've been following the rules. I've been following the norms,' but I don't think they're really me."
• "It's a bit tricky when you have a team with diverse needs, but I find that creating a psychologically safe space goes a long way. It’s important to foster an environment where it’s okay to ask for or claim a need and request accommodations.”
• “ I'm a much happier person if I can do the things that I love and less of the things that just hurt.”
• ”If you identify as neurodivergent, by definition, you're rejecting the label disorder because you're saying that there are differences. There are not disorders. There are differences and not deficiencies.”

View Details

Erin and Nicole couldn’t let this holiday season pass without a nod to their original, and highly relatable, "The Twelve Days of Work-mas" episode. So, to start your holiday off right, we’ve decided to revisit this fan-favorite and send you off with a few laughs. Plus, Nicole surprises Erin with her work rendition of Santa Baby. I mean, can it get any better?

The Twelve Days of Work-mas

12 hour workday

11th hour deadline

10 interns sleeping

9 hours of meetings

8 corporate trainings

A 7 year-old Intern

6 feet of distance

5 gooooldeeen handcuffs...

4 minute break

3 PowerPoints

A 2-percent raise

And a promotion to a trainee

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "I totally prepared, I got cash, wine, pizza bagels, and snow melt."
• "Cash and cleavage is going to get you through."
• “ I'm just gonna stand out there and my like sexiest snowsuit with my desperation and my cash a wavin’.”

View Details

Life’s full of tough situations and tricky people—and nope, you can’t always dodge them. Sometimes, you’ve got to face them head-on. In this episode, we’ve got former trial lawyer turned entrepreneur, author, speaker, and conflict expert, Gabe Karp. He’s sharing how to handle tough situations—and even tougher people—with more grit, less regret, and a whole lot more control.

Gabe’s strategies will not only help you tackle conflict, drive growth, and fuel success, but also leave you feeling empowered and happier while doing it.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) The phenomenon of their always being two tokens to choose from

2.) 5 traps that turn conflict against you/businesses and how to detox from them

3.) Gabe's least proud leadership moment and what he learned from it

4.) Why you should use your Shopping List Voice when things take a wrong turn

5.) The thing you might be doing that's depriving someone from being the best person they can be

Website: GabeKarp.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-karp-1b772a1b

Check out Gabe’s TED Talk, How To Thrive With Difficult People: https://youtu.be/ggOQg6uUV2M?si=nKviXwvHJkGgvLGk

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Everyone knows what "better" looks like—they just don’t know where to start.”
• “When you really screw something up for a client, that is an opportunity to make the relationship stronger and better.”
• ”Mistakes are inevitable and a real true test of character is how we react once we recognize we've made a mistake.”
• ”You cannot drive growth and innovation without conflict.”
• “What do you get out of being mad?”

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Your money, your rules, your life. Ditch the tired financial narratives that keep you stuck and create strategies that help you live authentically—right now. Because building wealth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about crafting a legacy that feels as good as it looks.

Enter Karen Coyne. A certified financial planner, founder of Clarity Planning, and host of Money Without Math, Karen “deals in the real.” She’s the antidote to shaming and “shoulding,” bringing clarity and empowerment to your financial journey.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) Why the financial planning world obsession of "size and performance" is misguided

2.) Why the strategy of accumulation, accumulation, accumulation can be harmful

3.) Some basic and tangible tips regarding Estate Planning

4.) What the "Great Wealth Transfer" is and what it means to you

5.) Her son's advice on what you have to do to be #1

Website: https://www.raymondjames.com/clarity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencoyne/

Podcast: Money Without Math

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "Be brutally honest with yourself—don’t hide behind the numbers."
• "If you’re incapacitated, a power of attorney is crucial—it lets someone manage your finances and medical decisions. Without it, even parents of adult children lose the authority they once had."
• “In order to be number one, you have to be odd.”
• "Showing up is the first step—again and again—because building financial confidence is like learning a language: it takes reps, not perfection."

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How thoughtful are you really being when hiring your next employee? Do you have a solid strategy in place, or are you just picking random questions from an AI-generated question bank? No judgment here, we’ve all been there! But what if you had a system? What if taking a little extra time and care in your hiring process could actually help you retain top talent and avoid costly mistakes? This week’s guest can help you with that. Konstanty Sliwowski is the founder of the School of Hiring and has conducted over 12,000 documented interviews and will help completely change your strategy and perspective on interviewing others.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) The cost and ramifications of shitty interviewing practices

2.) The importance of a Hiring Blueprint rather than a job description

3.) His few favorite questions to ask and why he asks them

4.) Why applications via Application Tracking Systems have grown by 50% (and what that means for you)

5.) Why people "Rust Out" and how you can be sure you don't

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/

https://schoolofhiring.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Being a better interviewer makes you a better interviewee.”
• “Defining who you need is not just about saying, 'Here’s the list of skills I need this person to have.' It’s about defining what success looks like in the role.”
• “In order to be an effective leader, you need to learn to hire. That's a skill you need to invest in.”
• “Unless you're growing and learning in your work, then you're stagnant.”

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Networking: you either love it, or you’re counting down the minutes ‘til you’re out of there. But what if you were more intentional? What if you walked into every networking event with a game plan to make those chats actually matter? This week’s guest knows the tricks to turn small talk into smart moves—and they’re spilling the goods to help you up your networking game.

Robbie Samuels is an event design consultant, executive Zoom producer, and business growth coach, recognized as a networking expert by NPR, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc.

He’s the award-winning author of three books, and founder of the Biz Book Publishing Hub, helping entrepreneurs become successful authors with launch teams and a strong review pipeline.

Since 2016, he’s hosted the On the Schmooze podcast and the #NoMoreBadZoom Virtual Happy Hour.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) Why you need to be less of a bagel and more of a croissant at events

2.) The importance of planning your business card and follow up strategy

3.) The one thing that you most need for an effective virtual meeting

http://robbiesamuels.com/tedx

http://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesamuels

BombBomb:https://bombbomb.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Culture can be shifted, but you need the intention from both sides.”
• “Go into those spaces specifically looking to make connections.”
• "Follow-up is something that you actually have to be thinking about before, during, and after if you want to be successful.”
• "Serendipity is more likely to happen when you know what you're looking for."

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ADD and ADHD are finally getting some much-needed recognition in the workplace, but here’s the real question—are leaders ready to keep up? It’s one thing to acknowledge these neurodivergent traits, but it's another to actually adapt, ditching outdated systems and embracing new ways to lead. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about letting people fidget or work in bursts—it’s about creating a culture where everyone thrives, distractions and all.

So, are leaders truly on board? Well, one leader is and she’s telling you how she’s doing it.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I'm over the slutty costume phase and now I'm in my inflatable era.”
• "If you want a deep study in human psychology, just watch Toy Story. It's got all the characters you’ll meet in real life."
• "Not every neurodivergent person will be a Mark Zuckerberg or a cult leader. Many are just trying to be in society."
• "We have to protect ourselves, we have to protect our team and our own energy. If we can't show up to this job feeling decent and good every day, it’s a downhill spiral."

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Does work-life balance exist? According to our guest, it can. In fact, she believes you can have a big, full life AND have the freedom to enjoy it. Cherylanne Skolnicki is the founder and CEO of Brilliant Balance, including her top-rated podcast. She's on a mission to redefine what it means to have it all.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) How you need to diagnose WHY you are doing things for your kids

2.) What is "cognitive overload" and the tangible steps you can take to unload the overload

2.) What is "cognitive overload" and the tangible steps you can take to unload the overload

3.) The impact of us often thinking that future us is kinda a loser

4.) The invisible belief you likely have regarding your overfull work plate and how to change that

5.) What happened when her client took specific steps to get more balance (it involves P!NK!)

Website: https://brilliant-balance.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylanne-skolnicki-brilliant-balance/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I want a big, full life and the freedom to enjoy it.”
• “Sometimes we think ‘future us’ is a bit of a loser.”
• "What really drives up the cognitive load that we're carrying is unmade decisions...when we have certain decisions that we sort of resist making and they're running on like an open loop in our minds, that takes up a lot of brain space."
• “You have to live the story you want to tell.”

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Is your work lingo working against you? In this episode, Erin chats with Julie Holunga—a leadership advisor, executive coach, and TEDx speaker on a mission to help professionals amplify their influence and impact.

Julie spills her secrets on how some seemingly innocent phrases might be stealthily sabotaging your career and more golden nuggets you won’t want to miss!

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) What she learned while working at Harvard...and what she had to unlearn

2.) The biggest words and phrases that can sabotage your career

3.) Tips for influencing people NOT reporting to you

4.) The 3 biggest components to Lazy Leadership...and simple habits to change to be less lazy

5.) Simple replacement phrases for the 3 most dreadful (and commonly said) phrases in business

Ready to find out which common phrases you need to ditch—and what to say instead?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieholunga/

Website: https://www.julieholunga.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Leaders who communicate with trust, see conflict as a necessity, and behave with integrity.”
• “I wrote ‘pubic’ instead of ‘public’. So, spellcheck didn't catch that.”
• “Even though they may be an expert in their company, we're an expert in what we do and we have to remind ourselves of that.”
• "Instead of saying, 'I think,' say, 'I recommend' or 'I suggest.' If they're hiring you for your expertise, don't downplay that expertise."

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Curious what really makes those elusive HR professionals' brains itch? Us too. So we knew we had to bring in the big guns to ask. In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Wallace, Chief People Officer at Newman’s Own. Bruce became Chief People Officer at Newman’s Own in September 2020, overseeing Human Resources for both Newman’s Own, Inc. and Newman’s Own Foundation. He brings over 25 years of HR experience across industries including healthcare, retail, consumer products, and financial services.

Before joining Newman’s Own, Bruce served as VP and Senior HR Business Partner at Prudential Financial, where he provided HR support to key areas such as Product & Pricing, Sales, and Operations. His career began in sales and sales management before transitioning into HR, where he gained experience working with start-ups and Fortune 50 companies.

Bruce holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from the University of Connecticut, a Master’s in Human Resources and Finance from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an executive coaching certification from Columbia University.

On the personal side, Bruce has three daughters -- two taxer-payers, and one college junior – and lives in the Greater Hartford area with another HR professional, his wife of 25 years.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

• What he believes is the Career Advancement Conundrum and how to get through that

• The #1 thing he looks for when he's keeping an eye on talent that'll rise

• The biggest misstep you can make in an interview

• Newman's Own's innovative 50% Ruled initiative

• The 3 things he needs every day to make work suck less

Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-wallace-0613/

Newman’s Own LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newmans-own/mycompany/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "As long as you're learning and staying open to where each step can take you, you'll remain adaptable in how you grow and apply your experience. This flexibility allows you to move within an organization without being locked into one path."
• “Everyone has different perspectives. So it's really just allowing the perspective of each person to contribute to the success of the organization.”
• "The best days I have are when I get three belly laughs."
• "Our number one job as leaders is to knock down barriers and give people the things they need."

View Details

The 50% Rule is out TODAY! If you're all about actionable advice, a dash of salty language, and motivational stories that pack a punch, this book was made for you. Want to hear a little more about the book? Well this episode has you covered there too.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) Why bowling for Alzheimer’s is a thing—because fun can do good.

2.) The 50 percent rule—why aiming for 100 percent all the time is just unrealistic (and not necessary).

3.) What to expect from the book—spoiler: it’s something you’ll want on your shelf.

4.) The idea of a book mascot—is it ridiculous? Yes. Is it happening? It definitely needs to.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “It's not my doing, it's my DNA!”
• “It's more than just permission to not be perfect. It's more than just a self-help tool. It's the thing that can help you stand out and build a product that is super successful without working harder. It's the way to get noticed. It's a way to do work and life differently.”
• “I call it an authenticity hack. It's an innovation hack. It's a permission to release your perfectionism.”
• “It is a permission to be more authentic, but it's also a motivator. It's also a thing that helps you stand out from the crowd.”

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In this episode of b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck, Erin opens up about her recent health overhaul. From chronic back pain to sugar detoxes, she’s sharing how she’s turned things around in the last six months. Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) Erin's wake-up call to change her health habits.

2.) Her surprising relationship with sugar and how she kicked it to the curb.

3.) The power of weightlifting and macronutrients in her transformation.

4.) The unexpected perks: less pain and a happier mindset.

239: 5 Things I've Learned on My Health Journey

188: Stress, Sex, & Sleep: The Truth About Your March to Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “The headline is you don't have to be a victim. The best is not over.”
• "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again, expecting different results.”
• "It's so easy to get caught up in being the victim and blame it on all the things—perimenopause, the company, the macro environment—but there's always a different way to do things."
• "The moment I stopped focusing on what I couldn’t control and started focusing on what I could, everything shifted."

View Details

Let’s face it—everyone has work complaints. Whether you’re thriving in your role or just trying to get by, we can all agree that sometimes work... just sucks. So, how do you make it less serious and a little more bearable? Well, believe it or not, a bit of humor can go a long way. This week’s guest, Kate Davis, will show you how lightening up and adding humor can turn even the toughest workdays around

Kate is a twelve-time nominee at the Canadian Comedy Awards for Best Female Standup and the prestigious Phil Hartman Award. Kate is also the star of her own hour-long comedy special on CTV and the Comedy Network, “Comedy Now.” Kate Headlines across the country and has performed at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, The Hubcap Comedy Festival, The Kitchener-Waterloo Comedy Festival and LOL.

Kate has also shared the stage with Lewis Black and Seth Meyers. Hosted events for the former President, Bill Clinton, Barbara Walters and many others. Kate made it to the final round in Toronto for “Last Comic Standing” 2008 season. Kate has 2 Comedy Albums out “House Arrest and Tested Positive” available on all platforms. Her first book the Breast-Feeding Diaries won the iparent media award and her second book called “Second Best Mom - Stories, Tips and Okay Advice” is now available on all platforms.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) What happened one night when she walked into a comedy club after putting her children to bed

2.) How she used humor even in a solemn situation to make things better

3.) Why humor should be a key strategy you use for business success (even if you're not the one dishing out the funny stuff!)

4.) Her three commandments for using more humor in the workplace

5.) What happened when she sang a Campbell's soup song to a director when she was 18

Website: https://katedavis.ca/

LinkedIn: @KateDavis

Instagram: katedaviscomic

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "So often, we're worried about losing our sense of importance. That’s why people are afraid of humor. But the truth is, lightening up allows us to take risks. It helps us think differently, communicate differently, and makes us more receptive."
• "There are ways to bring humor into situations without putting yourself in a vulnerable position. There are plenty of ways to take the risk out of humor."
• “If you're looking for humor in moments, you're going to find humor in those moments.”
• “Laughing is one of the easiest ways to be mindful.”
• “Be yourself and bring that to everything.”

View Details

Ready to kick self-doubt to the curb and reclaim your power? Meet Kathy Caprino—a career coach, former corporate VP, therapist, and Forbes contributor who’s basically done it all.She’s here to drop the truth bombs you need to close those pesky power gaps and level up. Tough feedback? She’s got hacks. Asking for what you deserve? Kathy’s got that covered too. Buckle up, because you're about to learn how to own your power like never before.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) Why having power isn't the "dirty word" you might think it is

2.) The 7 damaging power gaps that hold most women back

3.) Simple changes to how you preface challenging or tough feedback

4.) The thing you need to absolutely do first before asking for what you deserve

5.) Her powerful, tough-love question: "What if I had the power to shift this?"

Instagram: @kathycaprino

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathycaprino

Website - kathycaprino.com

Kathy's podcast - findingbrave.org

Kathy’s Book: The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Don't mess with me. It is not going to go well for you.”
• “You can't do this well if you don't believe you deserve more.”
• “Our communication, our action, our approaches, if they're grounded in what you feel is legitimately deserving, what you legitimately deserve, you're going to be much more compelling.”
• “What can I do to shift this?”

View Details

Michelle L. Gardner, Senior Supervising Director of Foundation Relations, is a master at linking dreamers with doers—those who want to make a difference and those who can make it happen. In this episode, we chat with Michelle about how The 50 Percent Rule is shaping her work and driving real, positive change.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) How her personal brand of TRUST + GRATITUDE impacts her work and success

2.) Her unique approach to using donor needs to fuel positive change

3.) Why she joined The 50% Ruler workgroup

4.) What The 50% Rule means to her and why she thinks it holds so much power

5.) How she recently 50% Ruled something and what came of it

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-l-gardner-cfre-2426542/

Binghamton University: https://www.binghamton.edu/organizations/b-first/michelle-gardner.html

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "If I keep tearing down the scaffolding and starting from zero every time, I'll never get past the halfway point. I need to build on the foundation that came before me—that's how I improve, and that's how we get better."
• "They hired you not to be the person who was here before, but to be yourself—and more. To be that person, plus you."
• "It's about taking the map from someone who's holding it upside down and saying, 'Let's start by turning the map right side up and heading to a place we agree is wonderful, better, or different.'"
• “I am putting my stamp on it and I don't feel apologetic.”

View Details

Ever wonder what makes you, well, you? If you're intrigued by what drives you—or those around you—this episode is your map to unlocking those secrets. In this episode, Erin and Nicole sit down with Kaitlyn Czapiga to explore the fascinating world of Human Design. Kaitlyn breaks down how their family fits into the different Human Design types—Manifestors, Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors—and explains how understanding these types can help each of us find greater peace and empowerment by better understanding ourselves and others.

Kaitlyn, a Hypnotist, Reiki Master, and the creative force behind Soul Magic, blends the mystical with the practical. She’s here to explain how Human Design can help you heal, grow, and embrace your unique wiring. Get ready for a conversation filled with fresh ideas, candid insights, and a whole lot of authenticity.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about Human Design, how you can use it in your own life, and what it can already tell you about it, visit: mybodygraph.com or soul-magic.com to learn more.

The 50% Rule is available for pre-order now! Click here to grab your copy.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "If you don't have the energy to do the thing you should do, then you should take the energy you have to do something else."
• "You are able to look at your children and see their differences, and you are fostering them so uniquely."
• "We're supposed to be selfish in the work that we do, because we should feel satisfied."
• "Have the courage to uncover things for yourself and live without regret or fear from others."
• "The mind will lie to you, and we will lie to ourselves, but our gut is hard to ignore."

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And that’s a wrap on National Authenticity Day, and what a ride it was—literally! Since it’s both National Authenticity Day AND National Rollercoaster Day, Erin took up Mall of America’s invitation (dare?!) to announce our National Authenticity Day award winners in the most authentic way possible: the Nickelodeon-themed Orange Streak rollercoaster…and she and Nicole are telling you all about it.

They also talk about how authenticity is having a moment, not just at Mall of America but in the Olympics with people like Snoop Dog and in the political spere with people like Tim Walz. Nicole caps off the episode with her hilarious original “rap” titled 10,000 Complaints.

Listen to this episode, then go check out the full interview with local radio and TV host, Falen Bonsett here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QanWdbGBtlw

The 50% Rule is available for pre-order now! Click here to grab your copy.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Authenticity as a currency makes you rich. It's not the car. It's not the job title. Your level of authenticity is your richness. It is your value. If you have that, lead with that.”
• “Don't wait for somebody else to take that risk and get that job because they have the freaking guts to get off the freaking train of doing the same wheels to the motion.”
• “How many of us feel out of control? And that is why we can't be our authentic self.”
• “And then I wrote a really funny rap song about the experience and sent it around to everybody because you know, that's worth 30 minutes of my lunchtime.”

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Erin turned 50! In this episode, Erin spills the tea on hitting the big five-oh. From the highs of newfound wisdom to the lows of being uncomfortable in your own skin, Erin dishes out her reflections on aging, health hiccups, and embracing change.

239: 5 Things I've Learned on My Health Journey

The 50% Rule is available for pre-order now! Click here to grab your copy.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I think he also bought some nude art of me.”
• “Let me be f*cking 50 and have fun.”
• “It’s all about the little moments.”
• “You might not know the whole me because the whole me can be slightly terrifying.”

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This week’s episode features Maritza Gé. Maritza is an Executive Assistant to the CEO at ATS Corporation and one of our 2024 Authenticity Award judges. We think you'll enjoy her authenticity, articulation, and reflection as Maritza and Erin discuss topics ranging from the power of being small to her thoughts on self-acceptance.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) Why she sees so much power in seeing yourself as small

2.) Her unique way of celebrating her son's birthday

3.) What most people get wrong about working with the CEO

4.) Her thoughts on self acceptance and where to get it

5.) Her powerful tip for making work suck less

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maritzage/

The 50% Rule is available for pre-order now! Click here to grab your copy.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “There's a lot going on in the world-we're just a tiny little part.”
• “Where do you want to be? Focus on that.”
• “Find the time to make the interaction.”
• “Authenticity helps to not only build trust with your employees, but also, it helps with your reputation and brand identity.”
• “Make time for yourself and things will happen and the magic will happen.”

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The 50% Rule is Out(ish)! In this episode, you’ll hear Erin give you the inside scoop on what The 50% Rule is and insight into how it has helped her and so many others go from underdog status to unmatched success in career and daily life.

She also reads an excerpt from one of the chapters about ‘Sleeprunning Syndrome’.

Ready to liberate you from life's mini hurdles and launch to new heights?

The 50% Rule is available for pre-order now! Click here to grab your copy.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "I started seeing the 50 percent rule everywhere—Hamilton, Weird Al Yankovic, John Madden, Whitney Houston, Shopify, the Volkswagen bug campaign. This rule wasn't just a mantra; it was a strategy that helped people go from underdog to unmatched."
• "I would just watch these light bulbs go off—not just the permission to throw out the half, but the permission to add in the creativity and do their own thing and think about it differently."
• "Since you were a baby and watched your parents walk and talk, you've been copying. You've been taught that to succeed, you should just emulate those around you."
• "You reflect on all that dreaming and work and discipline you've been doing. And in an instant you feel like a Pomodoro. The energy and excitement you once had to go for the big job or start your own company, host a great party, invent a new product. Lead something big at your company was just that—a dream."

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Becoming a thought leader in today's workplace isn't just about knowing your stuff—it's about standing out and shaking things up. With a dash of confidence, a sprinkle of creativity, and a rebellious streak against the status quo, you CAN turn heads and inspire change. Are you ready to ditch the ordinary, share your brilliance, and leave a lasting mark on your industry? Then you’ll love this week’s guest, Julie Develin. Julie is a Sr. Partner, Human Capital Management Advisory & Human Insights at UKG, co-host of the The People Purpose podcast, keynote speaker, and a top 100 HR Influencer for 2023

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) How you can become a thought leader before anyone tells you you can and how that can take many forms

2.) How her company, UKG, thinks more creatively about how to "3D" their thought leadership

3.) If you lack confidence to be more vocal, take a stance, and become a thought leader, where you can find it

4.) Some tough love on how you need to think about workplace trends you might not like

5.) Her top tip for making work less suck

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdevhr

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "If you don't have confidence in yourself, look for the confidence others have in you. Take that confidence and use it as energy and strength for yourself."
• "So many of us have things to say, but we keep them bottled up. You never know who you'll affect by sharing your thoughts. What you say can have a significant impact on someone's life."
• “Employees have become smarter with social media. If organizations are not transparent, employees will dig and find the information themselves. The question then becomes: do you, as an organization, want to control the narrative, or do you want the narrative to be controlled for you?”
• “Does your organization treat you and others like people and not just cogs in the wheel?”

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When you hear endless griping, do you yearn for a giant mute button? Well, it’s time to turn down the volume on all that complaining! We're all busy, we're all tired, and we've all got a lot on our plates, but can we agree whining isn’t really getting us anywhere? What if we stopped the whining, embraced positivity and got things done instead? This week’s guest has some thoughts on that.

Christine Cashen is keynote speaker, the author of two books, and on a mission to stop global whining.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) Why you sometimes need to make up stories about other people

2.) How to H.A.L.T. yourself and the four things you can diagnose to figure out why you might be complaining

1. ) How working at the Bloomingdale's men's socks and underwear department was the best decision she made

2. ) What the 10 coin challenge is and how it can help you lift others and yourself

3. ) Why she walks around with a banana and corded phone

Website: https://christinecashen.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You've got to find your ways to cope and you've got to find a way to protect yourself.”
• “Say what you mean, mean what you say, and don't be mean when you say it.”
• “Bring compassion back in a fashion you just don't know.”
• “What can I do to work on myself rather than how do I change everybody else out there that's irritating?”
• “Lift up others so that you can be lifted.”

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Working with a team of different generations can be a challenge, but it also brings awesome opportunities for growth and innovation. Curious how to make it work? This week’s guest has the answers. Meagan Johnson is a nationally recognized multi-generational expert who has been studying and speaking about generations since 1997! Meagan focuses on fostering collaboration across generations, avoiding stereotypes, and understanding what drives each generation to succeed.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) How she decided to stop being miserable at her jobs and instead, focus on something that fascinated her

2.) The biggest thing people got wrong about Millenials

3.) A super creative way one leader is incentivising employees to form bonds and relationships (and no, it's not forcing them into the office)

4.) What a "Stay Interview" is and how one company threw out annual reviews and replaced it with this instead

5.) Why you need to stop saying "I'm too busy" and what to say (and think) instead

https://meaganjohnson.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaganjohnsonspeaker/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "We always assume that Baby Boomers are always going to be there, but they're not, professionally or personally. It's important that we ask them, talk to them about what they've learned, and what they've done professionally."
• "Gen X is a very independent generation. We really brought working from home into the limelight, making it more acceptable and recognized as legitimate work."
• “Millennials helped us make that transition of technology becoming part of our work and our personal life.”
• "Gen Z is going to help us with AI, just like millennials helped us with that social media transition. AI is going to help take the tasks that our talented people don't need to waste their time on and let them spend their time on stuff that's important."

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Are You Fitting In or Standing Out? In this episode, Erin gives you permission to chuck the rulebook and transform your business strategy. You’ll hear Erin give real examples on how bold, authentic communication can make your business unforgettable and connect with your customers in ways you've never imagined.

In this episode you’ll hear how:

1.) Authenticity boosts both your internal culture and your external sales game.

2.) Authentic communication helps you stand out and build trust inside and out.

3.) To say goodbye to corporate buzzwords and hello to genuine, relatable language.

4.) Erin's rewrites show how real language makes a real impact.

5.) Tips to challenge the norm, stand out, and make your business unforgettable.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "The same value that you get when you're using authenticity internally, in culture and leadership, is just as profound when applied externally, to sales, business development, and marketing materials."
• "If you start to train your people and rewire their brain to see the value of using authenticity, it will help you both externally to stand out, and internally to improve culture and engagement."
• "We focus so much on the innovation and the cool features, and then what do we do? We throw it in a brown Amazon package."
• If you just have the guts and vision to be more authentic, to be bolder, to talk like a human, you would easily stand out."

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Ever notice how your friendships shift as you hit major milestones like getting married, moving to a new city, or having kids? This episode dives deep into the complexities of relationships during these significant life changes. Erin and Nicole explore ways to maintain strong, meaningful connections as our lives grow and evolve. Whether it’s forging new friendships or nurturing old ones, this discussion offers real insights on how to adapt and keep your relationships thriving through it all.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Your friends will lie to you, but your enemies won't.”
• “Do something that terrifies you. The only expectation is that you simply show up.”
• “We don't control everything, but we control who we are and what we do and how we react to situations.”
• “There’s so many people in the world that are deeply craving to know you.”

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Bogged down by endless PowerPoints, meetings, and other 'stupid rules' throughout your workday? It’s no wonder you feel overloaded and uninspired. The constant stream of unnecessary tasks and interruptions leaves little room for creativity and productivity. So how do you identify these time-wasters so you can reclaim your day and focus on what truly matters? This week’s guest, Lisa Bodell, has some ideas.

Lisa Bodell is an award-winning author and CEO of FutureThink. She has repeatedly been selected as one of the Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World and recognized as one of the top 50 futurists. As a futurist and expert on the topic of innovation and simplicity, she serves as a global council member of the World Economic Forum, and has helped thousands of senior leaders ignite innovation at Bloomberg, Pfizer, Lockheed Martin, and more.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1.) Why your busy schedule and crap work is (in part) your fault ... and what to start doing differently

2.) What a Simplicity Champion is and how they can fuel both innovation and culture at your company (3 birds with one stone)

3.) How to stop giving time away without thinking, and the two-word phrase you can use to change the game

1. ) What a "Kill a Stupid Rule" process looks like and what it can spur

5.) Her two biggest Buck That! stories that will inspire you to shove aside others' (strong) opinions from time to time and trust your gut

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-bodell-futurethink/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Doing the same things might feel good, but you're not growing.”
• “Subtraction has value.”
• “We play an active role in complexity and we choose it more than we think with the best of intentions.”
• “If people really faced the fact that they create their barriers, they wouldn't be the victim in their own story all the time.”

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When you hear the word "negotiation," does it feel like you're gearing up for battle? For many, the concept of negotiation brings to mind tense standoffs, strategic moves, and a relentless drive to win. It's easy to picture a scenario where every word and gesture is a tactical play in a high-stakes game. But does effective negotiation really need to be this way? This week’s guest has some thoughts on that.

Fontini Iconomopolous helps people negotiate to get what they want, personally and professionally.

Best-selling author of HarperCollins’ “Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want” Fotini is the person Fortune 50 executives call into to help with their high stakes negotiations or to empower their teams through her intensive workshops on negotiation, communication and persuasion.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1.) What most people get wrong when thinking about negotiations

2.) The one most important thing to do (or not do?) when negotiating

3.) A powerful phrase you can use to give space and levity in your conversation

4.) A mock scenario of how to approach asking for a raise or promotion

5.) What happened when she pushed her boss and boss' boss for equal pay

Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want

Website: https://fotiniicon.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “If you can go in there with a curiosity complex, a problem solving complex, instead of a combative one, you're going to get a lot further.”
• “It starts with the attitude before the aptitude.”
• “People will talk themselves into or out of a deal if you just give them enough space to be able to do that.”
• “Questions are your tool to get them to do what you want without making them feel like they've been told.”

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“What keeps people from doing the things that they want to do? It's a lack of energy and a lack of courage.” -Juan Bendana In this episode, we're unraveling the layers of energy, leadership, and confidence with Juan Bendana.

Juan is an internationally recognized keynote speaker that helps leaders navigate uncertainty and exponential change by developing the unwavering confidence to thrive in any environment. Juan brings a decade of experience on stage presenting to category leading companies such as Disney, American Express and Sony Pictures. His Science-backed Framework, the Confidence Cycle, has helped over 250,000 leaders thrive both personally & professionally.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1.) How to prioritize energy and not being a victim of it.

2.) Two things NOT to do when someone else's energy is in the dumps.

3.) A super powerful (and super easy) question to start meetings.

4.) Three things people get wrong about confidence.

5.) Two steps nobody talks about when pursuing big goals.

6.) The spotlight effect and why it should matter to you.

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juanbendana/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-bendana-1a683694/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “What are the things that actually light me up physically, psychologically, and environmentally?”
• “People meet your energy before they meet you.”
• "The more judgment you get, the more hate you get. Welcome the judgment. Welcome the haters. They're great. Give them something to talk about.”
• “What keeps people from doing the things that they want to do? It's a lack of energy and a lack of courage.”

View Details

What makes a candidate truly stand out? In this episode, Erin and Nicole spill their secrets on the overlooked elements that make hiring managers say, “Hell yes!” This episode is sparked by a question from listener, Terry Fitzgerald. Terry asks,”What is the best thing you can do to make yourself attractive to potential employers?”

Learn everything from building genuine connections to mastering the art of controlling the interview narrative as Erin and Nicole share practical insights that can transform your job search journey.

Ready to leave a lasting impression? Tune in to this episode to get started.

Episode 177: How He Went from Ignored to His Dream Job with Joshua Cruz

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "They want something that's different, that stands out."
• "The key to job hunting is realizing nobody hires when shit is good."
• "What if your number one goal is simply to connect?"
• "You can control your narrative from the very beginning."

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Ever found yourself in career limbo, hesitating to jump on a new opportunity because it wasn't the perfect fit? In this episode, Erin shares her take on the concept of "getting on the bus" and why saying 'yes' to imperfect opportunities may be your ticket to your dream job.

Get ready for some real-life scenarios, stories, and a little dose of tough love that might just make you rethink turning down your next big chance.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Episode 54: Don't Take "No" for an Answer: Erin Interviews Erin Berube

Episode 157: How to Have a Big Career by Not Conforming with Martha Temple

https://www.bauthenticinc.com/keynote-speaking

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "Get on the frickin bus."
• ‘Realize that the perfect match is highly unlikely, and that your better strategy is to look for the house that you can remodel.”
• "If a great leader and a great company are trying to get you on a bus that's maybe not taking you exactly where you want to go, get on the frickin bus."
• "Finding your next job is like buying a house. It's all about location, location, location."

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We've all been there – working long hours, spending evenings checking things off our list, and hitting the pillow stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed. When things don't work out, we hustle harder. But is this really the best way to live? What if we didn’t have to sacrifice our ambition or goals to live a fulfilling life? What if instead we were more thoughtful about how we pursue them? Well, Mel, today’s guest, has a thing or two to say about that.

Mel Miles is a coach, speaker, and the founder of Soulcation, a company that helps people develop vacation-like routines that revive the soul.

In this episode, you’ll hear Mel discuss:

• How to crack the code and create a life that feels good

• Tips to dodge the ‘fake rest’ trap and what to do instead

• What Patriarchal Stress Disorder is and how to break free from it

Check out Mel’s book, Soulcation

Episode 106: Take a Soulcation: How Authenticity Sets Us Free

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “We can fill our schedules with things that we think are rest without actually tuning into our body and asking, “What do I need right now?”
• “If you're not doing something to connect with pleasure, you lose the sense of liveliness.”
• “The actual feelings people were connecting to on vacation, that brought them the most joy and created the happiest memories, were feelings that they could access in their everyday life.”
• “The work of being a human is knowing it's time to leap…letting go without yet knowing the answers, without yet knowing where we're going to end up.”

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Feel like you just don’t have the right words when it comes to storytelling? Erin and Nicole chat about the art of authentic storytelling, sparked by a question from listener Amy Scott. Amy shares her struggle with finding the perfect balance in writing her story, without coming across as boastful or overly self-deprecating.

In this episode, you’ll hear Erin and Nicole unpack the nuances of becoming a storyteller, with practical tips and personal insights to navigate this tricky skill. From creating a story catalog, to embracing vulnerability, this conversation is filled with valuable nuggets to empower you in crafting your own narrative with authenticity and confidence.

Ready to create your story? Tune in to find out how.

Have a question you’d like us to answer? Email hello@bauthenticinc.com

Episode 114: Crafting Your Intriguing Intro

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “There isn’t just one story.”
• “The magic of storytellers is the ability to adapt in the moment.”
• “I don't care if they're a MAGA supporter or a space alien, like I will find something to talk to you about.”
• “Go figure out how to get conversation out of people that you would never talk to.”

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In this episode of 'b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck,' Erin's sharing something a bit more personal: her own journey through health and wellness. And no, it’s not your typical shock-and-awe health story. Instead, she’s giving us a real, raw look at the ups and downs of dealing with a chronic issue. You’ll hear Erin talk about what she's learned about her body, health, and how we often get it wrong when we think about taking care of ourselves.

So, if you've ever wondered about the real impact of diet, exercise, and a proactive approach to health, you'll want to tune in. And who knows, Erin’s journey might just spark some ideas for your own.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "I've learned more about my body and health and food than I have in the last 20 years, which, I was a healthcare executive. So that's a little bit scary, and it's also super normal."
• "It's amazing how much we label preventive and how much we're missing."
• "Food can either negatively impact or can help with inflammation, which helps with these aches, pains, and chronic diseases."
• "I'm so happy that all of this has come together, and it's not a linear line, but I feel like I'm in my chrysalis for my next, hopefully 40 or 50 years."

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Curious about the kind of magic that happens when you turn 'you can't' into rocket fuel? In this episode of Buck That! Kristine Schlichting is here to share her story because amongst the doubters chanting 'you can't,' she didn't just shrug it off – she cranked heat with a 'hell no, I’m doing this!’ instead.

Kristine is a psychologist who leads and oversees over 30 psychiatrists and other professionals in a one-of-a-kind intensive outpatient program that helps adults and adolescents with extreme mental health challenges.

She’s telling us how she did it. And it all started with someone telling her she ‘can’t’.

In this episode, you’ll hear how:

1.) Kristine’s refusal to accept limitations fueled her determination to prove naysayers wrong.

2.) Despite facing skepticism, Kristine persisted in establishing an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for mental health, refusing to let setbacks (or side eyes) deter her pursuit of her dream.

3.) Kristine opts out of comparisonitis and leans into authenticity and action instead.

Instagram:Hopewell Health Solutions/Kristine Schlichting

LinkedIn:@Dr. Kristine Schlichting

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I'm going to do absolutely everything I can to make sure that I have the ability to have dreams and do the things that I love to do.”
• “When you say you can't to me, that really makes me want to prove you wrong.”
• “There is so much lipstick, especially now with social media, there's literally life filters that people put on. So we really don't know, we really have no idea what is happening in people’s lives.”
• Don't get in your own head because that is where dreams die.”

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“They were hurled into an involuntary situation in which they had to buck the norm and they literally made a masterpiece out of it.” In 1990, at age of 11, Brooke Ellison encountered a life-altering event when she was struck by a car while walking home. This incident left her quadriplegic, altering the course of her life in unexpected ways. Instead of viewing this as a tragedy, Brooke and her family turned this challenging circumstance into a remarkable story of resilience and determination.

Brooke’s journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, you can carve out a path filled with hope and possibility.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-How Brooke saw her limitations as opportunities for growth.

-About the significant role Brooke’s family played in helping her thrive despite her challenges.

-About the importance of pausing to listen and slowing down to include others.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “We are going to do the opposite of what is expected of us?”
• "It wasn't a choice. They actually had to embrace it.”
• “They were hurled into an involuntary situation in which they had to buck the norm and they literally made a masterpiece out of it.”
• “Slow the f*** down to include others.”
• “What's the harm in slowing down to make sure that it's really impactful?”

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What happens when we choose authenticity over agenda? Chaos? Panic?

Nope, just breakthroughs. (and maybe even breakdancing)

In this episode of Buck That! Erin shares a time when she went off-script at a leadership event, proving once again that when we ditch the facade and keep it 100% real, magic happens.

Here are three takeaways from this episode:

Authenticity Always Wins: When you're authentic in leadership, you’re laying the groundwork for building solid connections with your team.

Purpose Packs a Punch: When leaders understand WHY they're doing what they're doing, it helps them make decisions that drive meaningful change.

Cut the Fluff: Sometimes less really is more. By simplifying your messages, you're not just making things clearer, you're making them more impactful.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "I decided to dance. And I didn’t worry about looking good.”
• “Let's turn that intent into good action.”
• “He doesn't need to know the ins and outs. He just needs to know the feeling.”
• "It's not magic. It's not a mystery. It's exactly the things we've been talking about for the past four years.”

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We're thrilled to present our brand-new series called "Buck That!"- a series to help you challenge conventional thinking, ignite your passion, and empower you to redefine what's possible. Each episode is short and is focused on just ONE story of how someone bucked the norm and had great success as a result.

To kick off this series, we’ve asked the incredible Dan Blanchard to join us. Not only is Dan a bestselling and award-winning author, but he's also a captivating speaker, educator, and TV host. He has made appearances on over 100 TV and radio shows, as well as some of the world's top ten podcasts.

In this episode, Dan shares his fascinating journey, starting with his unique accent which developed from overcoming challenges with his deafness during his childhood. He also takes us through his fearless pursuit of wrestling in the Junior Olympic Trials, an experience that changed his life forever.

Dan’s stories are a powerful reminder that true greatness stems from embracing our uniqueness and fearlessly (and authentically) pursuing our dreams.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blanchard_dan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-blanchard-i-help-young-people-become-good-people-82a69723/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Sometimes you gotta do that thing. That makes your heart pound because when you're scared, you're also alive.”
• “You just gotta be willing to push the fear aside and say, ‘Hey, let's have a good time getting my butt kicked’.”
• “I’ve been here all along.”
• "My identity changed that day. My identity was no longer, 'Dan, you're a pretty good wrestler.' My identity said, 'You are a great wrestler.'"

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Ever find yourself saying "YES" when every fiber of your being screams "NO"? Are you tirelessly tweaking your actions and words to fit into the molds of others' expectations? If so, you might be a people-pleaser. People-pleasing can seem like a safety net, ensuring harmony and acceptance. But at what cost? Our guest, Amy Green Smith helps you explore that very question. Amy is a certified and credentialed life coach and hypnotherapist, masterful speaker, and personal empowerment expert. Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-worth.

In this episode you'll hear:

1. How people-pleasing isn't always bad and how to discern when it's ok or not

2. Her 3-step process - FMT - to use anytime you assume bad intentions from a comment, email, etc

3. The key first step to having a tough conversation with your boss and the thing you MUST own first

4. The power in asking people "Yes, No, or Counteroffer?

5. Her powerful house metaphor to help you deal with both the shit and the gifts that people send your way

So if you find yourself consistently feeling drained, resentful, or compromising your own happiness for the sake of others, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

Instagram: @HeyAmyGreensmith

Website: HeyAmyGreensmith.com

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Am I going to choose you or am I going to choose me? I'm done choosing everyone else. I'm going to choose me.”
• “I care so much about my stance or my opinion that I'm willing to take up space.”
• “Start with owning your shit.”
• “What are the facts? What am I making up? What is the truth? Find my truth.”

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Replay Constantly feeling like you are not enough can be an overwhelming and exhausting mental battle. And let’s face it, it’s easy to succumb to the chorus in your head that tells you that what you have or who you are is not enough. So the real question is, is it possible to every truly be fulfilled in this one life you have? This week’s guest is here to tell us how you can start making that shift. Dr. Mandy Lehto is an expert when it comes to helping high-level professionals enhance their performance, leadership capabilities, and career progression. With impressive credentials in private equity, investment banking, law, and tech, Dr. Lehto has amassed a clientele of senior executives around the world. Her clients seek out her insights to gain promotion within their industry or increase their confidence as a leader.

Those who have consulted with her praise her for her intelligence and emotional intelligence which helps them break through barriers to success. And that level of trust allows leaders from all industries to feel safe stepping outside of their comfort zone to try new strategies for gaining tangible results.

Pop in your earbuds and enjoy this episode. Mandy’s words are something we all need to hear.

Listen to Mandy’s podcast ‘Enough’: https://mandylehto.com/listen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandylehto/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandylehtopersonalbrandimage/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I didn't have to be somebody to be somebody. I was already enough.”
• “I've drunk the Kool-Aid, I've associated success with money, and I have to stay here and my soul is dying. What do I do?”
• “We'll often choose unhappiness over uncertainty.”
• “Your worth isn't dependent on anyone else.”
• “If there's this constant busyness and chronic doing, there's no spaciousness to hear anything.”
• “I am okay in myself exactly as I am now.”

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Replay We all want to create control in our lives, but let's face it - there's only so much of it to go around. We're caught in the middle of conflicting demands from the workplace and society, having to perform at top capacity while also remaining flexible and open-minded to new possibilities. It's not easy to live up to this standard and navigating this situation can be tough. In this episode, Erin and Nicole are here to show you that change is inevitable and provide insights into how to cope with constant changes and learn to embrace them as part of life.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Change is constant and we are creatures that are programmed to control chaos.”
• “Accept that change is not a rebuke of your past decisions.”
• “Use human speak and talk about the rationale behind the change.
• “Change does not necessarily signify a mistake. Sometimes change signifies an opportunity.”
• “Ends are not a failure. They're often a new beginning.”

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Replay Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right? Where every mistake and unfortunate event just piles up on top of one another until you're convinced the universe is conspiring against you? It can be all too easy to fall into a downward spiral of negative thinking, but Mental Toughness Coach, Chris Dorris, is here to show us there’s a different way to think. Chris started out as a social worker in Atlantic City helping the mentally ill, drug addicted, and homeless populations upgrade their lives. This eventually led him to his true vocation- helping people close the gap between how their lives are and how they want them to be.

Chris understands that our thoughts have a lot of power. And if we're constantly telling ourselves that things are going to go wrong, guess what? They probably will.

Feeling stuck in a rut and like nothing is going your way? This episode is for you.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1.) Chris’ secret for mental toughness that's reshaped the lives of elite athletes and CEOs

2.) His journey from social worker to success coach and how he turned obstacles into opportunities

3.) Key strategies to master your mindset for breakthrough success

4.) Inspiring stories of authenticity and resilience

5.) Practical tools for mental toughness you can start applying now to transform your life

Check out Chris’ Website: https://christopherdorris.com/

Gratitude Video: Master of Short Film Creation, Louis Schwartzberg, narrated by this great Austrian monk named Brother David Steinle Rest.

Daily Dose Mental Toughness Tips in 30 seconds or less.Mental Toughness Mantras

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “When we're constantly not getting what we want in life, we are spending so much time having a problem with reality.”
• “Complaining fundamentally is me practicing getting better at struggling against reality, which is a battle we lose 100% of the time.”
• “Practice replacing our complaints with expressions of gratitude.”
• “Stay open and do the damn work.”
• “Sucky songs never stop coming, it's just how fast you get through them.”

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Join Erin and Rohit Bhargava in a fascinating conversation about the power of non-obvious thinking. From discussing the transformative Haystack Method to exploring how AI is revolutionizing creativity, this episode is packed with insights on how to cultivate a non-obvious mindset to stand out in a crowded world. Rohit Bhargava is on a mission to inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world. He is a keynote speaker and a 3-time WSJ bestselling author of nine books on marketing, innovation, diversity and trends including his #1 bestseller Non-Obvious Megatrends and his new 2023 book, The Future Normal.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1. What are some of the biggest, most unique trends he sees for the near future, including things like Impact Hubs and even Making Weather

2. Why he always eats left handed, even though he's not

3. Why most things WON'T be obsolete in the future and why this matters

4. Why you should choose the window seat vs the aisle seat on planes ... and metaphorically

5. What he observes most in meetings that many others don't, and what you can do differently if you can notice it too

Subscribe to Rohit’s newsletter: https://nonobvious.com/subscribe/

Visit Rohit’s Website:https://nonobvious.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I think we all want a little more ‘not obvious’. We all want something that we haven't heard before.”
• “If you really concentrate your attention on focusing on the things that are most likely to open your perspective and you seek out those sources of information, you become better at identifying those things that will move your intellect forward.”
• “Curation is the ultimate method for transforming noise into meaning.”
• “I took something that would've taken me six hours as a professional who knows what I'm doing. And AI as a collaborator, allowed me to do it in 90 minutes.”

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Do you ever feel like you're lacking that inner fire to tackle challenges and chase after your dreams? Well, we’ve got good news for you. Our guest, Fia Fasbinder, is an expert in helping you discover your own unique confidence, or "moxie", and she's here to tell you how you can find yours. Fia Fasbinder arms speakers with the tools to deliver killer presentations. With over 15 years of experience in public speaking, classroom instruction, and presentation skill development, Fia teaches speakers to communicate with confidence, clarity and credibility. With a theater degree from NYU and a Masters in Education, Fia is uniquely positioned to render and teach dramatic arts concepts to adult learners. Her unique approach to keynoting utilizes theatrical techniques and performing arts skills in addition to practical, real world knowledge culled from coaching clients at TEDX, UCSD, Qualcomm, Intel and numerous Fortune 500 companies.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1. What exactly IS moxie, and why it's different for everybody 2. How techniques she learned from her years as an actor can help you step up your presentation pre-game (and yes, you need to "pre-game"!) 3. How she helped two women at Nexflix find their moxie to push back on Jason Bateman to ultimately, do what was right for Ozark 4. The small steps you can make to overcome your fears ... or go from good to great

Whether you're feeling stuck in your career or struggling to make a big life decision, Fia’s insights are sure to light a fire under your tush.

Website for Moxie Institute: www.moxieinstitute.com

Moxie Institute's Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/moxieinstitute

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiafasbinder/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Moxie is confidence, but confidence in a way that is unique to you.”
• “If you’re feeling unconfident, I cannot stress the importance of preparation enough.”
• “When you learn to use breathing, you take your power back.”
• “I like to imagine that when I'm inhaling, I'm inhaling confidence or power- that might be a color some days or that might be a person that I'm just going to stick it to that day.”

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Feeling drained from the holiday season? This lighthearted episode is just what you need! We've got stories that will have you laughing and shaking your head in agreement, from imperfections around the holidays to unorthodox trip planning (just wait until you hear this one.) You'll also hear Erin and Nicole chat about the magic of The 50% Rule, a mindset that will change how you do...well, everything. And don't miss out on our Sports Ball segment- we'll be diving into the world of an Italian underdog who has captured our hearts. And to top it all off, we've got a collection of relatable memes that will help get you through even the toughest of days.

Ready to dive in? Let's go!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Shitty Work Residual Episode

@koreydior_

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Imperfection is the new perfectionism.”
• “I'm getting back to my roots a little bit. I wanted some of that old feeling I used to have.”
• “Take your experience, trust yourself, and throw in that little personal magic and see what happens.”
• “I'm going to give myself the space to add authentic creativity to something and make something that's uniquely mine.”

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Let's be honest, we've all found ourselves in a toxic work environment at some point in our lives. It's draining, demotivating and can make the workday feel like a never-ending nightmare. But the truth is, finding a positive work environment can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. And while we can't control the actions of our coworkers or bosses, can we control our reactions and the way we handle ourselves in those situations? This week's guest, Andrea Butcher, has a few thoughts on that.

Andrea is a visionary—she knows how to lead organizations from big picture to execution. She is a dynamic speaker, executive coach, and facilitator. As the CEO and co-owner of HRD - A Leadership Development Company, she leads a national team of expert facilitators and coaches and drives the organization’s growth strategy.

She also hosts a daily and weekly leadership podcast, Being [at Work] and is the author of The Power in the Pivot: Leadership Lessons from Being [at Work] to Take You from Chaos to Clarity. In 2020, she was recognized by the Indianapolis Women’s Journal as a Woman of Influence. Andrea’s work spans organizations of all sizes and industries all over the world; she has experience in global HR positions, consulting, operations, and executive roles for private and public organizations.

Andrea is also the co-founder and President of Next Gen Talent, a program specifically designed to equip emerging HR leaders for success.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1. Why your shitty environment might be a “you problem”, and what to do about it 2. The time a male mentor gave her some crappy advice, and how that turned out 3. Her boardroom breakdown(ish) and the positive that came of that 4. Her take on the future of work employment and what you can do to prepare for it 5. A simple, 5-word statement that can be your leadership (everrrrywhere) secret weapon

If you're struggling in your workplace, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and listen in. Andrea Butcher just might have the answers you've been looking for.

The Power in the Pivot

Human Resources Kit for Dummies

Being [at Work] Podcast

Linkedin: @AndreaButcher

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “People are looking around them at evidence of leadership rather than looking within themselves and asking, ‘What can I do here?’”
• “You also are shaping your environment based on how you think about your environment.”
• “Challenge yourself to think beyond ‘what is’.”
• “In order to be who you are, you have to know who you are.”

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Leaving a job is tough, plain and simple. No matter the reason, there's probably a part of you that feels a little hesitant to let go. Maybe you've made some great friends in the office or maybe you're sad to leave behind the work you helped build. So how do you let go or do you? In the latest episode of the b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck podcast, Erin and Nicole dive into this topic and explore the reasons behind why we may hesitate to move on from a job. Whether you're currently facing this situation or you know someone who is, this episode will have you reflecting on your own experiences and provide valuable insights to help you navigate this challenging transition.

Create a Life Experience Instead of a Vacation

New Year’s Dares

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “There's a bunch of people half my age in a pool filled with drinking and dancing. And I thought, “Well, this is my scene, so I jumped in, obviously.”
• ​​”How do you tell your own story?”
• “Grief is not necessarily short and it comes in waves and it can hit you. Whether it’s something that you loved or a person you've lost, or a job you’ve moved on from, grief is a real thing.”
• “Sometimes you might want to experiment and say,” What did I love most about all of that? There were so many things you were good at, but what did you love most?”

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You may have spent years honing and perfecting your skills, becoming an expert in your field. But despite your success, there might be an underlying feeling of restlessness that won't seem to disappear. Sound familiar? If so, you’ll love this week’s guest, Aree Bly, a seasoned actuary turned Champion for Sustainable Success. Aree has spent over two decades honing her technical skills and nurturing diverse teams in the healthcare sector. Today, she leverages her analytical powers to help individuals navigate their unique values, strengths, and skills to find more sustainable footing in life and career.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. How to reframe your mind when you're good at what you do but not necessarily happy or meant to do what you do 2. What creating a sustainable life means (and no, it doesn't necessarily mean kamakizeeing out of corporate) 3. Where the F the reset button is - the four F words that'll get you there (and not fudge) 4. Why doing small experiments is more strategic than you think

If you're ready to take your success to the next level in a more sustainable way, this episode is for you.

The Sustainable Brain: An Analytical Mind's Guide to Creating a Sustainable Life

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “How do I figure out where that new place is for me?”
• “What is the right thing for the compilation of experiences and skills that I now have?”
• “If this is really what brings you energy, if this is really what engages you, ask for little ways to start sprinkling that in.”
• “Experiment, but be strategic.”

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Have you ever heard of the Zero Moments of Truth (ZMOT)? It's that precious window of time before someone decides to buy from you, to hire you, or to work with you. It may sound like an elusive concept at first, but it actually plays a big role in our day-to-day decision making. In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss three simple shifts that will help you reduce ZMOT to zero and give you the edge you need to come out on top.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Zero Moments of Truth is that time before people make a decision to purchase from you, to hire you, to do business with you, to buy your shit.”
• “You don't need as many hours, as many interactions, or as many location when you use authenticity,”
• “What is the intention?”
• “We can create our presence in the world so that people feel familiar with us.”

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If there's one thing that can turn your day upside down, it's an unexpected confrontation. We often find ourselves in the thick of it, unsure how it got to this point and how we can make it out in one piece. Luckily for us, Dr. Bridget Cooper is here to give us practical tools to help us stay calm during those tough talks.

Dr. Bridget Cooper is a self-proclaimed cage rattler; a coach, speaker, and author with over two decades of experience helping teams and leaders think and communicate more clearly and strategically so they can work and navigate problems proactively and effectively.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. One simple mindset shift Dr. B had that helped her go from wanting to take her life to finding her life's purpose 2. What happens in your brain when you're faced with conflict or confrontation 3. The Bubble Concept -- the hilarious story that brought it to life, and how you can use it to stay calm in confrontation 4. The power of adding "and" or "or" at the end of negative sentences 5. How you can LITERALLY shake it off

Ready to navigate those tricky situations and come out feeling empowered? This episode is one you don’t want to miss.

www.drbridgetcooper.com

Unflappable: How Smart People Quit Overthinking, Ditch the Drama, & Thrive at Work"

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbridgetcooper/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Me being in my bubble was the greatest act of kindness I was capable of offering under the circumstances.”
• “I don't think I would ever have become a person so guided with purpose toward what I'm trying to do with other people if I hadn't seen the level of depravity that I saw.”
• “We tell stories like nobody's business. And so often we leave out very salient details or add in nuance and features to things that don't often serve us.”
• “Shaking your hands sends a message to your central nervous system that you're okay.”

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You know that moment when someone suggests something new or different, and we come up with every excuse in the book for why it won't work? It’s no secret most of us are resistant to change, often before we even give it a chance. But what would happen if we opened ourselves up to curiosity instead?

In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss practical strategies to shift from your own opinions and beliefs to learning and understanding.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-How to stay open to opportunities and embrace the unknown -One powerful word you can use that creates curiosity in the workplace -A strategy Nicole uses to move her life forward each day

So if you’re someone who wants to grow and challenge yourself, but struggles to let go of old habits and ways of thinking, this episode was made for you.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “It's very easy to go with the obvious answer- the way it's always been, or the way it seems to be, or something that somebody has told you.”
• “When you want to make changes in the world or in your life, break things into two second tasks.”
• “Sometimes it’s hard to know the difference between experience and bias.”
• “The word ‘yet’ is like the opening of the window of inquiry.”

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Throughout history, there have been individuals who bravely stand up against tragedy, fighting for justice and the truth. Sandy Rosenthal is one of those people. After Hurricane Katrina and the federal levee failures in New Orleans, Sandy Rosenthal founded the non profit Levees.org with 25,000 supporters nationwide. Her book––Words Whispered in Water––is about how she led an investigative team to expose the culprit in the levee breach disaster––the Army Corps of Engineers––and how the agency spent millions covering up its mistakes. Rosenthal is an advocate for the 62% of the American population living by levees. Sandy hosts a weekly podcast called Beat the Big Guys where she coaches her national audience on how to take on the big guys in their own communities.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-Steps Sandy took to start a crusade against the "Big Guys" -Signs to know when you're on the right track when fighting for a cause -The 3 most common tactics they big guys will try and use against you -What Sandy and her team discovered that blew things out of the water (pun intended) -How data and a smile might just be your best strategy

Whether you're passionate about tackling a significant global issue or seeking guidance on dealing with workplace bullies, this episode is a must-listen.

Sandy’s Website: https://levees.org/

Sandy’s Book: Words Whispered in Water: Why the Levees Broke in Hurricane Katrina

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Most of us are ordinary folks that don't have ties to celebrities or football players. And you know what? You don't need them. All you have to do is speak up.”
• “They misdesigned the levies and they blamed mother nature and they blamed local officials, which meant they blamed the people of New Orleans.”
• “They actually believe they're so big that it's impossible for anyone to harm their reputation or to harm them just because they're big.”
• “Why are they going after me? Well, because they didn't like what I was saying.”

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This week, we're taking a trip down memory lane and replaying one of our most impactful episodes from a few years back. It's jam-packed with some amazing insights and actionable tips that will undoubtedly help you boost your LinkedIn game. In this episode, we’ll be doing a "grading" of Nicole's LinkedIn profile, step by step, and sharing proven techniques that have worked wonders for us and we have a feeling they will work for you too.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why LinkedIn is NOT the same as your online resume The mistakes most people make in using LinkedIn The most important (and simple) updates you can make to leapfrog others The number one emotion you're to evoke in people Why you need to write your info like you've just had a glass of wine (and your Mariah Carey) A key feature that Nicole had no idea even existed

Ready to supercharge your LinkedIn profile? Tune in to this episode to find out how.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "People say 'she's showing us what women can do.' But no, she's showing us what authenticity can do."
• "If you start to think about LinkedIn when it's time to find a new job, you are way too frickin' late."
• "You should be writing your LinkedIn profile like you've had one glass of wine."
• "You need to put value in, before you get value back out."

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Prioritizing can be painful, but does it have to be? For many of us, prioritizing tasks and responsibilities can be an overwhelming experience. From endless to-do lists to the constant demand of others, it can often feel like we are drowning in a sea of obligations with no end in sight. However, prioritizing doesn't have to be a painful experience.

In the latest episode of the b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck podcast, Erin and Nicole share three innovative ways to carve out intentional productive time that are total game changers.

In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss: - How to carve out intentional focus time - Creating co-working opportunities - The benefits of a morning moat

Ready to transform your workday from chaotic to intentional and productive? Listen in to find out how.

215: Mindset Shift: Making Yesterday Your Last Bad Day

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Not everything has to be a form of entertainment.”
• “Cult, company...basically the same thing.”
• “What can you do when you're in those horrible situations where you think, ‘My time has been taken from me’?”
• “And here you are forcing yourself to make something a priority that maybe is more of a bargain.”

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When it comes to asking questions, there's often a lot of pressure to ask the "right" thing. But is there really such a thing as a "stupid question"? Many argue that there isn't - after all, when we're curious and seeking knowledge, any question can lead to enlightenment. However, there are certainly questions that are less intentional than others.

So, how can we turn bad questions into intentional ones? Nicole and Erin explore this topic in this week of the b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck podcast.

In this episode Erin and Nicole discuss: Stupid questions. Is there such a thing? How to turn ‘bad questions’ into questions that are intentional How to pause before answering or receiving a question to evaluate the intent

If you are interested in learning how to evaluate questions (and create better ones) this is the episode for you.

119: 3 Hacks For Asking Powerful Questions That Put You in the Pole Position

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “What is the intent?”
• “Listening to those questions as a manager also gives you a really sharp window into how your employees are feeling.”
• “Panels are like the stupid question generator.”
• “Being aware of how we create honest inquiry is an enormous strategy that anyone can benefit from.”

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Whether you realize it or not, presenting at work is often the biggest interview you’ll ever have; your ability to captivate, persuade, and engage others is often the differentiator between who stays where they’re at and who is tapped to take on the bigger-girl (or boy) role. And a successful presentation is dependent on WAY more than the fancy words you say or PowerPoints you paint together.

So how can you keep your audience hooked from start to finish? International Keynote Speaker and Leadership Expert, Dr. Cheryl Wood, has some invaluable tips on how to keep your presentation from falling flat and make people want to listen (and actually hear) what you have to say.

Dr. Cheryl Wood empowers professionals with tools to renew their commitment to their careers, re-energize their vested interest in winning big, explore new opportunities for growth, and implement a collaborative team environment for optimal success.

In this episode, Dr. Cheryl discusses: The number one barrier she sees in women being able to fully express their genius and make an impact doing so How the words you say are ONLY 7% of the impact in a presentation and what the other two, bigger impact items are The power of pausing and how to practically use it in a meeting or presentation - in-person AND on video What the "Big Me" list is and why you should create one The 3 things you should think about before every presentation

Ready to unlock the secret to captivating presentations? Tune in to find out how!

Check out Dr. Cheryl’s Website: http://cherylempowers.com

Connect with Dr. Cheryl on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cherylempowers

Connect with Dr. Cheryl on Instagram: http://instagram.com/CherylEmpowers

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "Sometimes, the universe sends us signs that it's time to shift, to evolve into a better version of ourselves, even though it might not feel great in the moment."
• "Every setback is a setup for a comeback, an opportunity to rise stronger and wiser."
• "Embrace the detours; sometimes they lead us to destinations more beautiful than we had ever imagined."
• "The power of storytelling goes beyond words; it has the potential to touch souls, to ignite sparks of change."

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Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong? Maybe you woke up feeling groggy and rushed, spilled your coffee on your shirt, and then got stuck in traffic on the way to work. We've all been there.

But here's the thing - you don't have to let those bad days define you. In this episode, Nicole and Erin dive into the mindset shift of making yesterday your last bad day. They share tips on taking control of your own happiness, health, and life purpose, while also being kind to yourself and allowing for flexibility.

So if you're in need of some inspiration to shake off those bad days and take control of your life, give this episode a listen.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Live like yesterday was your last bad day.”
• “One challenge that I found in this is that I often expect too much of myself."
• “It's not just my priorities, but it's my expectations that's always been a challenge for me."
• "We talk so much on this podcast about controlling our lives and career and connections and authenticity. And I just thought, isn't that like a bumper sticker we all should have?"
• “Set reasonable priorities about daily life."
• b
• b
• b

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Losing your job can be a serious blow to your confidence and motivation, especially if it happened unexpectedly. It's totally normal to feel overwhelmed or scared about what the future holds. But the good news is that there are some things you can do to help you stay focused and on track during this time! In today's episode, Erin breaks down the top five things you should avoid doing if you've been laid off. From assuming the worst to holding it in, these common pitfalls can make it harder to move forward and find your next opportunity.

But of course, she doesn’t leave you hanging! She also shares specific, and often creative, things you SHOULD do instead.

So if you're ready to learn how to take charge of your situation and stay motivated, be sure to tune in!

Let’s Make You the Valedictorian of LinkedIn

Stand Out with Your Reverse Mullet Resume

Breaking Societal Norms in Parenting, Work & Love with US Women’s National Soccer Player, Joanna Lohman

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "Do your exorcism, get it over with, but then take tangible steps to really understand and quantify what this impact is on you financially."
• “At the end of the day, you control your destiny.”
• “Run the numbers.”
• “Take a breather.”
• "I'm taking it a step further, and it doesn't take much, because most people are just going through the motions."

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Are you ready to take control of your finances and make your money work for you? Our guest, Tess Waresmith is here to help. Tess Waresmith is a single, 35 year old, self-made millionaire (by investing). Now, she's paying it forward as a financial coach and the genius behind the Money Confident Program that helps women in the workplace grow their money using simple investing strategies even if they are brand new to investing or short-on-time.

In this episode, Tess:

-Shares her first investment story and the $80,000 mistake she made in her twenties that totally shifted her life's path -Breaks down the biggest investing myth and shares valuable tips for what to do if you're feeling behind -Introduces us to the world of investments (some you may not even know exist!) - Takes us on a deep dive into real estate co ops - Shares how mindset and intention play a huge role in successful investing

Ready to learn the secrets to financial success from a self-made millionaire? Tune in because Tess is spilling all her secrets.

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!

Download Tess’ Savvy Investor Starter Pack at https://www.moneyconfidentcoach.com/savvy

Follow Tess for free tips on Instagram @wealthwithtess

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “It's not too late to start investing and to make a huge difference in what your retirement is going to look like.”
• “It’s not necessarily hard. It's just awareness and education.”
• “Regardless of where you're starting today, in three to five years, your life can look incredibly different when it comes to your net worth and your comfort level with finances.”
• “The freedom I have now to do whatever I want is priceless.”

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Do you have aspirations to reach the C-suite but feel unsure of where to start? Well, you're in luck because in this episode Erin sits down with Julie Ann Alvarado-Dubek who shares her tips to create a unique path to the top. Julie is Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Banner Health. As the top people person, she guides the Banner experience, creating a positive and inclusive environment that encourages growth and opportunity for the 52,000+ team members.

In this episode, you’ll hear: - How Julie created 80% of the jobs she ended up in -Groundbreaking advice on how to give feedback to a difficult boss -How Julie handled their return-to-work policy -The biggest mistake Julie sees people make in their careers

If you want to learn from someone who has successfully reached the top using authenticity to their advantage, and also has a unique perspective on how to make others successful within the organization, this is the perfect episode for you.

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ann-alvarado-dubek/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Because you have a title, because you happen to sit somewhere, your voice shouldn't necessarily be louder than other people's”.
• “Inclusion in my mind means that you're including everybody regardless of what you're bringing, what you're passionate about, or what your beliefs are.”
• “I'm a little bit older going into this job, but I do think maybe I'm a little bit wiser too.”
• “Always remember that your thoughts and your voice matter, so don't miss the opportunity to share.”

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Nicole and Erin packed their bags and embarked on an epic adventure to Greece. But this wasn't your ordinary ‘vacation’. Instead, it became a life experience that sent them headfirst into the electrifying Greek culture and created memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to hear about Nicole's unexpected adventure to the “hospital” (2x actually), a standout moment that could have been straight out of a thrilling episode of Dateline NBC, their memorable nights of dancing at local Grecian festival and how throughout their journey, they discovered peace and gratitude in unexpected moments.

Want the authentic recap of Erin and Nicole's big fat Greek framily vacation? Tune in for the scoop.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “This was a life experience.”
• “Gennadi is a poor place, but they live a very rich life.”
• “You have to invest in the village.”
• “This is the nature of work. It is hilarious. It is beautiful. It is stupid. It is communal. It is individualistic. And it's really good to take a big f*cking break so you can come back and go find the batteries.”

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Get ready to be blown away by Dr. Kennedy Garcia's awe-inspiring journey as she kicks society's pressures to the curb and embraces her authentic self. It's not just her brains and beauty that make her extraordinary—this Stanford graduate and reigning Mrs. California International 2023 is on an unwavering mission to make a future full of fierce female leaders and to see the world transformed through the influence of the modern day Queen. This episode is one that's sure to leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take action in your own life. Ready to get started?

Dr. Kennedy’s Website: https://www.spiritualbosschick.com

Dr. Kennedy’s Youtube: @spiritualbosschick

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Find something that irritates the life out of you so much that you can't sleep without thinking about how you can solve it.”
• “For women, we get into these corporate spaces anyway, and there are so many landmines that we have to navigate and move around that it's difficult to reach the place that you're trying to get to.”
• “There is potential for change in all situations and it's just finding the right lever to pull to make it happen.”
• “Don't spend your time talking about it in the bathroom with the person who's just as frustrated and can't do anything about it. Spend your energy with the people who actually can change it and start with the ones who care.”

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Are you tired of playing by society's rules? Do you want to trust yourself, unapologetically? Well, our guest Angela Han has got your back. As a sovereignty practitioner, Angela is all about helping people find their own path to success, whatever that may look like. In this episode, she dishes out some serious wisdom on how to deal with anger, make decisions that honor yourself, and even some tips on parenting.

So, if you've ever felt like you didn't quite fit in with the rest of the world, or if you're just looking for some inspiration to follow your own dreams - this episode is the one for you.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/itsangelahan

Instagram: @itsangelahan

Title

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Because I subscribed to what they were saying. I actively was abandoning myself.”
• “I decided to start a business because I was angry about the fact that my law school classmates were getting like these high paying law firm jobs and I was getting rejected by all of them.”
• “Men had more rights to more things, including the right to be angry.”
• “Because I have interacted with so many people whose unawareness affected me, I'm in such an urgent need to constantly be more aware of who I really am.”
• “Does that vision of success feel like home to you?”

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Success isn't always about winning; sometimes it's about how you play the game. Whether you're on the field with your kid's soccer team or leading your own team at work, victory shouldn't be the only measure of success. But how do you lead authentically while embracing both the wins and the losses? Joanna Lohman has the answer.

Joanna Lohman is a keynote speaker and performance coach who is building a new generation of authentic leaders who redefine success. She is the author of, "Raising Tomorrow's Champions" and a former member of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team. She is also the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired, honoring her 16-year professional soccer playing career where she built a platform for social impact. She continues her influence as a human rights activist and Sport Diplomat.

If you're looking for someone to help you redefine success and lead with authenticity, this is one episode you can't afford to miss.

Website: joannalohman.com

Instagram: @joannalohman15

LinkedIn: Joanna Lohman

Book: Raising Tomorrow's Champions: https://rtcsoccer.com/

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I may have lost, but I'm not a loser, I may have failed, but I'm not a failure, I'm not defined by one result.”
• “Success is about our evolution. Success is about how much we overcome, not how much we declare as income.”
• “Sport allows us to publicly and safely make mistakes and fail over and over again and get to do it again in a low stakes environment.”
• “Really allow them as much as you can to have their own journey and take autonomy over it. Otherwise, you're not building a self-driven child.”

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Have you ever wondered how some people climb the corporate ladder while others struggle to even get their foot in the door? Well, we’ve got the inside scoop for you! In this episode from the vault, Erin interviews Renee Zaugg, the Chief Information Officer at Otis Elevator Company, and she’s ready to spill all the secrets on how to reach the top. This episode was SO powerful and one of the top listened to episodes, we had to bring it back to the top of the list!

With her incredible leadership skills and unwavering dedication, Renee was able to bring about a remarkable change in her workplace. She founded the Women's Leadership Alliance at Aetna and worked tirelessly to increase the number of women in leadership positions to an impressive 36%. But Renee's successes didn't come without their challenges. She had to fight against other executives who were resistant to change and advocated for recognition not just for herself, but for her colleagues and company as well. And through it all, Renee never lost sight of her values. She maintained her integrity no matter what and exercised balance in her personal and professional life.

Her story serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance, determination, and working towards progress in the face of adversity. You'll come away inspired and armed with tips to help you succeed in your own career.

Connect with Renee on LinkedIn

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "Of course I can do it, because who else could?"
• "She said, ‘I gave up having a family for my career.’ So I looked right at her and said ‘You're telling me I have to choose? Funny, our CEO has children, and he didn't have to choose.'"
• "When you get to the top, remember to send the elevator back down."
• "Pushing yourself to do it is what allows you to overcome it."
• "Everybody's life is a mess to some degree."
• "The best and quickest way to get a seat at the table is to create it yourself."
• "You might not be the smartest person in the room, but don't let anyone question your integrity. You can't get that back."

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One of the best things about this podcast is the no-holds-barred, insightful, hilarious, and often vulnerable conversations that Erin and Nicole have.

And this one’s no different.

Over the years, Nicole has let us in on her career-the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not many would be willing to go where she has and openly share the way she does.

We’re bringing back the episode when Nicole shares a huge announcement with us that has changed the trajectory of her career, added a little uncertainty to her life and undoubtedly a lot of excitement.

How’s she doing? In Nicole’s words, “somewhere between onward and oh fuck.”

Shonda Rhimes: My Year of Saying Yes to Everything

Finding Joe

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Taxes are our subscription to life. Before you work, it’s a free trial.” -Erin’s son, Mick
• “I could no longer resign myself to do things that were actively undermining my authenticity, destroying my sense of integrity and hurting my health.”
• “Adrenaline is a drug just like caffeine. You can stay on it to beat burnout and depression and unhappiness, or even excitement, enthusiasm, and innovation. It can help you with all of those things, but it will also run you dry.”
• “I go out for one day on New Year’s Day and I get COVID from sharing a plate of nachos. And they were some damn good nachos.”
• “The most humbling part of this is that there's so much learning in all of this, but there's so much I need to unlearn too.”
• “Be honest with yourself. You have to own your own bullshit and be open to new bullshit because it's all bullshit.”
• “When people ask me how I'm doing, my answer is generally ‘somewhere between onward and oh fuck.’”

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Ah, vacation. That magical time of year where we all get a chance to escape from the daily grinds of our jobs and take a much-needed breather. Nicole, like many of us, is looking forward to some time away from the hustle and bustle. But as she reflects, she wrestles with some of the nuances and mindset going into the vacation and the impact it might have on her team. She realizes that she’s not as stressed though as she should be. In this episode, Erin helps Nicole double down on her not-quite-freaking-out feeling and go even further - create an annuity for her team by adding one simple (but not intuitive) step to her pre-vacation planning. You too can create this “leadership annuity” - a leadership step that keeps on dishing out value well after you do it.

Episode 151: Learn How to Take a Soulcation with Mel Miles

Episode 58: Making Everyday a Soulcation: Nicole Interviews Melody Miles

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You have to ask yourself, when I leave this job what will I have left for them? What will I have gifted to them?"
• “Share your honest feelings because at the end of the day that's what leadership's about.”
• “There are tradeoffs and you have to make decisions in management about how best to manage that to get to the outcomes that you need and want.”
• “I do not have a life that I want to take a vacation from anymore.”

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What if you could stop leaning into your career, and instead could have the confidence to go all-in? This week Erin talks with Erin Lydon, Managing Director for Poker Powher, a company that teaches women how to play Texas Hold’em and then helps them translate their newfound poker skills to compete and succeed in business, finance, and so much more.

Erin Lydon's career journey is a prime example of how life can take unexpected turns. She started in Wall Street, took time off to raise her daughters, and then made a triumphant return to a successful career. Her key to getting back into the workforce? Maintaining those vital connections and networks. The innovative company is now introducing newcomers to the world of poker and providing valuable skills that can be applied to business and finance. It's not just about being good at cards, it's also about keen observation and awareness of what's happening around you.

Erin Lydon is proof that with a little determination and the right skills, anyone can succeed in their chosen field.

Learn more at pokerpower.com

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "I worked on Wall Street when pay was secret, and pregnancy was hidden. That's not ok. Not 20 years ago and definitely not today."
• "I have continued and maintained relationships, and that's how doors were opened for me at Evil Geniuses."
• "I'm always selling. Even when I'm not selling...I'm always selling."
• "I wasn't still networking because I wanted to. I was doing it because I sat at home bored with toddlers and what else was I going to do?"
• "When she first told me about Poker Powher, I said 'that's a terrible idea'."
• "We do teach you how to bluff, but we also teach strategic thinking, quick decision making, computation, and risk assessment."
• "They're going after positions that maybe they don't have the qualifications for, but suddenly they have the courage."

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The words, ‘We’d love it if you came in for an interview.’ are in your inbox. Your heart starts racing, you do a fist pump or two, ok, three, and then you stop. Panic sets in. Party over.

Interviewing is an uncomfortable rite of passage that we all have to go through at some point if we want to land our dream job. And if you’re human, it may cause you a little bit of anxiety. Maybe it's because we only hear about the interviewing horror stories and never the triumphs. Or maybe it's because we've built interviewing up to be this huge, important event when, really, it's just a conversation. Granted, one person is trying to convince the other to give them a job, but we’ll overlook that for a moment.

This episode was so popular the first go-round, we decided to bring it forward and reshare it’s gold. In the episode, Erin and Nicole discuss 3 surprising interview tips that’ll help you authentically prepare for the traditional (and snoozy) interviews we’re all accustomed to.

So, if you would like to stand out from the “expected” and land your dream job, tune in to get the full scoop.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Having fun, doing what you love, and giving yourself a space and a place to do that is really important.”
• “There is something to be said for being surrounded by people who are exuding energy about being in a happy place. That energy is contagious.”
• “The interview had way too many people and at the end of the interview they told me that one-on-one, I'm great, but in a group I wasn't as lovable. And I was like, “One-on-one you guys are great, but in a group, YOU’RE not that lovable.”
• “That needs garlic. A boatload of garlic.”

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“Show me the money!” Is that what it takes to succeed in this world? A bold, brazen approach? Although this week’s podcast guest, Molly Fletcher, has been called the “Female Jerry McGuire”, you’ll quickly learn that it was her authenticity, not her audacity, that drove her success. We loved and have shared this episode so many times, that we had to bring it back to the top of your list!

Now a highly successful speaker, 5x author, and consultant, Molly shares the secrets to her success plus the best practices of the high-profile athletes, coaches, and broadcasters she worked with. Molly shares stories you’ll never forget that prove she and others changed the game and how insights in their approaches can help you change the game in your career as well.

Molly's Website: Mollyfletcher.com

Connect with Molly on LinkedIn at Molly Fletcher

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "If you’re authentic, kind, and real, people aren’t going to slam the door on you and walk away.”
• “When you ask for advice, you often get a job and when you ask for a job, you often get advice”
• “When you help people, when you add value to their lives, it gets harder for them to say ‘no.’”
• “Act like you have the business, before you have the business.”
• “They didn’t sit back and rest on their talent. Talent isn’t enough.”
• “How do you identify the gaps in the lives of people we serve and anticipate those gaps and close them?”
• “Get into the heads and hearts of people that you want to serve.”
• “How can I lean into who I authentically am, recognize the gifts in that and own that and see the superpower in it?”
• “Shift the story to ‘I’m worth it!’”
• “A negotiation is a conversation, and conversations are better when you have a strong relationship.”
• “Leaders forget what you do - kindly and authentically remind them.”

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Are you looking to position yourself for promotion, but unsure of how to do it authentically? Look no further than Stacy Mayer, the best-selling author of Promotions Made Easy. Stacy Mayer is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of executive coaching and promotion strategy. As the creator of the Executive Ahead of Time group coaching program and host of the 'Women Changing Leadership with Stacy Mayer' podcast, she has helped countless corporate women achieve the career success they deserve.

In this episode, Erin and Stacy get into the nitty-gritty of how men and women perceive executive presence, how to demonstrate your skills and some actionable advice for advancing your career.

Whether you're striving for that next promotion or simply aiming to up your game, this one's for you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporatebadass/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacymayer/

Book: Promotions Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Executive Suite

Podcast: Women Changing Leadership with Stacy Mayer

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “We can't expect to just show up at our performance review and be like, Hey, why didn't I get a promotion?”
• “On my next one-on-one, instead of pretending like she knew I wanted it because of how hard I was working and the results I was getting, I literally said, and by the way, I want this job.”
• “The most obvious at performance review time is that all decisions have already been made. If we know that all decisions have already been made before we walk into the room, we walk into it and we enter it very differently.”
• “We're not gonna fix you, you're not broken. Where you're starting is already excellent. Let's just change the language a little bit and get engaged in the conversation and make things happen for you.”

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Are you ready for a good laugh and some juicy behind-the-scenes reflections? Well, you're in luck because Nicole and Erin are celebrating their 200th episode with a bang! Heather Pierce, a loyal listener, gets the chance to interview the dynamic duo, and she did not disappoint. Nicole and Erin divulge things they've never revealed before and reflect on their journey so far. They keep it real, authentic, and unfiltered. From reminiscing on why they started, how the podcast has impacted their lives and even things they hate about each other.

Yep, they went there.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the podcast, you won't want to miss this episode. It’s got a little something for everyone, so buckle up and tune in!

The Power of a Future Diary

5 Powerful Mantras Erin has on Repeat

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “My favorite part is getting to share Nicole.”
• “If you choose to stand still you are moving backwards.”
• “You should open up the book to the middle and it should say shit happens.”
• “We get so caught up in having to do the playbook and so many podcasts do that, right? It's interviews. It's the same formula, it's the same funnel.”
• “Here's the success of what works, and guess what? People get sick of that.”

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If you missed the She Who Wins conference, we’ve got you covered. Erin and Nicole are here to give you the inside scoop. Erin had an amazing opportunity to take the stage as a speaker, sharing her knowledge and expertise with the audience. And with all the other incredible speakers from the event, they too had some serious ahas and takeaways. From learning how to step up their networking game to realizing their own self-worth, these two left feeling empowered and they’re here to give you all the details.

You’ll also want to tune in for Nicole’s hilarious and inspirational story about her 4-hour trip to T-Mobile!

So kick back, relax, and get ready for some serious insight - you don't want to miss out on this!

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You have no idea where something can unfold. Try it. Try something that feels comfortable to you.”
• “Doing everything in the moment is not always the answer.”
• “The perfectionist in me wants to do everything awesome, and it wants to do everything perfect. It wants to do everything the way it's supposed to be done, but there is no supposed to be.”
• “I'd always said to myself, “You’re okay, Nicole. You don't have broken down cars on your lawn. You don't have a toilet on your lawn. You’re okay.” And guess what? I now have a toilet on my lawn.”

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Can your awkwardness actually be your secret weapon for impossible change? This week’s guest has the answer. In this episode, Erin chats with the incredibly talented Henna Pryor, who not only has two TEDx talks under her belt, but is also a certified coach, global keynote speaker, executive facilitator, and workplace performance expert. She’s also a former executive recruiter, so she’s seen hiring from all the angles!

Erin and Henna dive into the topic of awkwardness and how embracing it can actually be a catalyst for change. And trust us, Henna knows what she's talking about–not only does she share her own stories but also those of her clients, providing endless inspiration.

So go ahead and lean into those awkward moments–this is one secret weapon you'll definitely want in your arsenal.

Links and resources mentioned in the episode:

Why awkwardness is your secret weapon for risk-taking at work

Is there such a thing as "good bragging"?

Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You

LinkedIn: hennapryor

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You literally collapse into bed at the end of the night trying to be a version that you're observing rather than understanding how to be a version that suits you.”
• “What I think is a real obstacle to finding our own authenticity is the inability or lack of conditioning about how to encounter and stay in the awkward stumbly, fumbly, middle. How do we build the tolerance to stay there if authenticity is the goal?”
• “Awkwardness is not about forcing deep vulnerability right out of the gate. Awkwardness is a stepping stone to vulnerability.”
• “Find your own voice as it relates to strategically placed humor.”
• “You're not repelling anyone, but you're also not compelling anyone.”

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Jason Barnaby, the founder of Fire Starters, Inc., is just as fiery as the name suggests. This guy is on a mission to light a spark in you and ignite your inner fire starter. But don't worry, he's not all flames and heat, he's also got a calming effect that will help you stay focused on your goals. With two books under his belt, Igniting the Fire Starter Within and 30 Days to Blaze Journaling Workbook, Jason knows how to motivate and inspire.

Get ready for a dose of stories, laughter, and aha moments and enjoy this interview with Jason Barnaby.

Connect with Jason on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason%F0%9F%94%A5-barnaby-he-him-252a68

Instagram: Firestartersinc

Check out Jason's Books

30 Days to Blaze Journaling Workbook

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Facilitate an aha moment.”
• “If you say you don't have time for that, how has it been going for you so far?”
• “Start with something small that's attainable, easy and can be easily celebrated.”
• “If you really want to be an authentic leader, people need that vulnerability piece more than they need to hear that you have woken up at five o'clock in the morning and pushed through it every day.”

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The fashion industry may have come a long way in terms of inclusivity, but it seems like the boardroom is still living in the 1950s. From office dress codes to bias during job interviews, there's a definite imbalance when it comes to body types in the professional world. In this episode, Erin and Nicole explore what this lack of diversity really means for those who don't fit into society’s traditional standards and the impact it’s really having on professional progress.

The Body Activists

The Gorgeous Agency

Body Equity Alliance

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “We all have implicit bias.”
• “They want me to have body issues and I don’t.”
• “I’m not here for the drugs lady. Can you tap my knee and get the f*ck out of here?”
• “We have to stop worrying about being cool and we have to start worrying about being inclusive.”

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Let's face it, getting an executive to take notice isn't always as easy as it sounds. You could try tap dancing on the conference table, but that might not be the best approach. In this episode, Erin shares some more subtle, but insanely effective ways to get their attention during a meeting. From asking thought-provoking questions to pausing and owning the space, she provides five practical tips that will have those executives sitting up and taking notice.

So, put away those tap shoes and get ready to make a lasting impression on your bosses.

Episode 193: How to Sell the Business Case to the Big Guys

Episode 119: 3 Hacks For Asking Powerful Questions That Put You in the Pole Position

Check out Erin’s book,You Do You(ish)

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Prepare your First 45.”
• “Ask a thoughtful question.”
• “Pause.”
• “Tell a freaking story.”
• “Sit at the big table and participate.”

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Ready to be inspired? Today we're introducing you to someone who has achieved immense success in the corporate world, proving that it is possible to be successful without sacrificing your values and authenticity. Elizabeth Sandler had a 25-year career as a Chief Operating Officer at organizations like Blackstone and Deutsche Bank. Five years ago, she started Echo Juliette and is now a leadership team coach and keynote speaker. Three years ago, she founded subsidiary Juliette Works to partner with executive women on creating success and fulfilment. She is also a public company and non-profit board director in the US and UK, and a mom to two teenage sons.

In this episode, we explore strategies employed by Elizabeth to foster trust and collaboration. We’ll also look at how she effectively managed conflict, brought out the best in her team members, and how she is currently pushing herself to continue developing as an individual.

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/in/elizabethjsandler

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “If you're in an organization where you're lacking the true belief that they have the same values as you do, then it's just not salvageable.”
• “Once you can break through that fear, then you can start to actually transform the situation.”
• “I knew that getting to the top wasn't going to be what I wanted out of life.”
• “People often think it's about the individual, but it’s usually about the way the team is performing.”

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When it comes time to face the big wigs and convince them to take a chance on you and your idea, stress levels can skyrocket. Packing enthusiasm and ambition into the meeting can only get you so far- if you want to truly wow them and make sure you land their favor, you need tangible proof that your ideas work! In this episode, Erin and Nicole lay out a few tips that will help guide you in the right direction—and make sure that when that meeting with investors rolls around, they’ll know you’re the one for the job.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “LinkedIn is kind of a cesspool. Apparently, it’s the new Tinder.”
• “You have to earn the investment.”
• “The first 45.”
• “You must have proof in the performance and the results.”

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Ready to make your closet work for you? If having too much but nothing that fits has become an all-too-familiar situation, it may be time to take control. And this week’s guest has all the details on how to create a wardrobe that works for you and boosts both style and confidence. Jessica Papineau is the founder of CSJ, a leading authentic fashion styling company for high-performing female entrepreneurs. She has personally styled hundreds of women, spanning 7-figure entrepreneurs, executives for billion-dollar global brands and more. Jessica knows how to create an impactful wardrobe that will take your status (and confidence) to the next level-transforming her clients’ looks into something that speaks volumes about their success. If you are ready to amp up your style game so you can stand out amongst the many – this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   Grab the CSJ Wardrobe Edit Blueprint: https://www.customizedstylingbyjessica.com/links Interested in a Free Styling Call? Here's the link: https://csjscheduling.as.me/schedule.php Connect with Jessica on Instagram   Connect with Jessica on Facebook  

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Grief is often an uncomfortable emotion, but it's something everybody experiences in one way or another. Even though it can be hard to accept and difficult to process, according to this week’s guest, we must remember that grief is not something to shame or try to “fix"-- instead, it needs to be recognized and honored. In this episode, we connected with Addison Brasil, a producer, speaker and author of the best-selling First Year of Grief Club: A Gift From A Friend Who Gets it. His book serves as a beacon to those entering grief club inspired by three compounded losses in his twenties - losing his brother to a brain tumor, finding his father after suicide and surviving a fatal accident that a dear friend did not.

This episode is an invitation to find peace, comfort, and understanding in the midst of grief. For anyone currently experiencing or knowing someone going through this difficult time – it's here for you.

www.addisonbrasil.com

Grief Club: The Podcast

First Year of Grief Club: A Gift From A Friend Who Gets It

Instagram: @addisonbrasil

Instagram: @sharemygriefclub

Connect with Addison on LinkedIn

Connect with Addison on Twitter

184: Overachiever, How to Stop Nexting and Be Enough with Dr. Mandy Lehto

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Grief is not something you fix, it’s something you honor.”
• “If today's a deep breathing day, then today's a deep breathing day. If today you are able to experience joy, awe, and hope, there's no guilt that needs to be accompanied with that. Let's just honor that.”
• “A lot of people try to learn to live without someone, but it's more about learning who you are within loss.”
• “Checking in is honoring.”

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We all want to create control in our lives, but let's face it - there's only so much of it to go around. We're caught in the middle of conflicting demands from the workplace and society, having to perform at top capacity while also remaining flexible and open-minded to new possibilities. It's not easy to live up to this standard and navigating this situation can be tough. In this episode, Erin and Nicole are here to show you that change is inevitable and provide insights into how to cope with constant changes and learn to embrace them as part of life.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Change is constant and we are creatures that are programmed to control chaos.”
• “Accept that change is not a rebuke of your past decisions.”
• “Use human speak and talk about the rationale behind the change."
• “Change does not necessarily signify a mistake. Sometimes change signifies an opportunity.”
• “Ends are not a failure. They're often a new beginning.”

View Details

Episode Swap with the She Who Wins Podcast We all carry trauma with us, even if we don't realize it at the time. It's embedded in our identity, seeping into our everyday actions and responses whether we are aware of it or not. But simply acknowledging its presence isn't enough to truly confront it – unpacking and processing that baggage requires real commitment.

This week, we are doing something a little different and listening in on a conversation from one of our favorite podcasts, She Who Wins, and airing an episode with host, Renee Bauer and her guest, Lauren Zoeller.

Lauren Zoeller is a seven-figure entrepreneur, speaker, author, and host of “The Aligned Love Podcast”. As the Founder of The Aligned Love Experience, Lauren is an expert practitioner in reparenting, generational healing, and somatic experiencing. Through her work, she created the proprietary Voice Activation Method that has been used to help thousands of men and women heal from past trauma and take ownership of their future.

In this episode, the two discuss the role that trauma plays in our lives and how we can turn it into an opportunity for growth rather than something that holds us back.

Connect with Renee:

The She Who Wins Podcast

Renee’s Website

Connect with Lauren:

Lauren's Website

Instagram: @laurenzoeller

Tiktok: @coachlaurenzoeller

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Trauma is an overwhelming response to something that was too fast, too much or too soon for your body to properly process what's happening.”
• “When you're in this manic state of, I need to achieve, I need to get things done, what is your body telling you in that moment? Because when you can start learning that language, Then, you can start using the tools to regulate your system.”
• “Your truth is your birth right.”
• “It's important that we all learn to reparent ourselves. We all become self-healers because at some point we've had trauma.”

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From hot flashes to cramps, perimenopause ain't playin’ around. And let's face it, it's not a topic that usually slips into casual conversations too easily. Figuring out the changes happening during this vital transition period can be downright confusing and totally overwhelming. At first, you'll think it's a fluke, and then once you accept that something might be happening, it could be tough to find the answers you're looking for or even a great doctor in your area.

Well luckily for us, this week we've got Dr. Fiona Lovely here to spill all her professional knowledge about perimenopause on our show - including the good stuff, bad stuff and funny stuff.

Dr Fiona Lovely is an expert of women’s health at the menopause transition, the creator of the Not Your Mother’s Menopause podcast and senior clinician. Her work is to see women where they are and offer wisdom and guidance through the lens of functional neurology, functional medicine and restorative endocrinology.

So open up a bottle of vino and join us as we chat with Dr. Lovely about all the things that everyone’s not.

Not Your Mother’s Menopause podcast

Check out Dr. Lovely’s Website

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• ‘We are worthy of taking care of ourselves. And for a lot of women that is going to feel so foreign because we have been conditioned to care for others first.”
• “The closer you get to menopause, the less likely you are to put up with bullshit. There's this emotional reckoning that happens where you're just like ‘enough’!”
• “In the late thirties, a woman is likely to experience sleep disruption or mood disruption, and those two things are often misdiagnosed as either chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia or depression. And you can imagine there's a litany of medications that go along with that and not a real explanation of what's happening.”
• “We have to separate the joy from the obligation.”

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Feeling stuck and unmotivated? We all have those days, but don't throw in the towel just yet. It's time to break out of that funk with some mantras from your own personal cheerleader, Erin. In this episode, Erin's got five motivating mantras you can use to skyrocket your success without selling out.

Ready to get started?

Click here to share your mantras!

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Different is better than better.” - Sally Hogshead
• “Trust your creative process.”
• “It sucks to be them.”
• “It’s not a test.”
• “The 50% Rule.”
• “Take about half of what you learn from other people, but half of it throw out the window.”

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Sticking with the same thing can feel safe, but it may be worth questioning if there could be a path forward that works even better. It's always important to take a moment and ask: "Am I sure this is right or should I rethink everything?" This week’s guest has a thing or two to say about that. Kristi Turner is a C-level executive, thought leader, author, consultant, and mentor.

Kristi provides counsel to executive teams, investment firms and boards on brand, marketing, product design, customer operations, smart diversity, and employee culture. She has worked with some of the top retail, telecom and financial brands including Target, Walmart, Apple, T-Mobile, AT&T, American Express, and Visa. She has also been interviewed and published in 50-plus publications and podcasts including Forbes.

As a mentor, coach, and difference maker, Turner guides leaders and individuals through her Rethink Everything process in each unique season of life and business. Her radical simplicity and contagious energy inspire companies and individuals to adopt a different kind of leadership—one that delivers improved bottom-line results while making a difference in their community, and in their sphere of influence.

Ready to break the mold and challenge convention? This episode will have you thinking outside-the-box with stories that’ll truly leave you inspired.

Rethink Everything Book

Instagram

LinkedIn

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “As a female, you can do anything and you're strong, but you can be joyful. You can do it joyfully.”
• “You can do anything, and you can have fun doing it.”
• “Lead before you're a leader.”
• “Let's grow with some thoughtfulness, a plan and some wisdom.”
• “There are incompetent leaders and there are competent leaders. Learn what to do from the competent ones and learn what not do from the incompetent ones.”

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This week Erin and Nicole tackle the big question on everyone's mind - is ChatGPT a hit or miss? Will it blow us away or simply be a passing fad? Could it truly revolutionize the way we interact with one another? Or did the developers just design a shiny toy that nobody ever needs? The verdict? Well, you'll have to listen in to find out.

Links to ChatGPT

Title

Title

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Welcome to Cursing Corporate America, where two executive women discuss the corporate world and all of its often hilarious problems.”
• “So many of these corporate environments are just set up to make employees miserable. It's like they want us to fail.”
• “Chad is alive.”
• “They've given the keys to the castle to the three-year-olds.”

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Constantly feeling like you’re not enough can be an overwhelming and exhausting mental battle. And let’s face it, it’s easy to succumb to the chorus in your head that tells you that what you have or who you are is not enough. So the real question is, is it possible to ever truly be fulfilled in this one life you have? This week’s guest is here to tell us how you can start making that shift. Dr. Mandy Lehto is an expert when it comes to helping high-level professionals enhance their performance, leadership capabilities, and career progression. With impressive credentials in private equity, investment banking, law, and tech, Dr. Lehto has amassed a clientele of senior executives around the world. Her clients seek out her insights to gain promotion within their industry or increase their confidence as a leader.

Those who have consulted with her praise her for her intelligence and emotional intelligence which helps them break through barriers to success. And that level of trust allows leaders from all industries to feel safe stepping outside of their comfort zone to try new strategies for gaining tangible results.

Pop in your earbuds and enjoy this episode. Mandy’s words are something we all need to hear.

Listen to Mandy’s podcast ‘Enough’

Connect with Mandy on Instagram

Connect with Mandy on LinkedIn

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I didn't have to be somebody to be somebody. I was already enough.”
• “I've drunk the Kool-Aid, I've associated success with money, and I have to stay here and my soul is dying. What do I do?”
• “We'll often choose unhappiness over uncertainty.”
• “Your worth isn't dependent on anyone else.”
• “If there's this constant busyness and chronic doing, there's no spaciousness to hear anything.”
• “I am okay in myself exactly as I am now.”

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Leadership doesn't have to be the Herculean task it often feels like. Harness your powers as an executive and use them to build amazing relationships with those you serve - creating enthusiastic fans in the process! If you're at a loss on how to get started - fear not - this week our guest will help you get started. Brittany Hodak is passionate about helping people take their customer base to the next level, and she's a pro at it.

Brittany is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and customer experience speaker who has delivered keynotes across the globe to organizations including American Express and the United Nations. She has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and entertainers, including Walmart, Disney, Katy Perry, and Dolly Parton. She also founded and scaled an entertainment startup to eight figures before exiting and is the former Chief Experience Officer of Experience.com.

To sum it up, Brittany really knows how superfans are made. And luckily for us, she has crafted an innovative approach to creating devoted customers or employees that anyone can use.

Ready to use your superpowers to create superfans? This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Episode 52: When Something Big is Broken, Fix it Yourself

Check out Brittany’s Book

Brittany’s Website

Creating Superfans podcast, interview with Fizzah Raza

Instagram

LinkedIn

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You deserve to be a part of a team that recognizes your badassery.”
• “I have this one life. What is it that I want to do?”
• “Don't be afraid to tell your story. Don't be afraid to show that you're human.”
• “The easiest way to get what it is that you want is to ask.”
• “Everyone can make an employee feel special. Everyone can make an employee feel like they're part of a bigger mission.”
• “If your employees aren't super fans of your company, your customers are never ever going to be.”

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Tired of the same old resolutions that don't quite stick? Erin and Nicole have revolutionized the traditional approach by ditching dull resolutions for bold new objectives.

Forget the monotonous "word of the year" and join them as they push their boundaries and keep it fun (and authentic) without getting caught in process or expectations.

Ready for a resolution revolution? This is the episode for you.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Resolutions are IOUs to hate yourself at a future date.”
• “Don’t attach to outcomes. Don’t attach to the process. Maybe it's not that you achieve something. Maybe it's simply that you try.”
• “Instead of complaining another year of work BS, I want you to take one action to change.”

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Believe it or not, even corporate juggernauts aren't immune to the jitters when it comes time to have some tough conversations. Yup, you heard that right.

From delivering bad news to confronting their teams, it can be hard for even the most seasoned professionals to work up the courage to face a difficult dialogue.

Luckily for us, Paru Radia, C-Suite Whisperer, execution Ninja, speaker and author is here to give us tips on how to navigate those rocky waters.

If you ask Paru’s clients what sets her apart, they are likely to respond that not only does she get it, she gets to the root of the problem quickly and provides sound guidance, based on real world experience.

One of the things we love most about Paru though is that her approach isn’t formulaic. She instead focuses on who her client is and what their actual needs are allowing them take control of their businesses, careers, and lives, while staying true to who they are.

So, if you struggle with finding the right words for those tricky conversations, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Check out Paru's Website

Connect with Paru on LinkedIn

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Don't self-filter and be apologetic about something. It is what it is. Just be straight that, “oh, okay, this happened” or “oh yes, I messed this up, or “I don't like this or “I don't like that.”
• “If you are not confident about the things that you don't like about yourself, you are giving people ammunition to also dislike you. Just own it.”
• “Magic happens in momentum.”
• “The magic won't happen if something is standing still. You need other things to happen for the reaction to happen, which equates to magic.”

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Starting something new can be daunting, but it can also be a breath of fresh air! There's nothing like putting yourself out there and seeing where your talents could bring you. A side hustle is a great way to test the waters, gain experience and open possibilities for your future. Even if it's just a little extra money per month or learning about a new industry, having a side hustle can really give you energy, positivity and momentum that flows into other areas of your life.

In this episode, Nicole gives us the details on her new and surprising side hustle-how she started it, how it’s going and how it’s transformed her life.

Future Diary Follow-up: Building a Bridge to your Dream Life

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “The furnace, like any other object in your house, including men, needs servicing.”
• “Why are you talking to me? Why are you awake? Why are you here? This is not an appropriate time for a bonding moment.”
• “What’s a good use of you?”
• “Your passion isn’t a business model.”
• “Your side hustle doesn't have to be big. It doesn't have to be small. It can just be a good use of you.”

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Money is such a taboo topic that we don't often talk about it, but it's something that affects all of us daily. From anxiety about whether we can pay our bills to the shame and guilt we feel when we overspend, our relationship with money can be a big source of stress in our lives. But how do we break free from the money monster’s grasp, regain control and hell, even have a little fun? This week’s guest is here to tell us how.

Hanna Bier works with ambitious women all over the world to recreate their relationship with money in a life-affirming, positive and loving way.

As an energy healer, family-constellation expert and certified life coach, she has woven her diverse skill set into a proven, and innovative capacity to allow her clients to transform their relationship with money from the inside out.

Hanna spent seven years trying to answer the question: Is it possible to create wealth without compromising our health, wellness and/or happiness. Can we actually create abundant lives while living a life of joy?

Well according to Hanna the answer is a resounding YES. And in this week’s episode she’s going to share with us how to get started.

Check out Hanna’s website

Email Hanna at hello@hannabier.com

Connect with Hanna on Instagram @hannamoneybliss

Other financial episodes you may enjoy:

147: Financially Irresponsible Strategies for Success with Rahkim Sabree

32: Financial Freedom, Our New Favorite "F" Words: Nicole Talks With Alexandra Miele, CFP®

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “There were so many invisible forces affecting how my money is going, and that's when I started to connect some dots and see the unseen, that's when I could let myself off the hook and start to be honest about what I really needed.”
• “We have to get better at not just giving money and receiving money but having money.”
• “95% of our choices every day are based on money. And my vision for women especially, is that we get to make decisions based on soul, based on what's right. And that is for each of us to decide.”
• “I have such a stand for us getting to live well now, not when we're retired, living well now. And I understand that that's not always easy to do, but it's a worthwhile fight for all of us.”
• “I choose to see money as fun and easy.”

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You want something, you work with people to get it done, the end. But what if that’s not the way you create real success? What if instead, it’s all about continually planting seeds – or magic beans – that will grow into things you haven’t even thought were possible?

This week, Erin tells a story about how some magic beans she planted are growing into donuts. Well, a speaking gig at a donut company. She then reflects and reverse engineers how things like this come about, reflecting on the biggest lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur, and how you can apply those lessons to your corporate career.

In this week’s episode we’re sharing 3 simple ways to plant these beans that will grow into mind-blowing, unexpected success.

105: Make Every Step into a Data Point with Dr. Erin Baker

Check out Erin’s book, Joy-full AF

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “So that's where we are: cleaning out the refrigerator, not feeling well, drinking tea, freezing my ass off in my dark room, but happy to be here.”
• “When you see people sliding over into new positions or using their networks to elevate themselves, there was some kind of professional relationship that came out of mutual investment.”
• “Sometimes you need to bring in new things to get you to new places.”
• “Practice radical reciprocity.”
• “A lot of people short-change themselves by not putting effort into thinking about their own professional development in terms of training.”

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Let's face it. The job search can be a soul-sucking experience. You spend hours crafting the perfect resume, only to be rejected by automated systems or ghosted by potential employers. But what if the problem isn't with your credentials, but with your method? Instead of submitting your resume blindly and hoping for the best, why not take a more proactive (and authentic) approach?

That’s exactly what our guest did and guess what? It paid off BIG time.

Joshua Cruz is a writer, motivational dancer/speaker and recruiter seeking to help other individuals build their happiness. He uses his career expertise paired with his personal experiences as a gay Afro Latino man in America, to create opportunities for individuals who are often looked over based on things such as race, gender and identity.

In this episode, Joshua shares how he went from unemployed to getting multiple job offers that led to his dream job. His secret? Well, you’ll just have to tune in to find that out.

Follow Joshua on LinkedIn

Donate to Taller Salud

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “It's really interesting the opportunities that you can get when you show up as yourself, rather than having to feel like you always have to be what society tells you to be.”
• “The perception is that you have to have a suit and a tie and be well-kept and no beards and no tattoos and all of these things. And that's not me.”
• “We're more than our jobs. We're more than our titles. We're more than the organization that we represent. We're more than that, and I want to show that.”
• “Connect with people, connect with their content, comment on their stuff genuinely, intentionally, and purposefully.”
• “Even if that person doesn't get that job or even if that person isn't right for that job, that's a connection that you can make for the future, for not only yourself, but for them too.”
• “Let them show you who they are so you can see who's working for your company and what value they bring other than the skillset and the qualifications laid out in a job description.”

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Ahhh the honeymoon period. The time when everything is fresh, new, and exciting as you start your new job. The work is interesting, your colleagues are friendly and helpful, and you can't wait to see what each new day brings. But then, after a few months or even weeks, the honeymoon period comes to an end. The work starts to feel repetitive, your colleagues become less patient with your questions, and you find yourself hitting the snooze button more often than you'd like to admit. Before you know it, you’re back to the grind, and the only thing that is new and exciting is your weekend plans.

But does it really have to be this way? What if instead you could take advantage of the honeymoon excitement and energy before you fall into a workplace slump? In this episode, we’ll tell you how.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “I showed up with some Tupperware and toilet paper because I knew we were going to do two things: shit and eat.”
• “How do you make sure you're not living the Gilligan’s Island version of job hopping? How do you avoid the initial pleasure cruise, honeymoon period of that new opportunity before you become marooned and engulfed in the crackling hellfire?”
• “Nobody's coming to rescue you. Not the cannibals from the next island. Not another ship captain. Not an alien or a space traveler from Mars. It's not happening.”
• “Part of the reason why jobs go shitty is because we're self-destructive.”
• “I want there to be a bilateral investment in each other's success.”

View Details

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and letting you in on a conversation with Patti Hall, aka Erin's ride-or-die book coach. Now, we know what you're thinking..."I don't want to write a book." But, in true b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck fashion, we aren't talking technicalities, but instead revelations.

But first, who is Patti? Well, my friend, this introduction is long overdue.

Patti M. Hall is the Master Story Alchemist, whose particular coaching genius is distilling powerful stories and messages into books that serve. Patti is a writer, coach, proposal author and publishing guide for heart-lead entrepreneurs, transformational coaches, thought leaders and courageous memoirists. She’s also authentic AF.

In this episode, you'll hear Erin and Patti talk about 6 game-changing revelations they've had through writing Erin's latest book, You Do You-ish, and how these tactics can be applied to any profession.

Check out Patti’s book, Loving Large

Check out Patti's Website

Connect with Patti on Instagram

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “We don't have compassion for ourselves until we ask someone else to provide it.”
• “How many times do you sit back down in a board meeting and wish you'd had a chance to do it differently? What would you do if you'd had a chance to write it and polish it?”
• “Everything needs a shitty first draft.”
• “It takes two to make a thing go write.”
• “You don't know and then write. You write so you can know.”
• “What you don’t write is just as important as what you write.”
• “Achieving any big goal requires a custom-fit, stick-to-it plan.”
• “Story isn't just what happened. It’s the meaning piece that always needs to rise to the top.”
• “You don't have to follow the rules. In fact, people are craving new rules.”

View Details

We've all been there – fixated on what could go wrong that we forget to take time to enjoy the ride. It's human nature to worry, but sometimes we need to take a step back and remind ourselves that life is meant to be enjoyed. After all, if we spend our time worrying about every little thing that could go wrong, we'll miss out on all the good stuff that's happening right in front of us. In this episode, Nicole talks about how her mom is movin’ back to town and Erin shares her best “slap ya mama” advice to help Nicole navigate this transition.

So, whether you're dealing with a difficult family situation or just trying to enjoy life despite all the craziness, this episode is sure to give you a good laugh – and maybe even some useful advice.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Pressing shit on screens is not native to people my age.”
• “I'm like Kim Kardashian. I go around and I'm acting like a lawyer. I definitely don't dress like one, but I’m throwing it around that I know what’s going on.”
• “Sometimes I think we miss the opportunity to take the staircase and learn from the small things in front of us to get to the big picture. Instead, we just want to take the elevator.”
• “You have to have the big vision, not the big solution.”
• “I will take anxiety and the challenges of it any day of the week, rather than spending every day of my life depressed, regretful, unhappy. At least I can say, and I say this with absolute certainty, that every time I take a left turn, I have found some joy in it.”

View Details

You know that feeling when it seems like everything in the world is against you. No matter what you do, things just keep going wrong. Your alarm clock doesn't go off so you're late for work, your boss yells at you for being late, and then your coffee mug shatters when you accidentally knock it off your desk. It feels like you can't catch a break. But what if the real problem isn't the string of bad luck you're experiencing, but rather the way you're thinking about it? In this week’s episode, Mental Toughness Coach, Chris Dorris, is here to show us there’s a different way to think.

Chris started out as a social worker in Atlantic City helping the mentally ill, drug addicted, and homeless populations upgrade their lives. This eventually led him to his true vocation- helping people close the gap between how their lives are and how they want them to be.

And he clearly knows his stuff. Chris has trained the minds of world-famous actors, NFL and NHL Coaches, business executives, Super Bowl Champions and billionaires using his Mental Toughness tools to help them achieve success.

You see, Chris understands that our thoughts have a lot of power. And if we're constantly telling ourselves that things are going to go wrong, guess what? They probably will.

Feeling stuck in a rut and like nothing is going your way? This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Check out Chris’ Website

Daily Dose Mental Toughness Tips in 30 seconds or less

Mental Toughness Mantras

A Grateful Day with Brother David Steindl-Rast

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “When we're constantly not getting what we want in life, we are spending so much time having a problem with reality.”
• “Complaining fundamentally is me practicing getting better at struggling against reality, which is a battle we lose 100% of the time.”
• “Practice replacing our complaints with expressions of gratitude.”
• “Stay open and do the damn work.”
• “Sucky songs never stop coming, it's just how fast you get through them.”

View Details

Quiet Quitting: it's the new buzzword on everyone's lips. It's not necessarily connected to quitting a job outright, but rather doing precisely what the job requires. This new movement is gaining steam as more and more people get fed up with their jobs. But how can leaders navigate this trend without completely losing their cool?

In this episode, Nicole shares how her performance evaluations took a left turn and how ‘quiet quitting’ was the culprit.

Tune into this episode to find out how she’s navigating the quiet quitting storm and coming out stronger on the other side…and how you can too.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You quiet quit all the time.”
• “Is that your hair? You look like Hocus Pocus!”
• “Quiet quitting, that fucking term, boy, that's empowered people.”
• “Like, the boob that I am, I’m supposed to tell you all the smart things about how you need to rethink performance evaluations and how you need to do them well and how they, they can really turn out to be really powerful. Except. I got nothin’.”
• “Use very flippant terms: ‘What are things you're feeling like you're rocking at right now?’ ‘What are things you're feeling like you're sucking at?’ Just using those different terms instead of being like, “Where are your deficiencies?’”

View Details

Quiet Quitting: it's the new buzzword on everyone's lips. It's not necessarily connected to quitting a job outright, but rather doing precisely what the job requires. This new movement is gaining steam as more and more people get fed up with their jobs. But how can leaders navigate this trend without completely losing their cool?

In this episode, Nicole shares how her performance evaluations took a left turn and how ‘quiet quitting’ was the culprit.

Tune into this episode to find out how she’s navigating the quiet quitting storm and coming out stronger on the other side…and how you can too.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You quiet quit all the time.”
• “Is that your hair? You look like Hocus Pocus!”
• “Quiet quitting, that fucking term, boy, that's empowered people.”
• “Like, the boob that I am, I’m supposed to tell you all the smart things about how you need to rethink performance evaluations and how you need to do them well and how they, they can really turn out to be really powerful. Except. I got nothin’.”
• “Use very flippant terms: ‘What are things you're feeling like you're rocking at right now?’ ‘What are things you're feeling like you're sucking at?’ Just using those different terms instead of being like, “Where are your deficiencies?’”

View Details

It's a Universal truth that we all want to be happy in our work. We strive to find a career that will make us look forward to Monday mornings, rather than dread them. And while it's important to have passion for what you do, there's something to be said for finding a job that you don't hate - even if it doesn't fulfill all your dreams. This week’s guest gives us the details on what it looks like to do something because you love it, not because you’re getting something out of it. Mollie Marcoux Samaan is a passionate golfer who has taken her long-term strategic thinking to the world’s oldest independent professional women's sports league. In running LPGA, she defined six pillars and created a Be Great performance model that employs best practices from across industries with input also coming directly from players.

Mollie Marcoux Samaan has become a leader for all of women’s sports, assuming the spokeswoman mantel on issues related to equality and inclusion. She is a leading advocate for increasing investments and growing opportunities for women in girls in every field of sports and entertainment.

If you’re interested in what it looks like to do your “job” for the love, not the goal, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Nobody cares exactly what you do in life. You may have this prescribed sense of what you think you should be doing, or what the world tells you should be doing, but ultimately it just matters.”
• “In management or leadership you have to not just understand your own perspective. You’ve gotta hear from your employees, you’ve gotta hear from the people that you serve your customers what they're looking for and trying to find that sweet spot.”
• “There was this moment where I just really needed to learn from everyone around me. And I realized that even if I did have that experience, that would've been the best approach to be able to really hear from people who are in it every day.”
• “You can’t pretend to be anyone other than who you are.”

View Details

It's a Universal truth that we all want to be happy in our work. We strive to find a career that will make us look forward to Monday mornings, rather than dread them. And while it's important to have passion for what you do, there's something to be said for finding a job that you don't hate - even if it doesn't fulfill all your dreams. This week’s guest gives us the details on what it looks like to do something because you love it, not because you’re getting something out of it. Mollie Marcoux Samaan is a passionate golfer who has taken her long-term strategic thinking to the world’s oldest independent professional women's sports league. In running LPGA, she defined six pillars and created a Be Great performance model that employs best practices from across industries with input also coming directly from players.

Mollie Marcoux Samaan has become a leader for all of women’s sports, assuming the spokeswoman mantel on issues related to equality and inclusion. She is a leading advocate for increasing investments and growing opportunities for women in girls in every field of sports and entertainment.

If you’re interested in what it looks like to do your “job” for the love, not the goal, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “Nobody cares exactly what you do in life. You may have this prescribed sense of what you think you should be doing, or what the world tells you should be doing, but ultimately it just matters.”
• “In management or leadership you have to not just understand your own perspective. You’ve gotta hear from your employees, you’ve gotta hear from the people that you serve your customers what they're looking for and trying to find that sweet spot.”
• “There was this moment where I just really needed to learn from everyone around me. And I realized that even if I did have that experience, that would've been the best approach to be able to really hear from people who are in it every day.”
• “You can’t pretend to be anyone other than who you are.”

View Details

Being successful in the workplace requires more than just hard work and talent. In fact, some of the most important qualities for success are often intangible. Trust and authenticity are two such qualities. After all, no one wants to work with someone they can't trust, and it's hard to be successful if you're not being authentic. In the fast-paced world of work, it can be tempting to cut corners or take shortcuts. But ultimately, those who can build trust are the ones who will find the most success in the long run.

This week’s episode features the leading global expert in building high-trust leaders and organizations and bestselling author of The Trust Edge, David Horsager. David has advised leaders and delivered life-changing presentations on six continents, and including clients such as FedEx, Toyota, MIT, and global governments as well as the New York Yankees and the Department of Homeland Security.

David’s energy will keep you engaged, and his authenticity will keep you hooked. Trust us, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Check out David’s Website

Connect with David on Instagram

Connect with David on LinkedIn

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You have to see that trust is the root issue.”
• "It's never a communication issue. Communication is happening all the time. It's an engagement issue.”
• “Clear communication is trusted. Unclear is not. Compassionate is trusted. Hateful is not. High character communication is trusted, lying, dishonest communication is not.”
• “Organizations don't ever change. Only individuals change and only when individual changes, then a team, a family, a community, and a country can change.”

View Details

Being successful in the workplace requires more than just hard work and talent. In fact, some of the most important qualities for success are often intangible. Trust and authenticity are two such qualities. After all, no one wants to work with someone they can't trust, and it's hard to be successful if you're not being authentic. In the fast-paced world of work, it can be tempting to cut corners or take shortcuts. But ultimately, those who can build trust are the ones who will find the most success in the long run.

This week’s episode features the leading global expert in building high-trust leaders and organizations and bestselling author of The Trust Edge, David Horsager. David has advised leaders and delivered life-changing presentations on six continents, and including clients such as FedEx, Toyota, MIT, and global governments as well as the New York Yankees and the Department of Homeland Security.

David’s energy will keep you engaged, and his authenticity will keep you hooked. Trust us, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Check out David’s Website

Connect with David on Instagram

Connect with David on LinkedIn

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “You have to see that trust is the root issue.”
• "It's never a communication issue. Communication is happening all the time. It's an engagement issue.”
• “Clear communication is trusted. Unclear is not. Compassionate is trusted. Hateful is not. High character communication is trusted, lying, dishonest communication is not.”
• “Organizations don't ever change. Only individuals change and only when individual changes, then a team, a family, a community, and a country can change.”

View Details

Trying to impress your boss can be a delicate balancing act- on one hand, you want to demonstrate your value and stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, you don't want to overstep your bounds and end up on the unemployment line. To help you navigate this tricky tightrope, Erin and Nicole share five mistakes to avoid when working with executives.

<

You May Also Like:

162: 10 Power Questions to Crush Your Interview

148: 3 Surprising Interview Tips to Land the Job You Want

129: 3 Tips to Stand Out in Your Next Executive Meeting

119: 3 Hacks For Asking Powerful Questions That Put You in the Pole Position

133: Avoid Performance Discussion Pitfalls with This One Strategy

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “A little less coke, a little more passive aggression.”
• “Fuxability: I don't give any fucks and I'm really flexible about it.”
• “Let's review all the mistakes that I've ever made in my life.”
• “It's so much better when people lay out expectations because now you know what the on-ramp and off-ramp of the conversation is.”
• “Go sit at the freakin’ table.”
• “This is the time to go be hungry.”

View Details

Trying to impress your boss can be a delicate balancing act- on one hand, you want to demonstrate your value and stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, you don't want to overstep your bounds and end up on the unemployment line. To help you navigate this tricky tightrope, Erin and Nicole share five mistakes to avoid when working with executives.

<

You May Also Like:

162: 10 Power Questions to Crush Your Interview

148: 3 Surprising Interview Tips to Land the Job You Want

129: 3 Tips to Stand Out in Your Next Executive Meeting

119: 3 Hacks For Asking Powerful Questions That Put You in the Pole Position

133: Avoid Performance Discussion Pitfalls with This One Strategy

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• “A little less coke, a little more passive aggression.”
• “Fuxability: I don't give any fucks and I'm really flexible about it.”
• “Let's review all the mistakes that I've ever made in my life.”
• “It's so much better when people lay out expectations because now you know what the on-ramp and off-ramp of the conversation is.”
• “Go sit at the freakin’ table.”
• “This is the time to go be hungry.”

View Details

“Learn how to use your voice and, even more so, how to calibrate it in moments that really matter.” If you're interested in being an advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in the workplace, you're not alone. In today's climate, more and more people are looking for ways to create workplaces that are safe and welcoming for everyone.But where do you start?

Cue our guest, the amazing Yvonne Alston

Yvonne Alston is an unapologetically authentic amplifier and advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. She established Indelible Impressions Consulting to advance important conversations, education and transformation to help organizations understand the importance of culture and its impact on the human experience. Her firm and team focus on centering the employee experience, amplifying personal and professional value, and inspiring hearts and minds as they challenge systems of inequity, champion dimensions of diversity, and drive inclusive practices holistically.

In this eye-opening episode, Yvonne gives us pointers on how to advocate authentically and use our voice to inspire change in the workplace.

Connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn

If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)
• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group
• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz
• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)"
• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice
• Work with Us
• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here