b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck

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 cha...

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) .H...

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...

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 to...

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 h...

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 m...

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 p...

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 k...

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...

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...

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...

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 s...

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 Ame...

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 thing...

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 losin...

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....

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...

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 traject...

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, a...

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 intervi...

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 pi...

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...

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...

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 thei...

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 wa...