b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck

When it comes to networking, we all know the importance of making a good impression. But let's be honest - sometimes, schmoozing can feel like a bit of a chore. You find yourself shaking hands and exchanging business cards with people you'll probably never see again, all while trying to keep a smile plastered on your face. It can be exhausting! So how can you network without feeling like a phony?...

Interviews can be pretty daunting. You've probably been on the other side of the table, sweating bullets as the interviewer fires question after question at you. And now it's your turn to ask the questions? Yikes. But don't worry, we've got your back. In this episode, Erin lays out 10 questions that you can easily use in an interview. Think of these questions as training wheels - they'll help you...

  We've all been guilty of trying to be perfect. We run around our house making it look like a museum. We run our meetings with the proper agenda. We have this constant anxiety that goes along with trying to make the inevitably imperfect, perfect. But what if instead of focusing on perfection, we instead focus on creating a vibe? A feeling, an aura, an environment that is more focused on the feeli...

In this episode, Erin sits down with Anton Gunn, a former state legislator, federal policymaker, and Harvard Professor and now the founder of the 937 Strategy Group for discussion on, well, everything.  Anton is sure to inspire you as he shares his passion for great leadership and how it was formed from a unique combination of being part of a family dedicated to service, the five U.S. Presidents h...

Employee burnout has become a hot topic in recent years, as more and more workers report feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. There are several reasons why this may be the case, but some of the most common include unrealistic expectations, a lack of work/life balance, and a feeling of being unappreciated. Oh, and a global pandemic. And we probably don't have to tell you the impact. But we will. F...

Like a fine wine that's aged, Erin is finally busting out an interview with her favorite boss, Martha Temple, and she's sharing all her thoughts on how to have a big career by not conforming. Earning an executive title and the corner office isn't exactly easy. So, what's the secret sauce to making it as a big time executive while maintaining your sanity and self? Well, here's what Martha will tell...

Break out the bubbly and put your party pants on because NICOLE. GOT. A. NEW. JOB! And to help her put her best foot forward, Erin's sharing her top tips with Nicole (and you, dear listener) on how to make that fancy new job better than the last. People mentioned in the episode: Jackie Brubaker's Podcast Renée Bauer If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level u...

We all want to be successful, but sometimes it can be hard to define what success looks like. Is it having a big house and a nice car? Is it being able to travel and see the world? Or is it simply being happy and content with your life? The truth is, that success means different things to different people. But if you're having trouble defining what success looks like for you, our guest, Tim Schurr...

Authenticity isn't fluffy unicorn doo-doo and we've got the proof to back it up. In this episode, Erin and Nicole share highlights of b Authentic Inc's new study, "Authenticity in the Workplace." At first glance, it may seem like a tall order to prove that authenticity works in the workplace. After all, how can you measure something as subjective and intangible as trust or respect? But rest assure...

Despite the fact that he grew up in the free lunch program at school, our guest, Brandon Fong, became a published author, traveled to 23 countries with his wife, ran the marketing operations for a 7-figure online education company with 250,000+ students, was featured on TV, and launched his podcast to a top 2% global ranking in less than a year… all by the age of 25. Brandon is on his own path to...

It's always a bit of a shock when life throws us a curve ball. We think we have everything under control and then something happens to remind us that we're not actually in charge of anything. It can be a really difficult thing to deal with, especially if it feels like everything is crumbling down around us. But when sh*t starts to go off the rails, it might be the perfect opportunity to reevaluate...

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...

  Resumes. One of the most important documents of your professional life, and yet it can feel so impersonal and stilted. Over time, resumes have become robotic, inhuman, and chock full of business buzzwords rather than a way to get to know someone. #inauthenticaf And in today's job market, where competition is fierce and employers are looking for any reason to eliminate candidates from the pool, i...

"I'm an African-American female from poverty. I could feel a lot of ways if I allow it to, but I know there's some beauty inside of me, so I unlock it every day." - Lia Valencia Key The first time Erin saw Lia walk into a room, she was radiating with joy. There was something so warm and captivating about her and she just knew she needed to know this woman. Lia went from growing up homeless to spea...

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...

If someone were to ask you about personal finance, do you feel and well-informed, and ready to enlighten them with your financial savviness? Or do you nod, smile and schvitz -all while thinking you have no idea wtf they're talking about?   No matter your answer, when it comes to personal finance game, today's guest has the playbook. Rahkim Sabree is an author/columnist, speaker, and financial coac...

  When you hear the statement 'Work can help us heal', what comes to mind? Do you believe that to be true? Or do you think it's a tall order for the workplace? In this week's episode, you'll hear Erin and Scott chat with Scott Shute. Scott is a keynote speaker, coach, executive, and author that combines the sublime of ancient wisdom with the practicality of work.  He has led Mindfulness and Compas...

What's your TEDx moment? What do you stand for? You see, this is a question that so many want to know, but few rarely explore. But shouldn't we? In this episode, Erin and Nicole chat about this *slightly* heavy question, but in typical fashion, with a twist. The two also manage to talk about Russia (because wtf), share major life updates and reveal a groundbreaking stat about zookeepers. Yep, they...

You hear all the time that you need to stand out. But. Have we ever really talked about what a vulnerable and courageous act that really is? Well, today's guest, Paulina Tenner, knows a thing or two about standing out authentically and embracing your vulnerability when all eyes are on you. Unapologetic speaker, serial entrepreneur, startup investor, author and… burlesque dancer? These are just a f...

How's that to-do list of yours? Ever growing? Can't seem to catch up? Maybe the thought of sliding it into the trash even crossed your mind a time or two? Us too. Well, what if you could make your to-do list a little less daunting, a little more motivating and hell, maybe even a little more enjoyable? In this episode, Erin and Nicole chat about fun strategies to get sh*t done that you simply don't...

Often we have this perception of "woman at the top." They don't have kids. Or if they do, they must be willing to sacrifice so much of it for their career. What if that wasn't how it had to be? Well, it's certainly not the case for Jean LaTorre. Jean talks about her rise from a family that had trouble making ends meet to becoming the Chief Investment Officer for a Fortune 50 company. And how she d...

In a world where we are told to go-go-go, have you ever just thought, "Ehhh, no"? You often hear the words, 'productivity', 'hustle', and 'success' in relation to work, but one thing you hear less of is 'space', 'succumb' or…'going limp'. (More on 'going limp' later. Promise we won't leave you hangin' on this one.) In today's episode, Nicole discusses the societal pressure to be employed and how t...

A way to create connection, build authority and stand out from your peers in an unexpected way?  *Yes please! * A super simple strategy that most people aren't leveraging in the workplace? *Where do I sign up? * It's completely centered around video. **slowly backs out of the room** We get it. Video can be intimidating, a smidge uncomfortable and maybe a little unnatural. But the gem of a human be...

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. In this episode, Nicole shares a huge announcement with...