b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck

Hybrid, Hybrid, Hybrid! That's one of the hot new business buzzwords these days. But, what if that is just the book dust cover to what our new world may look like? This week, Erin and Nicole dive into a new study by Microsoft that lifts that dust cover (or, more like the plastic sofa cover your Aunt Rita has had on her couch for 30 years) on what employees are really thinking and talk about more than a world where you have to empty out Jose's two-day-old Hot Pocket wrapper from your shared garbage.  Nicole and Erin leave you with lots to think about, including some inspiration as you think about your own "hybrid" - your afternoon of life. Erin tells Nicole about her preparation for two big virtual talks she is giving and how ll-consuming they can be - physically and mentally - especially for a non-binary thinker like Erin, whose brain is constantly shooting off new ideas. Erin's WTF of the week involves a story of the technical difficulties of one of those virtual talks. With the streaming service broken, Erin ended up thinking she was giving a recorded talk instead of a live talk. But at the end she realized people jumped on Webex midway through.  Minor disruption from a dirtbike outside Nicole's house tees her up for a funny story of someone who she saw plow headfirst into a traffic sign while on their moped. Then she moves on to discuss her authentic so hard of the week - when she was asked to introduce a hair show at the local arts festival. What's a hair show? Well, you'll have to listen for all the details on that, but the real story is about the troubles Nicole aced that day. As a show that was created from the traditions of black communities in America, a show commencing on Jubilee day, you can imagine some people took issue with Nicole being the host. Well, Nicole fully understands, appreciates, and accepts that...but no one told her that beforehand.  So, after days of preparing a speech that could hold up under these circumstances. Nicole threw out the speech on the walk to the stage, and instead told a funny hair story of her own, to bring everyone together with humor. And it worked. The authentic approach she took in the moment, with no preparation, could not have been a better idea.  Nicole also has a WTF of the week when she was asked to attend a planning meeting call for a pre-meeting. Yes, you read that right. A planning call, for a pre-meeting. Oh, and it was on Father's Day (a Sunday of course). This leads into a quick discussion regarding worker satisfaction, and how it's estimated that 41% of the global workforce are considering leaving their employer this year. This comes frm the recent Microsoft Work Trend Index. This 2021 report has seven key findings.  1. Flexible work is here to stay. 2. Leaders are out of touch with employees and need a wake-up call. 3. High productivity is masking an exhausted workforce. 4. Gen Z is at risk and will need to be re-energized. 5. Shrinking networks are endangering innovation. 6. Authenticity will spur productivity and wellbeing (This one won't be a surprise for our listeners!) 7. Talent is everywhere in a hybrid working world.  Erin and Nicole then talk through each of these points, interpreting them, challenging them, developing them, giving a detailed discussion on the future of the working world, the people at the heart of it, and the steps we all need to take to ensure the future is brighter and better than the past.  Finally, they leave you with this quote by Carl Young. "Thoroughly unprepared, we take the step into the afternoon of life. Worse still, we take this step with the false presupposition that our truths and our ideals will serve us as hitherto. But we cannot live the afternoon of life according to the program of life's morning, for what was great in the morning will be little at evening and what in the morning was true, at evening will have become a lie." If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I am delicious and delightful." "Something must have been in retrograde because I felt like breaking things all day." "Of course, it's not their fault. It's somebody else's fault. Everyone at a big company owns just one fingernail of responsability." "As I walked up to the stage, I threw my speech out and instead told an authentic story. And it worked." "I had a planning call for a pre-meeting..." "Over 40% of the global workforce are considering leaving their employer this year." "Look, I was also really busy shoving a baked potato in my face rather than reading the article." "The difference between Nicole and I: she's like 'I only skimmed it', and I'm like, 'That's all I ever do." "We might be facing the same shitstorm, but if you're in a yacht, and I'm facing a tsunami in a canoe, it feels a little f***ing different."  "How much structural change can you actually embrace to try and overcome some of this stuff." "When the pandemic hit, internal teams collaborated more, but external teams collaborated less." "Authenticity will spur productivity and wellbeing." "Be authentic, do that. But are you also encouraging a culture of authenticity?" "If you're in the wrong neighborhood, get out. But don't wait for the perfect house because you won't find it. Renovate your house with your own authenticity."

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 Haztikostas starts off by asking how Erin Lydon's career started. While in Business School at Northwestern, she realized that the guys were taking big-paying finance jobs on Wallstreet, so she decided that was the place to be. She then decided to leave the workforce to raise her two daughters, after struggling (understandably) to work in such a busy environment and do that plus be a good wife and mother well. After a pause to raise her kids, Erin L. went back to work, first as a board member for a few companies. She later joined Evil Geniuses as their strategic advisor. Then, mere weeks before we were all hit by Covid, she took on the role as General Manager at Poker Powher. Erin H. asks how Erin L. was able to take a break from such an intense career and workforce, for such a long period of time, and then walk back into a job many people struggle to get who have never taken time out of work. Erin L. talks through the power and importance of maintaining your networks and connections, even (especially) when you're not looking for a job.  Erin L. explains how she started working at Poker Powher and how the emergence of Covid could have very easily put an end to the business. However, they found a way to pivot to a virtual model.  They discuss how learning poker, and practicing the game, can teach women so many skills they need to succeed at work.  Erin H. asks what our listeners can do on their own to start to experiment, and what programs Poker Powher has for newcomers, especially individuals who might not consider going to something like this. She follows this up by asking. "What's the biggest, strategic thing you have done as a strategic poker player, that has helped her career?" Erin L. talks about how her newfound understanding of the power of observation helps her pause and gather more information at work, helping her have more successful interactions and results in all that she does.  Learn more at pokerpower.com If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I worked on Wallstreet 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 was 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." "It's so exciting to see this transformation of 'I didn't know anything, and a year later I'm teaching this game to other women." "There are very few women who allocate capital and who are making decisions around capital." "They're going after positions that maybe they don't have the qualifications for, but suddenly they have the courage." "In poker, aggression is a positive word. It's being assertive at the table."

"Hi, I'm Sally and I've spent 27 years working in the healthcare space. I've held several leadership roles including in project management, product development, and strategy, I'm now the head of blah, blah, blah." Ugh, so many times we waste the most incredible opportunity to make a great first connection. If instead you use the power and principles of strategic authenticity, you can turn that snoozer of an intro into a doozer of a connection. And that's what we'll help you do in this week's b Cause podcast episode.  Erin and Nicole kick things off with a quick story from Erin's most recent workshop and a song that a participant recommends that fits perfectly with the company's A-HOLE Manifesto (Authentic Humans Overhauling Lousy Energy). We also find out that Nicole is a total metal-head! They then discuss the world starting to re-open, with Erin being able to take her son to a hockey game and actually enter the rink to watch. Nicole asks Erin about her recent TV/Video productions trip. She gives the behind-the-scenes on her shoot for a new speaking reel she's putting together. Moving on to the WTF moments of the week, Nicole starts off with a story about her quest to find the perfect bra.  Biggest Lesson? Don't buy a bra from an Instagram ad! Nicole has also got into the habit of buying herself a present every time she spends a day at work without having a freak-out. She shares a story about the savvy marketer at Dunkin Donuts who may know about this new indulgence and successfully pitched her a box of "stale-ass" munchies at 5:30 in the afternoon. Erin has her own donut story too, where she learned the power of the term, YOLO. You know all those times you have to introduce yourself, often giving a mundane summary of your resume while everyone else zones out and/or doesn't listen as they think about what they're going to say? Instead, Erin teaches you to seize the opportunity to immediately connect by compiling a humility moment and a big brag, all rolled up in a fun and intriguing story. She discusses the differences between an un-intriguing and an intriguing introduction, and how making this small change can make a huge impact. Erin then walks Nicole through the process (so get your pens out and follow along!) Erin explains the importance and power of all three components, and how storytelling shouldn't be seen as time-consuming or selfish. Instead, the listener will jump right in and make their own story right alongside you. After Erin's feedback on Nicole's first try, Nicole then tells the story again, and, well, when you hear it you'll understand how impactful the Intriguing Intro can be. Now go find and tell yours! If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "That's your summer PSA everybody. As you get back out into the world, get dish soap." "I'm buying this bra. In fact, I'm so "in", I'm buying two." "If I don't have a work freak-out one day, I'm buying two." "she sold her stale-ass 5:30pm Munchkins to me, no problem." "You're the second middle-aged person who has told me about discovering the world YOLO." "We become a summary of our resume. Instead, we need an intriguing intro." "One of the biggest misconceptions about storytelling in the workplace is that people will get annoyed that you're taking up too much time." "I love helping people get to a place where they have better problems than they had yesterday." "This is the time to reframe yourself." "I have some good news to end the podcast with...the replacements bras have shipped."

This week we're re-playing a favorite episode of ours, What To Do When Your Boss is a Bully. Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant sit down for another "How Was Your Week?" episode, and this time, they're actually in the same room! They talk about everything from Erin's new fascination with Dr. Scholl's shoes - they're stylish, they're affordable, they're damn good for your feet - to tackling obstacles by breaking them into manageable milestones. Erin and Nicole catch up in person with laughter, good food, and good advice.  They discuss the problems and suggest solutions to 'Boss Bullying'. What is it? How to identify it. How to deal with it, and approach it from an appropriate place. They both share stories of their own, and others, of times they have had to deal with bullying behavior in the workplace, and this conversation could help many out there facing the same issues.  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "It's like voyeurism. It's a form of Suburbian Pornography." Nicole regarding Reality TV/Podcasts.  "You're the Urban in my Suburban." "They're shoes made of sustainable materials...now we just have to ask about their policy on child labor, but other than that..." "Am I neuro-typical?...I've gotta make sure you're not making shit up ith those big words you use." "The point is not to lose weight. The point is to be more self-loving. Because I'm shitty at that." "We have to take obstacles and break them in to much smaller milestones." "I have this defiant part of my brain that always says, 'you're not gonna tell me what to do' even if it's me telling it what to do - my inner two-year-old." "In this world of collaboration and open management, even people at your own level, people with any amount of control - there is varying levels of bullying that goes on." "You have to stick up for yourself. And you have to go right back at them in a way that is appropriate and authentic for you." "Once you start feeling uncomfortable, once your gut says that it's inappropriate, the first thing you do is start documenting." "If you can take a deep breath, if you can take a moment, you can then acknowledge it and deal with it." "The one thing that always sticks with me is how insecure bullies are." "HR is not there specifically to help employees. They are there to protect the company." "The Godfather is the best management guide you've ever seen. And nobody likes a rat. So you have to be careful about how you go about sharing your story." "You have to create your own tribe to help you survive." "We all have the ability and responsibility to recognize and make change in our own lives." "Your best defense mechanism is to be f*cking excellent." "You have to wear your insecurities on the outside. Their own insecurities drive them. Because they pray on yours. There's no fuel. They're going to implode or moce onto somebody else." "The universe listens to the brave."

Fake it 'till you make it. You've heard that one a few, three...thousand times, eh? Well, what if that was the worst advice you could ever hear? Instead, Leslie Ehm wants you to focus on bringing your "swagger". And no, swagger isn't what you think it is (it actually looks and smells a lot like authenticity). Listen in to this high0energy and hilarious interview with the queen of swagger, and how you can practice getting your swagger on, so you can be everything you are and get everything you want. This week Erin sits down with former TV host and advertising Creative Director turned training guru, Leslie Ehm. She's a sagger coach, training guru, speaker, and now the best-selling author of "swagger: Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want." Erin kicks off by asking Leslie about herself pre-Swagger, especially when she worked on TV. Leslie grew up in Montreal but moved to London where she lived for 17 years. She discusses her start as a singer in a band and then landing a TV hosting gig. But, she quickly realized they wanted her to be a female Jerry Springer and she wanted to be a white Oprah. Erin asks if there was a certain moment when Leslie realized what she wanted to do, when she realized the power of her own "swagger". Leslie talks about working with someone who she clashed heads with a few times, because she has been putting on a persona at work. Then Leslie worked with her to just be herself, and she has since become the youngest VP of the company. Erin asks Leslie what the biggest clockers are that she has seen while coaching clients. Leslie says, although it's different for everyone, fear and insecurity are the most common (or the most easily identifiable). Erin follows this by asking Leslie, "How does radical change happen?" Leslie discusses the entrenched cultures in corporate workspaces, how people as individuals are now more capable (and ready to try) to change up those cultures to something more authentic. Erin asks Leslie her thoughts on "fake it till you make it"...she does not like it at all. Leslie says that true confidence only comes as a result of competence, a strong skillset can carry you through, whereas setting yourself up to "fake it till you make it", will only limit your own abilities. If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I'm so good at f***ing up, that I can do it when I'm talking about how I f***ed up." "Someone gets to do that cool thing so why not you?" "People at their very core just do not believe they could be who they really were and still achieve success." "She has been her badass, authentic, real, unleashed self. As a result, she is unstoppable, unshakeable, unquakeable." "I want to get to a place where I can speak my truth and believe myself." "Pain is memory." "We are all human, we are all a mess, and we all struggle." "Do you want to be seen and valued, or be in a prison of your own design." "It's not a platform problem, it's not an A.I problem. It's a people problem." "When you pay people a lot of money for a long time, they lose touch with reality." "Never 'fake it till you make it', because confidence can only come from competence." "What we need is self-belief, confidence is overrated." "If you spend all your time looking up, then you're not looking in."

You know the call...it goes something like this, "Hey Max, I'm calling to give you the heads up that they're doing a reorg, and you'll now be reporting to Jocelyn." Immediately you think, 'I don't have the energy to impress yet another new boss. I just really got into a groove with my current boss!' Well, the good news is that there is a better way to approach your "new boss" situations. In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss a fresh (and more authentic) way to tackle your infinity boss situation. Hint: the key is in the questions, not the answers. Erin and Nicole kick off another authentic catch-up discussing their favorite summer wine - Vinho Verde. With things slowly beginning to open up again, they also discuss their feelings about going back out into the world. They decide that it should be a "rager" of a summer (however you define "rager") and also declare it the year of no shoulds. Erin then announces that they're creating the first-ever National Authenticity Day, which will be held annually on August 16th. They move on to their WTFs of the week. Nicole refinances her house, which can be a stressful time, but after seeing the five digits when out in front of her she...well shall we ay she was extremely proud of herself and may have slightly lost control of her bodily functions.  Erin has a story about an old boss, who she had for only three weeks and she was convinced was firing her one day. This leads into a discussion on bosses, how to approach them, including how to mentally prepare yourself for organizational change at work. Erin coaches Nicole, and the listeners, that it's all about asking powerful questions and connecting.  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I'm socially conscious, but also fashionable and ready for anything - that's sort of my party mantra." "It's not the year of yes it's the year of no-shoulds." "Obviously, Authenticity Day will be me, behind the snack-shack at your place, making snow cones." "There's only one rule for National Authenticity Day; there are no rules." "Unfortunately, this revolving door of bosses is not uncommon." "Authenticity isn't about you. It's about creating connections and trust exponentially faster than going through the motions." "When people care about what you think, there's not much people love more than that." Don't come at it as if you're a risk, come at it like you're a reward." "Don't beat around the bush." "In an interview, it's not about answering questions, it's about HOW you answer them."

Isn't it funny how we're so good at delivering on everyone else's expectations, but yet we rarely set our own expectations? In this crazy do-everything-culture, it's more important than ever to schedule ourselves too (first?)! If you're ready to take a layover off the crazy train but don't know where to start, listen in to this week's episode as Erin talks to Tameika Isaac Devine, a lawyer, public servant, and work-life integration strategist. Tameika knew she wanted to be a lawyer since she was six, so after graduating she started law school and became a prosecutor for sexual and domestic violence.  She ran for a seat on her City Council, and after winning the seat in 2002 she became the first African American ever elected, the first African American female elected, and the youngest person elected. And now she is running for Mayor, and if she wins will be the first female Mayor.  Erin asks Tameika how she went from her idea to taking action, and what mindset she was in to be able to take that step.  Tameika was prosecuting sexual and domestic violence cases, and they had a very antiquated system. She saw how the system kept letting women and families down. She was raised to not complain without offering a solution, and to get up and run for City Council, and be the person making the changes. Tameika was told that she would be unable to continue working as a prosecutor while she ran for office, so she had to rethink her next career move. The universe had a plan though, as two people she knew from Law School had decided to start their own firm. They asked Tameika to join them.  Being an inspirational trailblazer, she was invited to panels to give talks and lead workshops, often discussing how she was able to maintain such a good work-life balance. Her answer? She came to the realization that "work-life balance" doesn't exist. So, she started wondering, how can she share those insights with other people? Which is when she started her business, Possibilities Institute.  Erin asks Tameika what her biggest tip for work-life integration is, and one that people won't have heard before. She says to recognize that every person is different, so what works for someone else, might not work for you. She also says not to lean into expectations. If you have to go to your kids play and also go to a meeting for work, be honest with yourself, think about what you can actually get done, then be honest with everyone else to create realistic expectations. Erin then asks what advice Tameika has for those people who are managing their work and personal lives, and finding time to fit everything in, but it's completely draining them, leaving them fatigued by the end of the week. Tameika says they might be missing personal time that's just for them, so make sure to schedule that in. Whether you're the sort of person to write "bubble bath and wine" on your calendar or not, it's important to stay on top of how you are managing yourself too.  They move on to discuss what people are struggling with the most amid Covid. Erin wants to know how tameika has helped people shift their mindset and attitudes towards home working. Tameika says to slow down and figure out how to stop yourself from being pushed into a realm where you are over-worked and over-scheduled. Figure out your end goal and how you can accomplish it. Ultimately, the key is to stay productive, not busy. Erin asks Tameika about the challenge of carrying some of these things out, and Tameika explains that challenges are inevitable, but how we approach them determines whether we are successful, not if we actually make it to the end goal. As a final tip, Tameika wants to challenge the listeners to go outside their comfort zome, because when you push out of this zone you start to understand your resilience and your capabilities much more deeply.  Website:   Socials: @tameikaisaacdevine  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I really felt how government could help, and how government could hurt." "I thought when I'm successful, it's not just about helping me, but it's about helping other people." "The reason I look like I have it all together, and I've mastered the work-life balance, is because I've come to the realization that 'work-life balance' doesn't exist." "Recognize we're all different people, what works for them might not work for you." "You can read all the books, you can get all the tips, but that doesn't mean your outcome will be the same as someone else's." "Stay productive, not busy." "Challenges are a part of life, but they are there to push us, not to defeat us." "Stretch yourself out of your comfort zone. If you're uncomfortable, then you're doing the right thing."

Why does it seem that the duty and obligation to give yourself "self-care" often creates more stress in of itself?  Instead, what if self-care doesn't need to be appointments and breaks, meditation and pictures? What if self-care can be defined however the frick you want to define it and practiced on the regular, instead of some stop-in-time moment.  This week you'll learn to define self-care as anything you want it to be. And once you do that, it'll be so much easier to integrate it into your everyday life.  Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant meet nearby Erin's new "snack shack" for another catch-up episode. They quickly dive into the apparent news of the week: Nicole being fired. No wait, she wasn't fired, everyone just...thinks...she was? But that isn't even Nicole's WTF for the week. She shares a story about an apparent mystery work phone and number...that she didn't know she had for a year+. Erin shares her WTF moment that's lingered for the last month. Erin received a connection from the executive producer of Last Week Tonight (freak out moment). Turns out they were looking for a career coach.  Nicole tells her authentic-so-hard of the week, after meeting an artist in a bar she found herself naked and covered in paint, in a basement with a bow and arrow. She took part in a living art project and became the canvas for a body painting artist. This leads into a conversation about how taking chances and doing things you've always had at the back of your mind but never taken the step towards realizing it is actually an expression of self-care. What is your definition of self-care? Are your actions serving you? A pedicure might be your definition of self-care, but maybe learning a new skill is your definition. As Erin says, "What lights you up? What revitalizes you?" Nicole comes in with another story from her self-care experiences, this one is from her birthday when she was given an in-home sauna, is it considered self-care? We want all of you audience members to let us know your self-care routines, or what you'd like to try as a new self-care routine. Join the b Cause podcast Facebook group and let's work together to redefine self-care. If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "People called me asking 'Oh my God, were you fired?!' and I was like 'What? I just took yesterday off..." "This is like faking my own death. I should enjoy it!" "So now I start every conversation with 'Oh by the way, have you been calling this number for years?'" "Let's get through my story, so we can get to your stank." "This is the stuff I can do when I'm a but more sober." "Fantasies are frolicking in front of my face." "This episode we might just ask Nicole to tell every story of her life." "You meet an artist in a bar and all of a sudden you're naked, covered in paint, in a basement with a bow and arrow." "My self-care is learning and doing something I don't know how to do." "Repitition is my Kryptonite."  "Is there something you want that can serve you in a better way?" "I sat there, sweaty, dripping wet, with the tripod ready to take photos." "I came home and I thought, I'm just having Mac n Cheese for dinner...so I ate the whole box."

Do you consider yourself a bit of a "Weirdo"? If so, this is the episode for you. Our guest this week believes your weirdness isn't what separates you, but is actually the very thing that creates your greatest connections with others. Erin sits down with Shelley Brown, speaker, author, artist, mindfulness educator, and all around weird girl. Shelley is the founder of Weird Girl Adventures, and she's releasing her first book soon, Weird Girl Adventures from A to Z. (think: Judy Blume meets Sex in The City). Erin starts by asking Shelley what her definition of 'weird' is, and if there was a moment when her weirdness felt validated. Shelley Explains that trying to fit in for so long got to a point where she had a crisis at work from her stress response, what she found to help her, and what she would now suggest for others to do to help manage their stress levels. Shelley explains moving at a million miles an hour, never sleeping, over-thinking everything. She didn't know it could be any different. So, as soon as she figured out she didn't have to live in a constant state of stress, she wanted to share that with everyone she possibly could.  Shelley talks about how she used rock music to try and understand mindfulness and meditation. Uhhh, pretty weird. And it works. Next, Erin asks Shelley about the concept of "bull-should". That is, when people tell you where you should be, who you should be, how you should be. "Should Shaming" runs rampant, and Shelley's fix for that is "allowing", instead of should-ing. This leads into a discussion on company culture and how effective mindfulness and individuality an be at turning the ecosystem of work into a much more humanized experience, which would then serve to optimize business outcomes. Finally, they talk about Shelley's upcoming book - a blend of Judy Blume and Sex and The City. Shelley tells us anyone can read this book...but you just have to be ok with vaginas. Follow and keep up to date with Shelley. Website: weirdgirladventures.com Instagram: weirdgirladventues Book: Weird Girl Adventures from A to Z (available everywhere) If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "Ok peeps, it's about to get weird." "If you're bold and clear on what you care about and what your superpower is, you will find your people." "My weird was my itchy scratchy sweater I wore in heat that I couldn't take off." "Our weird doesn't know it's weird until it's judged by others." "When we are not seen as human beings it increases the stress response." "I really thought being a stressed-out mess was in my DNA." "We get to sit in the drivers seat and drive our awareness. And if we know we're veering off to some squirrel over there, we can steer it back." "We can't shut off our mind." "We are like the big retail salespeople in the world: 'Here, this fits you great!', but ultimately it's up to us to know what fits us." "You can have the safest, most epic culture, but you're coming with your narrative and your culture. And no safe culture is going to do the work that you need to do as an individual."

It's likely that every single human on this planet needs some dose of therapy right now. For some, professional help is necessary. But for many others, it may be as simple as crowdsourcing their therapy.  We can all be part of each other's therapeutic regimen if we just slow down, ask better questions, and understand that we can all be part of the bigger solution - at work and everywhere. We hope this week's episode does that, in multiple ways, for you.  This week, Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant start by celebrating the b Cause podcast's two-year anniversay! Nicole tells us about her semi-unplanned birthday extravaganza weekend, swimming backstroke through hummus, overshadowing Easter and church visits for delicious Italian market food. Erin gives a quick look into her taxes this year and how her business is fairing, in the spirit of sharing her journey truthfully. Nicole coaches her through it, and they both agree that the investment will certainly pay off one day.  This starts a discussion around embarrassment and shame and broader issues of mental health. Nicole mentions that the "coffee talk therapy" is gone from many people's lives now with Covid, and how people are now struggling to put words to their feelings. And with a rise in domestic abuse, gender abuse, and LGBTQ abuse, Nicole has added some links to resources where anyone can go to look for help or peace of mind, or even just a conversation, to help with these difficult times.  Erin wants us to slow down and ask more mindful questions. For example, stop asking "How are you today?" and instead ask "How are you on a scale of 1-10?". She thinks the first is an exercise in futility, whereas the second is a great foundation for a conversation and an entry point to help people when they most need it.  Nicole thinks the workforce is lacking a culture of accountability lately, with everyone working remotely. While Erin mentions the upcoming talent she thinks companies will face in the near future.  RESOURCES FOR MORE HELP: SAMHSA National Disaster Distress Helpline. 1-800-985-5990 National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8225) Covenant House Nine Line: 24-Hour teen crisis line. 1-800-999-9999 Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741 LGBTQ: The Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 Trans Crisis Line: 1-877-565-8860 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673   If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I don't have time to go to church, but I do have time to go to every single Italian market." "so I went to all the markets, got all the food, flirted with all the guys at the meat counter." "I wanted to backstroke through the hummus and make angels in it." "Sometimes I'm not looking for solutions. I just want to talk through things." "It comes back to community. How do we serve each other?"  "We may be energized. We may not be energized. We may want to punch energized people in the face. Who knows?" "I think this will be a test for the authenticness of authenticity." "Companies are going to face the biggest talent war they've ever faced." "I have to stop showing up where I'm needed. I have to show up where I'm loved." "Go forth, process, and prosper."

Could you use a vacation? Mel Miles' life mission is to give stressed out, overworked professionals permission to rewrite the script, create more space in their lives, and find the freedom they've always wanted. In this week's b Cause episode, we flip the script a bit and give you a dose of Soulcation and a dash of authenticity as we replay an interview Erin did on the Soulcation podcast. What better tool than authenticity to help you design a life you don't need a vacation from! RE-posted content from the Soulcation podcast Taking a break from "the way things have always been done"... could be your key to solving overwhelm, anxiety, and burnout.  And blazing your own path could give you the balance and freedom you crave. No one knows that process better than Erin Haztikostas, the latest guest on the Soulcation Podcast. Erin is former corporate CEO turned professional pot-stirrer: in other words, she was successful in traditional circumstances, then took a different path and created her own circumstances. She's now the founder of b Authentic inc, a career coach, TEDx speaker, and nationally published thought leader.   But before all that, she was itching for something new, she'd had great success as a corporate leader - but was craving more. "The epiphany I had is the same I teach time and time again", she said. "As I thought about the career and leadership space, and the reason I wasn't pursuing it was I didn't want to do it like everyone before. What I preach is don't not do something because you hate the way it was done before. You can actually do it your own way." That led to Erin developing her "strategic authenticity" framework - a way for corporate leaders to authentically lea their companies, without falling into the rut of the "way things have always been done," all while creating a healthier, happier work environment for employees. Authenticity is more than just "being yourself" - and Erin talks through her advice for how someone could tap into their own authenticity, and use it to jumpstart their life and career. We don't think of authenticity as anything more than simply being transparent. But it's so much more than that - and it could be your ticket to freedom, burnout recovery, and creating your own path in life. Listen in to hear more about Erin's story from corporate job to blazing her own path, what "strategic authenticity" actually is (and how you can use it in your own life), and how experimentation can help you determine your next move if you're ever feeling stuck. What You Will Learn: 3:35: Erin talks about her background as a CEO, her journey through corporate America, and when and why she started itching for something new. 6:40: The epiphany Erin had after her corporate career and how she teaches that same epiphany to her clients now 8:40: How Erin followed her intuition when leaving her job in the corporate world and what role experimentation played in that process 11:08: Erin explains how she defines the word "authenticity" 17:36: Erin describes how someone can connect with their own authenticity and who they truly are at their core 22:21: What "wall" Erin hits with her work now and how she moves past it 24:58: Erin explains what the "50 percent rule" is and how she applies it in her business 28:26: Erin describes a piece of her backstory that's allowed her the confidence to boldly express her opinions and to be authentic over traditional 31:51: Why Erin thinks the philosophy of "being yourself" isn't enough to truly live authentically 34:12: Erin gives advice for how someone could strategically use authenticity in their lives and their work 40:50 The six pillars of strategic authenticity that Erin writes about in her new book 44:02: The brain science and power being being "unexpected" Follow the soulcation movement @ If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

When you think about doing something new - small or big - it can feel scary. But what if you started thinking about your life as just a collection of millions of experiments where you're also collecting a million data points? One at a time.  Erin sits down with Dr. Erin Baker, a Social Psychologist, elite-certified neuro-transformational coach, and authentic superstar, to talk about how we can shift our mindset to one of binary, stuck-in-the-mud thinking to a place where our work and growth is simply predicated on playful experimentation. Erin Hatzikostas sits down with Dr. Erin M Baker for an action-packed interview covering gender ideas and stereotypes, Dr Baker's studies in Social Psychology, their fascinating work at Facebook, their podcast, "Shift Starter", and the writing of Erin Baker's upcoming book. Doctor Baker, PHD, elite certified, has a mission to create a more authentic, connected, inclusive, equitable, and loving world. One person at a time. Erin is also queer and non-binary, fluidly moving between both genders as well as her overall identity.  Erin (Hatzikostas), starts off by asking Dr Baker when they first started to have feelings that the stereotypical ideas of gender might not be well suited for them. Dr Baker explains that they have always had a love of basketball, and that it was traditionally a "boys sport", so they often asked themselves "Am I supposed to be a boy", which left them with a feeling they were always trying to figure out if they were one or the other. But in trying to fit into one gender, they felt like they were in a constant performance for who they actually were. It was at college when Erin B. started to meet other people with their own experiences, that they first started to realize it was possible to be fluid and be whoever you felt like being.  Dr Baker tells us their feelings and thought process when deciding to have breast removal surgery, and their experiences since the surgery.  Erin H. then asks what made Dr Baker go into the realm of Social Psychology. Dr Baker describes growing up with two academics as parents, and that played a part. Also believing that psychologists had things all (mostly?) wrong, and, although not knowing the right answer themself, they were curious enough to explore the field and make their own mark.  After realizing writing academic papers might not be Erin's one true calling, they started to branch out. That's when an opportunity at Facebook came up. And where better to study people than a platform that hosts billions of people! After a few years working at Facebook and having achieved a lot across a wide and interesting scope of projects, Dr Baker asked themself "Is Facebook doing the good in the world that I want to do?". And when their mom fell sick and was hospitalized, it was a tipping point that made Dr Baker realize they wanted to have an impact on people and on their own terms. Erin transitions the conversation to ask Dr Baker what advice they would give to people who are struggling in their own way. Dr Baker says, "if you can see everything you do as a data point, it takes so much pressure off. IF you stop seeing everything as a success of failure, and instead a data point, it allows you to take more risks and relieves pressure." Following this Erin asks about "Shift Starters", a new podcast Dr Baker is hosting to explore people and work that ultimately creates a more authentic, connected, inclusive, equitable, and loving world.  She also asks about the new book Dr Baker is writing. Dr. Baker has realized that after spending so long trying to achieve goals, the goal itself became almost meaningless. So instead of swimming through a proverbial ocean of proving, what if there was a piece of land where you were able to have fun and explore. And that is exactly what their book will you explore. Stay Tunes! Website:   Facebook: Erin Baker Instagram: drerinmbaker If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "Trying to fit into 'boy' or 'girl' left me feeling like I was constantly performing who I was." "Society tells you there are boxes and we want to categorize people." "And I realized, if I didn't try this then I would never be happy, and I needed to put myself first." "The cost of not standing out is far greater than the cost of doing so." "I thought this was a pretty progressive place...but I scared people out of restrooms, even at Facebook." "For a lot of people it's figuring out what is the worst-case scenario and then hovering around that." "The fear of 'what if I don't' just got to a place where it didn't matter what came from it." "Because there was always a part of me that just didn't understand me, I really wanted to understand people." "If you're hellbent on going to the Moon, you're going to miss signs saying you can go to Mars." "Treat everything as an experiment and treat it as the longest experiment of your life." "Clarity comes when you're in motion." "Getting out of the ocean of 'should' and 'they' and getting into 'what do I want and what can I do?'"  "The curiosity of 'Can I?' will get you further along than you ever imagined."

We spend so much damn time trying to create change while following the rules that were "written" decades ago. Whether it's trying to affect massive inequities or just trying to create change for yourself, you cannot get there if you simply follow the rules. In this week's b Cause episode, Nicole and Erin give you several stories and inspiration to ensure you make real impact in the world and don't stay stuck at the "kids table" yourself.  Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant sit down for another "How Was Your Week" episode to discuss equity, equality, and diversity. But what do those actually mean? And how do we even start to comprehend tackling the structures they exist within? They start by providing a few updates, including Nicole sharing her recent "hit and run" story, where she drives across her friend's lawn, knocking both the garbage and recycling bins into the street like some kind of Car-Bin-Bowling. (All after dropping off a bouquet of flowers!) Erin shares her own driving story, recalling she and her son driving home after hockey practice and driving 75 mph straight into a mystery animal/creature/beast stalking the roads at night. Following their driving antics, they get into the topic of the week: breaking the rules (when it comes to equity and equality). Erin shares a story of when she was asked to join a Board as a member alongside a CEO she had been working with. But after the team came back with the standard "Board playbook", she was only going to be offered an observer seat (i.e she could share her ideas but not vote on anything). Erin didn't nod "yes" though at the rules and playbook. Instead, she fought for a seat at the "adult table", recognizing that her situation was just the tip of the iceberg in why we struggle to get to gender equity in the workplace.  Expanding on this, Nicole takes us through her thoughts on the subject, discussing the playbook for diversity in business, the difference between equity and equality, and whether companies actually have what it takes to make genuine structural changes. Erin then poses the question "How can individuals start to make change?", especially if the company they are in is not trying.  Nicole answers this by talking about building teams and organizations with a core set of values that are not strayed from. Listen in for an episode full of insights, thoughtful questions, and an approach to equity, equality and diversity, that you probably won't find printed in the company HR manual! If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I'm not a bad driver...I'm a bad night driver..." "I ran over everything on their front lawn with my pants on inside-out." "I may have trespassed a little bit, taken out your trash cans and created a public disturbance at the same time. But at least I didn't steal from your porch." "You don't get to equity and equality without breaking some rules." "That's what I would put on your headstone: 'They said don't do it, so she definitely did that.'" "You're not waiting for someone to die to get promoted to the adult's table." 2I think there's this measure of shifting to neutral." "Be a rule changer." "Male listeners, we need you to break the rules just as much as we do." As long as my driving isn't as bad as the tanker stuck in the Suez Canal." "You have to build teams and projects around a core set of values."

You've probably heard 1,834 times in the last year about how you have to think differently about fear. But what if the biggest fear you have is actually a fear of being "too much"? No, seriously. Think about it. How many times have you held yourself back because you have this weird, largely unidentified fear of simply being more than anyone can imagine (except maybe, you)? Erin Hatzikostas sits down with two-time New York Times best-selling author, a sought after speaker, and someone who thrives at the intersection of humor, justice, and professional troublemaking, Luvvie Ajayi Jones.  Luvvie's Oriki: Luvvie of House Jones. First of Her Name. Assassin of the Alphabet. Bestseller of Books. Conquerer of Copy. Dame of Diction. Critic of Culture. Sorceress of Side-eyes. Eater of Jollof Rice. Rocker of Fierce Shoes. Queen of the Jones Kingdom. Taker of Stages. Nigerian Noble and Chi-Town Creator. Luvvie recently released her latest best-seller, "Professional Troublemaker, The Fear Fighter Manual", and in light of her booming success, Erin asks Luvvie all the questions. She starts by asking, "What would your grandmother say to you right now?" Luvvie says her grandmother would be proud, showing everyone the book constantly. She would feel honored.  Erin then asked about Luvvie's Nigerian roots, and hoe they have shaped her. Luvvie explains how bold Nigerians can be... that they're not afraid to be themselves, but they also work together to bring those up around them. She explains how when she arrived in America she realized how different from other people she was, and while she hid parts of that to protect it, she never let it go, and she was never ashamed of it. They discuss topics on Luvvie's books, how dreaming big is already a privilege; there are things around us in life that tell us we have limits. Luvvie wants us to dream big in spite of those systems.  They discuss just what dreaming big means and how it changes from person to person. Maybe you want a position that feels out of your reach, or maybe it's changing your career entirely and picking up a violin. It's about finding what you want to do, even if it feels too audacious. Erin asks Luvvie what she is dreaming of. Luvvie explains how hitting the New York Times Bestsellers list for a second time was her latest "airplane" dream. Not only did she make the list, she came in at number three. Luvvie tells the story of when she kept going, even after being told "no". After being asked to speak at a conference, she was refused any payment or reimbursement of travel expenses. After speaking with some people who had experience with the same conference, she started to realize that only white male speakers were paid or reimbursed in some way. That's when she decided, against her agents fears of repercussions, to speak up about it. Despite fears that speaking up would negatively impact her speaking career going forward, she spoke up. But guess what happened? She ended up having her most successful year to that point. Erin then poses the question, "Have there been times when speaking up has not worked out well?", Luvvie says she's absolutely had times where she's essentially "gotten in trouble". She explains that there will be times that you are not received well, but you need to tie your actions to your real-self, to your authenticity, regardless of whether it will land well. Erin asks Luvvie what advice she has for people who want their own voice, but they're not sure what to say. Luvvie says that even on the smallest scale, speaking up has power. Don't think you have to have a platform or a massive reach. For example, even if you are at dinner and someone says something you disagree with, use that moment to say the thing you need to say. They both then talk about breaking the rules and how the "rules" have led to rooms full of white men, closing off pools of people and thoughts from getting a "ticket" into the room. If the rules and traditions have led to situations like this, maybe instead of hiding behind rules and using them as an excuse, we should all strive to throw the rules away and make new ones.  Erin then avails that she wrote her own Oriki: Erin of House Hatzikostas, First of her Name. Professional Pot-Stirrer. Authenticity Aficionado. Instant Gratification Whore. Shameless Speaker. Snarky Server. Math Master turned Audacious Author. Northeast Badass grounded by Michigan Roots.  They end it all with getting Luvvie's insight into her favorite place to buy shea butter - but you'll have to listen until the end to hear that! Instagram: @luvvie Website: LuvvNation: https://www.luvvnation.com/ If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments:

I another of their melodramatic mini-series, "b Cause Work is Funny", Erin and Nicole take on Corporate America's ubiquitous and ever-present digital whiteboard, PowerPoint.  This mini-podcast episode is perfect for you if you too have PowerPoint-phobia. Listen in for the quick-fix therapy you likely need to prevent you from hurling your computer against the wall.  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "PowerPoint. The word in of itself is kinda disempowering." "I think PowerPoint's the single biggest, evil thing taking down Corporate America today." "I went to school for math. Not art." "In order to be taken seriously, you have to be able to do arts and crafts." "I was an executive and so people did PowerPoints for me. And I felt really dirty." "Oh, let's not do a huge 'page turn'. But I had 16 people working on this around the clock." "Have you ever looked at the fancies of PowerPoints? I can't figure out where the f*ck to put my eyes." "I'm the definition of coloring outside the lines. Maybe that's why I'm struggling so much." "PowerPoint seems to have become the dress suit of Corporate America."

It's easy to slip through life playing it safe. This week's guest challenges you to change your mind to wonder... if you were good at something the first time, maybe it wasn't hard enough. Erin Haztikostas sits down with LeRon Barton, a writer, author, 3x TEDx Speaker, and a fellow professional pot-stirrer to challenge your thinking about many things - from how you see race in America to how you think about the word, "failure".  The interview starts out fast and furious, as LeRon gets straight into discussing how, before they hit record, Erin challenged him to update his website. Erin explains that, much like her high school basketball coach, she's the most forthright with people she cares about.  Erin moves on to ask about LeRon's earlier years, growing up in the Midwest in Kansas City. LeRon talks about his experiences growing up as a black man in the Midwest, including getting the "talk" from his mom as she explained key things he needed to know to survive as a black man.  He discusses his experience at the time of the horrific murder of James Byrd Jr. He then reflects on the situation as it is today, and the tightrope he has to walk every day just to exist.   Erin asks how LeRon sees America compared to other countries in the world from the lens of race inequality. LeRon uses the lens of the industrial prison complex and explains how there are more black men in prison in the US than there are female prisoners in the world.  She then asks how people in everyday life can act in ways that are supportive of less privileged people. LeRon explains that even small changes can make a huge difference. For example, people playing devil's advocate over race issues are never helpful, and people needn't act surprised at a black person's accomplishments or skills.  As someone who has given multiple TED Talks, including his first talk, "How I Overcame My Fear of Stuttering", Erin is curious to ask about LeRon's stutter. He tells Erin he's had a stutter since her was young, so it is something he has simply learned to live with and not let it affect his life or his goals. LeRon explains that he started writing, but always kept the topic of stuttering close to his chest because it was too personal. To LeRon, though, a TED Talk is supposed to come from things personal and close to you, and for him that's stuttering.  He discusses feeling like he couldn't be a speaker because of his stutter, but after realizing he's not a quitter, and that the reason he's never failed is because he never quit trying, he decided to do his first TED Talk on his stutter.  Erin's final question to LeRon follows on from the talks of racial inequality. She asks LeRon to finish the phrase "I'll know we've made significant progress, and I can rest in peace, when I see X." LeRon says: "I'll know we've made significant progress when a black man or woman is president or CEO without it being a big deal." Website: leronbarton.com Linkedin: LeRon L Barton Twitter: @MainlineLeRon TED Talks: "How I Overcame My Fear of Stuttering", "The Power of Sharing Your Story" and "The Vital Importance of Documenting the Moment" If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "The people we care about the most are the ones we should serve the most. And you don't serve by holding things back." "You can get anything you want in this world if you ask for it in the right way." "When you grow up in a situation like that, you learn who's full of it and who's not." "We would read about things and see images, but the savagery of this crime made us think it could happen to us." "I endure in spite of racism." "There are more black men in prison in America than there are female prisoners across the entire world." "America will say 'we hate white supremacy', but America practices it every day." "Playing Devil's Advocate is essentially saying 'I don't believe what you're saying is credible." "If I'm not going to be believed then why should I tell you? I'll just keep things bottled up." "I've always felt a TED Talk is something that should truly come from you." "FAIL: First Attempt In Learning." "If you are good at something the first time, then it wasn't hard enough." "When I truly started to embrace who I was, I was able to look at my stutter and see that it's a part of who I am."

Erin and Nicole meet for the 100th time on the b Cause Podcast! Well, their 101st time - and your 100th - because the first take recording was a complete hot mess. But there's a silver lining because Erin showed up at Nicole's house in person (also a hot mess) where the magic originally happened, and she kicked things off right by getting to experience the now-famous "dog-sized" treadmill. To celebrate the occasion - and being reunited (it feels so good!) - Nicole surprises Erin with a symbolic Bee/b Cause 100th episode gift (and sushi for four), and Erin...well Erin brings the wine and a non-plan. On to the celebration! As children of the 80s, they decide that Erin should host a Richard Dawson-style gameshow, something like "100,000-Dollar Pyramid" meets "Family Feud", meets "Quiz Bowl." Of course, Erin tortures Nicole first by having her guess which episodes were in the "Top 10" (by most listened to) based on Erin's cheat sheet of quotes, cryptic riddles and a host of other interesting anecdotes while reminiscing through some of the best moments of the podcast so far and even what some of their most favorite guests are up to now! (Can you figure out the episode before Nicole does?) An episode full of reflection and enjoying the trip down memory lane, Nicole wonders what the next 100 will look like and offers her own "revenge" game called "Stick or Sabotage." This game includes all kinds of ridiculous and pointless questions like, "What is something you started doing during COVID that you will keep post COVID...and one thing you will sabotage?" But just like every episode, Nicole also answers her own questions, asks even more questions and hysterics erupt as both look forward to the next 100 whatever it brings...especially all the "easter eggs" and surprises! If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Get your own copy of Erin's book by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "We made it to 100...twice...this is our second take." "Mick was more interested in eating cookies than talking to us...which I get." "I looked around and I was like, what do people do to celebrate 100? No one has done a gameshow." "She thinks I can see that? I wear negative six corrective contact lenses." "We can't survive without the (honey) b(ee)." "There's a stuffed bear in there...on wheels." "She's not someone we let interview herself." "I'm going to unf*ck myself and do everything." "Boy, I want open-kimono on that episode." "I can't even remember my husband's aunts name so it's ok." "It's like voyeurism, it's a form of suburban pornography." "Big boob bosses?" "If you hate your garden, turn it into a bar." "That does sound familiar, and three glasses ago it might have sounded very familiar." "When you're the first of your friends to get divorced, it really makes you wonder where you fit in." I'm still holding on, but the granny panties will come out at some point." "If I'm going to be bested on my own podcast, it's going to be by her."

It can feel like such a mystery: how do some people get to the "top floors" at a company, while others stay in the lobby?  Well, we pull up one big curtain (and elevator) on that mystery this week. Erin talks with Renee Zaugg, CIO of Otis Elevator Company. It's clear from her rise that one "secret" is that people who get the big jobs lead...when they're not asked to lead.  The b Cause podcast kicks off Women's History Month sitting down with women's equality luminary and CIO of Otis Elevator Company, Renee Zaugg.  Renee is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Otis Elevator Company. In addition, she serves as the Executive Sponsor for the Women in Technology employee resource group as well as the Digital Technology (DT) Energy Board employee engagement group. Prior to joining Oris, Renee served as Senior Vice President, Enterprise Infrastructure and Cloud Services at CVS Health, a Fortune 5 company.  Erin kicks off their discussion by asking Renee if she always had aspirations to be a corporate executive in Technology. Renee recalls the time-capsule letter she wrote herself in school; her aspirations were simply to travel the world. But she also knew she wanted to be a leader, and as she grew in capability and confidence, the idea of becoming an executive grew with it. Erin then asks if there's something Renee achieved that, at the time, seemed like an impossible feat. Renee talks about when she was first promoted to a vice president role. She says that being given control of a large organization, just before an acquisition, was something she never expected. She stepped into the role a bit unsure of herself, but then she thought "Of course I can do this, because who else could do it?" They talk about Renee's passion to ensure we obtain equality for women in leadership roles. When she was at Aetna, she founded their Woman's Leadership Alliance (WLA). Renee recalls being taken aback by the significant inequalities between women and men in the top positions at the company. After launching WLA, within four years they had managed to change the number of women in leadership positions from 23% to 36%. Erin then wonders what Renee's biggest fear was in her career. Renee talks about her speech impediment, which she's struggled with her entire life and that left her with a major fear of public speaking. She talks about how she (mostly) overcame that fear and how important it is to force yourself to face your fear...to act upon it so you can overcome it.  They then step into the topic of being a working mom. Erin asks Renee how she balances being a mom with her career. Renee found that setting aside time for her family was critical (and occasionally putting herself first, even though they may sound selfish). was essential to being able to have a balanced life.  Renee then tells a story about the day she received a call from the lunch-lady at her daughter's school. She asked, "Did you mean to send her with one pound of ham?" She goes on to say "It's not just me, there's a whole market now on moms who are messes." Erin then asks Renee if she can recall a time when she went against the grain and did things her way, instead of the executive way. Renee tells a story about when she went against other executives to stand up for the plan and idea she had for progression. Renee also talks about the importance of bragging, something that has never come naturally to her, but something that can be an essential device for gaining recognition for yourself, your colleagues, and your company.  Erin asks Renee if there has ever been something she would not compromise on no matter what. Renee remembers something her mom told her when she was 18: never let anyone question her integrity.  Erin then wants to know what breaks Renee's heart. The answer is simple: seeing sick children. That's why Renee has always tied herself to support certain charities.  Finally, Erin wants answers to something she's been wondering for a long time. And now that she's in the presence of the CIO of Otis Elevator Company, it's the perfect time to get answers. She ponders and asks, "Why don't elevators have an undo button?" Renee just might be the person to finally solve the problem. LinkedIn: Renee Zaugg Get your own copy by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I'm just an opportunity seeker." "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." "It's not just me, there's a whole market now on moms who are messes." "There are sacrifices when you're a parent. Their world is their world and you've just got to fit in where it makes sense." "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 you don't let anyone question your integrity. You can't get that back." "You just made elevators so sexy and cool."

Are you at least a bit curious about all the buzz surrounding Erin's new book, "You Do You(ish)?" This week Nicole gives you a glimpse in between the book covers by hosting a virtual book club made up of fans and friends of the show to discuss the recent release! Oh yeah, and she lets Erin (mostly) listen in too.  Nicole kicks off the introductions by inviting the guests to think of one word to describe Erin. They throw out...determined, approachable, savvy, energizing, and magnetic.  She asks the guests what they learned from reading the book. We hear insights and personal takes on authenticity, on the book, and what they have taken away from it.  Then they dive into the Sucky Songs, talking about the things we all tell ourselves that hold us back from doing what we really want. Thinking they can't prioritize a job AND a family, thinking they can never be fully authentic at work, thinking the only way to get ahead is to forgo sleep and relaxation, to never switch off from work.  They discuss what they think, or had always thought, their weaknesses were, but how changing the way you view yourself, your place where you are, how you can utilize your authentic self to turn those not-so-weak-weaknesses into very definite strengths of character.  Why are we still talking about inauthenticity in the workplace? Why in 2021 is this still an issue? Could it be fear, sacrificing authenticity on the road to success and money? Could it be a lack of diversity in leadership roles, forcing underrepresented groups to try and fit in rather than stand out? Erin jumps in with a question for the group, asking them what their thoughts are on her definition of authenticity and if they have any critical comments to make, spurring an interesting conversation on everyone's own ideas on Erin's writing. What else could be included and how authenticity could be defined from other's perspectives.  They finish by discussing who they would offer the book to plus who couldn't handle the book.  Get your own copy by searching "You Do You Ish" in amazon or going to   Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "I put Erin in an uncomfortable and awkward position? Welcome to my life." "Authenticity is about exposing who you are, when people least expect it." "You shouldn't not do something because you hate the way it was done before. Instead, do it your own way." "I loved how human the book was." "I think humility is the first thing we ought to bring to the party." "I've had more time to think about how I can affect other people's lives, and it's changed mine." "I've kind of fallen in love with storytelling." "Be in your own skin, be comfortable, be confident." "Just let that stupid sucky song go." "There's a fear to fit in. People sacrifice their authenticity on the road to success and money." "I think there's still not enough diversity at leadership levels." "The book injects a sense of fun into work." "Let's form the army. Let's defeat them." "Energy is contagious, either you affect people or you infect people." - T. Harv Eker.

Feedback is gold, right? Well, sometimes. And sometimes you have to find your own way to turn what might feel a bit more like backfeed into your own fuel.  This week Erin and Nicole catch up to contemplate their WTFs and authentic-so-hards for the week. But one moment sticks out the most. What do you do with feedback that clearly misses the mark? Well, other than talk about it on public podcat, you can also take that pile of sh*t and make your own fuel out of it! Erin Haztikostas and Nicole Licata Grant meet for another "How Was Your Week?" episode. Nicole starts with the problems of Zoom meetings on repeat; eye twitches, ice cream cones, bathroom calls. You know, general Zoom fatigue.  Ern asks Nicole for an update on the dog treadmill, a treadmill that immediately tried to throw Nicole through her own wall and has since been relegated to static artwork.  Nicole talks about her vision board progress and how you can join in with the fun by joining the b Cause Facebook group. they let (almost) everyone in! Nicole has also been invited to talk at a conference, and she has some, shall we say, interesting ideas on how to portray authenticity during her talk. "Live from the Gyno!" is likely going to be the title of her next panel discussion.  Erin tells a story about her authetic-so-hard moment, taking a Zoom call but the IGW in her had no time for pants. Followed by Nicole's story of joining a Zoom meeting mid-shower, because this is the world we live in now - a world where, as Nicole puts it, showering, working, and commuting, are no longer separate activities. They both share recent stories of having to endure mansplaining at work. Nicole "had to" have the calendar system explained to her, and Erin needed to hear about how she needed to develop a visual identity for her authenticity business (like, say what?!) This then leads into a conversation on how to give feedback, it's great to give feedback, but there is a line where it becomes condescending, especially if you make assumptions that the other person has no clue what they're doing. Erin's mansplainer did have a positive though, he acted as a catalyst for a discussion bringing together many of the things Erin talks about in her book. Inequality, authenticity, and as Nicole puts it: being a Maverick and not an Iceman.  To preorder Erin's book You Do You(ish):   Follow Nicole on LinkedIn:   Follow Erin on LinkedIn:   If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @   b Cause Podcast Facebook group @   We even share more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to   We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @   Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @   We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "Feedback is sometimes just backfeed." "It's a process to dry my hair and not look like a wet rat." "There was a time when showering, working, and commuting were separate activities." "I don't know anyone who achieved big by magically waking up one morning put into the right body." "Dreaming your way into success usually has strategy and planning behind it." "Always give feedback, be authentic, serve people." "I'm happy to have gone through that cycle, and I'm happy that others can find their way through it too." "Go be Maverick in Top Gun, screw Iceman." "You know you're a good leader when people follow you out of curiosity." - Colin Powell "We all need a little exorcism once in a while."