b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck

Covid shook the corporate world upside down. Instead of heading into work, you went to your makeshift desk, grimaced through virtual meetings as your kids yelled “mom!”, and had no human contact outside of your home whatsoever. Cut to a year and a half(ish) later and we are starting to see hints of normalcy. Heading back to work is one of them. In this episode, Erin and Nicole share their top six reasons why you should be pumped to ditch the work from home signature sweatpants and messy bun look and be excited to go back into the workplace and rock it. Hint: Sun Chips are high on the list. If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments “It's a Petri dish; it can be really great but can also be really complicated.” “There is something wrong with American society. It is very hard to print documents.” “I'm also slightly afraid about what I'm going to find in my office. I’m pretty sure I left some kind of sandwich in my drawer 18 months ago. I’m a little worried about that situation.” “If shit really goes down and the entire world shuts down, who's the brave soul that has to be the last one that cleans out the fridge?” “How will I know when I’ve made it? When I can afford to buy Sun Chips at the grocery store.”   “If somebody created an AI version of me so I don't have to do my job, that’d be great. I'd buy that.” “We're all about authenticity, but not for your looks on camera. Do whatever it takes there.”

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."

In this micro episode, Erin shares one of the most powerful (and wildly overlooked) tools for building trust as a new leader: the humility moment. Not just “I suck at Excel” level vulnerability, but a real, human story that opens the door for connection, honesty, and trust. She also tells the story of failing seven actuarial exams, how that shaped her leadership style, and why ditching the old-school success rubric is actually the smartest move you can make. Here’s what you’ll hear: -Why trying to be perfect is killing your leadership credibility -What a “humility moment” is (and how to find yours) -How to use storytelling to build trust fast Why failing early might be the best thing that ever happened to you Whether you’re leading for the first time, managing former peers, or just trying to earn credibility quickly, this episode gives you a practical mindset shift to build trust in a way that actually works. If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments “I was taught, like you and so many people, that there’s this rubric for success… and the reality is, a lot of that doesn’t matter.” “That is the number one way to build trust-purposely mine for, be aware of, and share your humility moments.” “As soon as you share a humility moment, especially when people don’t expect it, immediately your trust radar goes down.”

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Think leadership is about pep talks, perks, or pushing harder? Phil Putnam, former tech executive, speaker, and author of Desire-Based Leadership disagrees. In this conversation, Erin and Phil chat performance, loyalty and even take us into a topic most leaders avoid: menopause. Here’s what you’ll hear: • Why traditional motivation tactics don’t work • The overlooked link between leadership and loyalty • What companies miss about remote work culture • The attrition math every leader should track • How menopause symptoms get misread as performance problems • Creating real safety and support at work • Why Phil speaks out about menopause on stage-and why leaders should listen   Website: https://philputnam.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philputnamspeaks/   We Do Not Care Club IG: @justbeingmelani   If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments “Menopause is not a performance issue. It’s a biological process being misread by the system.” “People don’t work for a paycheck—they work for the life the paycheck helps them create.” “She didn’t tell me because she felt safe. She told me because she had nothing left to lose.” “The bar is low. Just signal that menopause is something people can talk about.”

What if caring less actually made you a better leader? In this episode, Nicole shares how dropping the mental load, setting unapologetic boundaries, and leading with humor have made her team stronger (and her stress levels lower).  Erin also jumps in with insights on why authenticity is finally winning in the workplace.  What’s Inside: 1.) Why “I don’t care” is Nicole’s new leadership mantra 2) .How humor helps you set boundaries without sounding like a jerk 3.) What ChatGPT is teaching us about tone, trust, and real connection 4.) The subtle difference between burnout and badassery 31: Thankful for 30: Erin & Nicole Recap the First 30 b CAUSE Episodes  246: Kill Your Company's Complexity with Lisa Bodell   We Do Not Care Club IG: @justbeingmelani If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments "ChatGPT isn’t the problem. It just sounds like corporate emails always have. Now people finally notice.” “Please refer to my face before sending a follow-up email. It already told you what I think.” “Leadership isn’t about doing it all. It’s about knowing what you don’t care about and making space for what you do.” “I used to care about everything. You know where that got me? Miserable and stressed. Boundaries are the new promotions.”

Hate the “Tell me about yourself” question? Ok, we all kind of do, but truthfully you’re probably answering it all wrong. In this solo episode, Erin breaks down how to stop regurgitating your resume and start captivating your interviewer from the first question. Using her signature “Intriguing Intro” method, you’ll learn how to combine humility, credibility, and a dose of what’s-in-it-for-them to make hiring managers lean in and actually remember you. If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments "You can win the job with this one question, but only if you do it with authenticity." "People are more connected to people who are a little bit imperfect." “It's all about connection and trust. And you build that through authenticity."

In this solo episode, Erin chats about the kind of burnout we don’t talk about enough—the kind that masquerades as dedication.  After a powerful moment during a workshop with a high-achieving leader, Erin unpacks the hard truth: working nonstop isn’t always selfless… sometimes, it’s selfish. From addiction to the “hum” of hustle to the unintended signals we send our teams, this episode offers a tough-love reframe for anyone who’s worn burnout like a badge of honor.  If you’ve been struggling to set boundaries or feel guilty for slowing down, this one’s your permission slip (and reality check). If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”Your job as a leader isn't to take on their burdens.” “It's an addiction. It's also not necessarily the thing that's best not just for you, but for your team and for your others.”  ”Recognizing it is the first step.”

You don’t need a PhD to get AI—you just need Dan Chuparkoff. A former tech leader at Google and McKinsey, Dan now helps people make sense of innovation as the “Understandable Technology” expert. From dropping out of college to redefining how leaders use AI, this episode is packed with mic-drop moments, real-world use cases, and fresh ways to rethink how you work. Here’s what you’ll hear: 1.) Why he dropped out of college and how that actually served him better in the long-run 2.) How using AI can be thought of as simply as finding small "copy/paste" moments 3.) How leaders should think about using AI to be more efficient (and why AI might not always be the answer) 4.) The biggest changes he sees coming with AI and work 5.) One company's unique approach to leveraging all those meeting notetakers' notes Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuparkoff/ If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments “Almost a billion people are using one of the top three AI tools every single week.” “Some people are choosing to be left behind.” “What I think most people are missing is that you want to create efficiencies in the places that you're actually spending five or six hours a day.”  ”Let AI take all that minutia away so you can focus on building great relationships with people that you like and enjoy being around.”

In this episode, Erin and Nicole swap stories about the work traumas that shaped them—some painful, some funny, all of them unforgettable. From leadership flops and job losses to the quiet moments that hit a little too hard, they unpack the professional PTSD that left a lasting impression (and taught them what not to repeat). If you’ve ever wondered why a small comment still haunts you—or how to make meaning out of a mess—this one’s for you. Here’s what you’ll hear: 1.) Why your “superpower” might actually be a trauma response 2.) What Erin learned when a boss called her character into question 3.) The toxic startup job that taught Nicole how to separate brilliance from bullshit 4.) What happens when you sacrifice your wholeness for a job 5.) How validation-seeking keeps us stuck—and how to break the cycle If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”Just because you can be the calm in the storm doesn't mean you need to make the storm your habit.” “Do not confuse prestige with integrity.”  ”I'm certain she doesn't remember it, but I'll never forget it.” “ When you're not chasing validation, you can make a difference. “  ”Sometimes getting taken out is the only way that you wake up.”

If stress has ever hijacked your brain mid-meeting or made you question your own success, this episode is for you. Dr. Rebecca Heiss—stress physiologist, keynote speaker, and author of Springboard and Instinct—joins us to unpack the science behind stress and how to harness it as a powerful force for growth, resilience, and confidence. Here’s what you’ll hear: 1.) Her Fear(less) Formula, a 3-step process for dealing with stress 2.) What the Hedonic Treadmill is and how it explains why you often feel stressed 3.)  What the Winners Effect is and how it can help you achieve big things 4.) What a Disaster Diary is and how it can help you 5.) How to rewire (and rename) the age ole "Imposter Syndrome" Dr. Rebecca’s Book-Springboard: https://rebeccaheiss.com/books/springboard/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaheiss/ Instagram: @drrebeccaheiss If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”Stop trying to get rid of stress. It is a losing battle.”  ”Rather than calming down, what we need to do is shift the energy.”  ”One thing that actually mitigated negative stress feelings was service to others.”

What if the key to better work wasn’t more hustle—but deeper connection? In this episode, Shasta Nelson dives into the surprising science of friendship, why belonging matters more than ever, and how your relationships at work could be the hidden driver behind your success (and sanity). Shasta Nelson is a former pastor turned pioneer on the topics of loneliness and friendships, She's an in-demand keynote speaker, popular media resource, and author of three books in which she teaches how to build healthy relationships, including The Business of Friendship: Making the Most of the Relationships Where We Spend Most of Our Time.  Here’s what you’ll hear: 1.) How being a pastor helped her see things others might not regarding loneliness and belonging 2.) The three things all friendships must have 3.)  How setting a routine and capsule for your friendships is key to maintaining them 4.) The business case for having a best friend at work 5.)  How she pushed back several times in her career against advice that would have derailed her work LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shastanelson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shastamnelson/ If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments “Some of the research shows that we are replacing half our close friends every seven years. And that's not because we don't like those friends— it's because life changed.”  “Most of us aren't lonely for more interaction. We're lonely for more intimacy.” “We don’t have to have matching lives. I think we so often go through the world thinking we need to have the exact same kids at the same ages, similar jobs, or make the same amount of money—we just crave all these similarities. But really, commonalities don’t matter.” “How seen do you feel? How supported do you feel? How truly held do you feel? “

In this episode, Rashad Rayford brings the energy (and the poetry) with a fresh take on owning your voice, trusting your timing, and turning fear into fuel. From embracing boredom to battling imposter syndrome, Rashad breaks it all down with humor, heart, and a spoken-word mic drop you won’t want to miss. Rashad Rayford is an award-winning speaker, actor, and poet featured at TEDx, on NPR, and in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He's also a MOTH Story Hour GRANDslam champion. Rashad is known for his high-energy presentations that blend storytelling, spoken word, and actionable insights. 1.) How boredom was critical to him finding his calling 2.) Why you shouldn't try and microwave your growth 3.) How he 50% Rules poetry and keynote speaking 4.) How he almost didn't do the thing that launched his speaking career, and the simple acronym that helped him through it 5.) His improvised poem to you to make work suck less Website: https://www.rashadthapoet.com/ If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”Sometimes we don't see our light, we don't see our shine. We may see a little bit of it, but we may not see it fully until someone else is like, “Hey man, you're the sun. You're shining.” “ I like to bring right brain ideas into left brain spaces, and it helps folks to really unpack and see things from a different perspective.” “How do you connect with people in a way that says, ‘I’m supposed to be here, I belong here, and I have a purpose here?’”  ”Sometimes it just takes looking beyond ourselves and asking ‘How can we continue to grow?‘“

What does it take to build a leadership legacy that lasts? Stephanie Chung knows.  As the first African American president of a private jet company—and now a sought-after speaker, author and board member—she’s lived the kind of career most only dream about.  In this episode, she shares the pivotal moments, tough lessons, and mindset shifts that helped her rise, lead with purpose, and leave a mark that matters. Here’s what you’ll hear: 1.) The time she TRIED to say "no thank you" to a big-girl job and what transpired   2.)  The two powerful lessons she learned from her father and stories of how she put those into action 3.) How those annoying "bombs" that executives throw your way can be formative and helpful 4.) The unique way she handled her boss when someone on her team made a mistake and he was "hunting" for them 5.) What ALLY leadership stands for and practical ways to use it to be a legacy leader Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You Website: https://stephaniechung.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheStephanieChung/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheStephanieChung/ If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”Becoming an ally is a head and heart issue.”  ”It's okay to actually know what that is for you.”  ”You don't just want to be a leader when times are good and everything's rainbow and unicorns, you are the leader when times are good, bad, or indifferent.”  ”You have a brand. Now it's really important that you determine what that brand represents.”

In this episode, Erin and Nicole tackle something we all need to get better at: ignoring. (Ignoring—strategically, of course.) Whether your inbox is flooded, your DMs are piling up, or you're just plain overstimulated, this episode is your permission slip to stop responding to everything like it’s a fire drill. Here’s what you’ll hear: 1.) Why every message doesn’t deserve a reply—and how to tell the difference 2.)  How to stop treating work like a courtroom (you’re not on trial, promise) 3.)  Practical ways to prioritize what actually needs your energy 4.) What ignoring with intention looks like (and why silence is a superpower) 5.)  And the real reason vague DMs are getting ghosted From Pavlovian pings to text message booty calls (yep), this one’s packed with the hard-earned wisdom of two recovering over-responders. You’ll laugh, nod along, and maybe even mute a few notifications. If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com              If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”Life is not a rap battle. You don't have to respond to every single point right away. You're not Eminem.” “I don’t do work booty calls.”  ”If it doesn't feed you or free you or feel fun, then it's probably not worth your immediate attention.” “It's okay to put it aside or reconsider it or let it go. You have to be able to assess the risk of that and to live with the consequences."

Networking isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s directly tied to your promotions, paycheck, and how others perceive your value. In this episode, Erin sits down with speaker, author, and networking expert Julie Brown to unpack why networking is critical for your career growth and how to do it more effectively (and authentically). Julie brings the data, the tough love, and the practical steps — from small, doable actions you can take today to common mistakes that are sabotaging your efforts, including the two most boring questions that kill any conversation. If you’ve been avoiding networking or just going through the motions, this conversation will change the way you think about it. Some of the things you'll hear are:   1.) The hard cold stats on why networking is key to your success       2.) The small first steps you can take if you're not doing enough networking   3.) The top two dopamine killing (i.e., bad) questions you probably ask at networking events   4.) Alternative, dopamine inducing questions to ask instead   5.) Her biggest pet peeve in networking   This Shit Works https://juliebrownbd.com/         If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”Being good at the job is such a barrier to entry now-that's the barrier to entry. What's gonna set you apart is who knows what you do? Who is invested in your success? Who wants to see you succeed?”  ”Our offices, meetings, work and workspaces are designed for productivity over connection. It's our job to filter back in the connection and still stay productive.” “ Don't grow your network. Just use the one you already have.”

What if the setback is the setup?  In this episode, Angela Gargano shares how she went from biochemist to 6x American Ninja Warrior—and the mindset moves that kept her climbing (literally). From her RIGHT framework to delusional action, this convo is your reminder that even when everything feels off track… it might just be going right Angela Gargano is a 6x American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America 2016, 3x Cover Girl, international keynote speaker, and the founder of the Pull-Up Revolution, where she’s helped thousands of women conquer their first pull-up. Some of the things you'll hear are: 1.) How her time as a biochemist surprisingly served her as an American Ninja warrior 2.) The mindset shifts she made when everything seemed to be going wrong 3.) Her RIGHT framework for getting through setbacks (and my real-time use of it to get over a setback I had just that day) 4.) Why brain dumping is critical to making the most of your setbacks 5.) The power of taking delusional action   www.angela-gargano.com Podcast: www.angela-gargano.com/podcast If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments ”I have to go through this process, but I am in control of so much more.”  ”What if this actually goes right? What does that look like for me? And what little things can I do each day in order to come out stronger from this?” "Live your life by design instead of default. Default is: I'm gonna let this frustrating thing—someone's rejection—control my life. Design is: I'm gonna take this, use it as an opportunity, figure out what I can control, and keep going, keep showing up for something even better." "You need to be ready to fully adapt to anything—and make sure whatever you're working toward can hold up when life starts lifing.'Cause life is gonna, life is gonna be life thing at all times.”

What does it really take to leave a legacy as a leader? In this solo episode, Erin is coming in hot with a message that’s been on her mind for a while—one that’s part pep talk, part practical how-to: how to leave a real leadership legacy (and no, it’s not about working yourself to death or following every rule in the book). From the awkwardness of admitting she left a legacy… to the specific things she did (and wishes she had done), this episode is packed with straight talk, strategic insight, and stories you’ll carry with you. You’ll hear: 1.) Why Erin believes your legacy isn’t in the numbers—it’s in your people 2.) A behind-the-scenes look at the rule-breaking that actually paid off (even if it got her a slap on the wrist) 3.) The one thing most leaders forget to do—but makes all the difference Erin’s 3-point checklist to make sure you’re building a legacy you can be proud of. No fluff. No fake humility. Just the truth about what works—and what matters. If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments “Once somebody has worked for you, they don't forget that-and they don't forget both the good and the bad.”  ”You have to care more about what your people think of you than the leaders above you.”  ’You have to freaking break the rules.” “ Be a thought leader. Have leading thoughts, but package those leading thoughts in a way that others can really follow, both inside and outside your company.”

What if the chaos you’re experiencing isn’t a crisis… but a transformation? In this episode, Nicole opens up about turning 49, revisiting her own evolution, and what it’s taken to stay grounded when the world keeps shape-shifting.  From embracing therapy to rewriting her definitions of success, she lays out a real-life-tested five-point plan for navigating seasons of massive change — without losing yourself (or your sense of humor). There’s some tough love, some funny sidebars (we’re looking at you, custom bra fitting), and a whole lot of clarity for anyone who feels like the ground is shifting beneath them. We talk about: 1.) Why redefining “exceptional” might be the most exceptional thing you do 2.) What Nashville, leadership mugs, and chameleons have to do with adapting 3.) The difference between crisis and transformation — and why it matters 4.) How to simplify, reconnect, and stay sharp when resources are thin 5.) Nicole’s five-point framework for not just surviving, but sur-thriving If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”Extraordinary is different than exceptional. It's okay to be exceptional in some areas, but make sure you understand what that definition means to you.”  ”The people who got you here might not be the people that get you forward.”  ”It is not a time of crisis. It is a time of fucking transformation.”  ”I don't care what it is that you believe, create a support network.”

What do a $10 Old Navy vest, mushroom coffee, and a curling iron that feels like butter have in common? They’ve all earned a permanent spot in Erin and Nicole’s lives. In this episode, Erin and Nicole swap their usual leadership talk for their Top 10 Products That Have Changed Their Lives in the Last Year—from game-changing health finds to everyday items that just make life better. You’ll hear: 1.) The back-saving sleep hack Erin swears by 2.) The coffee alternative that secretly slashes inflammation 3.) The beauty tool Nicole thought was a sex toy (spoiler: it’s not) 4.) And of course, the skort that brought Nicole to the dark side (of shorts)  Is it life-changing? Possibly. Is it hilarious? Absolutely. And hey—there’s still a little leadership talk tucked in there… but mostly, it’s a love letter to the little things making life easier (and more fun) right now.  Nicole's Products:  Ryze Mushroom Coffee Best Hairspray Language Learning AI helper Skorts! Erin's Products: Mattress topper Balanced Femme Trader Joe's grilled chicken (not meant to buy here but to show you what it looks like   Old Navy Pleather Vest 1-inch curling iron If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments  ”When someone shares who they are authentically, it rubs off.”  ”Sometimes you have to do less with less.”  ”I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm not on Ozempic, even though they tell me I need it all the time.”  ”I feel like I'm wearing a skirt, but my hooter is like protected.”

Meet Jesse Cole, the Walt Disney of baseball. In 2016, Jesse and his family took a chance on a struggling baseball team in Savannah. What happened next? They didn’t just revive the team—they completely reinvented the game. If you've ever wondered "How did the Savannah Bananas start?", this episode dives into the wild journey that transformed them into a global sensation. Instead of focusing on the sport itself, Jesse became obsessed with one thing: the fan experience. By challenging traditional baseball norms and making entertainment the priority, he and his team built a phenomenon that sells out every single game. In this episode, Erin and Jesse talk about: 1.) Lessons from their success—how the Bananas became more than just a baseball team 2.) The power of putting fans first (and why most businesses get this wrong) 3.) Why standing out isn’t about being the best—it’s about being different Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or just someone looking for inspiration, Jesse's insights will make you rethink how you show up in your own field. Find Your Yellow Tux Fans First If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie   To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com  If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!  Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)   Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram  Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group    Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz  Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice Work with Us Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments “Every single day, I get fascinated and obsessed with new ideas and new things we can create for our fans.” “How you view things is how you do things.” “Corporate and public companies are always focused on the next quarter. I'm focused on the next quarter century.” “You have to be able to throw away some short-term profits to create long-term fans.” “It starts with you being the number one fan of what you're doing.” “How can you really create fans if you aren't the biggest fan of what you do?” “Follow your energy, not your passion.”