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."