We spend so much time checking the boxes, doing what we think we're supposed to do, and following the rules. But is that what people actually want from us? This week, Erin sits down with her authenticity "Ground Zero" - her father - where he shares stories and inspiration of it's almost always those times when you stray from the norm that drive real, sustainable success (and make it a lot easier to love your job too!). This week we are given a glimpse into Erin's origin story. We hear where her passion for authenticity comes from, who inspired her in her life, and quite clearly where her storytelling ability comes from. Introducing: Erin's Dad. They start off discussing her parents' recent 50th anniversary, and Erin asks what her dad's tips are for making it to 50 years. He talks about always showing respect, knowing how to communicate...and knowing when to back off. Moving on, Erin talks about authenticity and how much of her inspiration came from her Dad, both in his career and personal life. Her Dad talks about his time as a teacher and how he thinks authenticity can be a key element to true success. they then share some work-related stories, and you can imagine a lifelong teacher has quite a few. Erin asks her Dad about the 'alter-ego' he would sometimes use while teaching. To try and help explain the metric system, he created an alter-ego character - Mr. Billy Boombah. With a popped-collar, upside-down glasses, and a rather questionable accent, he managed to reinvigorate the class. Erin asks how easily her Dad made the switch from teaching into real estate, which skills carried over and what was more difficult. Her Dad discusses one of the most important aspects to his work in real estate (and which definitely carried over from teaching), building a connection.  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: "Respect. We have a lot of respect for each other. We know how to communicate...and when to back off." "I don't know how you can be successful if you don't enjoy what you're doing." "The true hack is to reverse it and ask, 'What would I want in that situation?'" "You have to find a way to build a connection with people." "Part of the reason you had this new energy was that you had this new challenge, something to figure out." "If you meet an asshole in the morning, you met an asshole. If you meet assholes all day, you're the asshole." (Quote from Raylan Givens in Justified) "Beer is like blue eyeshadow, you can never have enough."