Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant sit down to discuss the topic of the week: open office spaces.  Do they work? Are they efficient? Can we develop them in a positive direction? Or are they just another example of trying to solve a root problem with the wrong solution?  Sound Boring? Of course, it never is on b CAUSE. But if you want to be fully sold, you can make this episode a drinking game. every time you hear the word "authentic", take a drink (ADVISORY WARNING: Do try this at home, not at work.) They, of course, tackle a number of other first world problems, like why duvet cover changing is a 2-person job and the problem of massively expensive china on wedding registries of people that likely live in a 500 sq foot home. Oh, and let's not forget Erin's breakthrough news - b Authentic inc is official! That's right, it's a registered trademark and allll theirs! Getting down to the nitty-gritty, they talk about how different leaders use the term "authenticity", what it means to an individual, and if it's even possible to define in a broader sense. Nicole reflects on her recent mentoring session with someone she knows, and what she herself took from the experience. Erin, coaching the session, relates this back to the workplace with some advice everyone can implement.  Another How Was Your Week episode packed full of stories, advice, and some nutty fun. 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 share even 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.  Tweetable Comments: "That bitch, Bed Bath & Beyond - I feel like it's America society that has sold us this lie of a duvet." "I'm all about the side hustle." "You're telling me you have the space to store, like, 16+ sets of china in New York City?" "I had to make a business plan - well, I don't actually have a frickin' business plan." "I'm probably a terrible customer too. I'm not going to deny it. I'm a bit cranky and hold them to these high standards I think I deserve." "If we had to change the branding I don't even know what I'd choose, it would just be something very similar like 'be kind of yourself...inc?" "I had someone tell me it's an oxymoron to define what authenticity is - and I kind of agree with that." "hat if the leader's authentic self just sucks?" "Authenticity is just not lying to yourself." "Trying to achieve some measure of success based on the ego or the self is seen as somehow taking away from the greater mission, or the ultimate impact." "Part of the identity is around sacrifice in the non-profit world. But I'm not sure if that is a long-term strategy for success or wellness." It's hard to have meaningful interactions when you're working three jobs." "There's always shitty leadership and people just going through the motions." "That's why you call it a job. Stuff's broken and you've gotta fix it. That's 95% of jobs." "Don't think going into things that they will be better or easier, but sometimes the mere function of change can open up a world in which you didn't know you had." "I'm pretty sure self-checkouts are conspiracy theories to make cashiers look good." "Let's just hope I don't drop anything on my boobs." "It goes back to a root issue that people are not having deeper, richer conversations in their workplace." "How do we put on our leadership pants, our leadership skirts, and how do we inspire? How do we encourage?" "How do we make things less complex, instead of asking, 'Hey, Nicole, do you have anything else to add?', you just ask 'What else?'" "Most meetings don't end up being meetings at all. They end up being a platform to vomit information on people, and then to walk away without any clear next steps." "Slow down and inspire." "Lead where you are." "It's better to be seen as ridiculous than not be seen at all."