Chasing your dreams, or even simply moving yourself out of a tough situation, often feels daunting. The truth is that big change can only happen when you allow yourself to get curious, do small experiments, ad have the courage to slowly unmask your fears, so that you can eventually set yourself free from them. This week, Erin and Nicole fully unmask some of their fears and dreams, in hopes that it encourages you to do the same. The episode starts with Nicole Licata Grant asking Erin Hatzikostas about her TEDx Talk. She probes into things like what it was like doing a TED Talk amidst Covid, how it was set up, and some of the behind-the-scenes details.  Erin shares the details behind what their Green Room looked like (it was certainly green), how they pulled together the event venue, and just where she touched up her makeup before taking the "stage". Nicole continues by talking about how Erin planned and performed her talk in a way that made it as effective as it was. Nicole also recapped some of her other favorite speakers, including Ming Shelby, who spoke about ensuring we don't "herd" children but rather that children are "heard." Nicole reflected on the importance of her message in bringing out the individual greatness of each child...really every person. She also talked about Marisa Zalabak's talk, and the important message she brought to the state regarding the importance of creativity and the "softer skills" that too go overlooked. Nicole reflects o this perfect triad throughout the talk: authenticity, individuality, and creativity. Erin relays the feedback her son Mick gave her on her talk, like "you could have said 'heck' and not 'hell'", but aside from getting in trouble for using too many adult words, he did like that her talk was about authenticity and she did it authentically! Nicole talks about her company being named one of the Forbes JUST 100, including being number one in the utility sector for community and sustainability. Nicole reflects on the last year at work, the impact her company has had, and the impact that she has had working there during a challenging year. She also discusses her mental health recently, how she's been feeling at work and at home, after a tumultuous year.  She talks about her authentic self evolving, and how she navigates change in a healthier and more pro-active way than she did previously.  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 sare 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: "The truth will set you free." "You really need to bring out the individual greatness of each kid and not have them conform." "Creativity is a form of flourishing. It brings out our humanity." "Authenticity is tied to compassion." "A TEDx Talk is a very specific controlled environment. It's meant to have a specific impact." "Do it your own way." "It's not just an entertaining talk, there's an arc, a story, a point I'm trying to get across." "Underneath all of it, the truth, the authenticity, it's unmasking your own fear, too." "Sometimes I wonder if leaders change just for the sake of change." "Leadership starts with yourself." "I'm trying to make sure the next 20 years of my life are really valuable." "It took me two years to get you going from negative to positive."