b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck

Get ready to be blown away by Dr. Kennedy Garcia's awe-inspiring journey as she kicks society's pressures to the curb and embraces her authentic self. It's not just her brains and beauty that make her extraordinary—this Stanford graduate and reigning Mrs. California International 2023 is on an unwavering mission to make a future full of fierce female leaders and to see the world transformed through the influence of the modern day Queen.

This episode is one that's sure to leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take action in your own life. Ready to get started?

Dr. Kennedy's Website: https://www.spiritualbosschick.com

Dr. Kennedy's Youtube: @spiritualbosschick

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: [email protected]

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

• "Find something that irritates the life out of you so much that you can't sleep without thinking about how you can solve it."

• "For women, we get into these corporate spaces anyway, and there are so many landmines that we have to navigate and move around that it's difficult to reach the place that you're trying to get to."

• "There is potential for change in all situations and it's just finding the right lever to pull to make it happen."

• "Don't spend your time talking about it in the bathroom with the person who's just as frustrated and can't do anything about it. Spend your energy with the people who actually can change it and start with the ones who care."

Are you tired of playing by society's rules? Do you want to trust yourself, unapologetically? Well, our guest Angela Han has got your back.

As a sovereignty practitioner, Angela is all about helping people find their own path to success, whatever that may look like. In this episode, she dishes out some serious wisdom on how to deal with anger, make decisions that honor yourself, and even some tips on parenting.

So, if you've ever felt like you didn't quite fit in with the rest of the world, or if you're just looking for some inspiration to follow your own dreams - this episode is the one for you.

Connect with Angela:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/itsangelahan

Instagram: @itsangelahan

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: [email protected]

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

• "Because I subscribed to what they were saying. I actively was abandoning myself."

• "I decided to start a business because I was angry about the fact that my law school classmates were getting like these high paying law firm jobs and I was getting rejected by all of them."

• "Men had more rights to more things, including the right to be angry."

• "Because I have interacted with so many people whose unawareness affected me, I'm in such an urgent need to constantly be more aware of who I really am."

• "Does that vision of success feel like home to you?"

Success isn't always about winning; sometimes it's about how you play the game. Whether you're on the field with your kid's soccer team or leading your own team at work, victory shouldn't be the only measure of success.

But how do you lead authentically while embracing both the wins and the losses? Joanna Lohman has the answer.

Joanna Lohman is a keynote speaker and performance coach who is building a new generation of authentic leaders who redefine success. She is the author of, "Raising Tomorrow's Champions" and a former member of the United States Women's National Soccer Team. She is also the first player in Washington Spirit history to have her jersey retired, honoring her 16-year professional soccer playing career where she built a platform for social impact. She continues her influence as a human rights activist and Sport Diplomat.

If you're looking for someone to help you redefine success and lead with authenticity, this is one episode you can't afford to miss.

Website: joannalohman.com

Instagram: @joannalohman15

LinkedIn: Joanna Lohman

Book: Raising Tomorrow's Champions: https://rtcsoccer.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: [email protected]

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 may have lost, but I'm not a loser, I may have failed, but I'm not a failure, I'm not defined by one result."

• "Success is about our evolution. Success is about how much we overcome, not how much we declare as income."

• "Sport allows us to publicly and safely make mistakes and fail over and over again and get to do it again in a low stakes environment."

• "Really allow them as much as you can to have their own journey and take autonomy over it. Otherwise, you're not building a self-driven child."

Have you ever wondered how some people climb the corporate ladder while others struggle to even get their foot in the door? Well, we've got the inside scoop for you! In this episode from the vault, Erin interviews Renee Zaugg, the Chief Information Officer at Otis Elevator Company, and she's ready to spill all the secrets on how to reach the top.

This episode was SO powerful and one of the top listened to episodes, we had to bring it back to the top of the list!

With her incredible leadership skills and unwavering dedication, Renee was able to bring about a remarkable change in her workplace. She founded the Women's Leadership Alliance at Aetna and worked tirelessly to increase the number of women in leadership positions to an impressive 36%. But Renee's successes didn't come without their challenges. She had to fight against other executives who were resistant to change and advocated for recognition not just for herself, but for her colleagues and company as well. And through it all, Renee never lost sight of her values. She maintained her integrity no matter what and exercised balance in her personal and professional life.

Her story serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance, determination, and working towards progress in the face of adversity. You'll come away inspired and armed with tips to help you succeed in your own career.

Connect with Renee on LinkedIn

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: [email protected]

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

• "Of course I can do it, because who else could?"

• "She said, 'I gave up having a family for my career.' So I looked right at her and said 'You're telling me I have to choose? Funny, our CEO has children, and he didn't have to choose.'"

• "When you get to the top, remember to send the elevator back down."

• "Pushing yourself to do it is what allows you to overcome it."

• "Everybody's life is a mess to some degree."

• "The best and quickest way to get a seat at the table is to create it yourself."

• "You might not be the smartest person in the room, but don't let anyone question your integrity. You can't get that back."

One of the best things about this podcast is the no-holds-barred, insightful, hilarious, and often vulnerable conversations that Erin and Nicole have.

And this one's no different.

Over the years, Nicole has let us in on her career-the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not many would be willing to go where she has and openly share the way she does.

We're bringing back the episode when Nicole shares a huge announcement with us that has changed the trajectory of her career, added a little uncertainty to her life and undoubtedly a lot of excitement.

How's she doing? In Nicole's words, "somewhere between onward and oh fuck."

Shonda Rhimes: My Year of Saying Yes to Everything

Finding Joe

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: [email protected]

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

• "Taxes are our subscription to life. Before you work, it's a free trial." -Erin's son, Mick

• "I could no longer resign myself to do things that were actively undermining my authenticity, destroying my sense of integrity and hurting my health."

• "Adrenaline is a drug just like caffeine. You can stay on it to beat burnout and depression and unhappiness, or even excitement, enthusiasm, and innovation. It can help you with all of those things, but it will also run you dry."

• "I go out for one day on New Year's Day and I get COVID from sharing a plate of nachos. And they were some damn good nachos."

• "The most humbling part of this is that there's so much learning in all of this, but there's so much I need to unlearn too."

• "Be honest with yourself. You have to own your own bullshit and be open to new bullshit because it's all bullshit."

• "When people ask me how I'm doing, my answer is generally 'somewhere between onward and oh fuck.'"

Ah, vacation. That magical time of year where we all get a chance to escape from the daily grinds of our jobs and take a much-needed breather. Nicole, like many of us, is looking forward to some time away from the hustle and bustle. But as she reflects, she wrestles with some of the nuances and mindset going into the vacation and the impact it might have on her team. She realizes that she's not as stressed though as she should be.

In this episode, Erin helps Nicole double down on her not-quite-freaking-out feeling and go even further - create an annuity for her team by adding one simple (but not intuitive) step to her pre-vacation planning. You too can create this "leadership annuity" - a leadership step that keeps on dishing out value well after you do it.

Episode 151: Learn How to Take a Soulcation with Mel Miles

Episode 58: Making Everyday a Soulcation: Nicole Interviews Melody Miles

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: [email protected]

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 have to ask yourself, when I leave this job what will I have left for them? What will I have gifted to them?"

• "Share your honest feelings because at the end of the day that's what leadership's about."

• "There are tradeoffs and you have to make decisions in management about how best to manage that to get to the outcomes that you need and want."

• "I do not have a life that I want to take a vacation from anymore."

What if you could stop leaning into your career, and instead could have the confidence to go all-in?

This week Erin talks with Erin Lydon, Managing Director for Poker Powher, a company that teaches women how to play Texas Hold'em and then helps them translate their newfound poker skills to compete and succeed in business, finance, and so much more.

Erin Lydon's career journey is a prime example of how life can take unexpected turns. She started in Wall Street, took time off to raise her daughters, and then made a triumphant return to a successful career. Her key to getting back into the workforce? Maintaining those vital connections and networks. The innovative company is now introducing newcomers to the world of poker and providing valuable skills that can be applied to business and finance. It's not just about being good at cards, it's also about keen observation and awareness of what's happening around you.

Erin Lydon is proof that with a little determination and the right skills, anyone can succeed in their chosen field.

Learn more at pokerpower.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: [email protected]

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 worked on Wall Street when pay was secret, and pregnancy was hidden. That's not ok. Not 20 years ago and definitely not today."

• "I have continued and maintained relationships, and that's how doors were opened for me at Evil Geniuses."

• "I'm always selling. Even when I'm not selling...I'm always selling."

• "I wasn't still networking because I wanted to. I was doing it because I sat at home bored with toddlers and what else was I going to do?"

• "When she first told me about Poker Powher, I said 'that's a terrible idea'."

• "We do teach you how to bluff, but we also teach strategic thinking, quick decision making, computation, and risk assessment."

• "They're going after positions that maybe they don't have the qualifications for, but suddenly they have the courage."

The words, 'We'd love it if you came in for an interview.' are in your inbox. Your heart starts racing, you do a fist pump or two, ok, three, and then you stop. Panic sets in. Party over.

Interviewing is an uncomfortable rite of passage that we all have to go through at some point if we want to land our dream job. And if you're human, it may cause you a little bit of anxiety. Maybe it's because we only hear about the interviewing horror stories and never the triumphs. Or maybe it's because we've built interviewing up to be this huge, important event when, really, it's just a conversation. Granted, one person is trying to convince the other to give them a job, but we'll overlook that for a moment.

This episode was so popular the first go-round, we decided to bring it forward and reshare it's gold. In the episode, Erin and Nicole discuss 3 surprising interview tips that'll help you authentically prepare for the traditional (and snoozy) interviews we're all accustomed to.

So, if you would like to stand out from the "expected" and land your dream job, tune in to get the full scoop.

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: [email protected]

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

• "Having fun, doing what you love, and giving yourself a space and a place to do that is really important."

• "There is something to be said for being surrounded by people who are exuding energy about being in a happy place. That energy is contagious."

• "The interview had way too many people and at the end of the interview they told me that one-on-one, I'm great, but in a group I wasn't as lovable. And I was like, "One-on-one you guys are great, but in a group, YOU'RE not that lovable."

• "That needs garlic. A boatload of garlic."

Transcript

Erin: Hey there, it's Erin and I've got some exciting news. We are actually all getting excited and preparing for the latest Cellgato to arrive.

If you don't know who that is, that's actually Rachel, who is our podcast editor. If you subscribe to our emails, you remember her from her awesome weekly emails that recap the podcast that come out. Rachel's been our right-hand woman for years and she's welcoming Isaac into the world, who will join his brother.

So we thought this was a great opportunity. One, we want to give her a breather. She needs maternity leave. She needs to walk away from editing. But we also noticed how many new listeners — or maybe even old listeners — go back and listen to old episodes.

We've got like 200 episodes, so it's amazing when we look at our statistics how many people scroll and scroll and scroll and go all the way back to episode one.

So we thought this is a great opportunity to sprinkle in some of the best, most listened-to episodes that people just love — the ones they keep going back to — but are probably a year-plus old.

And we want to make it easy too, so you don't have to scroll and scroll and scroll.

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy this podcast from the vault.

This is not Jeopardy. They are not looking for, "Oh, they answered it correctly. They got the right answer." They're asking questions to fill space, to ultimately see if they can connect and trust this person.

It's really about connection. And I don't mean connection like, "Oh, we both went to Yale. Oh, our brothers are both firefighters." Not that kind of connection.

True connection is like, "Oh, I came out of this interview feeling like they're competent, but also feeling like there's somebody that I could work with, my team would work well with, or I trust."

Erin: Welcome to the b CAUSE Work Doesn't Have To Suck podcast with Erin and Nicole.

Nicole: Wait, are we recording?

Erin: Yes, this is our intro.

We've been friends long enough to basically go from idiots to executives, and then we got hit with the fake working world, the rat races, and all the parts of our lives where we needed a costume to cope.

So if you're in, drop the superhero disguises and photo filters and join us as we explore and empower authenticity everywhere.

Erin: Hey Nicole, did you know that I actually have free stuff to help people with their careers?

Nicole: Is that like the free top-level career blogging that you give me every week on the podcast?

Erin: No, yes, but a little bit nicer, a little more organized, and probably a tiny bit more helpful. My favorite is a free video course I call "Unstuck Yourself."

Nicole: Well, who doesn't want to get unstuck, Erin?

Erin: Exactly. So anyone can sign up by simply going to bauthenticinc.com/unstuck.

"Show me the money!" Is that what it takes to succeed in this world? A bold, brazen approach? Although this week's podcast guest, Molly Fletcher, has been called the "Female Jerry McGuire", you'll quickly learn that it was her authenticity, not her audacity, that drove her success.

We loved and have shared this episode so many times, that we had to bring it back to the top of your list!

Now a highly successful speaker, 5x author, and consultant, Molly shares the secrets to her success plus the best practices of the high-profile athletes, coaches, and broadcasters she worked with. Molly shares stories you'll never forget that prove she and others changed the game and how insights in their approaches can help you change the game in your career as well.

Molly's Website: Mollyfletcher.com

Connect with Molly on LinkedIn at Molly Fletcher

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: [email protected]

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

• "If you're authentic, kind, and real, people aren't going to slam the door on you and walk away."

• "When you ask for advice, you often get a job and when you ask for a job, you often get advice"

• "When you help people, when you add value to their lives, it gets harder for them to say 'no.'"

• "Act like you have the business, before you have the business."

• "They didn't sit back and rest on their talent. Talent isn't enough."

• "How do you identify the gaps in the lives of people we serve and anticipate those gaps and close them?"

• "Get into the heads and hearts of people that you want to serve."

• "How can I lean into who I authentically am, recognize the gifts in that and own that and see the superpower in it?"

• "Shift the story to 'I'm worth it!'"

• "A negotiation is a conversation, and conversations are better when you have a strong relationship."

• "Leaders forget what you do - kindly and authentically remind them."

Episode Transcript

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and readability.

In this episode of the B Cause Work Doesn't Have To Suck podcast, Erin Hatzikostas sits down with former sports agent, entrepreneur, author, and speaker Molly Fletcher to talk about authenticity as a competitive advantage. Molly shares lessons from her career representing elite athletes, negotiating major deals, building relationships, and using her authentic self as her secret weapon.

Authenticity Is a Strategy, Not Just a Personality Trait

Molly: When I think about authenticity, I think about being respectfully real. We have to have empathy and respect for others, but we also have to be who we are and have the confidence to do that.

Confidence doesn't come overnight. It comes one moment at a time, one conversation at a time, showing up the way we are truly wired and seeing that it can work.

When I was a sports agent, I was often the only woman in the room. I remember standing on the fence at Georgia Tech where I signed my first players. It was lined with scouts with stopwatches, chewing tobacco, and watching every move. And there I was, probably wearing pink pants, and people were thinking, "Who is this person? What is she doing here?"

But what I realized was that being exactly who I was allowed me to serve my players differently than the people I competed with. It didn't mean I was the right fit for everyone, but I didn't need everyone. I needed the people who aligned with me.

That's the lesson for leaders: authenticity is built moment by moment, day by day, conversation by conversation.

The Power of Asking for What You Want

Molly shares that one of the biggest lessons she learned from her parents wasn't something they told her — it was something they demonstrated.

Her mom was always willing to ask. Whether it was negotiating an expired grocery coupon or finding a better deal, Molly watched her mother believe that anything was possible if you simply asked for what you wanted.

That lesson followed Molly throughout her career.

After college, Molly wanted to work in sports but wasn't sure what that looked like. She eventually reached out to Zig Ziglar, someone she admired, and asked to learn from him.

His advice?

"Go out into the world and do something. Then go out into the world and talk about it."

That advice eventually led Molly into sports representation, where she built a career representing some of the biggest names in sports.

How Molly Created Opportunity Before She Had It

When Molly moved to Atlanta, she didn't have a job lined up. She had saved money, packed her Honda Accord, and moved with the belief that she would figure it out.

She started asking questions, networking, and looking for ways to create value.

One conversation led her to an apartment complex that needed a tennis professional. Instead of simply showing up and explaining her tennis skills, Molly thought about what mattered to the apartment manager.

The manager cared about keeping residents happy and keeping apartments filled.

So Molly created solutions. She partnered with a pizza restaurant to provide incentives, connected with Wilson for tennis gear, created newsletters, and showed up with value before she ever had the job.

The result? She lived in that apartment complex for free for nine years while running the tennis program.

The lesson: when you add value to people's lives, it becomes much harder for them to say no.

Negotiation: Stop Talking and Ask for What You Want

Molly explains that negotiation isn't about winning against someone else. It's a conversation built on relationships, trust, and value.

The biggest mistake people make in negotiations is continuing to talk after they ask for what they want.

Her advice:

Know the facts. Know your role. Know what you want. Then pause.

People often weaken their own position because they immediately start explaining, justifying, or negotiating against themselves.

Instead, confidently state your value and create space for the other person to respond.

Why People Forget Your Wins — And What To Do About It

Molly reminds listeners that leaders are busy. They forget.

That's why she encourages people to keep track of their accomplishments throughout the year.

Write down your wins. Document the projects you delivered. Capture the moments where you created impact.

When it's time for a promotion, raise, or important conversation, you shouldn't have to rely on memory. You should have evidence.

Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage

Molly believes authenticity was one of her greatest advantages as a sports agent.

She didn't try to become someone else. She recognized that her differences were actually strengths.

She wasn't the athlete. She wasn't the coach. She wasn't the broadcaster.

But she could represent those people because of the unique perspective she brought.

The goal isn't to be a fit for everyone. The goal is to find the people who value what makes you different.

Curiosity Creates Connection

Molly shares a story about negotiating with a general manager who ignored her throughout a meeting.

Instead of getting defensive, she became curious.

She noticed golf images rotating on his screensaver and started a conversation about one of the courses. That small moment created connection and completely changed the dynamic of the conversation.

Her lesson:

Curiosity is a superpower.

When you feel disconnected, shift from frustration to curiosity. That's where relationships are built.

Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

Molly's work around energy management comes from watching elite athletes. The best performers don't just manage their schedules — they manage their energy.

In the corporate world, people often fill their calendars with meetings, commitments, and obligations without asking whether those things actually matter.

The question isn't only, "Where is my time going?"

The better question is, "Where is my energy going?"

The goal is to show up fully for the moments and people that matter most.

Your Personal Mission Statement Can Guide Your Decisions

Molly believes people should have personal mission statements the same way companies do.

Her personal mission statement is:

"To lead, inspire, and connect with courage and optimism."

She uses that statement as a filter for decisions — both professionally and personally.

When she says no to something, she reminds herself that she is saying yes to something else that matters more.

The Biggest Lesson Molly Wants People to Remember

What does corporate America often think drives success?

Talent.

But Molly believes the real driver is something else:

Drive.

Talent can get you somewhere, but discipline, determination, and consistency are what keep you there.

The people who succeed long term are the ones who keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing in what they bring to the table.

Are you looking to position yourself for promotion, but unsure of how to do it authentically? Look no further than Stacy Mayer, the best-selling author of Promotions Made Easy.

Stacy Mayer is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of executive coaching and promotion strategy. As the creator of the Executive Ahead of Time group coaching program and host of the 'Women Changing Leadership with Stacy Mayer' podcast, she has helped countless corporate women achieve the career success they deserve.

In this episode, Erin and Stacy get into the nitty-gritty of how men and women perceive executive presence, how to demonstrate your skills and some actionable advice for advancing your career.

Whether you're striving for that next promotion or simply aiming to up your game, this one's for you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporatebadass/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacymayer/

Book: Promotions Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Executive Suite

Podcast: Women Changing Leadership with Stacy Mayer

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: [email protected]

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)

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DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments

• "We can't expect to just show up at our performance review and be like, Hey, why didn't I get a promotion?"

• "On my next one-on-one, instead of pretending like she knew I wanted it because of how hard I was working and the results I was getting, I literally said, and by the way, I want this job."

• "The most obvious at performance review time is that all decisions have already been made. If we know that all decisions have already been made before we walk into the room, we walk into it and we enter it very differently."

• "We're not gonna fix you, you're not broken. Where you're starting is already excellent. Let's just change the language a little bit and get engaged in the conversation and make things happen for you."