Have you been told you need more “Executive Presence” and are left wondering, “What does ‘Executive Presence” even mean?!” Or do you ever wonder what do recruiters and hiring managers look for in the talent they seek out?

This week Erin talks with Britt Bloch, Vice President of Talent Acquisition Strategy and Recruiting at Navy Federal in April 2021. This interview will give you all the 3D information and inspiration you need to answer those questions, and more.

Britt not only has a unique, inside-view into the world that is a black box for so many, her own story of success and bucking the norm will inspire you to do things your own way. Britt’s unique take on authentic leadership as well as finding talent with grit, resilience, and gravitas is without a doubt, Britt’s secret sauce.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Britt believes you should top shrinking to make someone else comfortable and instead be yourself, find a company culture that’s ready to embrace you, and never worry about Executive Presence again.

 Follow Britt on Linkedin 

Check out Britt's Website 

Busting the Myth of Executive Presence 

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

• “We want to have leaders that are inspiring and empowering and inclusive and emotionally connect with their teams. That's being a leader. That's presence.”

• “I love seeing somebody that's just been through hell and back and they've thrived because that translates into their work and how they engage with others.” 

• “If you come into a culture that readily embraces you, you're going to have joy and the work won't be depleting.”

• “When you showcase your expertise, you have the buffer to be different.”

• “You have to find your tribe…the people out in the field that are your champions. And there's plenty of people like that.”

• “You have to be you. You have to do you.”

• “You need to constantly seek out learning opportunities, proactively network, and absolutely don't shrink to make other people feel comfortable.”

Ever had a meeting with an executive and it didn’t quite go as planned? Instead of a clear and focused conversation you felt like you were word-vomiting your brilliant ideas, leaving the executive overwhelmed and completely burnt out?

In this episode, Erin and Nicole share corporate career advice with three tips on how to communicate with executives authentically that will help you not only feel more confident, but also stand out.

(Nicole also gives herself grades on each, and spoiler alert, they’re not great.)

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] 

Links mentioned in the episode

 @Grandma_Droniak  

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 literally spent a week, flat on my back, and there wasn’t even a hot guy involved.”

• “Some neighbors bring chicken soup. Your neighbors come with a bounty for $10.”

• “She didn't pull any punches at all up until the last minute when she was accusing nurses of stealing her donuts.”

• “The older, independent woman- we are not irrelevant. We have lots to say and do, and we're living our best lives.”

• “The government knows how much you owe them, but they don't tell you and they make you figure it out. And then if you get it wrong, you get in trouble.” ~Erin’s son, Mick

• “You’re going to be seen better. You're going to have a better impression. You're going to make a better connection or have better outcomes if you understand that less is more.”

• “The best thing you can do is go into every conversation looking for a connection.”

•   “Whatever, you've got to do. Whatever trickery you have to do to get over the fact that they're not some human.”  

In this episode, Erin hosts an intriguing interview with Elisa van Dam, Vice President of Allyship & Inclusivity at Simmons University, as well as the co-author of the survey, “The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace”.

Erin and Elisa dive into the results of research conducted and a survey derived from participants at their annual Simmons’ Leadership Conference entitled “Authenticity and Resilience”. Authenticity has always been at the heart of b Cause, but does the research tell us something different? Listeners get a view into their findings and Elisa’s perspective on the importance of authenticity, specifically for women in the workplace.

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

• “90% of respondents of the survey feel authenticity is important in the workplace.”

• “You have to plug into other people’s authenticity.” 

• “Women surveyed felt that being authentic makes them confident and being confident makes them authentic.”

• “People that can be their authentic selves in the workplace are more productive, more engaged.”.

• “When you are authentic at work the impacts for the organization are that you can build better relationships, be more productive, and have more confidence.”  

Ever wonder why you’re not getting that promotion or that special project? In this week’s episode, Erin and Nicole talk mentors, sponsors, and introduce listeners to the never-talked-about....anti-sponsors! Yep, the people that can trump all the goodness that comes with a sponsor.

Well, the good news is that there are ways to get anti-sponsors on your team. Erin and Nicole discuss a fresh (and more authentic)way to tackle your anti-sponsor situation. Hint: the key is in being excellent, authentic, and aware of the conversations around you while nurturing relationships with those against you.

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

• “Did I get drunk and eat everything in your refrigerator?”

• “Anti-sponsors can trump everything.”  

• “You have to be on the hunt for sponsors and ask yourself, ‘Is there anybody who would advocate for me?’”

• “Be aware of the conversation around you.”

• “Your boss might be your anti-sponsor.”  

• “You have to be aware of the curve balls that don’t reward those that buck the system but reward the chosen ones.”

• “The thing about being authentic, taking risks, and doing bold things with your career is...not everybody likes it.”

• “The through-line on all of this is: just be exceptional!”.  

• “3 Hallmarks: be transparent, be excellent and be consistent.”

Many company websites are nothing but facades with empty mission statements and value wheels. The concept looks good on the outside, but hollow on the inside. As Nicole put it: “To be your best authentic self, you have to be really mindful of everybody else in the experience with you.”

The good news is that with just a simple mindset shift you too can turn authenticity from a permission to a power. Hint: treated this way, authenticity will be a reflection on you, and it will all come back to you in amazing ways!

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

• “Give me a chicken leg and a D.J. and I am f*cking cool.” 

• “Think of authenticity as the concept of exposing yourself when people least expect it.” 

• “50 Italians at a wedding and no food; it was a wedding planned for Instagram and TikTok.” 

• “Use authenticity not as a permission but as a power.” 

• “Give me a corndog and a Magnum Bud! I would rather do that then go back to that wedding.” 

• “To be your best authentic self you have to be really mindful of everybody else in the experience with you.” 

• “It reminds me of a company website-the facade of value wheels and mission statements on websites-looks great on the outside but...!”.

BE MORE BANANA!! Erin interviews the incomparable and totally authentic Emma Stroud - Creator, Podcaster, Author, Speaker, MC, Coach, Businesswoman AND Clown. Emma is on a life voyage to persuade the world to adopt the life attitude to laugh, love and play more. Her stories will help you see there’s a greater connection between your disparate passions and a way to make money while having fun too. Authenticity is truly part of Emma’s character and without a doubt contributes to Emma’s success. As Emma says, “Have more fun enjoying your life!”, an attitude much needed.   In this interview, you’ll hear Emma share unforgettable stories and the secret to her success as well as best practices in her many roles. While listening to Emma’s real-life anecdotes. it’s hard not to smile. I mean, who couldn’t use a little Orange in their life? Connect with Emma Stroud:  Instagram: ​​ Linkedin: Podcast: Keep an eye out for Emma's book, Lessons From A Clown, which will be released on October 24th!   Tweetable Comments “Be more Banana’ became a thing. Have more fun enjoying your life!” “If you see me, I’m 5 foot two and a half. So I’m not a threatening banana.” “Society dictates what we do in life is important.” “Adulting does not have to be serious.” “In all the status and job titles, people forget they are human.” “Masks and facades drop when people connect and remember they are human.” “The Realistic is not far from the Dreamer.” “As long as you are aware of your critic you are already in a place of change.” “Invest in yourself when you are happy and not just in times of crisis.” “Surround yourself with good people.” “Never use money as why you can’t; it’s just about being brave.” “If you want to change, you have to give yourself the space to slow down-from there anything is possible.”   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.

Erin and Nicole are back and bring you a completely authentic, inside look at how they are planning to do a slight remod on the pod. In this episode you’ll get a peek behind the scenes of a brainstorming session between Erin and Nicole. You’ll hear how they are revamping (sort of) the b Cause podcast with fresh, focused work life topics and exciting, ambitious, authentic interviews with successful people. Tangible tips? You got ‘em. Practical advice? Check. Random and sometimes inappropriate stories? Yep, still in there. Authentic to the core? Of course. In the b Cause remod, Erin and Nicole plan to keep the best of the old while bringing in the best of the new. All of course to help you navigate the corporate BS and instead use authenticity as your secret weapon to success! 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 “It’s become pretty clear that the themes may start out with Nicple talking about how she’s the Antichrist of everything we’re going to talk about.” “There might be some clues here to why I sometimes feel a bit of career stagnation.” “My number one interview tip? Don’t fcking interview me.” “She said, ‘When you meet with an interviewer you should let them lead.’ and I was like, ‘Oh that’s not what we’re doing here?’” “Sadly, my phone is a centimeter behind my kids in terms of saving it.” “I feel like I walked into the La boheme of Sucky Songs.” “Erin has used the word ‘context’ like 400 times tonight.” “I have? That’s super weenie.” “We want to better serve everyone.” “Capture your youthful energy by working smarter and more authentically.” “You are not special at work.” “We are back – badass and focused!”

“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. 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.   Join Molly's monthly coaching huddles Enter b cause for $10.00 off   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 "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.”

Space is the ultimate soil for creativity. I mean, we all know that our best ideas come when we’re in the shower, car driving, or DMV. Then why don’t we give space to ourselves more often? It’s so easy to get caught up in the “doing” that we forget that our best “doing” happens after we get space to breath and think. And that’s just what we want to give you this week on b Cause. Back from a brief hiatus, Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant chat about what they've been up to since they've been away. You'll hear about 50th anniversaries, Nicole's namesake and hilarious escapades they've encountered while they've been gone. The two dive deep into the newly created National Authenticity Day - what it is, why it was created and how it plays a significant role for b Authentic inc. Erin and Nicole also share an announcement and what it means for the future of the b Cause podcast. 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'll trade in all the Rayguns and sex toys in the world for a good hair dryer." "And then, the coup d'état, the clencher, the bitch of all bitches-my hair dryer breaks the next day. " "You got NADS, we got NADS, one set of NADS to rule them all." "If you want to do it, you can freakin' do it. Create your own destiny." "Where is one place that you can take control?"

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."