b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/group-coaching

b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ www.facebook.com/groups/bCAUSEPodcast

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 https://www.bauthenticinc.com/dog-quiz

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/

Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/our-2-cents

We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/b-you-shop

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."

There has been so much in the news about how the pandemic is setting women back, as they disproportionately take on more of the home-schooling burden.

But no one is talking about the positive impact that Covid can bring to working women (or really anyone who wants to stand out.) Covid in many ways has shaken up the traditional, BS work environment. In this week's episode they give three actionable tips to stand out and get ahead during Covid.

In this week's catch-up between Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant, they start by talking about Erin's TV debut. Nicole also discusses her recent blood drive and getting new eyebrows.

Then Erin asks Nicole to give her authentic view on LinkedIn Learning. With a recent surge in "authenticity" as a buzzword across LinkedIn, Erin and Nicole discuss the effects they think it will have on people's view of the term, and how it can be both beneficial and damaging to the movement b Cause is trying to catalyze.

Erin discusses being on TV - on Zoom - to talk about how Covid has disproportionately impacted moms. She talks about the behind-the-scenes of TV, how to pitch, how to get ready for the screen - and how it's all about making it happen, and not just waiting for a chance opportunity.

Nicole has been a hot mess, forgetting to wear deodorant and eating pizza in the shower (although that last one doesn't sound like too bad an idea.)

Erin moves the conversation toward something slightly more tangible at the end: her three tips for taking advantage of the Covid situation as a working mom.

1: Networking. Don't just sit back, take advantage, reach out. Have a mutually beneficial conversation.

2: Include your children in your work. Explain your work to them or let them watch a call you're on. They might not know it's impacting them, but it will shape them as they grow.

3: Exploit your Authenticity! (duh!)

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/group-coaching

b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ www.facebook.com/groups/bCAUSEPodcast

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 https://www.bauthenticinc.com/dog-quiz

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/

Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/our-2-cents

We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/b-you-shop

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

Tweetable Comments:

"Authenticity can't be scripted."

"I got two snacks for donating blood, which is the highlight of my day."

"I have not been impaled through my vagina."

"The younger generation really care about their audience; they're not just disseminating information."

"Why is it so easy for me to be authentic? Because I just do the shit I want myself."

"My media person always says 'eyes and lips'...but I can't find the right lipstick, so I just put 6 of them on."

"Covid has disproportionately impacted moms."

"I'm walking into the shower while eating pizza."

"My shower just rains beer."

"Covid has brought out so many of my worst qualities."

"He gave me permission to eat whatever I wanted - thank you, Weird Al."

"I feel like people came here for tangible stuff, so maybe we should try for that."

"People are trying to put snowflakes back on the ground, but I'm trying to keep them up in the air."

"Us chicks - when you get us networking - watch out."

"Instead of asking your kids 'what do you want to be when you grow up?', ask them 'How do you want to be when you grow up?'"

"Authenticity isn't just a passive thing."

If you've always been an overachiever, then it really sucks when you hit a wall. And if you hit that wall in one area of your life, it's likely you'll hit the wall...everywhere.

That was Jen. She considers herself a successful person - a go-getter, over-achiever, happy-go-lucky person. She has always raised her hand for big things and that resulted in years of her climbing the corporate ladder. And then something happened (hint: she's not alone.) A crappy convergence of sorts. And one that she figured out how to overcome.

Erin Hatzikostas sits down with one of her clients, Jen DeSantis, to discuss her life and her recent transformation.

Erin asks who "little Jen" was growing up, and how she landed where she is today. She wanted to be a writer, to tell stories, but she also wanted to be a singer - so she pursued both for a while, before deciding on pursuing marketing and business as a more viable career option.

Graduating into a less than ideal work climate, she took a job in local real estate for two years before being approached by a marketing company. From there she travelled the world, learning to market to, and work with, international audiences in a corporate environment.

After having her first daughter she decided to take a step back. She cut down on the international travel and started work in a more "comfortable" jobs. But she realized, that wasn't her. Jen knew she could do more; she could raise her daughter and push her career simultaneously.

So she took a new role in the organization, had a second child, and tried to battle the job market throughout the Covid Crisis. And she still felt stuck and frustrated. That's when she landed at Erin's doorstep.

But, before we get onto that, Erin wants to know more about Jen's short musical ventures, starting in college when she was asked to sing for Julie Andrews.

Erin then talks about the similarities she has seen in clients and at what stage of their lives/career they approached her. Which leads her to asking Jen why she approached Erin for advice. (It helps that Erin isn't a robot and actually takes the time to reply in person.)

Erin discusses how she knows when a client has "it": the potential and talent she can see in people, and how quickly she saw this in Jen. They talk through Jen's first group coaching session, the up's and downs, and Jen getting real in front of strangers.

Jen goes on to explain how she used everything she learned from Erin to go for her dream job and secure it, and how happy she is now.

Erin asks Jen whether she has any insights or thoughts for the listeners. Jen explains she wants her daughter to be proud of her, and that really motivates her to keep pushing herself.

They end by discussing the importance of having coaching and guidance in life, and how facing challenges with a strong network, friends, and coaches, is key to being successful in what you want to achieve.

Linkedin: Jen DeSantis

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/group-coaching

b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ www.facebook.com/groups/bCAUSEPodcast

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 https://www.bauthenticinc.com/dog-quiz

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/

Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/our-2-cents

We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/b-you-shop

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

Tweetable Comments:

"I kept falling into the shadow of my father."

"How do I make my own name, so they remember me?"

"I have the same birthday as her, so we are connected no matter what."

"Working hard, raising your hand, being bold...those things only take you so far."

"It was 10pm on a Friday night, and you replied...so I'm like, ok, she's real."

"I could tell you were going to help me vocalize what I was thinking."

"If you want to be a leader, you have to get into a role that is 50% uncomfortable."

"I hate this. This is not me. This is not what I set out to be."

"I truly brought my authentic self to that call."

"You said, 'Jen, describe yourself in one word.' And I said, 'Unsupported!' And then I burst into tears."

"I've only had three breakdowns in my life. And that was one of them."

"Yes! I got the job!"

"I wanted my own thing, whatever that would be. But I forgot I could do my own thing."

"We've been celebrating change. Like really celebrating change."

"I want her to be so proud of me that she want to be like me."

"Getting through life, getting through these challenges, cannot be done alone."

What happens when you place the stat of your happiness on one thing? On your job, on the government, on just one person. Hint: likely nothing good.

In this week's episode, Erin and Nicole talk bout Ruth Bader Ginsberg's passing and how that could affect the nation. They talk about how it doesn't have to be all sadness. The overarching lesson: you don't have to be a Supreme Court Judge to make an impact. You simply need to be willing to say the things people need to hear, when they least want to hear them.

Erin Haztikostas and Nicole Licata Grant start off talking about the Zoom touch-up filter (yep, so not authentic but oh well) Erin's been experimenting with as of late, and Nicole describes her dream filter (if anyone from Zoom is listening, take note.)

Erin talks about their recent Tedx Tailgate, where Erin ran through her Tedx Talk for the first time without a script. Nicole likens the Tedx speech process to that of a hostage situation.

Erin talks about meeting the diverse group of speakers that will be at the event, and how her topic will fit in. Nicole shares her latest day helping run a Food Drive, and why she (mostly) thinks they are BS.

They talk about the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg, how they fely when they first heard the news, what concerns and questions it raises for the future, and what a powerful, intelligent, and inspiring person she was.

Erin shares thoughts on how people can carry on her legacy, even if they feel like they don't have the power and prominence to match Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Maybe we don't each need to bring the Supreme Court to it's knees, but if we each do whatever we can, and slide each small puzzle piece into place, we can make a difference.

They discuss what the future may hold for Law, civil rights, and democracy across America.

Erin then asks what positives she would take from the current time and circumstances. The answer? Don't be meek about your missions (and yes, Erin probably had to google the word "meek.")

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/group-coaching

b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ www.facebook.com/groups/bCAUSEPodcast

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 https://www.bauthenticinc.com/dog-quiz

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/

Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/our-2-cents

We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/b-you-shop

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

Tweetable Comments:

"Did you just say Seffra? It's Sephora."

"It's art, it's the delivery, the tone, the inflection, how and when to pause...it's kind of like a hostage situation, that's theatre too right?"

"There is nothing happening in the world right now that doesn't deserve some kind of debate."

"If it doesn't stir controversy, well then maybe you're dead."

"It's very easy to live in an echo chamber, and that's a very dangerous place to live."

"I am fully over make-up."

"It was not even a person ago."

"Change happens when you say the things people need to hear, when they don't want to hear them."

"You can't come to Thanksgiving when the turkey is being carved and expect appetizers."

"We're in a system where change happens in courtrooms."

"This woman has a vision of a time that didn't even exist. She was like a time machine."

"She wasn't anybody but herself."

"If your grandmother is the Supreme Court Justice...that's pretty cool."

Exposing your authentic self can be hard, especially at work. But is it even harder for people (especially women) of color? La-Toya Hackney joins the b Cause "couch" to talk about the "thoughtful fearlessness" she used to help her go from being a self-proclaimed nerd from North Phili to becoming the Senior Vice President for a global 500 company.

La-Toya shares her journey, including the four very powerful questions she uses to evaluate whether it's time for change or not. "You own your career", she says. And she shows you she's done just that for her own.

Erin Hatzikostas meets with her friend La-Toya HAckney, for a discussion on discrimination, determination, and La-Toya's journey in life so far. With an undergraduate degree from Stanford and a Law degree from Harvard, and now entering a job as SVP, General Council and Secretary for Saint-Gobain, La-Toya is a source of authentic inspiration for us all.

Erin introduces La-Toya, her accomplishments, and how they met. Then Erin asks her to describe who young La-Toya was and what she was like. She tells us she was a nerd before it was cool to be a nerd, an only child raised by a single mom, and a Philly girl through and through.

Wanting to take a non-traditional path in life, La-Toya planned to overcome the assumptions people might have about her by having a laser focus on her goals - becoming a lawyer and having an education from the top schools in the country.

Erin asks La-Toya what it was like to attend Stanford and what she got out of that education. While at Stanford she also did a semester at Howard, and another semester studying at Oxford (all of this by 18 years-old!) La-Toya shares some calming advice that her mom shared with her about being a black woman getting ready to head out into the world.

Erin asks La-Toya to share some advice on what she would say to other young, disadvantaged people today who may not be able to get an Ivy League education. LA-Toya would give you the same advice she's giving her daughter: go where you'll feel most nurtured. Not everyone wants or will go to an Ivy League college, so find the right choice for you.

La-Toya then discusses what resources she's giving her daughter to cope with discrimination in the world. She talks about how her daughter's perspective however is different than that of La-Toya's. She's hopeful that her daughter, and other women of color, will have to face less adversity than she did.

La-Toya lets us in on her four questions she asks herself when she is accessing her career. Am I learning? Am I growing? Am I contributing? Do I still like the people? If she answer is no to any of these questions, then she knows she has to make an adjustment or change.

Erin reflects on when and why people may be saying "no" to these questions, and her own experiences on when some of the answers to hose questions were certainly "no" for her.

Erin asks about La-Toya's husband, how they maintain a marriage and co=parenting as they both work in very demanding jobs and share difficult experiences. Linkedin: La-Toya Hackney

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/group-coaching

b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ www.facebook.com/groups/bCAUSEPodcast

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 https://www.bauthenticinc.com/dog-quiz

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/

Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/our-2-cents

We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/b-you-shop

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

Tweetable Comments:

"Nerds are cool now. I was a nerd when it was not cool at all."

"I'm a Philly girl through and through."

"I had a super lazer focus. I know, I sound like a fun kid, right?"

"Being in a different environment, you have to really stretch yourself and adjust."

"Stanford allowed me to craft my own unique undergraduate experience."

"As a black woman going into Law, they may not like other things about you, but they can never deny your credentials."

"I always expect a certain amount of discrimination I will have to push back against."

"You have to reveal more of yourself to effectively lead teams."

"Authenticity does not equal transparency."

"Do not feel pressured to build your family in any way that is not authentic to yourself."

"Not every single moment needs to be cracking the glass ceiling."

"To whom much is given, much is required."

Work has such funny shit, why aren't we laughing at it more? Women's conferences are a treasure trove of brilliant ideas, awkward meetings, and straight-up bizarre situations. Especially when it comes to the techniques for ice breakers, like maintaining eye contact for 10 minutes. From the co-hosts of the b Cause podcast with Erin & Nicole, they take to the coach to say the things you are thinking but are too afraid to say out loud (well, at least on the internet.)

Check out more on our b Authentic inc Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj-QCA1-XckiHxlCCflzH-g

We're all so programmed to do all the things. And do them quickly. But what might happen if you slow the ef down and give yourself permission to focus on small things? Hint: you'd see BIG transformation. In your work and in your life.

This week Erin and Nicole do a deep dive check-in on how Erin's TEDx Talk is coming along (live on October 10th!), and what they find are so many lessons learned that can be applied to all of career and life.

They kick off the episode talking about how broken Nicole Licata Grant feels right now. Well, mostly her computer.

They share their WTF moments of the week, which have happy endings and...happy dead people?! Erin Hatzikostas loses the diamond on her wedding ring, and Nicole receives a mystery package from a distant family (well, sorta) member.

Do you listen to the universe? Do you think it has an energy? Erin and Nicole discuss what they think on the topic, and what signs they've been sent recently.

Nicole tells a story of visiting a medium, and what her grandmother wants to tell her from beyond the grave.

Erin discusses the process of applying to do a TED Talk - how persistency, overcoming rejection, and practice, is key. She talks about how to logistically get through the talk and the writing process. Erin shares what she learned about herself and the process...and how that applies to so much more than preparing a TED Talk!

Nicole links into some of Erin's advice on writing by reflecting on her future diary, and how she feels she may have written it with too much focus on what other people would want her to be doing. So, Erin asks her, if she could pick one thing, what would she change?

They then discuss how to focus on the small things that matter to you, and how you shouldn't always focus on the big things in life, because it's the small things that will be the tipping point for bigger transformation.

Nicole talks about her issue with the current lack of human interaction, and how she feels uncomfortable with the idea that people will get used to seeing each other less, and more used to a virtual world without in-person interaction.

Though, maybe this is a projection of her feelings towards the Virtual Baby Shower she has to attend.

Either way, Erin has some ideas to save the day, and if you our listeners have any ideas, send them in too!

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/group-coaching

b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ www.facebook.com/groups/bCAUSEPodcast

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 https://www.bauthenticinc.com/dog-quiz

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/

Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/our-2-cents

We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/b-you-shop

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

Tweetable Comments:

"Your shit is broken. You're broken. Everything is broken."

"I'm really good at deflecting."

"I'm Italian. I can't talk without my hands. If you tied them down, I'd probably be quiet."

"She's the third wife of my mom's first cousin's first husband."

"Persistency is key."

"We run this Compromise Calculation, where you see this inverse correlation between your career and everything else."

"You see people on the big stage, but it's the Mondays and Tuesdays that make the good speakers. It's the practice."

"I think I need to go through a healing process."

"My perfect day needs to be very quiet."

"It's not the big things that make things tip. It's the small things that cause big transformation."

"A good laugh goes a long way."

"The fact that we're getting lazy about making human interactions s not healthy."

"I'm going to maximize the shit out of these festivities."

"Even out of broken things, we can make magic."

Often we have this perception of "woman at the top." They don't have kids. Or if they do, they must be willing to sacrifice so much for their career.

What if that wasn't how it had to be? Well, it's certainly not the case for Jean LaTorre. Jean talks about her rise from a family that had trouble making ends meet to becoming the Chief Investment Officer for a Fortune 50 company. And how she did that while remaining true to herself and her family.

Erin Hatzikostas interviews Jean LaTorre, former Chief Investment Officer and Corporate Economist of Aetna and the current Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Guardian.

Erin asks Jean how she started her career, and what she was like when she was younger. Jean talks about how she grew up "more than modest" in New York, sometimes struggling for rent or surviving on food stamps. After a poignant moment when her mom wasn't able to pay for Jean's health care incident, Jean decided she would make sure she could always "make ends meet."

She went to college and although English was her passion, she coupled that degree with a major in business. It was "practical", she says. She then started her career in the Investment world and continually worked her way up the corporate ladder, progressing from one strong position to another.

Erin reflects on a time Jean inspired her with a speech at a women's conference, with words that have stuck with Erin to this day, "I like being a girl."

Erin asks Jean to discuss tough managers and colleagues, and share some advice on how to deal with the more difficult of your work acquaintances.

Have you ever been passed by for an opportunity because your boss thinks you would be too stressed to handle the kids and the work? Or maybe you were in a car accident and your bosses only reply is "get here and get your head in the game."

Well, that happened to Jean. So yeah, she has a few tips and tricks on how to handle it.

Next, Erin asks Jean to give some advice for the working moms out there - what kind of boundaries to put up between work and home. Jean says "Stop beating yourself up, there's no one right way to do something."

They move on to discuss what drives Jean to work with different organizations, such as PRIDE, the LGBTQ+ Community at Guardian.

She reminisces on when she became Chief Investment Officer...in January 2008, so, that was a hard year. Then she gives her take on the current economic and social situation.

Erin talks about writing her book, and how to get around telling truthful stories without hurting the people involved. This opens an opportunity for Jean and Erin to share funny stories they've both experienced as it related to the workplace that they think would go well in a book.

Linkedin: Jean LaTorre

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/group-coaching

b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ www.facebook.com/groups/bCAUSEPodcast

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 https://www.bauthenticinc.com/dog-quiz

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 @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/

Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/our-2-cents

We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ https://www.bauthenticinc.com/b-you-shop

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

Tweetable Comments:

"I had this fear I always had to make ends meet."

"You have to leave your comfort zone. You could stay in your comfort zone, but then you wouldn't expand."

"No matter where I was, I thought I was at the top of my game."

"I really like being a girl."

"In family responsibility, more than 50% lies within the woman."

"Don't assume."

"All I'm doing is stressing and rushing."

"When I'm at work I need to be present at work, and when I'm at home, I need to be present at home."

"Stop beating yourself up."

"When I'm gone someday and my children talk about me, I want them to say 'my mother loved me.'"

"An important part of being involved in communities you're not part of is that you can serve as an ally."

"What breaks my heart is the story of a child that doesn't feel loved."

"Is she the pretty one or the smart one? I still don't know which one to this day."

Erin and Nicole take you smack dab in the middle of their Future Diary process as it unfolds. Join alongside them as Nicole discovers a future she cannot live without, and Erin talks her through the steps to make it happen.

What did you write in your Future Diary? If you haven't yet written one, stop right there and carve out 30 minutes to make it happen! What one thing will you not compromise on having? And what one, first step will you take towards achieving it? It's truly that simple.

We start the episode off with some inspiring music. Erin Hatzikostas has found the perfect song for running, and air-drumming at the gym - Rise Up by Imagine Dragons.

She also talks about an article she helped to write for Well+Good - "It's Been 5 Months Since Pants Died-But Is the Work From Home Dress Code Compromising Productivity."

But after a brief conversation on music, Nicole Licata Grant can escape her homework review no longer: The Future Diary.

Nicole talks about how she had trouble getting into what she thought was the right mindset to write this Future Diary. She realizes that maybe being in a bad place is in fact a good time for her to write. Erin talks about how a Future Diary is not meant to impress people or be fancy writing. They are just supposed to be honest about what your perfect day would be.

Then they both decide to talk through each of their Future Diaries. Erin asks Nicole to focus on one thing that stands out from her diary. For Nicole it's focussing on creating an artistic outlet: interviewing artists, dancing, writing, and more. So then Erin asks, what would be your first step to do that? Nicole decides she's going to write a blog: a series f funny essays.

Erin also asks her how it would feel to not achieve any of this. How would it feel to never achieve a single thing you wanted to, from the biggest part of your perfect day, to the smallest thing?

Reflecting on the last question, Nicole starts to realize things about her current situation, and how she thinks she should be feeling about life. Erin encourages her to start thinking about trying to impress herself more than those around her.

Erin then asks Nicole to go out and find five extenders - 5 people who have the success that Nicole wants and share their stories of how they got there.

Erin then reads from her Future Diary. If you think it sounds grandiose, remember this is her third time writing one, and the first two largely came true. That is the point of the Future Diary, if you set out where you want to be in life, you are so much more likely to get there.

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

Tweetable Comments:

"Do I look like a Hoodlum or what?"

"Nothing has ever made me WANT to run."

"ISn't there a makeup feature on Zoom yet?"

"You can't wait for the perfect mindset to move forward."

"Make it messy. Make it happen. Then make another one."

"The Future Diary is not supposed to impress people."

"We have a lot of societal cue's around women."

"There are things that have me on the hamster wheel and make me feel chained."

"You have to get to a place where you're more concerned with impressing yourself than impressing others."

"I tackle routine shit with the same fervor and energy that I tackle things at work."

"You're either on the Rocketship to success or you're on the street."

"It's like mindfulness and gratitude got put on autoplay for us."