b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck

Nicole Licata Grant gets accountable to her financial goals and sits down with guest Alexandra Miele to discuss real-life financial challenges, biases, and decisions that can be both obstacles and a door to the 'big life' we all want (or at least the "liberation" many of us hope for someday!)

Alex is a Certified Financial Planner® and a Partner at a wealth management firm in Connecticut. Recently named one of Forbes Magazine's 2019 Best-in State Next-Gen Advisors, she has been practicing for 12 years and takes a hands-on educational approach to working with clients and serving their financial needs.

So, if you are worried about understanding finances and where your money is going, or can't figure out how to take risks, even struggling with talking to your partner or still questioning those next big financial moves, then listen in to hear Alex's expert advice on how we can secure our financial present, take ownership of our independent futures, and move past what has held us back all along.

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"I originally found myself working with women, going through major transitions, such as divorce, the death of a spouse, a new job."

"When I started I was 21, so it was quite hard to say to people 'hey let me manage your finances.'"

"We are legally fiduciaries, we are held to a fudiciary standard, which is my favorite F word - there's a nerdy joke for you."

"We want to be your first call when something major happens, because at the end of the day that helps me be a better advisor to you."

"When I get to put things in boxes or check boxes it is like eating chicken nuggets, immensely satisfying."

"I've liberated myself of things that are tying me down, by either selling them, donating them, or blowing them up."

"I don't think I've heard liberation fund yet, I might steal that."

"I think there's this fear about money in general, that we're all socially trained about."

"At the end of the day most people just want to know 'Am I doing the right stuff?'"

"You're told your whole life to be fiscally conservative, don't take any risk, don't think about fantastic returns - be happy with what you have. But that's counter-intuitive."

"When we as women are taking less risk, and we're earning less money...we're shooting ourselves in the foot."

8 out of 10 can rattle off their mortgage payments, cable bill...but can't tell me about their lifestyle expenses."

"When you have a partner...You can divide the labor, but you cannot divide the responsibility of taking your financial life, understanding it, and knowing what the big picture is."

"Actuarially, we live longer than the guys do...that's a homage to Erin."

"What the listeners can't see is, as soon as Nicole said 'we hope everyone would do the right thing' I immediately started shaking my head."

"You're not getting a wake-up call, you're getting a wake-up gut punch."

"I don't want to trade my future for my present, nor do I want to trade my present for my future."

"It's short-term pain, intermediate-term gain."

Want to catch up on what the heck b CAUSE is all about? Or are you a superfan and would love a chance to walk down memory lane with Erin and Nicole? If you said "yes" to either of those, this episode is for you!

Join our hosts, Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant, as they pause, take a deep breath, and celebrate the fact that somehow they punched out 30 podcast episodes in the last 7 months.

Join this episode to hear them recount and recap some of the best moments and most poignant thoughts that have come out of the "first 30". Of course and as always, these are lots of laughs (mostly at their own expense) to be had in the episode. And there's also a lot of raw emotion and inspiration to be drawn as well.

Happy 30th to our listeners! Here's to be 30+ more!

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"People will see how you start to understand your uniqueness and your value, and that's what's really cool about this."

"I'd been out sniffing butts."

"This concept of compassion is exactly what's needed."

"I think that was the one where you had walked 300ft in the morning and your phone was shocked at your profound activity."

"Part of the art of this has been vulnerability, opening up, real-time therapy...lots of humor."

"We hate this concept of binary."

"If we'd thought about this relationship very binary, so much magic wouldn't have happened for both of us."

"We attract certain people for a certain reason."

"We decided to interview people on the streets, not only with our recorder but with our wind guard that looks like Don King's hair."

"Don't forget about the CEO of the Hotdog Stand who tried to take you to New York for a 'not date'..."

"I mean I was exhausted...but then we went and ate everything, so I was fine."

"Forget safety, live where you fear to live, destroy your reputation, be notorious."

"For people just tuning in you should know that Nicole uses really big words and my vocabulary sucks."

"I'm going to act like an Impeachment Trial 'I don't recall any of that.'"

"If you want to be a great leader, look around you at what everyone else is doing, and do the complete opposite."

"Time for a rant: I have lived out east now for 22/23 years, and no one knows Michigan has two Peninsulas - get with the program people."

"Be a rebel, mom."

"If you're looking for a rollercoaster of relationships, and topics, and intellect, and talking about Urban America, watch episode 12."

"When I started the podcast, I didn't realize it was going to be such a journey of self-discovery."

"Wait, she's learning about sec before she learns about Santa?"

"In this complex world, we try to solve that with big solutions, but actually it's often just the simple things that make a difference."

"Episode 16/17 - our first two-part episode - this is for people going through a complete shitshow at work."

"Mick's awesome mantra: belive, achieve, repeat."

"What always sticks in my head is she started a mega-law office with a folding table and chair."

"I think we were carved from the same stone at birth - though she's younger and has much longer legs than I do."

"You have to expand your definition of what a paycheck is, what do you get for it, and what is financial security."

"She doubled down, kept building a business, and has essentially created her dream life."

"I don't have a handbag for work and a 2-ton truck for life. I'm driving the U-Haul everywhere."

"We talk about what to do when your boss is a bully, or if your colleagues are bullies, and what to do in the situation...we also talk about suburban pornography."

"Authenticity is great but what if your authentic self is an asshole."

"We turned 29 into a drinking game, but for coffee...which might actually be more detrimental for me because of my caffeine addiction."

Is there a dream job? Is there a dream life? Is there any possible way to "have it all"?

This week Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant sit down to discuss the journey they have taken so far, what they have both learned from it about themselves and each other, and then bring into question their mottos and advice, showing how important self-reflection is.

While discussing their journeys, both personal and professional, they let you in on some recent good news, for both of them, and also some whacky stories in the WTF moments of the week - FYI stay away from poison ivy and poisonous car dealers.

It's important for everyone to reflect on what has passed, to be critical of themselves, and to highlight the positives so that moving forward we can all grow and develop.

Listen in for another 'How Was Your Week?' wild ride.

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"I used to not be open to it at all, 'I don't want your epiphanies, it sounds like a cheap candy - put it back in the candy bowl."

"This outside perspective, the different perspective, is something I think is really powerful."

"When things start getting touchy-feely I'm immediately thinking 'we've gotta bring a spreadsheet to his, I need a diagram or something.'"

"You're heading to Broadway but you've ended up on 9th. But that's not where you're supposed to be, and you wouldn't have so many barriers if you'd taken that right turn."

"Who says this is the top?"

"If you keep just doing the things and hitting the deadlines, that is the best way to blend in."

"The 'dream job' is not a static thing, and it's probably not even a job, it's a dream life."

"Failures are the golden eggs of opportunity."

"I look at myself and I say 'Nicole you're not a distance runner, you're not gonna win a marathon' and I'm ok with that, so why would I try and win the corporate marathon?"

"I think that 'you can have it all' has been said so many times that we've let society define it."

"Own your all."

"Do you remember when we named it b CAUSE, because we had a cause...and because we had no clue what we were doing."

"Why do we keep asking perfection of ourselves, when we are dealing with something that is so imperfect."

"You're the kind of person that just gets shit done."

"If you keep doing the things and hitting the deadlines, that is the best way to just blend into the wall."

"Monday I was coming back from a wedding, shit got all messed up, and I was running a board meeting from a truck stop in New Jersey."

"If you were perfect people might think that you're not human."

"I got there at 9. I was in the poison ivy bush by about 9:36."

"There's greatness, and there's great work to be done, and I want to get the fuck to it."

Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant sit down to discuss the topic of the week: open office spaces. Do they work? Are they efficient? Can we develop them in a positive direction? Or are they just another example of trying to solve a root problem with the wrong solution?

Sound Boring? Of course, it never is on b CAUSE. But if you want to be fully sold, you can make this episode a drinking game. every time you hear the word "authentic", take a drink (ADVISORY WARNING: Do try this at home, not at work.)

They, of course, tackle a number of other first world problems, like why duvet cover changing is a 2-person job and the problem of massively expensive china on wedding registries of people that likely live in a 500 sq foot home.

Oh, and let's not forget Erin's breakthrough news - b Authentic inc is official! That's right, it's a registered trademark and allll theirs!

Getting down to the nitty-gritty, they talk about how different leaders use the term "authenticity", what it means to an individual, and if it's even possible to define in a broader sense.

Nicole reflects on her recent mentoring session with someone she knows, and what she herself took from the experience. Erin, coaching the session, relates this back to the workplace with some advice everyone can implement.

Another How Was Your Week episode packed full of stories, advice, and some nutty fun.

If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options...

Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @ https://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"That bitch, Bed Bath & Beyond - I feel like it's America society that has sold us this lie of a duvet."

"I'm all about the side hustle."

"You're telling me you have the space to store, like, 16+ sets of china in New York City?"

"I had to make a business plan - well, I don't actually have a frickin' business plan."

"I'm probably a terrible customer too. I'm not going to deny it. I'm a bit cranky and hold them to these high standards I think I deserve."

"If we had to change the branding I don't even know what I'd choose, it would just be something very similar like 'be kind of yourself...inc?"

"I had someone tell me it's an oxymoron to define what authenticity is - and I kind of agree with that."

"hat if the leader's authentic self just sucks?"

"Authenticity is just not lying to yourself."

"Trying to achieve some measure of success based on the ego or the self is seen as somehow taking away from the greater mission, or the ultimate impact."

"Part of the identity is around sacrifice in the non-profit world. But I'm not sure if that is a long-term strategy for success or wellness."

It's hard to have meaningful interactions when you're working three jobs."

"There's always shitty leadership and people just going through the motions."

"That's why you call it a job. Stuff's broken and you've gotta fix it. That's 95% of jobs."

"Don't think going into things that they will be better or easier, but sometimes the mere function of change can open up a world in which you didn't know you had."

"I'm pretty sure self-checkouts are conspiracy theories to make cashiers look good."

"Let's just hope I don't drop anything on my boobs."

"It goes back to a root issue that people are not having deeper, richer conversations in their workplace."

"How do we put on our leadership pants, our leadership skirts, and how do we inspire? How do we encourage?" "How do we make things less complex, instead of asking, 'Hey, Nicole, do you have anything else to add?', you just ask 'What else?'"

"Most meetings don't end up being meetings at all. They end up being a platform to vomit information on people, and then to walk away without any clear next steps."

"Slow down and inspire."

"Lead where you are."

"It's better to be seen as ridiculous than not be seen at all."

Erin Hatzikostas ('Mooki') sits down with retired Air Forse Chief Master Sergeant, Tim Pachasa ('Chachi') to discuss his 24 years in the military: How does leadership apply in life and death situations? How does it compare to a pseudo-corporate type setting?

Chachi discusses his inspirations as a High School Senior looking for the next step in life, watching events unfold such as Black Hawk Down and icons like Tim Wilkinson, and how this led him to the Air Force.

Erin asks about his new podcast, and his company CAPE Lead (Caring, Alignment, Perspective, Expectations.)

They discuss the term "expectations"; what does it mean and how can you use them properly and efficiently?

Erin asks his biggest advice to allow leaders to thrive.

Listen in for a Veteran's approach to leadership, coming from one of the hardest jobs there is. There is no room for failure, but how did he measure success?

You can find more about Chachi, his podcast, and his company at the following:

Podcast: CAPE Lead Website: capelead.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @chachipachasa Twitter: @timpachasa Facebook: Cape Lead

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"It's extremely challenging, extremely rewarding, and I loved every second of service."

"In High School, I was voted two things: Most likely to be on Oprah and Most likely to be a Shoe Salesman."

"I knew if I went to college, where most of my friends were going, I would have just pissed it away. I knew I didn't have the discipline to do that."

"Most people have two distinct steps: when they enter the Military and when they JOIN the Military."

"It was really at my lowest moment that I realized what I wanted to become."

"I wanted the people who went home at the end of the day after working for me...I wanted them knowing they did what they could, with what they had at that time, regardless of the circumstances and whether they wanted to or not."

"I wanted to help shape environments for people to thrive."

"I ask people 'Do you want to be a good leader, a great leader, or a superhero leader?"

"If you're always under-promising and over-delivering, you'll never know what your team's true capacity for work is."

"We're so used to the five W's, how could it be wrong if it's alliteration right? So we stick with it, but we haven't passed our understanding of it."

"You, and you alone, are in charge of your awesomeness."

"The first step to good leadership is simply being a good dude or a good chic. I call it 'dudership' and 'chicership'."

"Let's focus on being good people, treating each other well, and shaping the right conversations."

Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant sit down for another "How Was Your Week?" episode, and this time, they're actually in the same room!

They talk about everything from Erin's new fascination with Dr. Scholl's shoes - they're stylish, they're affordable, they're damn good for your feet - to tackling obstacles by breaking them into manageable milestones. Erin and Nicole catch up in person with laughter, good food, and good advice.

They discuss the problems and suggest solutions to 'Boss Bullying'. What is it? How to identify it. How to deal with it, and approach it from an appropriate place. They both share stories of their own, and others, of times they have had to deal with bullying behavior in the workplace, and this conversation could help many out there facing the same issues.

Lastly, Erin and Nicole preview their upcoming "Ladies Conference Takeover" event - a live event in NYC!

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"It's like voyeurism. It's a form of Suburbian Pornography." Nicole regarding Reality TV/Podcasts.

"You're the Urban in my Suburban."

"They're shoes made of sustainable materials...now we just have to ask about their policy on child labor, but other than that..."

"Am I neuro-typical?...I've gotta make sure you're not making shit up ith those big words you use."

"The point is not to lose weight. The point is to be more self-loving. Because I'm shitty at that."

"We have to take obstacles and break them in to much smaller milestones."

"I have this defiant part of my brain that always says, 'you're not gonna tell me what to do' even if it's me telling it what to do - my inner two-year-old."

"In this world of collaboration and open management, even people at your own level, people with any amount of control - there is varying levels of bullying that goes on."

"You have to stick up for yourself. And you have to go right back at them in a way that is appropriate and authentic for you."

"Once you start feeling uncomfortable, once your gut says that it's inappropriate, the first thing you do is start documenting."

"If you can take a deep breath, if you can take a moment, you can then acknowledge it and deal with it."

"The one thing that always sticks with me is how insecure bullies are."

"HR is not there specifically to help employees. They are there to protect the company."

"The Godfather is the best management guide you've ever seen. And nobody likes a rat. So you have to be careful about how you go about sharing your story."

"You have to create your own tribe to help you survive."

"We all have the ability and responsibility to recognize and make change in our own lives."

"Your best defense mechanism is to be f*cking excellent."

"You have to wear your insecurities on the outside. Their own insecurities drive them. Because they pray on yours. There's no fuel. They're going to implode or moce onto somebody else."

"The universe listens to the brave."

0:49:21 And I think that's the moral. And if not, you need to seek resources. And I agree with you, sometimes that's HR, but also I think mentors and sponsors and people are way more powerful.

0:49:34 You're a tribe. You're tribe. And whether that's just getting you through it or pointing you maybe backdoor to somebody or helping you with the chess match that unfortunately it really is. And ultimately look around yourself, and if this person is not an outlier and if you don't see a path...

0:49:54 It's probably not the right place for you.

0:50:03 And sometimes there are probably people listening who are like, "I'm not at the decision-making table. I'm just like a poor innocent victim." And what I'll say to that too is like, we all have the ability and the responsibility to make change in our own life.

0:50:22 And to recognize when shit's not right. And if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. But your best defense mechanism is to be f****** excellent. You can't counter a bully or bullshit if you aren't excellent. So you have to protect yourself and make sure you don't get completely demoralized and beat down because you have to be excellent.

0:50:37 And you have to wear your insecurities on the outside. You have to be f****** transparent because they prey on your insecurities. Their own insecurities are what drive them.

0:50:50 They prey on yours. So if they can't make you sad or hurt or make you feel less or make you feel underpaid, they got no fuel.

0:51:04 They have no fuel. There's no fuel. They're gonna implode or they're gonna move on to somebody else.

0:51:11 Go back to the childhood days. I was bullied a lot as a child. Not a surprise. But if they get nothing from you, they got nothing to fuel them. They'll move on.

0:51:20 That's right. And that's another strategy and technique, which I've used for over 10 years now, and I can't tell you how many people have said, "Oh my God, that makes such a difference."

0:51:32 At the end of the day, there's three pockets of people. There's the people that you really trust — the best bucket, right?

0:51:39 There's people that you just know you don't trust. And then the people in the middle. And the people in the middle are the worst.

0:51:45 You always have to be finding those people that are in the middle. Maybe there's a story to yourself where you're like, "I don't think they like me," or "sometimes they're nice to me, sometimes they're not."

0:51:53 And I think those are the ones you have to work on the most. You have to get them in one bucket or another.

0:51:58 Don't have them in the middle. And if they end up being in the sucky bucket, then you need to turn your edit.

0:52:03 You have to say one thing and you say, "It sucks to be them."

0:52:10 And it sounds so trivial. I cannot tell you because the narrative behind that is: it does. You have to deal with them a couple hours a week. Twenty-four-seven, they have to live with themselves.

0:52:21 And if you can change your mindset from one of anger to one of empathy — and I don't mean superficial empathy — they're still a bad person. But if you can turn it to an empathy that actually empowers you that says, "You know what? I really feel sorry for them."

0:52:30 "I get to go home. I'm smiling. I'm having fun with my kids. I have great friends. I have dinner tonight. We're going to be laughing. I've got a good life."

0:52:44 It's funny you say that because when I go back to my original conversations about what I think authenticity is, I tied it to compassion. And you can have that empathetic feeling if you can find empathy even for the bully.

0:53:02 It just enhances your authenticity, which makes you rise. And a lot of times bullies get freaking mad when they see people being authentic around them and then the world responding to them positively.

0:53:20 You might get fired. You might get beat by your bully. You might be like me — you might have gotten fired. But it also might end up having a really positive outcome because you were able to connect with people in other ways.

0:53:38 People saw you navigating this hard experience in different ways. There's a lot of positivity there.

0:53:44 So maybe we should wrap it up. We can wrap it up with telling maybe giving a little glimpse into why one of the main reasons you're here.

0:53:57 Hey everybody, just thanking Dr. Scholl's, another non-sponsor of ours, for making great shoes. Who knew that they didn't just make shoe inserts and things that reduce the smelliness of my boyfriend's closet?

0:54:07 We're here because we're going to be planning a live event that plays on the theme of the ladies' conference and so much more than that — the Ladies Conference Takeover.

0:54:24 The thought of actually us being us live and talking about one of our favorite subjects and having it be interactive is exciting.

0:54:39 So I got this sort of random ask to speak at what was a fairly high-powered ladies conference in New York City. There were a lot of high-powered speakers, they were all dressed in suits and looked very professional.

0:55:26 She asks me things like marital status and if I have children. And I said, "That's interesting." Like, you would want them in a paragraph at the end?

0:55:55 So I'm like, "Okay, let me take another stab at the bio." And my feeling was: why am I going to write a bio that tells me everything I'm not?

0:56:13 So I rewrote the bio. I was like, "Nicole got a grant. She's not married..." I wrote it in the negative.

0:56:30 I wrote the whole thing in the negative and it was really funny. And are you surprised that the next email was, "Thank you very much for this interesting bio. I'd like you to know that all the spaces to speak are now full, but we'll keep you in our records for next year."

0:57:39 My authenticity did not plug into there.

0:58:15 I think I kind of knew this was me blowing up the opportunity. But the good news is somebody found me and actually wanted me to be part of their professional panel.

0:59:09 So maybe this is my style. Maybe it's under the rules. Maybe it's the universe sending a sign through the mud.

1:00:00 One of the visions that we've always had is eventually taking this podcast live. But it's more than that. It's creating something different.

1:00:19 We don't have to wait years and years to have some huge following and do some big event. We can create something now.

1:01:26 It's everything from content to physical structure. The 8-10 person tables, the panels that say everything, the shitty food, and nobody laughing at the stuff we all should be laughing at.

1:02:10 So we're doing it for free, but we're doing it in New York on October 3rd. We expect to have around 40 or 50 women gathered.

1:04:46 It's really good to go back to the concept of community. Build your f****** community. They're going to push you. They're going to hold you accountable.

1:05:12 The universe listens to the brave.

1:05:35 Hey friends, Erin here. So if you're digging what we're dishing out and you don't want us to cry, give up, and quit it all, please be sure to subscribe and rate our podcast.

1:06:08 We're all jacked up and running around like crazy, cranking out new and fun stuff that will help you rock your career.

1:06:46 We're on social too — Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. Come party with us there.

This week Erin Haztikostas sits down with Michelle Newman for an interview on the entertainment industry, entrepreneurship, and women's issues.

Michelle Newman is an award-winning television executive turned marketing strategist and life coach for women in their mid-life journey.

Michelle Spent much of her life as an executive at leading entertainment companies including Disney, Fox, and CBS. Her marketing and brand management expertise has led to her working with some of Hollywood's biggest celebrities including Betty White, Neill Patrick Harris, Drew Carey, Wayne Brady, Sara Gilbert, and Sharon Osborne.

Currently, Michelle is the host of the radio show and podcast "The New Mid". Each week Michelle shares tips, insights, hilarious stories, and an honest perspective of real-life ups, downs, challenges, dreams and how you can make sure you live an abundant second half.

Discussing ambition at work, embracing (or changing?) the mid-life journey, and the rollercoaster of having kids, Erin and Michelle gives us an insight into life in the entertainment industry, from meeting famous actors to writing Promos fo The Simpsons.

A wife, a mother of two, an entrepreneur and a survivor.

Oh, and now a Radio & Podcast Host!

Erin and Michelle show you what women can do. Actually, by the end of this episode, you might be wondering what they can't do.

You can follow Michelle and The New Mid @ thenewmid.com, on Instagram @thenewmid, or email her directly @ [email protected]

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"The Universe rewards risk. If you go out and invest first it's amazing what it can bring."

"The information you learn is wonderful, but it's probably only 30% of the value. The big value is the people you surround yourself with."

"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."

"Fortunately, doors opened for me, I had to work hard, it was easier for me than for my older female bosses."

"She said 'you don't need any drive or ambition, just sit in your cube and do what I tell you', so I sat in my cube, and I instantly emailed my contacts for a new place to work."

"I got to write some Promos for The Simpsons, so I'd have friends call me at work and say 'what are you doing?" and I'd say 'oh just watching The Simpsons' - I used to watch The Simpsons for a living."

"When you have a kid, your whole outlook on life changes."

"I was in this whole narcissistic mode, and then the Universe decided, 'Nope, I'm going to throw a wrench in your plans', and I had a brain hemorrhage."

"It's amazing how almost dying makes you realign...see things differently."

"You can have a new exhilarating, exciting career, that gives you more flexibility, but that still allows you to be this kickass businesswoman. It's not as binary as people think."

"I don't like the term 'mid-life', I didn't like the title 'mid-life crises', I didn't like any of that, and I thought you know what, we're the new mid."

It's back with a blast, the long-awaited second installment of another "How Was Your Week?" episode.

We kick off with Erin Hatzikostas in the heat of the moment offering stellar advice to Nicole Licata Grant, as Nicole speaks about her new mindset and "thinking about things" first.

An episode full of advice, Nicole continues to discuss her recent meeting with a boss and making her voice heard "at the table" as well as using her authentic self to make an impact.

This episode includes a smorgasbord of inspiration including serving the greater good, exploring the dimmer switch at work, and even some advice from Marilyn Monroe.

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"Typically, if I had not been in this mindset, I wouldn't have been taking a pause, thinking about things, thinking 'what is the intention behind the words."

"Don't forget to bring the people along."

"How do you build trust? You have open conversations. And I have to be more willing to take input at the onset."

"The good lesson here is to say 'whoa, back the truck up and have some conversations again."

"I said, 'what about just putting me at the table so my voice can be heard, and not filtered through others."

"In general you might think that you're ambitious and goals are linear as 'I want to move up in my company, I want to keep getting this big important jobs...but it's not for everyone, and you have to know what you're getting in to."

"Don't change for the job, change the job."

"When I took that CEO position, I did it my own way. I busted through 60-70% of the crap I wouldn't have wanted in that job. and I still had to have a level of aptitude, desire, talent to do that job."

"When people are faced by your authenticity, they probably think it is the worst thing ever, but as they observe it in a broader sense, it's something they appreciate."

"New people in the company are given this mantle of 'you need to fix all of this', and I got this mantle when I showed up too. you have to realize you can't do it alone."

"If it's not serving the greater good then we should stop doing it."

"Just tell them you want the job."

"You're not getting a seat at the table unless people are voting you in, and more people have a vote than you think."

"You've gotta know when someone isn't ready for your big note. You'r not being a different person, it's the dimmer switch."

"You gotta know when someone isn't ready for your big note."

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." - Marilyn Monroe.

Coming to you with another 'How Was Your Week?' episode with so much crammed in that we split it in half to create two glorious episodes.

This week we learn tactics of success from the kids: Nicole Licata Grant and Erin Hatzikostas reflect on Erin's son's attitude towards success and failure (Believe. Achieve. Repeat.), and then we apply it to our own working lives and experiences.

We then take a sidetrack and briefly delve into marriages past and present, with a quick word of warning and advice to the ladies out there that may be contemplating marriage (hint: if they say 'Don't be an asshole' just before they propose...RUN!!

What's that sound? It's another VP take over while the boss is away. Nicole brings up the idea of VP Cointainment Zones at her work (you remember her Italian Mafia stage right?), which allows Erin to coach her, and you, on how to look at "Containers" with a new lens...and how to maximize your results if you can set aside your frustration and instead slow down and get them on the bus with a cocktail of 'What's in it for them'.

We hope you enjoy the episode and the next in this 2-part series!

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"I think we come from a place of failure a lot. Versus Mick, he's 8, he's got a turtle brain. He just forgets a failure and starts again."

"Sometimes the "believe. Achieve. Repeat." is small. it's knowing you're not going to grab the cheese from the refrigerator."

"I told you before he is either going to be a mega-millionaire salesman/entrepreneur or is going to start a cult."

"That's a killer in a relationship...the transaction."

"The fact that you took that risk, made that shift, and believed there was something better on the other side, it's pretty inspirational."

"So, everyone, if you're with someone who's an asshole before you get married and have kids, they're probably going to be worse afterward."

"You're at the end of this big project, and anyone could have supported or collaborated with you at the beginning, then at the end they come in and just want to create a barrier to your success because they want to contain the mid-level management group."

"It's fear. There's a lot of fear at the top, because you're responsible for a lot of things, and you need to determine when to put on the fear radar, to detect what can negatively impact your product."

"People don't necessarily want you at the table, but they want to take that information and power for themselves."

"A lot of people call it 'politics'. It's actually just how business gets done."

Sit down and get comfy for another 'How Was Your Week?' episode with Erin Hatzikostas and Nicole Licata Grant. Erins takes her turn to open up this episode and discusses a personal journey, family, and stresses with work. Erin discusses one of the big things that held her back in her career. They also reflect on the coaching and personal work that Erin is coaching Nicole on; Nicole 2.0. They share a bit from their full day together where they focus on developing, analyzing and taking action on Nicole's vision for a bigger life.

All of this goes down while Nicole tries to avoid the spider's nest that is in her hair and the plight of an angry baby spider mob invading her home. Nicole also shares the revitalization of her younger rocker-self by visiting an Alice In Chains concert and finds herself mulling over some old feelings with new perspectives.

It's been another hectic week, and we can't wait to share it with you!

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://bbrilliant.bauthenticinc.com/

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

We share even more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible).

Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to 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 unsuitable for younger audiences.

Tweetable Comments:

"The first limiting factor is my husband...and, a lot of it is my perception."

"I'm pitching (our first b CAUSE live event) over drinks, so I feel like I'm already over 50% of the hump."

"It's wierd becayse all the things you said to me are actually coming true." "You want to defend yourself. You want to be like, 'No, what I'm doing is just fine. Look at my degrees and my paycheck. The reality is...all of the stuff you're saying about creating this next version of yourself is actually real." Don't think 'I don't have a team, I need a team to do this' - you can do that (leadership) with anyone...a friend, a colleague." "When there are people who will follow you to the ends of the Earth and back, it's mutual, it's so mutual." "Why do you care what he thinks?" "If I'm running around doing all the work as a leader, what can everyone else do? It's hard to step onto a moving train." "If you have to operate behind a curtain, then you can't be excellent." It's about turning words to action, not making excuses. Look I'm busy, everybody's busy. It's about finding those two minutes." "I spend more time putting 2-minute tasks on my to-do-list than I actually do to complete the task."