b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck

In this episode, Erin and Nicole swap stories about the work traumas that shaped them—some painful, some funny, all of them unforgettable. From leadership flops and job losses to the quiet moments that hit a little too hard, they unpack the professional PTSD that left a lasting impression (and taught them what not to repeat).

If you've ever wondered why a small comment still haunts you—or how to make meaning out of a mess—this one's for you.

Here's what you'll hear:

1.) Why your "superpower" might actually be a trauma response

2.) What Erin learned when a boss called her character into question

3.) The toxic startup job that taught Nicole how to separate brilliance from bullshit

4.) What happens when you sacrifice your wholeness for a job

5.) How validation-seeking keeps us stuck—and how to break the cycle

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

• "Just because you can be the calm in the storm doesn't mean you need to make the storm your habit."

• "Do not confuse prestige with integrity."

• "I'm certain she doesn't remember it, but I'll never forget it."

• " When you're not chasing validation, you can make a difference. "

• "Sometimes getting taken out is the only way that you wake up."

If stress has ever hijacked your brain mid-meeting or made you question your own success, this episode is for you. Dr. Rebecca Heiss—stress physiologist, keynote speaker, and author of Springboard and Instinct—joins us to unpack the science behind stress and how to harness it as a powerful force for growth, resilience, and confidence.

Here's what you'll hear:

1.) Her Fear(less) Formula, a 3-step process for dealing with stress

2.) What the Hedonic Treadmill is and how it explains why you often feel stressed

3.) What the Winners Effect is and how it can help you achieve big things

4.) What a Disaster Diary is and how it can help you

5.) How to rewire (and rename) the age ole "Imposter Syndrome"

Dr. Rebecca's Book-Springboard: https://rebeccaheiss.com/books/springboard/

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

Instagram: @drrebeccaheiss

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

• "Stop trying to get rid of stress. It is a losing battle."

• "Rather than calming down, what we need to do is shift the energy."

• "One thing that actually mitigated negative stress feelings was service to others."

What if the key to better work wasn't more hustle—but deeper connection? In this episode, Shasta Nelson dives into the surprising science of friendship, why belonging matters more than ever, and how your relationships at work could be the hidden driver behind your success (and sanity).

Shasta Nelson is a former pastor turned pioneer on the topics of loneliness and friendships, She's an in-demand keynote speaker, popular media resource, and author of three books in which she teaches how to build healthy relationships, including The Business of Friendship: Making the Most of the Relationships Where We Spend Most of Our Time.

Here's what you'll hear:

1.) How being a pastor helped her see things others might not regarding loneliness and belonging

2.) The three things all friendships must have

3.) How setting a routine and capsule for your friendships is key to maintaining them

4.) The business case for having a best friend at work

5.) How she pushed back several times in her career against advice that would have derailed her work

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

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

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

• "Some of the research shows that we are replacing half our close friends every seven years. And that's not because we don't like those friends— it's because life changed."

• "Most of us aren't lonely for more interaction. We're lonely for more intimacy."

• "We don't have to have matching lives. I think we so often go through the world thinking we need to have the exact same kids at the same ages, similar jobs, or make the same amount of money—we just crave all these similarities. But really, commonalities don't matter."

• "How seen do you feel? How supported do you feel? How truly held do you feel? "

In this episode, Rashad Rayford brings the energy (and the poetry) with a fresh take on owning your voice, trusting your timing, and turning fear into fuel. From embracing boredom to battling imposter syndrome, Rashad breaks it all down with humor, heart, and a spoken-word mic drop you won't want to miss.

Rashad Rayford is an award-winning speaker, actor, and poet featured at TEDx, on NPR, and in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He's also a MOTH Story Hour GRANDslam champion. Rashad is known for his high-energy presentations that blend storytelling, spoken word, and actionable insights.

1.) How boredom was critical to him finding his calling

2.) Why you shouldn't try and microwave your growth

3.) How he 50% Rules poetry and keynote speaking

4.) How he almost didn't do the thing that launched his speaking career, and the simple acronym that helped him through it

5.) His improvised poem to you to make work suck less

Website: https://www.rashadthapoet.com/

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: [email protected]

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

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)

• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram

• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group

• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz

• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"

• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice

• Work with Us

• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

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

Tweetable Comments

• "Sometimes we don't see our light, we don't see our shine. We may see a little bit of it, but we may not see it fully until someone else is like, "Hey man, you're the sun. You're shining."

• " I like to bring right brain ideas into left brain spaces, and it helps folks to really unpack and see things from a different perspective."

• "How do you connect with people in a way that says, 'I'm supposed to be here, I belong here, and I have a purpose here?'"

• "Sometimes it just takes looking beyond ourselves and asking 'How can we continue to grow?'"

What does it take to build a leadership legacy that lasts? Stephanie Chung knows.

As the first African American president of a private jet company—and now a sought-after speaker, author and board member—she's lived the kind of career most only dream about.

In this episode, she shares the pivotal moments, tough lessons, and mindset shifts that helped her rise, lead with purpose, and leave a mark that matters.

Here's what you'll hear:

1.) The time she TRIED to say "no thank you" to a big-girl job and what transpired

2.) The two powerful lessons she learned from her father and stories of how she put those into action

3.) How those annoying "bombs" that executives throw your way can be formative and helpful

4.) The unique way she handled her boss when someone on her team made a mistake and he was "hunting" for them

5.) What ALLY leadership stands for and practical ways to use it to be a legacy leader

Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You

Website: https://stephaniechung.com/

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

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

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

• "Becoming an ally is a head and heart issue."

• "It's okay to actually know what that is for you."

• "You don't just want to be a leader when times are good and everything's rainbow and unicorns, you are the leader when times are good, bad, or indifferent."

• "You have a brand. Now it's really important that you determine what that brand represents."

In this episode, Erin and Nicole tackle something we all need to get better at: ignoring. (Ignoring—strategically, of course.)

Whether your inbox is flooded, your DMs are piling up, or you're just plain overstimulated, this episode is your permission slip to stop responding to everything like it's a fire drill.

Here's what you'll hear:

1.) Why every message doesn't deserve a reply—and how to tell the difference

2.) How to stop treating work like a courtroom (you're not on trial, promise)

3.) Practical ways to prioritize what actually needs your energy

4.) What ignoring with intention looks like (and why silence is a superpower)

5.) And the real reason vague DMs are getting ghosted

From Pavlovian pings to text message booty calls (yep), this one's packed with the hard-earned wisdom of two recovering over-responders. You'll laugh, nod along, and maybe even mute a few notifications.

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

• "Life is not a rap battle. You don't have to respond to every single point right away. You're not Eminem."

• "I don't do work booty calls."

• "If it doesn't feed you or free you or feel fun, then it's probably not worth your immediate attention."

• "It's okay to put it aside or reconsider it or let it go. You have to be able to assess the risk of that and to live with the consequences."

Networking isn't just a "nice to have" — it's directly tied to your promotions, paycheck, and how others perceive your value. In this episode, Erin sits down with speaker, author, and networking expert Julie Brown to unpack why networking is critical for your career growth and how to do it more effectively (and authentically).

Julie brings the data, the tough love, and the practical steps — from small, doable actions you can take today to common mistakes that are sabotaging your efforts, including the two most boring questions that kill any conversation. If you've been avoiding networking or just going through the motions, this conversation will change the way you think about it.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) The hard cold stats on why networking is key to your success

2.) The small first steps you can take if you're not doing enough networking

3.) The top two dopamine killing (i.e., bad) questions you probably ask at networking events

4.) Alternative, dopamine inducing questions to ask instead

5.) Her biggest pet peeve in networking

This Shit Works

https://juliebrownbd.com/

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: [email protected]

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

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)

• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram

• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group

• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz

• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"

• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice

• Work with Us

• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

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

Tweetable Comments

• "Being good at the job is such a barrier to entry now-that's the barrier to entry. What's gonna set you apart is who knows what you do? Who is invested in your success? Who wants to see you succeed?"

• "Our offices, meetings, work and workspaces are designed for productivity over connection. It's our job to filter back in the connection and still stay productive."

• " Don't grow your network. Just use the one you already have."

What if the setback is the setup?

In this episode, Angela Gargano shares how she went from biochemist to 6x American Ninja Warrior—and the mindset moves that kept her climbing (literally). From her RIGHT framework to delusional action, this convo is your reminder that even when everything feels off track… it might just be going right

Angela Gargano is a 6x American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America 2016, 3x Cover Girl, international keynote speaker, and the founder of the Pull-Up Revolution, where she's helped thousands of women conquer their first pull-up.

Some of the things you'll hear are:

1.) How her time as a biochemist surprisingly served her as an American Ninja warrior

2.) The mindset shifts she made when everything seemed to be going wrong

3.) Her RIGHT framework for getting through setbacks (and my real-time use of it to get over a setback I had just that day)

4.) Why brain dumping is critical to making the most of your setbacks

5.) The power of taking delusional action

www.angela-gargano.com">www.angela-gargano.com

Podcast: www.angela-gargano.com/podcast

If you'd like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple "plays" to stop selling out and start standing out at https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie

To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: [email protected]

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

• Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole)

• Follow Erin on LinkedIn or Instagram

• Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group

• Take our simple, fun and insightful"What's your workplace superhero name?"quiz

• Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin's book,"You Do You (ish)"

• Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice

• Work with Us

• Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here

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

Tweetable Comments

• "I have to go through this process, but I am in control of so much more."

• "What if this actually goes right? What does that look like for me? And what little things can I do each day in order to come out stronger from this?"

• "Live your life by design instead of default. Default is: I'm gonna let this frustrating thing—someone's rejection—control my life. Design is: I'm gonna take this, use it as an opportunity, figure out what I can control, and keep going, keep showing up for something even better."

• "You need to be ready to fully adapt to anything—and make sure whatever you're working toward can hold up when life starts lifing.'Cause life is gonna, life is gonna be life thing at all times."

What does it really take to leave a legacy as a leader?

In this solo episode, Erin is coming in hot with a message that's been on her mind for a while—one that's part pep talk, part practical how-to: how to leave a real leadership legacy (and no, it's not about working yourself to death or following every rule in the book).

From the awkwardness of admitting she left a legacy… to the specific things she did (and wishes she had done), this episode is packed with straight talk, strategic insight, and stories you'll carry with you.

You'll hear:

1.) Why Erin believes your legacy isn't in the numbers—it's in your people

2.) A behind-the-scenes look at the rule-breaking that actually paid off (even if it got her a slap on the wrist)

3.) The one thing most leaders forget to do—but makes all the difference

Erin's 3-point checklist to make sure you're building a legacy you can be proud of. No fluff. No fake humility. Just the truth about what works—and what matters.

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

• "Once somebody has worked for you, they don't forget that-and they don't forget both the good and the bad."

• "You have to care more about what your people think of you than the leaders above you."

• 'You have to freaking break the rules."

• " Be a thought leader. Have leading thoughts, but package those leading thoughts in a way that others can really follow, both inside and outside your company."

What if the chaos you're experiencing isn't a crisis… but a transformation?

In this episode, Nicole opens up about turning 49, revisiting her own evolution, and what it's taken to stay grounded when the world keeps shape-shifting.

From embracing therapy to rewriting her definitions of success, she lays out a real-life-tested five-point plan for navigating seasons of massive change — without losing yourself (or your sense of humor).

There's some tough love, some funny sidebars (we're looking at you, custom bra fitting), and a whole lot of clarity for anyone who feels like the ground is shifting beneath them.

We talk about:

1.) Why redefining "exceptional" might be the most exceptional thing you do

2.) What Nashville, leadership mugs, and chameleons have to do with adapting

3.) The difference between crisis and transformation — and why it matters

4.) How to simplify, reconnect, and stay sharp when resources are thin

5.) Nicole's five-point framework for not just surviving, but sur-thriving

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

• "Extraordinary is different than exceptional. It's okay to be exceptional in some areas, but make sure you understand what that definition means to you."

• "The people who got you here might not be the people that get you forward."

• "It is not a time of crisis. It is a time of fucking transformation."

• "I don't care what it is that you believe, create a support network."