On this episode of Conversations with Erica, I’m joined by Amanda Russell, founder of Amanda Gets Social. Amanda works with CPG brands and small business owners to simplify social media strategy and digital marketing.

We explore growing a business over time, including parallels between entrepreneurship and gardening, such as consistency, patience, and trusting the process. We also talk about putting yourself out there while working through fear, using AI with intention, stepping away from screens, and building a social media approach that supports a thriving life.

Follow Amanda on Instagram at @amandagetssocial

Strong leadership starts with strong relationships. In this episode, David Halbert shares how values-driven leadership, humility, and long-term relationship building shape a meaningful career in public service.

What does relationship-driven leadership really look like in public service? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, I’m joined by my longtime friend David Halbert, a respected public service leader whose career has been shaped by values, relationships, and a commitment to community impact.

David shares how building and maintaining strong relationships has opened doors throughout his career, why humility matters in leadership, and how great leaders create opportunities for others rather than holding them back. We talk about taking risks, investing in continuous learning, recognizing when you’ve outgrown a role, and how growth often comes from moments that don’t go as planned.

We also explore how David sustains his energy across professional, family, and community commitments, from planning ahead and using technology intentionally to prioritizing wellbeing. Shortly after this conversation was recorded, David stepped into a new role as the first Director of External Affairs at Framingham State University, reflecting a continued commitment to education and public service.

This episode is especially relevant for anyone interested in public service, values-driven leadership, career growth, and building relationships that last.

Why relationships matter in leadership and career development

How to build meaningful, mutually beneficial professional connections

Leadership rooted in values, humility, and service

Taking risks and learning from unexpected outcomes

Knowing when you’ve outgrown a role and how to move forward

Creating organizations that serve as launching pads for others

Sustaining energy through planning, wellbeing, and support systems

David Halbert is a public service leader and former Executive Director of Bay State Progress. He currently serves as the first Director of External Affairs at Framingham State University and has worked across government, nonprofit, and community-based organizations in Massachusetts.

Read the companion blog post ➔
 

How to Get Started in Public Policy ➔

David Halbert: @voteHalbert
 

Bay State Progress

In this episode, Erica Mattison talks with Dorothy “Dot” Fennell, a Boston-based transportation planner, mother of three, and co-founder of CargoB, the first on-demand electric cargo bike share in North America.

This conversation highlights how aligning your expertise, priorities, and community needs can lead to practical, human-scaled solutions. Dot shares the origin story of CargoB, the growing role of cargo bikes in neighborhood life, and how simple tools can address real mobility challenges in cities.

You’ll learn about her approach to entrepreneurship, the operational model behind CargoB, and how she and her co-founder are working with residents, city agencies, and universities to expand access to sustainable transportation. Erica and Dot delve into the community, health, and connection benefits that emerge when people have more ways to move through their day.

“When I step back and look at the challenges we’re facing, I ask: what can I do at a local level? Here’s what I know, and here’s how I can contribute.” — Dot Fennell

Learn more about CargoB ➔

In this trailer, we hear from Dot Fennell, a transportation planner, mom of three, and co-founder of CargoB, the nation’s first on-demand electric cargo bike share. Her long-standing engagement in her community, from organizing a Bike Bus for her school to participating in city planning meetings, helped her and her co-founder recognize a clear gap in local transportation. People needed an easy way to get around with kids, groceries, or gear without relying on a car. CargoB became their solution.

Dot reflects on how Boston’s strong ecosystem for small business owners, including Main Street organizations, grant opportunities, and networks that support women-owned businesses, helped bring the idea from concept to reality. She also notes that city governments around the country often reach out, interested in how to replicate a model like CargoB. It illustrates how entrepreneurial initiatives can complement public goals by offering practical, community-centered tools that cities may not have the capacity to build on their own.

Her message to listeners is energizing. If you notice a need in your community, explore it. Your idea might grow into a business or become another way to contribute locally. Either direction begins with trusting what you see and taking one real step forward.

This trailer invites you to consider: What need have you noticed in your community, and what possibility might open up if you explored it more fully?

Host: Erica Mattison, Career & Executive Coach

Guest: Coach Sam Balto, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Bike Bus World

In this episode of Conversations with Erica, I had an inspiring chat with my longtime friend and fellow advocate, Coach Sam Balto. Sam is a physical education teacher and the co-founder of Bike Bus World. While he didn’t start the Bike Bus movement, he has helped popularize it worldwide—bringing visibility, energy, and inspiration to families and schools.

By leaning into his calling, Sam has turned his passion for biking, teaching, and community into a powerful force for change. What began with walking school buses in Boston has grown into a global phenomenon sparking joy, confidence, and connection.

"You don’t need permission to make your neighborhood better." – Coach Sam Balto

Bike Bus World

Instagram: Bike Bus World | Coach Balto

Grist 50, 2025

Listen to this and other inspiring episodes of Conversations with Erica.

In this short preview, Coach Sam Balto shares a conversation with his son about the bike bus movement, explaining that you don’t need permission to make your community better.

Sam is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bike Bus World. Learn more about Bike Bus World.

Subscribe to get notified when the full episode airs.

Jill Rafter, a Greater Boston–based edtech consultant and mom, shares how she began building a business that reflects who she is—while navigating professional transitions and new motherhood. We talk about putting yourself out there, finding rhythm, and taking action before everything feels certain.

In this short preview, I introduce my upcoming conversation with Jill Rafter, a Greater Boston–based edtech consultant and writer who’s building a business that reflects who she is. A former coaching client of mine, Jill shares how she navigated professional transitions during her journey to become a mother—and what it’s looked like to create work and a life that align with her priorities. Subscribe now to be notified when the full episode goes live.

What does it mean to build a career with no regrets? In this episode, creative entrepreneur Diane Ivey shares how she’s led with values, taken bold risks, and continually reinvented her work to reflect what matters most.

Host: Erica Mattison, Executive Coach & Motivational Speaker

Guest: Chuck Spidell, Entrepreneur & Creative

Welcome to the debut episode of Conversations with Erica. In this kickoff conversation, I’m joined by my collaborator and fellow entrepreneur Chuck Spidell, founder of Pooch and Zen. We explore what it looks like to evolve in both life and work—and how to create a path that reflects who you truly are.

Chuck shares his story of shifting from a Portland-based pet sitting business to building a product line inspired by his nature photography on the Oregon coast. Together, we unpack themes of identity, creativity, and how to listen to what your life—and your audience—is telling you.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own journey—and to give yourself permission to explore what’s next, even if it takes a less traditional path.

"Take risks if you want to grow. Take more risks if you want to grow faster." — Chuck Spidell

Erica’s debut book >>> "Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career" <<<

Chuck’s business >>> Pooch and Zen <<<

What parts of your life have you been wanting to explore more fully?

What could happen if you gave yourself permission to start?

Take your next steps with support. >>> Apply to work with me. <<<