DEI work is emotional work. From shame and discomfort to assumed expectations about what’s “good enough,” our feelings can actually prevent us from making the change we wish to be a part of.

In this episode, Erica is joined by her client, Kelsey Murphy of Whiskey & Work, to talk about her allyship journey. They talk about:

• The motivation for Kelsey to engage in DEI work,
• What it looks like to be an imperfect ally when you hold yourself to perfectionist standards,
• The burnout many people experienced after entering this work at a sprint pace, and
• How Kelsey’s commitment to allyship is manifesting in her business plans.

Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep83

Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!  

Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

It's the holidays, but let's do it our way. Erica shares what she is grateful for, and her view on what the holidays can mean. Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep82 Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!   Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

Joe Biden has been declared the next President of the United States. With that also we’re gaining a woman of color, Kamala Harris, as VP—something many of us never believed we see in our lifetime.

Whether you’re celebrating or mourning, now is the time to think about what’s next. In this solo episode, Erica Courdae shares five questions we should all be considering as we take ownership of our values and take action in our businesses.

 Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep81 Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!   Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

Mental health still carries stigma in many communities across the U.S. It’s a conversation many aren’t comfortable having, therefore continuing the shame and silence around the topic.

People of color especially struggle to access necessary and adequate mental health and wellness support. Today, Erica and India are joined by therapist, Amenah Arman, to discuss why it’s so important to receive support from someone who looks like you. 

 Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep80 Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!   Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

Living in the same state doesn’t mean you’ll have the same voting experience. On this episode, Erica Courdae and India Jackson explore that truth by each sharing what it was like on the first day of early voting in Maryland. 

Their vastly different experiences show that what we may consider normal isn’t so for everyone. Now, more than ever, we should reconsider what “normal” is and whether it’s a benchmark for ourselves or a hindrance to recognizing privilege.

 Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep79

 Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!  

 Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

As entrepreneurs we categorize ourselves as “creatives” and “non-creatives,” equating our creative potential with our job title. That begs the question: are creativity and artistry the same thing and can we all learn to be more creative as adults?

Erica and India are joined by Genein Letford, best-selling author and global speaker on creative and financial literacies. She believes creative thinking, paired with financial entrepreneurship education, are critical skills for everyone in the workforce.

 Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep78

 Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!  

 Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

If you aren’t being explicit with what you believe in, you can’t assume others will know. On this episode, Erica gives a sneak peek into her Imperfect Ally Checklist, which provides important questions for all values-driven businesses to consider. 

These questions will help you evaluate whether you’re doing the best you can do right now in the spaces you facilitate, events you curate, and communities you lead. They’ll also remind people of what matters to you and hold the door open to imagining how you can do better. Get yours today at https://www.ericacourdae.com/

Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep77

Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!  

Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

Can we grow businesses we love without the hustle and burnout so often associated with success? That’s the question many of us have as Covid-19 has saddled us with increasing tasks and decreasing levels of support.

On this episode, Erica and India are joined by business growth strategist and member of the Pause on the Play community, Racheal Cook. 

 Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep76

 Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!   Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

Join me as India and I have a live podcast recording with Pause on the Play The Community alongside our special guest Jacquette Timmons about voting with your dollars, money choices, and how wealth is different than you might think it is (like who has it and how to get it).

 Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep75

 Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!

Be sure to rate + review the podcast!

Join me as I talk with India about the fact that DEI work is for all of us in creating more equity and inclusion in our lives and businesses. Breaking down preconceived notions and {re}considering our normal is work we all need to engage in.

 Check out the show notes at https://www.pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep74

Want to be supported in doing the damn thing by other business owners looking to see you succeed? Now is the time to join Pause on the Play: The Community. Visit https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community to join today!

 Be sure to rate + review the podcast!