Overview:

In this special Halloween episode, Candice Elliott reflects on slowing down, personal transitions, and the connection between life and death that Halloween embodies. She also shares updates on her latest creative project—a book about motherhood and feminine authority—while offering heartfelt advice on navigating life's changes.

Key Highlights:

• Slowing Down: Candice explores how the seasonal transition invites us to slow down without stopping, embracing a pace that allows for connection and presence in our lives.
• Honoring Ancestors and Cycles: Halloween marks a time to reflect on life's natural cycles and honor those who have passed.
• Book Update: Candice shares details about her upcoming book, focused on postpartum experiences, systemic injustice, and reclaiming feminine authority.
• Supporting New Moms: Candice encourages listeners to support new mothers in simple, meaningful ways, like offering practical help.
• Tarot Insights: She reflects on the Three of Swords card, a metaphor for healing from emotional wounds.

"Slowness does not mean nothing is happening. It’s happening in a different way that still meets the needs."

Follow Candice: Stay updated on her book journey at @BackpocketHR.

Thanks for listening! Subscribe for more episodes of The Hearth.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

In this episode of The Hearth, we dive deep into the complex landscape of compensation systems, exploring what it means to create fair and equitable compensation in today's economy.

Key Discussion Points:

• Commerce and Fairness in Compensation: We start by discussing how commerce, capitalism, and equitable compensation systems intersect. The focus is on creating a system of fair exchange, where employees receive enough compensation to meet their financial needs.
• Labor Markets and Income Disparities: A breakdown of how labor markets function and the tensions that arise between what is perceived as the value of labor versus actual living costs. We examine the challenges that arise when compensation falls short of covering basic living expenses.
• Poverty Wage and Living Wage: A detailed look into the differences between poverty wage (income levels that still qualify individuals for public assistance) and living wage (income necessary to afford basic needs without public assistance). We explore specific metrics from Santa Cruz, California, including a living wage of $36.64 an hour and its implications for workers.
• Financial Hardships of the Underpaid: The real-world consequences for employees earning below a living wage—debt accumulation, unsafe living conditions, inability to afford healthcare, and the emotional toll of financial stress.
• The Living Wage for Families: We explore the economic pressures faced by parents, highlighting the fact that a single parent with two children in Santa Cruz would need to earn $78 an hour to meet basic expenses.
• Systemic Challenges and Solutions: Finally, we address the systemic inequities and the difficult decisions employers must make, including how to restructure organizations to meet living wage standards while remaining sustainable.

Connect with Me: If you're grappling with compensation decisions or want to explore new strategies for creating equitable pay structures in your organization, reach out! I’d love to have these conversations with you.

Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

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If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

Episode Summary

In this episode of "The Hearth," Candice discusses how businesses can better protect their employees during challenging times, such as the pandemic, natural disasters, and economic downturns. She highlights the importance of a robust HR infrastructure that extends beyond standard policies to create a supportive environment for employees.

Key Topics Covered:

• HR's Role in Employee Protection:
  Integrating employee protections through HR functions like benefits and time-off policies, and how these measures support employees during crises.
• Pandemic Response:
  Candice's approach to staying ahead of evolving COVID-19 regulations, creating responsive training programs, and building strong professional networks.
• Managing Natural Disasters:
  How businesses can support employees during local challenges, such as wildfires and floods, that impact their work and personal lives.
• Supporting Employee Volunteerism:
  Addressing the needs of employees who volunteer for emergency services and ensuring businesses have policies to accommodate them.
• Economic Challenges:
  The impact of inflation and rising living costs on employees and how businesses can provide financial support.
• 'Catabolic Collapse' Concept:
  Understanding the need for businesses to adapt to complex societal and environmental challenges by evaluating and updating their systems.
• Building a Supportive Infrastructure:
  Implementing key elements like agency, safety, flexibility, and social support to reduce job strain and improve employee well-being.
• Benefits and Compensation:
  Examining the importance of providing adequate health and retirement benefits to support employee retention and satisfaction, especially in regions with specific mandates.
• Creating Effective Work Systems:
  Strategies to make workplace systems intuitive and effective for all employees.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of "The Hearth," Candice explores the connection between sustainable farming practices and human resources, highlighting the parallels between the two fields. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable systems in both farming and the workplace, critiquing how the industrialization of work often clashes with natural human rhythms. Drawing on her HR experience with a sustainable restaurant group in Santa Cruz, Candice discusses how lessons from biodynamic farming can inspire healthier, more sustainable work environments.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Sustainable Farming & HR: Connecting biodynamic farming principles to HR practices.
• Local Sourcing: The role of locally sourced food in sustainability.
• Parallels Between Farming and Work: Analogies between industrial farming and work practices.
• Sustainable Work Practices: Balancing workloads, hybrid environments, and grounding in the workplace.
• Work-Life Balance: Challenges of balancing work with caregiving responsibilities.
• Recommended Reads: "Epitaph for a Peach" by David Masumoto and "The Lean Farm."

Takeaways:

• The need to rethink traditional work practices to better align with the current environment and workforce needs.
• How the principles of sustainability in farming can inspire more sustainable and human-centered practices in the workplace.
• Practical advice on creating a more connected and grounded work environment, even in hybrid or remote settings.

Connect with Candice:
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

Episode Description:

In this solo episode of The Hearth Podcast, host Candice Elliott delves into the significance of thought partnership in HR and leadership. She reflects on her journey in building her business, emphasizing the value of having a thought partner to support growth, especially in imperfect situations. Candice discusses her team’s unique approach to providing tailored HR solutions that are compliant and sustainable.

Candice introduces the Fractional HR and Back Pocket HR programs, which help executives develop sustainable HR practices while strengthening team relationships. These programs offer personalized guidance on various HR topics, including compensation, performance evaluations, and navigating maternity leave. The focus is on creating supportive systems that align with the organization's values.

Candice highlights the importance of embracing imperfection, noting that true partnership and growth occur when we show up authentically. Her team works closely with clients to ensure both leaders and staff feel supported and valued.

What You’ll Learn:

• The role of thought partnership in HR to support leaders in making thoughtful decisions.
• The importance of creating a safe space for HR discussions, even on challenging topics.
• How Candice’s team tailors HR advice to meet each client’s unique needs, integrating compliance with sustainable practices.
• The significance of aligning internal staff care with the organization’s mission.

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about the Fractional HR and Back Pocket HR programs at fortressandflourish.com.
• Book a call with Candice to explore how these programs can support your HR needs.

Join the Conversation:

• Follow Candice on Instagram and LinkedIn for more insights on sustainable HR practices.
• Subscribe to The Hearth Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
• Visit fortressandflourish.com to book a call with Candice.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

In this episode, Candice Elliott sits down with Lauren DaSilva, the Executive Director of the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, to discuss her journey in the field of crisis intervention and advocacy. Lauren shares her experiences, the importance of volunteerism, and the various programs her organization offers to support survivors of sexual violence.

1. Lauren's Journey into Crisis Intervention

• Lauren talks about how she began her journey in crisis intervention, starting as a volunteer at the Rape Crisis Center in Madeira, California, in 2011.
• She explains her transition to the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center and her decade-long commitment to the organization.

2. Programs and Services Offered

• Overview of the four main programmatic areas at the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center: crisis intervention and accompaniment, counseling, community engagement, and prevention education.

3. Personal Experiences and Volunteer Work

• Candice shares her own experience volunteering at the Walnut Avenue Women Center in Santa Cruz, highlighting the significance of community involvement in support services.

4. Challenges and Achievements

• Lauren discusses the challenges faced by the organization and the community in addressing sexual violence, and the achievements they have made over the years in providing comprehensive support to survivors.

Contact Information:

• Website: mtryrapecrisis.org
• Instagram: @mtryrapecrisis
• Facebook: @mtryrapecrisis

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

In this episode, Candice Elliott sits down with David Ginsborg to discuss the importance of community, service, and leadership within the Jewish community of Santa Cruz. David shares insights from his role as the Executive Director and highlights the various initiatives and values that drive their work at Temple Beth-El.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Community and Service:
   • Discussion on the importance of community service inspired by Jewish values, and the commitment to working outside the temple's walls to support broader community issues such as women's rights, gun control, housing, and support for Israel.
   • Emphasis on the role of goodwill and working together beyond monetary exchanges.
2. Challenges and Leadership:
   • Addressing the difficulties of leading a minority community during challenging times, particularly in relation to global and local conflicts.
   • The importance of maintaining dialogue and building relationships within and outside the Jewish community to foster understanding and peace.
3. Inclusive Practices:
   • David shares the inclusive practices at Temple Beth-El, such as the voluntary dues model, making their services accessible to everyone regardless of financial capability.
   • Highlighting the diverse representation within the community, including interfaith families and various cultural backgrounds.
4. Organizational Development:
   • Insights into David’s journey from a career in public service to leading a nonprofit organization, focusing on bringing structure and processes to the temple’s operations.
   • Implementation of comprehensive employee handbooks and establishing partnerships to support the temple's mission.
5. Living Jewish Values:
   • How Temple Beth-El integrates Jewish values into every aspect of their work, from environmental stewardship in the preschool to supporting diverse employee needs and community members.
   • Examples of community service projects such as providing food for the homeless and supporting refugees.

Resources and Links:

• Visit Temple Beth-El’s website: TBE Aptos for more information on their programs and services.
• Connect with Temple Beth-El on social media for updates on events and community activities.

Tune in to this insightful conversation to learn more about how community, service, and leadership intersect within the Jewish Community Center of Santa Cruz.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

In this episode, Candice Elliott sits down with Mariah Roberts, the Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Park Friends, to explore the impactful work of this nonprofit organization. Mariah shares her journey from being a teacher and a mother to leading a community-driven initiative that enhances park accessibility and community engagement in Santa Cruz County.

Key Points Discussed:

• Mariah’s Role and Mission:
  • Mariah explains her role as the Executive Director of Santa Cruz County Park Friends, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the County Park system and enhancing the quality of life for all Santa Cruz County residents.
• Path to Community Involvement:
  • From her background in special education to becoming a Parks Commissioner, Mariah discusses the pivotal moments that led her to community activism, particularly the grassroots efforts to develop Chanticleer Park and Leo's Haven, the first universally accessible playground in Santa Cruz County.
• Vision and Decision-Making:
  • How Mariah balances operational challenges with the overarching mission to ensure equity and access in parks, and how community input shapes the direction of their projects.
• Personal Motivation:
  • Mariah reflects on her own experiences with parks growing up in Seattle and how these memories influence her passion for creating accessible community spaces.
• Challenges and Growth:
  • The rapid growth of the organization, including the significant hiring wave of part-time staff, and how the team navigates operational hurdles to stay true to their mission.
• Leadership Insights:
  • Mariah’s approach to leadership during challenging times, maintaining strong relationships with her team, and ensuring that each decision aligns with their core values and mission.

Contact Information:

• Website: countyparkfriends.org
• Social Media: Follow Santa Cruz County Park Friends on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Support and Donations:

• Learn more about how you can support the development of accessible playgrounds and other community-driven park initiatives by visiting the County Park Friends website.

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

Welcome to The Hearth.  In this episode, I have a conversation with Maile Earnest and Evan Morrison from People First, the newest homeless service provider in Santa Cruz County.  We explore the critical role of prioritizing people in every aspect of life, from business practices to community engagement.

Main Topics Covered

1. Understanding 'People First' Philosophy
   • What does it mean to put people first?
   • Historical context and evolution of the concept.
   • Real-life examples of successful 'people first' initiatives.
2. Business Strategies that Prioritize People
   • Integrating 'people first' into business models.
   • Case studies of companies that excel in people-centric approaches.
   • Discussion on how employee well-being directly impacts business success.
3. Community and Social Impact
   • The importance of community involvement and social responsibility.
   • How businesses can give back to their communities.
   • Stories of impactful community projects and their outcomes.
4. Challenges and Solutions
   • Common challenges faced when implementing 'people first' strategies.
   • Practical solutions and best practices to overcome these challenges.
   • Insights from industry leaders and experts.
5. Future of 'People First' Initiatives
   • Trends and predictions for the future.
   • How technology and innovation can support people-centric approaches.
   • The role of leadership in sustaining and evolving 'people first' strategies.

People First Contact Information

• Website: peoplefirstscc.org
• Volunteer & Career opportunities here
• Social Media: @peoplefirstscc

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.

Hello Brave souls,

This episode also bears news of a significant shift for this podcast. As I juggle new personal milestones, including the birth of my second child, and professional commitments like a partnership with Santa Cruz County Public Health Department, regularity in our podcast release schedule is taking a back seat. 

But worry not, we’re not going off the radar! 

Whenever there's an exciting guest to feature or enriching information that needs sharing, a brand-new episode will be on its way. To keep pace with us, make sure you're subscribed to The Hearth. Here's to many more insightful, passionate conversations on the world of work and health!

If something you heard today brought a smile to your face or a spark to your heart, and you’d like to connect with me, here are a few ways you can do that.

One is my newsletter, it’s where I put most of my time and energy when I’m not working with clients or on this podcast. Sorry social media! It’s a mix of real life stories, tips and tricks and of course updates on what’s happening with the podcast. Whenever something is going on with me or in my business, it always comes out there first.

Another resource that I have for you is my Guide to Doing Work Differently. The guide takes you through four inquiries into how you can build a more sustainable and equitable work environment for yourself and your team. It's a great place to start.

Last, if you’ve got a burning question, a comment, or a situation you’d like my eyes on, you can email me at [email protected].

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe to know when the next episodes come out, and if you’re feeling generous, leave a review. Reviews help other like-minded folks find their way to this resource.

Learn more about Candice and her work here.