A Summer Update with Two Piers
As the heat of summer peaks and we look ahead to the cooler days of autumn, the Two Piers team, led by Erica D'Eramo, has been busy with a range of exciting activities and future plans. This update provides a glimpse into what we've been up to, the projects we're currently involved in, and what's on the horizon.
Ditching Diet Culture - with Keri Baker, LCSW
In this episode we deep into the societal messaging surrounding body image and its effects on mental health and well-being. Joined by licensed clinical social worker Keri Baker, the conversation sheds light on various aspects of disordered eating, body positivity, and the importance of representation in these spaces.
The Search for Greener Grass - with Yael Iffergan and Adam Forbes
Read on for a recap of the episode. To access the full transcript, click here.
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The Search for Greener Grass: Insights from Yael Iffergan and Adam Forbes
In this episode of our podcast, host Erica D'Eramo sits down with Yael Iffergan and Adam Forbes to discuss the intricacies of career changes and the pursuit of fulfilling work. This conversation dives into personal experiences, common biases, and practical advice for anyone considering a significant career shift.
The Bias of Assuming Opportunities Are Always Better
Introduction to Career Changes
Erica opens the discussion by highlighting a common bias: the assumption that new opportunities are inherently better than the current situation. This mindset can often lead to unrealistic expectations and poor decision-making.
Personal Experiences with Career Pivots
Yael Iffergan shares her journey of realizing that sometimes the problem lies within oneself rather than external factors. Adam Forbes, drawing from extensive interviews, notes that these themes frequently emerge in conversations with people undergoing career changes.
The "Grass is Greener" Mentality
Idealizing Others' Lives
Erica and Adam discuss the dangers of the "grass is greener" mentality, where individuals assume that others have it better. They stress the importance of recognizing and challenging confirmation bias, which can lead to unrealistic expectations.
Recognizing Misleading Idealizations
Adam expresses envy towards those who have started their own businesses, despite not taking steps towards entrepreneurship themselves. He acknowledges that idealized portrayals of successful entrepreneurs can be misleading.
Workplace Dissatisfaction and Setting Goals
Evaluating Alternatives Realistically
Yael agrees with Adam that fantasy expectations in organizations are a red flag. Erica and Adam discuss the necessity of being granular when evaluating new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of honest assessments of both pros and cons.
Prioritizing Personal Values in Career Decisions
Informing Career Decisions
Erica highlights the importance of inventorying personal values and priorities when making career decisions. She discusses the limitations of data in evaluating opportunities and the need to consider non-quantitative risks.
Addressing Familiarity Bias
Erica also points out the bias towards staying in familiar situations and the importance of overcoming this heuristic to make informed decisions.
Career Growth and Decision-Making
Exploring Personal Goals
Yael emphasizes a measured approach to pursuing mental health and personal growth. Adam shares an exercise from a book that helped a woman evaluate job satisfaction, leading to increased objectivity and agency.
Feeling Less Trapped
Adam discusses helping people feel less trapped in their jobs, not necessarily to leave, but to explore and evaluate their current situations objectively.
Networking and Job Satisfaction
Building a Support Network
Erica and Yael discuss the importance of agency and optionality in work life. They note that building a support network is easier when one is happy and fulfilled rather than miserable.
Exploring Career Options
Adam emphasizes the importance of creating options beyond the current job and addresses the fear of missing out (FOMO) as a potential barrier. Erica and Yael also touch on the generational differences in loyalty and job longevity.
Testing Business Ideas
Real-World Experimentation
Adam suggests testing business ideas through shadowing, networking, or practice to gauge viability and personal fit. Erica and Adam discuss the importance of self-reflection and personal growth in entrepreneurship.
Embracing Feedback
Erica and Yael emphasize the need to gather data and be open to feedback to find fulfillment in career decisions.
Career Development and Personal Growth
Data-Rich Environment for Growth
Erica discusses the value of a data-rich environment for coaching, networking, and personal growth. Adam highlights the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's priorities.
Expanding Networks
Erica and Yael agree on the value of informational interviews and expanding one's network to explore new opportunities.
Work-Life Balance and Fulfillment
Setting Boundaries
Erica discusses the importance of warm introductions and clear communication in networking. Yael shares her thoughts on the notion that doing what you love means you'll never work a day in your life.
Fulfillment Beyond Work
Both Erica and Yael emphasize that fulfillment cannot solely come from one's job. They stress the need to create boundaries and prioritize personal needs outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Finding Purpose and Avoiding Burnout
Thoughtful Decision-Making
Adam discusses feeling trapped in a corporate job due to the high stakes of identity, community, and financial well-being. Erica agrees, noting that people often stay in unhappy jobs for these reasons.
Patience and Reflection
Adam suggests patience in finding the next career step and recommends taking walks and journaling to gain insights.
How to Get In Touch
Adam’s book, Corporate Escapology launches July 2nd and you can also find him on his Corporate Escapologist Substack. You can find Yael over on LinkedIn or at InfiniTalent.net.
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This episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of career changes, highlighting the importance of self-reflection, realistic evaluations, and building a supportive network. Whether you're considering a major career pivot or seeking more fulfillment in your current role, these discussions offer practical advice and food for thought.
The Power of Community - with GG Renee Hill
In this engaging podcast episode, Erica D'Eramo hosts author and facilitator GG Renee Hill to discuss the significance of community, resilience, and creativity. Join us as we explore GG's insights, personal journey, and her approach to creating supportive and inclusive communities.
The Rooted Renegade - with Rebecca Arnold, JD, CPCC, PCC
Read on for a recap of the episode. To access the full transcript, click here.
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Rebecca Arnold is a professional, certified coach and the founder of Root Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a holistic leadership coaching firm. She’s also the author of The Rooted Renegade: Transform Within, Disrupt the Status Quo & Unleash Your Legacy (Greenleaf Book Group, June 10, 2024). The book is part call to action, part roadmap, and part step-by-step guide to creating a joyful, harmonious life that meets the challenges of our times.
Her clients are mission-driven leaders seeking holistic success in the fields of education, medicine, law, academia, and social-impact organizations. An attorney by training, Rebecca has a background in education policy.
But more importantly, she’s known as a “straight-talkin’, big-hearted” coach. In addition, Rebecca is a dog mom, a human mom, and a spunky wife.
She was a Presidential Management Fellow at the US Department of Education and a special assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education. In those positions, she focused on reform initiatives for high schools and community colleges. She has worked with numerous social-impact organizations in the education and social justice arenas. She holds a JD from Northeastern University and a BA from Brown University.
The Rooted Renegade
Introduction
In this enlightening podcast episode, we delve into the realm of personal growth and leadership development with Rebecca Arnold, a seasoned professional certified coach and author. Through her captivating origin story and insightful discussions, Rebecca sheds light on the transformative power of reconnecting with our inner selves to create systemic change in both our professional and personal lives.
Rebecca Arnold's Journey
Rebecca Arnold kickstarts the conversation by narrating her journey from being a burned-out professional in the policy realm to finding her true calling as a coach. Drawing from her psychology roots, she shares how embracing her passion for coaching has not only revitalized her own career but also empowered her to guide others towards fulfillment and success.
Discovering Rooted Peace
Central to Rebecca's philosophy is the concept of rooted peace—a three-part framework for nurturing well-being in mind, body, and heart. Through her work, she advocates for a holistic approach to success, one that transcends mere external achievements and aligns with our inner values and desires.
Prioritizing Well-being and Intuition
Rebecca delves into the complexities of prioritizing well-being and intuition over external validation, challenging societal norms that glorify titles and monetary gains. Alongside Erica D'Eramo, she explores the profound impact of acknowledging mortality and realigning our life goals to foster genuine fulfillment and purpose.
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Toxic Environments
Navigating toxic work environments can take a toll on our emotional well-being. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of practices like mindfulness and gratitude in counteracting negativity and enhancing resilience. By fostering self-awareness and empathy, individuals can cultivate emotional intelligence even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Harnessing Emotional Awareness for Stress Management
Rebecca and Erica delve into the significance of emotional granularity—a nuanced understanding of our emotions—and its role in stress management. By honing our ability to identify and process emotions, we can unlock deeper insights and pave the way for meaningful growth and self-discovery.
Clarifying Personal Goals and Desires
In the pursuit of success, Rebecca encourages listeners to redefine their notions of achievement and articulate their true desires. Rather than fixating on external markers of success, she invites individuals to explore their passions and values, offering practical tools for personal growth and fulfillment.
Conclusion
As the conversation draws to a close, Rebecca Arnold leaves listeners inspired to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and transformation. With her forthcoming book, "The Rooted Renegade," she promises to equip readers with fifty actionable practices for unlocking their full potential and embracing a life of rooted peace and purpose.
Through Rebecca Arnold's illuminating insights and heartfelt anecdotes, this podcast episode serves as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to chart a path towards personal growth, resilience, and authentic leadership.
The House of Wellbeing - with Behavioral Scientist Tanya 수정 Tarr
In the latest episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo is joined by behavioral scientist and executive health coach Tanya Tarr. Together, they explore the multifaceted issue of burnout, drawing on Tanya's extensive experience in politics, health coaching, and personal wellness. This episode provides a wealth of insights into understanding, preventing, and managing burnout, particularly among executives and high-stakes professionals.
Self Compassion and Growth - with Kamini Wood
In this insightful episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo dives deep into the world of self-awareness and personal growth with special guest Kamini Wood. Together, they explore the transformative power of self-compassion, the impact of false beliefs, and the importance of intersectionality in shaping one's identity. Let's embark on this journey of introspection and empowerment.
Finding Support in Industry Organizations - with Attorney Liz Nielsen
Read on for a recap of the episode. To access the full transcript, click here.
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Attorney Liz Nielsen has guided hundreds of families through the estate planning process, serving as their trusted advisor to bring peace of mind to their lives. She is the founder of Nielsen Law, a small estate planning law firm in Austin, Texas. Liz is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She practices exclusively in the areas of estate planning, special needs planning, and estate administration.
Liz is also President of the Travis County Women Lawyers Association. Giving back to the Austin community is very important to Liz. TCWLA is a nonprofit organization that is committed to supporting issues affecting women both as lawyers and as members of society. Liz is also Board Vice Chair/President-Elect of AGE of Central Texas, a nonprofit organization that helps older adults and their caregivers thrive as they navigate the realities and opportunities of aging and caregiving.
Finding Support in industry Organizations
In this episode, Liz shares some of the ways that industry organizations such as TCWLA are supporting working professionals and advancing opportunities and change. She also shares her insights on what to look for when considering whether to join an organization and how to get the most benefit from your participation. Lastly, Liz shares some insights into the work she does in helping individuals and families through estate planning. She busts some myths about who this planning applies to and what it entails.
Liz Nielsen's Journey: From Environmental Science to Estate Planning
Liz Nielsen shares her personal journey, tracing her path from studying environmental science to becoming a dedicated estate planning and probate lawyer. She emphasizes her passion for assisting clients through complex legal matters, inspired by her own family's experiences navigating her grandmother's dementia.
Making Estate Planning Accessible to All
Host Erica D'Eramo and Liz highlight the widespread lack of awareness about estate planning, particularly in underserved communities. They stress that estate planning isn't solely for the wealthy; even younger individuals with assets should plan for the future to avoid complications.
Women's Rights and Advocacy in Law
The conversation shifts to women's professional organizations, focusing on TCWLA, a significant advocate for women in the Texas legal community since the 1970s. Liz shares insights into the organization's growth and its impactful advocacy efforts.
Networking Strategies for Introverts in Law
Liz discusses her involvement in TCWLA, emphasizing the group's supportive environment for introverts. She underscores the importance of finding like-minded individuals and engaging in activities beyond traditional networking.
Promoting Diversity and Mentorship
Addressing the lack of diversity in the legal profession, Liz stresses the importance of mentorship, particularly for minority groups. She advocates for inclusive professional networks like TCWLA to combat stereotypes about women not supporting each other.
Advancing Gender Equality in Legal Leadership
Liz highlights progress in women's representation in law but emphasizes the need for further advancement, particularly in leadership roles. Erica and Liz agree that achieving equity means normalizing women's presence in all levels of the legal profession.
Smart Planning for Complex Situations
Erica and Liz discuss the critical aspects of estate planning, including incapacity planning and considerations for families with special needs. Liz emphasizes the importance of seeking professional guidance to ensure comprehensive planning.
The Pitfalls of DIY Wills
Liz advises against using DIY wills, citing potential complications in probate proceedings. She encourages individuals to seek guidance from board-certified estate planning attorneys to navigate the process effectively.
Mentorship and Professional Development
Liz underscores the value of mentorship in professional organizations, highlighting its role in personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of education and seeking professional assistance in estate planning endeavors.
Conclusion
In this insightful conversation with Erica D'Eramo, Liz Nielsen provides valuable insights into estate planning, professional organizations, and the importance of seeking professional assistance in navigating legal complexities.
Embracing Nature's Lessons - with Melissa Keyser
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, finding solace and guidance in nature's lessons can be a powerful practice. In this Two Piers podcast episode, Melissa Keyser joins host Erica D’Eramo to take us on a journey through her life, illustrating how nature serves as a profound analogy for navigating life's twists and turns.
Critical Reframe: Discovering Opportunity In Setbacks with Erin Smith, Ed.M.
In this podcast episode, host Erica D'Eramo is joined by executive performance coach, Erin Smith, Ed.M. who delves into the art of reframing challenges within coaching practice, emphasizing the importance of shifting perspectives to find opportunities for growth.
Exploring Resilience, Endurance and Confidence - with Professional Coach LaToia Burkley
In a world where resilience is often touted as a defining trait of success, it's essential to delve deeper into its nuances and applications. In this insightful episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D'Eramo engages in a candid conversation with Professional Coach LaToia Burkley. Together, they offer diverse perspectives on resilience, endurance, impostor syndrome (or phenomenon), and self-advocacy. Let's explore the highlights and key takeaways from their discussion.
Women's History Month with Historian Maya Rook
In the rich tapestry of history, there exist threads often overlooked. This engaging conversation between host Erica and Maya Rook, a passionate historian, unravels the layers of women's history. Explore the influence of the Haudenosaunee, the dynamics of the suffrage movement, and the remarkable experiences of women like Anna Murray Douglas and Matilda Joslyn Gage.
Culture Shift with Kirsty Bashforth
In a recent podcast episode, our host, Erica D'Eramo engages in a rich conversation with Kirsty Bashforth, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in cultural transformation within organizations. They explore the intricacies of cultural change, shedding light on challenges, debunking misconceptions, and unveiling key insights. You can access a full transcript here, or dive into the highlights of their conversation below.
Navigating Successful Business Transformation: A Conversation with Lisa Carlin
Embarking on a journey of business transformation can be both thrilling and challenging. In this podcast episode, host Erica D'Eramo engages in a conversation with Lisa Carlin, a seasoned strategy execution specialist, to unravel the intricacies of successful business transformation. The discussion spans topics from change management to the pitfalls organizations often encounter and strategies for overcoming them.
The Coaching and DEI Connection - with Coach Thea Charles
Let’s dive into a recent chat between Erica D'Eramo and Thea Charles, unraveling the fascinating connection between coaching and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In this post, we'll explore how these two disciplines compliment each other to cultivate authenticity, growth, and inclusivity in the workplace.
Coaching vs. Mentoring - Why They're Different And Both Important
You may be hearing a lot these days about the importance of mentorship programs, particularly as we work to close opportunity gaps and pull-through talent representative of our communities. You may also be hearing a lot about professional coaches and perhaps have even considered working with one. Maybe you’ve been offered one through your workplace. January is National Mentoring Month, and we figured this would be a good time to provide a refresher.
The Powerful Art of Mentoring - with Melissa Olivadoti, PhD
A Winter Solstice Reflection
Today marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. As the darkness envelops us, it prompts introspection and invites us to embrace rest and restoration. In a world that often emphasizes constant activity, finding a balance between restfulness and productivity can be challenging.
Leveraging Boundaries for Sustainable Leadership with Ally Cedeno
In this empowering episode, join us as we dive into the crucial topic of setting boundaries for long-term sustainability and effectiveness. Our guest, Ally Cedeno, a dynamic leader and changemaker in the maritime industry, and the founder of Women Offshore Foundation, shares her insights on the importance of avoiding burnout and prioritizing rest. As a successful woman wearing many hats including industry leader, non-profit founder, loving mother and partner, Ally brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Discover practical strategies and personal anecdotes that will inspire you to redefine your boundaries and foster a sustainable, fulfilling professional and personal life. Tune in and chart a course towards rested resilience and success!