How to Actually Build Influence At Work

How to Actually Build Influence At Work

In this episode of The Triple Triple, Sydne Garchik, Meredith Esarey, and Cathy Coler unpack how to actually build influence at work—from networking and credibility to confidence, relationships, and leadership presence. They discuss why hard work alone isn't enough, whether it's better to be liked or respected, and the career lessons they wish more women understood earlier.  Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to The Triple Triple & A Big MRK Milestone 01:55 What We Got Wrong About Successful Women 04:03 The Myth of Having It All Together 06:00 The Women Who Opened Doors Before Us 09:17 Career Success, Motherhood & Modern Expectations 11:35 How Great Leaders Get People On Board 16:22 Why Consistency Builds Trust 19:25 The Power of Authentic Leadership 20:42 Is It Better to Be Liked or Respected? 24:22 Can You Respect Someone You Don't Like? 29:32 How Influence Is Really Built at Work 31:42 The Secret Advantage of Humor in Leadership 32:22 Why Human-Centered Leadership Is Winning 34:06 What Corporate Leaders Can Learn from Sports Teams 36:06 Creating Accountability Without Burnout 37:26 Why Celebrating Wins Matters 38:56 Recognition, Growth & Psychological Safety 42:43 Final Leadership Lessons & Closing Quote  ABOUT MRK PARTNERS MRK Partners Inc. ("MRK") is a real estate development firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable housing. We are mission-driven and resident-centered, guided by the belief that everyone deserves safe and affordable housing. Secure homes and supportive communities are the foundation of empowerment. By prioritizing our residents’ needs and fostering connection, opportunity, and resilience, we create environments that enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and uplift entire cities. Our approach integrates thoughtful design, purposeful amenities, resident services, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency to build affordable communities where people want to live — not just where they can afford to live. With communities across the country, MRK continues to grow by building strong partnerships and demonstrating that affordability and excellence can coexist.  To learn more, visit mrkpartners.com ABOUT MRK PARTNERS MRK Partners Inc. ("MRK") is a real estate development firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable housing. We are mission-driven and resident-centered, guided by the belief that everyone deserves safe and affordable housing. Secure homes and supportive communities are the foundation of empowerment. By prioritizing our residents’ needs and fostering connection, opportunity, and resilience, we create environments that enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and uplift entire cities. Our approach integrates thoughtful design, purposeful amenities, resident services, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency to build affordable communities where people want to live — not just where they can afford to live. With communities across the country, MRK continues to grow by building strong partnerships and demonstrating that affordability and excellence can coexist.  To learn more, visit mrkpartners.com

The Price of Success: Money, Time & Friendship

What does success actually cost? In this episode of The Triple Triple, Cathy, Meredith, and Sydne open up about the personal choices and trade-offs behind ambition, money, friendships, and parenting.  From the thrill of first big purchases to how outsourcing and health have redefined their priorities, they share honest stories about investing in themselves, navigating “lifestyle creep,” and creating meaningful memories. Whether you’re contemplating where to spend or save, or how to keep your friendships afloat in a busy life, this conversation will resonate with anyone trying to make it all work. Timestamps 00:00 "First Big Purchase Memories" 05:38 "Dad's Fairness vs. My Investment" 08:06 "Refusing to Be Cheap" 12:10 "Prioritizing Health and Wellness" 16:00 "Parenting, Balance, and Space" 19:29 "Recharge, Rest, and Reflect" 21:03 "Solo Connections, Gathered Together" 23:30 Grace in Friendship's Busy Seasons 29:06 "Luxury Travel: Comfort vs. Cost" 32:26 "Frictionless, Efficient Air Travel" 34:24 "Incremental Lifestyle Upgrades" 38:29 From Europe to Indiana 40:44 "Choices Shape Our Lives" ABOUT MRK PARTNERS MRK Partners Inc. ("MRK") is a real estate development firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable housing. We are mission-driven and resident-centered, guided by the belief that everyone deserves safe and affordable housing. Secure homes and supportive communities are the foundation of empowerment. By prioritizing our residents’ needs and fostering connection, opportunity, and resilience, we create environments that enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and uplift entire cities. Our approach integrates thoughtful design, purposeful amenities, resident services, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency to build affordable communities where people want to live — not just where they can afford to live. With communities across the country, MRK continues to grow by building strong partnerships and demonstrating that affordability and excellence can coexist.  To learn more, visit mrkpartners.com

Affordable Housing Development: The Truth Behind the Numbers

In this candid episode, the trio dives into the realities of leading MRK Partners, the challenges and rewards of affordable housing, and how teamwork, growth, and resilience drive them forward. Sydne, Meredith, and Cathy as they reflect on how their definitions of success, control, and ambition have evolved from their 20s to their 40s. Hear honest conversations about perfectionism, control, the impact of legislation on affordable housing, and the power of community building—plus a behind-the-scenes look at navigating tough industry soundbites and public perception.     Timestamps  00:00 Evolving Goals Through the Decades  05:45 Choosing Respect Over Perfection  07:58 Stress, Control, and Letting Go  10:54 Early Career Challenges and Growth  14:29 Teamwork Enables Growth and Success  18:53 Legislation's Impact on Real Estate  22:25 Affordable Housing Challenges  24:26 "Embracing Messiness to Solve Problems"  28:07 "Building Relationships and Accountability"  32:42 Tenant Accountability and Support Programs  36:35 Developer Challenges in Jurisdictions  37:37 Reflecting on Impactful Progress  40:14 Celebrating 11 & Moving Forward ABOUT MRK PARTNERS MRK Partners Inc. ("MRK") is a real estate development firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable housing. We are mission-driven and resident-centered, guided by the belief that everyone deserves safe and affordable housing. Secure homes and supportive communities are the foundation of empowerment. By prioritizing our residents’ needs and fostering connection, opportunity, and resilience, we create environments that enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and uplift entire cities. Our approach integrates thoughtful design, purposeful amenities, resident services, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency to build affordable communities where people want to live — not just where they can afford to live. With communities across the country, MRK continues to grow by building strong partnerships and demonstrating that affordability and excellence can coexist.  To learn more, visit mrkpartners.com

The Mom Tax: Naming the Invisible Costs

In this lively episode of The Triple Triple Podcast, hosts Sydne, Cathy, and Meredith get candid about the hidden “mom tax,” sharing personal stories of juggling career ambitions, family chaos, and the invisible challenges mothers face in the workplace.  They dive into shifting holiday traditions, the complexities of parental leave at different-sized companies, and how AI is changing the way we work and lead.  With wit, warmth, and honesty, the trio explores how critical thinking, community, and lived experience are more valuable than ever in the age of technology. Don’t miss thoughtful tips, laughs, and a bit of friendly chaos. Timestamps ● 00:00:00 – Holiday chaos, invisible “mom tax,” and the reality of parental overload ● 00:04:08 – Year-end company pressures and conversations around scheduling at MRK ● 00:10:08 – Defining the "mom tax" and leadership’s invisible costs ● 00:12:01 – Real career dips: maternity leave and professional setbacks ● 00:23:01 – Supporting women re-entering the workforce after career breaks ● 00:36:19 – How to stay relevant and skilled in the age of AI ● 00:44:17 – The promise and perils of integrating AI into everyday life ● 00:56:12 – Closing thoughts: celebrating the unique superpowers of mothers New episodes every second Wednesday of the month.  Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL16ssIZYN6jaDJWP0VbGjMF6sLI3ChNMP&si=ZbNohzXQweayAI7I  Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@the.triple.triple Follow us on IG: ingstagram.com/mrkpartners Follow us on LI: linkedin.com/company/mrkpartners ABOUT MRK PARTNERS MRK Partners Inc. ("MRK") is a real estate development firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable housing. We are mission-driven and resident-centered, guided by the belief that everyone deserves safe and affordable housing. Secure homes and supportive communities are the foundation of empowerment. By prioritizing our residents’ needs and fostering connection, opportunity, and resilience, we create environments that enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and uplift entire cities. Our approach integrates thoughtful design, purposeful amenities, resident services, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency to build affordable communities where people want to live — not just where they can afford to live. With communities across the country, MRK continues to grow by building strong partnerships and demonstrating that affordability and excellence can coexist.  To learn more, visit mrkpartners.com

Want a Better Year? Start Here.

Dive into this episode of MRK Partners' "The Triple Triple," where hosts Sydne, Meredith, and Cathy get real about the power of saying no, the importance of personal boundaries, and how to truly recharge in our distraction-filled world. They share candid stories about family, leading teams, and navigating the chaos of modern life, before reflecting on the growing trend of digital detoxes and their impact on creativity, connection, and focus. Whether you're a working parent or just needing inspiration to carve out space for what matters most, this conversation delivers honest, actionable tips—and a few laughs—to help make this your year. Timestamps 00:00:34 — Introductions & Team Dynamics  00:02:30 — The Value of In-Person Connection  00:08:02 — Setting Boundaries: Yes vs. No  00:19:29 — In the News: The Rise of Digital Detox Retreats  00:23:59 — Creativity, Overwhelm & Technology  00:26:38 — Parenting, Phones, and Future Generations  00:28:38 — Tools and Tips for Digital Boundaries  00:31:23 — Closing Thoughts & Steve Jobs Quote ABOUT MRK PARTNERS MRK Partners Inc. ("MRK") is a real estate development firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable housing. We are mission-driven and resident-centered, guided by the belief that everyone deserves safe and affordable housing. Secure homes and supportive communities are the foundation of empowerment. By prioritizing our residents’ needs and fostering connection, opportunity, and resilience, we create environments that enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and uplift entire cities. Our approach integrates thoughtful design, purposeful amenities, resident services, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency to build affordable communities where people want to live — not just where they can afford to live. With communities across the country, MRK continues to grow by building strong partnerships and demonstrating that affordability and excellence can coexist.  To learn more, visit mrkpartners.com