I Can Fit That In

The Burnout Trap at Work with Brian Elliott | #46

What if the future of work is not about doing more, but becoming more human? In this episode of I Can Fit That In, Erin Coupe sits down with workplace expert, bestselling author, and Work Forward CEO Brian Elliott for a powerful conversation about leadership, burnout, AI, team dynamics, and what truly drives sustainable performance in today’s evolving workplace. Drawing from decades of experience at companies like Google and Slack, Brian shares why curiosity is the leadership skill that matters most, how hustle culture continues to damage performance, and why the strongest teams are built on trust, clarity, and human connection. Together, Erin and Brian unpack the tension between flexibility and accountability, the hidden cognitive cost of AI, and how leaders can create healthier, more sustainable ways of working without sacrificing results. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why AI is increasing cognitive overload for many teams The leadership mindset that creates trust and engagement How sustainable performance actually improves business outcomes Why empathy and team connection matter more than ever The shift from productivity obsession to meaningful impact If you’ve been questioning the way we work, lead, and define success, this conversation will leave you feeling both grounded and hopeful. Connect with Brian Elliott on LinkedIn and through his work with Charter and Work Forward.

Why We Hold Ourselves Back with Nick Epley | #45

What if the biggest barrier to connection… is you? In this episode, Erin Coupe sits down with behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley to unpack why we consistently misread others and underestimate how positively people will respond to us. From avoiding tough conversations to holding back simple kindness, Nick reveals how our own pessimism quietly limits our relationships, opportunities, and well-being. They explore how small, intentional social choices like asking for help, giving a compliment, or starting a conversation can have an outsized impact on happiness, health, and connection. Key takeaways: If you have ever hesitated to reach out, speak up, or connect, this conversation will change how you show up in your life. - Why we underestimate how much people like us - How small social risks create big emotional rewards - The hidden cost of staying in your comfort zone

The Desire You’ve Been Ignoring with Yael Shy | #44

What if the anxiety you feel is actually pointing you toward the life you really want? This week on I Can Fit That In, host Erin Coupe sits down with Yael Shy for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, ambition, meditation, and reconnecting with desire. Yael shares how a meditation retreat during one of the hardest seasons of her life transformed her relationship with anxiety and helped her uncover a more meaningful way to live and work. Together, they explore why high achievers often chase outcomes that never truly satisfy, how to stop living on autopilot, and why joy has to become part of everyday life instead of something reserved for vacations or milestones. In this episode: - Why the opposite of anxiety might actually be desire - How to stop chasing achievement and start enjoying the process - Small mindfulness practices that can reconnect you to yourself If you’ve been feeling stuck, burnt out, or disconnected from what really matters, this conversation is an invitation to slow down and listen for what’s calling you back to life.

Why Experience Still Wins with Maureen Wiley Clough | #43

What if the thing the workplace devalues most is actually its greatest advantage? In this powerful episode of I Can Fit That In, host Erin Coupe sits down with Maureen Wiley Clough, former tech executive and creator of It Gets Late Early, to unpack the hidden cost of ageism in corporate culture. From being called a “dinosaur” at 37 to walking away from the corporate ladder, Maureen shares why experience, wisdom, and reinvention matter more than ever. Together, they explore what happens when ambition no longer aligns with identity, why corporate stability is becoming a myth, and how to trust yourself enough to build something new. Key Takeaways: - Why ageism impacts both younger and older professionals - How experience becomes your greatest asset in reinvention - Why entrepreneurship is freedom and one of the hardest jobs you'll ever love If you’ve ever questioned your next chapter, this conversation will remind you that your value does not expire.

From Tragedy to Human Leadership with Dr. Gian Power | #42

What if the hardest moment of your life became your greatest leadership advantage? After a devastating personal loss at just 23, Dr. Gian Power’s world shifted overnight—forcing him to rethink everything he knew about success, leadership, and what people truly need at work. Today, he’s on a global mission to humanize the workplace, partnering with companies like Google, Amazon, and Rolls-Royce to prove that empathy and performance go hand in hand. In this episode, Gian shares how tragedy shaped his perspective, why “human leadership” outperforms toxic cultures, and what modern leaders are still getting wrong in today’s evolving workplace. Key takeaways: - Why being human at work is a strength, not a weakness - The fine line between authenticity and oversharing - Simple daily practices that keep you grounded and effective This conversation will challenge how you think about leadership and remind you that you can be both driven and deeply human at the same time. Connect with Host Erin Coupe 💫Instagram: @authenticallyec  💼 LinkedIn: Erin Coupe  🌐 Website: ErinCoupe.com Connect with Gian Power https://gianpower.com/ [https://gianpower.com/]