Being Relatable: Real Connections in Work, Life & Love

How to Be a Disruptor Without Burning Bridges with Mary Kate O'Connell

Ever seen something that clearly needs to change but worried about rocking the boat? If you've hesitated to speak up about broken systems, avoided challenging the status quo because you don't want to be labeled a troublemaker, or wondered how to create change without alienating everyone around you... This episode will show you how to become a productive disruptor. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Mary Kate O'Connell, a serial entrepreneur and brand coach who's mastered the art of creating positive disruption in toxic environments and outdated systems. MEET OUR GUEST: * Mary Kate O'Connell - Serial Entrepreneur, Brand Coach at Two Market Media (NYC branding company) WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * Why demanding what you need (office, team, doubled rate) can lead to bigger opportunities * How one successful disruption became the blueprint for a $20M business * The power of "micro disruptions" to build confidence and skills * How to challenge systems while maintaining respect and relationships * The difference between productive disruption and just stirring the pot KEY TIMESTAMPS: * 8:58 - How Mary Kate disrupted agency systems for an $8M account * 16:09 - "Don't bring me a monkey without a banana" - bringing solutions, not just problems * 17:39 - Transforming toxic culture by humanizing the workplace experience * 23:05 - Mary Kate's "backdoor disruption" strategy with her current boss * 24:06 - How her father trained her to challenge authority starting at age 6 * 26:01 - Why you can start building disruption skills today through practice * 29:07 - Shifting from rigid client processes to human conversations * 32:36 - Balancing change agent energy with being a team player * 36:08 - The importance of finding allies who will support your disruption efforts * 40:49 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Jessica McCabe of How to ADHD for keeping her values intact QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "If you're going to shine a light on the problem, please come with a solution. Otherwise, you are a troublemaker." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: * Identify one system or process that needs changing in your workplace * Start having more human conversations instead of following rigid processes WOMAN WE'RE HYPING UP: * Jessica McCabe - New York Times bestselling author and founder of How to ADHD [https://howtoadhd.com], who kept her values intact by refusing to charge for resources, ensuring accessibility for everyone regardless of ability to pay. CONNECT WITH MARY KATE: * LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/marykateoconnell] RATE + REVIEW If this episode gave you the courage to be a productive disruptor in your own environment, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the confidence to create positive change. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericacastner/] for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop worrying about rocking the boat? Remember: if your heart's in the right place and you're doing it for the right reasons, you might walk through a little fire, but it will be worth it. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE! [https://ericacastner.com/peptalk/]

How to Own Your Intensity Without Apologizing with Rossana Baez and Sylvia Dorisme - Being Relatable with Erica Castner

Ever been told you're too much, too intense, or too passionate, and started wondering if you should tone it down? If you've been dimming your light to make others comfortable, apologizing for your energy, or shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that weren't made for you... This episode will remind you that you're not food, you weren't made to be digestible. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with two powerhouse businesswomen, Rossana Baez and Sylvia Dorisme, who've learned to own their intensity unapologetically and create boundaries that protect their energy. MEET OUR PANELISTS: * Rossana Baez - Founder & CEO of Baez Cleaning (10+ years in Florida), certified minority woman-owned business, mother, and entrepreneur who's learned to filter energy strategically * Sylvia Dorisme - Founder of Zeal Technical Institute (private technical school in North Fort Myers) and IZVOR Wellness, business leader with 20 years of experience in boundary-setting WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * The importance of protecting your peace by not adjusting to everyone else's agenda * Why dimming your light for others is a disrespect to yourself * How to communicate clearly and set firm boundaries without apologizing * The power of being intentional about the environment you want for yourself KEY TIMESTAMPS: * 6:24 - Rosanna discusses being called "too passionate" and learning to filter her energy * 11:54 - Sylvia's powerful college story about dimming her light and getting the lowest grade * 16:45 - Rosanna's journey to owning her intensity in business leadership without apologizing * 22:51 - Sylvia introduces the concept of "intentional unavailability" and healthy boundaries * 28:48 - The cultural challenges women face when learning to say no * 33:10 - Rosanna's experience of outgrowing a 10-year relationship that couldn't handle her growth * 38:39 - Sylvia's advice: "We were not made to be digestible, we're not food." * 45:08 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Sam (Rosanna's daughter) and Claudette Pierre (Sylvia's cousin) QUOTABLE MOMENTS: * "I made a promise to myself that dimming my light for others is a disrespect to myself. I will never shrink in any room to make others comfortable. Their comfort is not my responsibility." * "When you own your presence without apologizing, you don't lose space. You claim it." * "I call it intentional unavailability. You're not intentionally being a mean girl by not supporting, you're being intentional about the environment that you want for yourself." * "We were not made to be digestible, we're not food. They're not your people. Our goal in this life is not to be small. Our goal is to be whole." * "In a relationship where that love interest told me that I was too much. And my response was, go find less." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: * Start filtering your energy - redirect it toward people who genuinely appreciate your intensity * Practice "intentional unavailability" by saying no to one request without over-explaining * Identify one relationship where you've been dimming your light and decide if it's worth maintaining WOMEN WE'RE HYPING UP: * Sam - Rossana's 30-year-old daughter, who serves as her teacher and inspiration, constantly lifts her mother with purpose and intention. * Claudette Pierre - Owner of FabBar Med Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Sylvia's cousin, who's making waves in the aesthetic medicine industry. CONNECT WITH OUR PANELISTS: * Rossana Baez - BaezCleaning.com [https://www.facebook.com/BaezCleaning] | Instagram | [https://www.instagram.com/rossanabarz/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rossana.baez.9] * Sylvia Dorisme - Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sylplan] & LinkedIn | ZealTechnicalInstitute.com [https://ZealTechnicalInstitute.com] | IzvorWellness.com [https://www.izvorwellness.com] RATE + REVIEW If this episode gave you permission to stop apologizing for being "too much," leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to own their intensity. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericacastner/] for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop apologizing for your intensity? Remember: when someone can only love a smaller version of yourself, that's not your person. Go find your people who celebrate the fullness of who you are. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE! [https://ericacastner.com/peptalk/]

Choosing Authenticity Over Career Advancement with Kristie Scott - Being Relatable with Erica Castner

Ever felt like you have to choose between climbing the career ladder and staying true to yourself? If you've been compromising your values, hiding parts of your personality, or feeling like success requires sacrificing who you really are... this episode will show you there's another way. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Kristie Scott, a former attorney who built and sold a million-dollar law firm, then chose to pivot into work that aligns with her faith, family, and true calling. MEET OUR GUEST: * Kristie Scott - Former Attorney and Law Firm Owner, Current Business Coach and Author helping Christian business owners build profitable, sustainable companies at SuccessQuire.com [https://www.successquire.com] WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * Why being good at something doesn't mean you should do it 24/7 * How hiding your authentic self creates internal struggle and limits your impact * Why temporary gains aren't worth sacrificing who you are * The importance of keeping a written list of life priorities to guide decisions * The power of surrounding yourself with people who are doing what you aspire to do KEY TIMESTAMPS: * 4:16 - Kristie's decision to leave the legal profession to focus on family, ministry, and writing * 7:03 - The burnout moment when she realized being good at something doesn't mean doing it forever * 10:12 - How she couldn't express her faith authentically while working for someone else's firm * 14:02 - Why she stopped working for other people and started keeping a priority list * 18:10 - Learning from Dr. Shadreka McIntosh [https://sozo-pharmacy.com/sozo-wellness-center/] about balancing pharmacy ownership with motherhood * 21:38 - Her advice for anyone wondering if they have to sacrifice who they are to succeed * 24:18 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Tabbatha Carter, first Black female captain at Charlotte County Sheriff's Office QUOTABLE MOMENTS: * "Just because you're good at something doesn't mean that that's how you should spend all of your time." * "I don't think that we should compromise who we are, even if it will help us for some type of temporary gain." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: * Create a written list of your life priorities - what's truly important to you? * Start surrounding yourself with people who share your values and priorities WOMAN WE'RE HYPING UP: Tabbatha Carter - Captain at Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, first Black female captain in the department's history, pursuing her doctorate while raising her children and supporting their talents in music and theater CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Kristie Scott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristie-a-scott-esq-15916844/] - SuccessQuire.com (helping Christian business owners grow profitable, sustainable companies) RATE + REVIEW If this episode encouraged you to choose authenticity over advancement, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to build careers that honor their values. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericacastner/] for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop compromising who you are for career success? Remember: you're unique and special, with your own fingerprint, heartbeat, and experiences. Don't sacrifice that to be someone else. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE! [https://ericacastner.com/peptalk/]

How to Create Your Own Opportunities with Cheyenne Jordan

Ever get tired of waiting for invitations to tables that you just know deep down inside you're probably never gonna get? If you've been waiting for someone else to recognize your value, invite you to the important meetings, or hand you the opportunities you deserve... this episode will show you how to stop waiting and start creating. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Cheyenne Jordan, an Austin-based realtor and HOA/condo association manager who's mastered the art of building her own table instead of fighting for someone else's seat. MEET OUR GUEST: * Cheyenne Jordan - Realtor and HOA/Condo Association Manager (10+ years in Austin, Texas), expert in building intentional professional communities and networks WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * The importance of asking "Where do you see my value?" to key decision makers * How to choose relationships carefully instead of accidentally * The energy difference between forcing your way in versus natural alignment * Why intentional relationships require years of careful cultivation, not quick transactions KEY TIMESTAMPS: * 4:56 - Cheyenne's realization that being overlooked was about power dynamics, not personal worth * 8:25 - The moment she asked leadership, "Where do you see my value?" and got striking feedback * 13:47 - How she started building intentional community through shared values and service * 19:52 - The difference between creating an open table versus fighting for a closed door * 26:01 - Why relationships built on titles are transactional versus those built on values * 31:27 - Her advice for anyone exhausted from waiting for recognition and ready to build autonomy * 33:46 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Rena Munoz's success in the male-dominated construction world QUOTABLE MOMENTS: * "If a door is closed, you have to keep banging on it, it's probably not where you're meant to be. Do you really want to be there if you have to fight so hard?" * "The people who showed up for me weren't impressed by titles. They were aligned with my values." * "If I don't make a change, I would still be in the same position a year from now, and that motivated me to make a plan, use my network, and build my own autonomy." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: * Identify your core values and look for community through shared service and causes * Start building your personal "board of directors" through intentional relationship building WOMAN WE'RE HYPING UP: Rena Munoz - Owner of OP Contracting in Austin, Texas, fun-loving Latina mom making her mark in the male-dominated construction world while serving on Cheyenne's personal board of directors. CONNECT WITH Cheyenne: LinkedIn: Cheyenne Jordan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheyenne-jordan/] (Austin, Texas) - loves connecting professionally and hearing how she can help you grow RATE + REVIEW If this episode inspired you to stop waiting and start creating your own opportunities, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to build their own tables. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericacastner/] for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop waiting to be chosen? Remember: if you have to fight that hard for a seat, maybe it's time to build your own table where you belong. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE! [https://ericacastner.com/peptalk/]

Stop Apologizing for Taking Up Space at Work with Erica Simpson and Kelly Thawley

Ever catch yourself saying sorry for things that don't need an apology? Like having an opinion, asking questions, or just existing in a room? If you've been apologizing for your presence, shrinking yourself to make others comfortable, or making yourself smaller when you should be taking up more space... this episode will help you break those patterns for good. In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Kelly Thawley and Erica Simpson, two accomplished leaders who've learned to own their space unapologetically and stop diminishing themselves in professional settings. MEET OUR PANELISTS: * Kelly Thawley - Micro-credential and Workforce Programs Coordinator at Florida Gulf Coast University (10+ years in workforce development) * Erica Simpson - College Professor (20+ years), Marketing/Business Communication expert, and founder of fashion blog "Try Hard to Be Pretty." WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: * How to catch yourself apologizing for things that don't require apologies * The mindset shift from "I don't belong here" to "I own this room." * Why persistence and consistency eventually earn respect * How to choose the right tables and find your people KEY TIMESTAMPS: * 3:20 - Kelly's awareness moment about apologizing unnecessarily instead of saying "excuse me." * 8:15 - Erica's beer festival story: from shrinking in the first meeting to owning the second * 15:42 - Kelly discusses taking up space and speaking up when "this is how we've always done it." * 20:30 - Erica's strategy for overcoming the habit of being inconspicuous in professional settings * 25:18 - Kelly's approach to handling criticism about her blue hair and being "too much." * 29:45 - Erica's advice on why we apologize for our success and how to stop * 35:22 - HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Kristen Vancello and Joy Hambrick for lifting others up QUOTABLE MOMENTS: * "Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter. You get to choose what table you want to sit at." * "Act like you deserve to be in that room... those actions can come before the beliefs. Eventually, if you keep acting like that, you're going to believe it." ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING: * Identify one area where you've been shrinking yourself and commit to taking up more space * Stop deflecting credit for your work and start saying "thank you" instead of "it was a team effort" WOMEN WE'RE HYPING UP: * Kristen Vanselow - Assistant Vice President at FGCU for Innovative Education and Partnerships, leading change in higher education and making it accessible to adult learners (nominated by Kelly) * Joy Hambrick - Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies, an economist building an empire by making economics relatable and helping women with finances (nominated by Erica) CONNECT WITH OUR PANELISTS: * Kelly Thawley - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-thawley/] * Erica Simpson - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tryhardtobepretty/] RATE + REVIEW If this episode helped you stop apologizing for taking up space, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to own their presence. STAY CONNECTED Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericacastner/] for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership. Ready to stop apologizing for existing? Remember: you have the right to be here, to have ideas, to experience success. Own who you are and take up the space you deserve. Get Erica's Weekly "Pep Talks" directly to your inbox HERE! [https://ericacastner.com/peptalk/]