Rethinking Work: Trust, AI, and the Teams of Tomorrow with Brian Elliott | #46

Build, Scale, Exit, Repeat: The Real Story Behind Earning It | Riggs Kubiak | #49

Everyone celebrates the exit. Nobody talks about what it costs you to get there. Riggs Kubiak built and sold a $50M construction tech company, and he's here to tell you what the highlight reel left out. In this episode of I Can Fit That In, Erin sits down with Riggs Kubiak, entrepreneur, investor, and author of the new book Earned, a raw behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build something meaningful. Riggs founded Honest Buildings, scaled it to 120 employees, raised over $50 million in venture capital, and sold it to Procore, which later went public on the New York Stock Exchange. This conversation isn't a success story in the traditional sense. Erin and Riggs dig into the emotional realities of entrepreneurship, the burnout, the self-doubt, the identity questions that most founders are too afraid to say out loud. If you're building something, leading a team, or standing at the edge of a big leap, this one is for you. What You'll Take Away Why you can't outwork your way through every stage of building a business, and what actually moves the needle when hard work alone isn't enough How to recognize when your drive to perform is crossing into burnout territory, even when you think you're fine Why the inner critic shows up loudest at the highest levels, and how naming it changes your relationship with it What Riggs wishes he'd known about protecting his identity, relationships, and wellbeing while scaling a company How vulnerability in leadership isn't weakness. It's the thing that gives other people permission to be honest too More About Riggs Riggs Kubiak is the founder of Honest Buildings, acquired by Procore Technologies, and the author of Earned, a founder's guide to the stages, mistakes, and real growth that entrepreneurship demands. He now invests in and advises early-stage founders. If this episode resonated, subscribe so you never miss a conversation that goes beyond the surface. And if you know a founder, leader, or professional who needs to hear this, share it with them. Connect with Riggs: 💼 Linkedin: RiggsKubiak [https://x.com/RiggsKubiak] Twitter: riggskubiak [https://www.linkedin.com/in/riggskubiak] Connect with Erin Coupe: 💫 Instagram: @authenticallyec  [https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyec?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Coupe  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-coupe/] 🌐 Website: ErinCoupe.com [http://erincoupe.com/] #entrepreneurship #leadershipcoaching #businesspodcast #founders #womeninbusiness

Be Who You Came to Be with Tara Renze | #48

What if the life you're meant to live is already inside you, waiting to be uncovered? In this inspiring conversation, Erin Coupe sits down with author, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence practitioner Tara Renze to explore the message that transformed her life: "Be who you came to be." Sparked by a letter from her grandmother to her newborn son, Tara shares how that simple phrase became a lifelong mission of self-discovery, authenticity, and purpose. Together, Erin and Tara discuss emotional intelligence, self-leadership, personal growth, workplace culture, and why fulfillment comes from becoming more of who you truly are, not achieving more. They also unpack Tara's powerful concept of Butterfly Goals and how taking one imperfect step can create extraordinary change. Key Takeaways: - Why self-leadership is the foundation of great leadership - How Butterfly Goals help you reconnect with purpose and joy - The role emotional intelligence plays in fulfillment and success - Why perfectionism keeps people stuck How one imperfect step can change everything If you've been feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or disconnected from your next chapter, this conversation is your reminder that becoming who you came to be is a lifelong journey worth taking. Connect with Host Erin Coupe 💫Instagram: ⁠⁠@authenticallyec⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyec/?hl=en] 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Erin Coupe⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-coupe] 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠ErinCoupe.com [http://erincoupe.com/] Connect with Tara: https://www.tararenze.com https://www.instagram.com/tararenze/?hl=en

Thriving Through Uncertainty with Meredith Elliott Powell | #47

When life feels uncertain, most people freeze. Meredith Elliott Powell learned how to move forward anyway. In this episode of I Can Fit That In, Erin Coupe sits down with business growth strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author Meredith Elliott Powell to unpack what it really takes to navigate disruption, uncertainty, and change without losing momentum. From career pivots and economic instability to burnout, leadership pressure, and personal setbacks, Meredith shares how resilience is built in real time. Together, Erin and Meredith explore why mindset alone is not enough, how rigid goals can actually hold people back, and why “moving the needle” matters more than chasing perfection in today’s unpredictable world. Key takeaways from this episode: - How to reframe disruption as opportunity - Why resilience requires action, not just optimism - The mindset shift that helps people keep going during uncertainty - How leaders and entrepreneurs can avoid burnout while staying focused If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next move, this conversation will help you reconnect with clarity, confidence, and possibility. Tune in and discover how uncertainty might actually become your greatest advantage. Connect with Host Erin Coupe 💫Instagram: ⁠@authenticallyec⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyec/?hl=en] 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠Erin Coupe⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-coupe] 🌐 Website: ⁠ErinCoupe.com [http://erincoupe.com/]

Rethinking Work: Trust, AI, and the Teams of Tomorrow 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. Connect with Host Erin Coupe 💫Instagram: ⁠@authenticallyec⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyec/?hl=en] 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠Erin Coupe⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-coupe] 🌐 Website: ⁠ErinCoupe.com [http://erincoupe.com/] Connect with Brian https://www.linkedin.com/in/belliott/

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 Connect with Host Erin Coupe 💫Instagram: ⁠@authenticallyec⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyec/?hl=en] 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠Erin Coupe⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-coupe] 🌐 Website: ⁠ErinCoupe.com [http://erincoupe.com/] Connect with Nick https://www.nicholasepley.com