Awesome AF (with Dr Erika Michalski)
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Courtney is ecstatic to welcome Dr. Erika Michalski to the show as our Season 2 finale. Courtney first met Dr. Erika in 2020 as part of a leadership conference for women who work in higher education. When considering how to close the season, Dr. Erika felt like the perfect guest: brimming with enthusiasm, vibrant, brilliant, fun, and able to speak on issues that face so many women and female-presenting individuals.
The name of this episode actually arose from the planning session held between Erika and Courtney, and while these words are never explicitly spoken in this episode, it is the main takeaway: to live authentically as one's fullest self, out loud, is to be awesome as fuck.
Dr. Erika shares her own personal experiences with courageous authenticity, enthusiasm, and showing up in the world as a be-glittered, blonde-haired, cheerleading nerd. (Sounds like an absolute dream of a combo!) She also shares some practical tips, including direct permission, for anyone listening who would like to live more authentically.
Courtney and Erika also discuss such cultural icons as Cindy-Lou Who and Barbie. Yes, it's all related but you'll need to listen to learn how!
About our guest:
Dr. Erika Michalski is an aggressive optimist and authenticity advocate. She is passionate about data, documentaries, dance parties, and dessert. Her signature “Eat Cake for Breakfast” bag references a lifestyle choice she is very committed to and an external reminder that she chooses to move through the world unapologetically as herself. A former competitive cheerleader and collegiate cheerleading coach, Erika loves glitter AND enthusiastically encouraging everyone she meets. After exploring the unique intersection of authenticity, data, and encouraging the development of others, she founded Strategically Authentic – a consulting company dedicated to helping individuals and teams leverage who they ARE to get where they want to BE. Erika is known by clients and colleagues as the one who believes even the most ambitious goals are possible as long as there is a nimble plan rooted in authenticity ... and she is ready to celebrate successes of every size along the way to achieving them! This wife and mother of 2 was once referred to as a “big bite of food”. It was intended to be a backhanded compliment … but the data doesn’t lie. She IS a big bite of food … so I hope you’re hungry!
You can follow Erika's work on Instagram where she can be found as @consultantbarbie.
And while this is a wrap on Season 2 we do have a quick ask of you: Please tell us which episodes should be included in our Pragmatic Summer Replay! We'll be choosing 8-10 episodes to give a second airing while Courtney breaks in publication in order to record Season 3. What episodes best capture the spirit of the show? Which ones had the biggest impact on you? What would be a good introduction for folks who are just finding us? Share wherever you're listening, on our social media (on IG as @alchemybhc or @pragmaticalchemypod) or email courtney@shineandsoar.
That's also the address to send us topic ideas or guest suggestions for Season 3, questions, or any other feedback. Don't forget to rate review and subscribe wherever you're listening! If you're loving this content, please share with a friend...they may love it, too!
We'll be back in August with an amazing third season! xo
