Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer
Episode: Erika Ayers Baden – "Why 'No One Cares About Your Career' Might Be the Best Advice Yet – Part One"
Release Date: February 16, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

In this compelling episode of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan welcomes Erica Ayers Baden, the current CEO of Food52 and the first-ever CEO of Barstool Sports. Erica boasts an extensive career across media, marketing, and technology, having held significant roles at industry giants such as Microsoft, AOL, Yahoo, and Fidelity Investments. With nearly two decades of diverse experience, Erica offers valuable insights into leadership and career transformation.

Vince Chen [03:43]: "Before her time at Food52, Erica was the first ever CEO of Barstool Sports, and her career spans across media, marketing and tech, with roles at companies like Fidelity Investments, Microsoft, AOL and Yahoo."

The Genesis of "No One Cares About Your Career"

Erica discusses the inspiration behind her book, "No One Cares About Your Career," emphasizing the raw and unfiltered truths about career development. The title, initially a chapter heading, encapsulates the book's core message: taking personal responsibility for one's career trajectory.

Erica Ayers Baden [13:42]: "Nobody cares about your career is something someone told me once, Vince, probably 15 years ago, and it always stuck in my head."

Erica explains that her journey of writing the book began during her tenure at Barstool Sports, especially after the company was acquired by a larger, publicly traded entity. The shift led to a stifling of creativity, prompting her to reflect deeply on her professional experiences and challenges.

Navigating Career Transitions and the Power of Personal Responsibility

Erica delves into her multifaceted career path, highlighting numerous transitions and the lessons learned from each role. She underscores the importance of self-driven growth, stating that success in the corporate world often requires learning on the job and embracing an apprenticeship mindset.

Erica Ayers Baden [07:47]: "I've worked at a bunch of ad agencies. I've worked all over the world. So I've had, I would say, a really unique career in that I've really tried a lot of different things."

The Impact of the Pandemic and the Evolution of Communication

During the pandemic, Erica initiated a daily podcast at Barstool Sports to maintain engagement and connectivity within the company. This endeavor not only kept her team aligned but also attracted external attention, leading to a surge in career-related inquiries. This influx of questions inspired her to compile her insights into a book, aiming to address the widespread need for authentic career guidance.

Erica Ayers Baden [18:00]: "I started a pod, a daily 10 minute podcast where I talked about what we were doing at Barstool Sports... And so what I'm doing is putting all of this into a book."

Distinctive Approach of the Book

Erica emphasizes that her book stands apart from typical business and career literature by offering an honest, unpolished perspective. Unlike books that present an idealized career path or provide overly prescriptive advice, hers is a candid conversation reflecting her real-life experiences, including mistakes and vulnerabilities.

Erica Ayers Baden [22:24]: "I wanted to write a book like a conversation with someone who is still going through it, who has messed up a whole lot, who has done a whole lot, and who is kind enough to shake you, but also to give you a hug and say, you can do this."

Five Simple Things to Succeed at Work

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Erica’s five core principles for career success:

1. Who You Are: Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in the workplace.
2. What You Have to Offer: Recognizing and leveraging one’s unique skills and contributions.
3. How You Show Up: The manner in which one presents themselves professionally.
4. What You Do with Your Time: Effective time management and prioritization of tasks.
5. How Much You Care: Demonstrating genuine interest and passion for one’s work.

Erica Ayers Baden [30:36]: "It's not about how intelligent you are... The sheer act of caring about something can change everything."

Erica argues that these principles, though simple, are foundational to personal and professional growth. She believes that by focusing on these areas, individuals can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace more effectively.

Personal Reflections and Childhood Influences

Erica shares anecdotes from her childhood, illustrating how early life experiences shaped her negotiation skills and resilience. Growing up in a small town with limited access to entertainment, she and her brother learned to negotiate shared resources, fostering adaptability and problem-solving abilities.

Erica Ayers Baden [34:26]: "I always say that's where I learned how to negotiate because my brother and I really had to duke it out to figure out what we were watching."

Looking Ahead: Teasing Part Two

The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment, where Erica will delve deeper into her personal life, leadership philosophy, and insights on navigating toxic work environments. Additionally, she will offer unique career advice tailored for her middle school-aged children, addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market.

Vince Chen [35:30]: "In the next episode, Erica will open up about her life and career experiences, her upbringing, her parents, her leadership approach, and even her thoughts on toxic work cultures."

Conclusion

Erica Ayers Baden’s candid exploration of career realities offers listeners a refreshing and honest perspective on professional growth. By embracing the notion that “no one cares about your career”, she empowers individuals to take control of their destinies, fostering a mindset of self-reliance and proactive growth. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate their career path with authenticity and resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• Erica Ayers Baden [13:42]: "Nobody cares about your career... you need to get over your insecurity and your ego and put yourself into what you're doing every day."

• Erica Ayers Baden [22:24]: "Everyone's out partying after a work day and you're on your phone writing emails about what we did the day before."

• Erica Ayers Baden [30:36]: "The sheer act of caring about something can change everything."

• Vince Chen [26:20]: "Those who like to follow rules and are comfortable following rules. This book is not for you."

For listeners eager to transform their career trajectories and embrace change as a superpower, Erica Ayers Baden’s insights provide both inspiration and practical guidance. Stay tuned for Part Two, where Erica delves deeper into her personal journey and offers actionable advice for thriving in today’s dynamic workplace.