Chief Change Officer: Episode Summary - Erika Ayers Boden on "Why 'No One Cares About Your Career' Might Be the Best Advice Yet – Part Two"

Introduction

In this compelling second installment of the two-part series featuring Erika Ayers Boden, CEO of Food52 and former CEO of Barstool Sports, host Vince Chan delves deeper into Erika's life, career, and the profound insights from her book, No One Cares About Your Career. This episode explores Erika's upbringing, leadership philosophy, perspectives on career progression, and her vision for fostering positive work environments.

1. Erika’s Early Life and Family Influence

Erika Ayers Boden opens up about her childhood, highlighting the significant role her parents played in shaping her business instincts and character. Growing up in Colorado, her father was a math teacher and later a school principal, while her mother balanced roles as a vocational teacher and homemaker.

Erika Ayers Boden [06:18]: “We didn't have a TV for a long time... I learned how to negotiate because my brother and I really had to duke it out to figure out what we were watching.”

Her recounting of negotiating TV time with her brother exemplifies early lessons in negotiation and compromise, foundational skills that have undoubtedly contributed to her success. Erika also shares insights into how her parents' dedication to teaching instilled in her a love for learning and a desire to inspire growth in others.

2. The Importance of Titles in Career Progression

Shifting the conversation to her professional journey, Erika discusses the evolving significance of job titles. Initially valuing titles as markers of advancement, she now prioritizes the scope of responsibility and impact over nomenclature.

Erika Ayers Boden [10:50]: “One of the things I write about in the book is, are you doing the same exact thing you did six months ago... I think that's way more important than title chasing.”

Erika emphasizes that continuously taking on more responsibility and embracing new challenges are far more indicative of true career growth than merely accumulating prestigious titles. She contrasts the differing perceptions of titles across industries, noting that in some sectors, like advertising agencies versus tech giants, titles can hold varying levels of significance.

Vince Chan relates to her perspective, sharing his own experiences in the financial services industry where titles often directly influenced salary scales. He echoes Erika's sentiment that impact and responsibility outweigh the allure of titles, especially in dynamic fields like technology and startups.

3. Embracing Failure as a Path to Success

A pivotal part of Erika's philosophy revolves around her positive outlook on failure. She advocates for a "fail always mode," viewing failures as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Erika Ayers Boden [14:53]: “If you feel like you are failing, it means... you're pushing yourself. I value people who endeavor to make something happen even if it doesn't happen.”

Erika believes that failure signifies a willingness to take risks and explore uncharted territories, essential traits for sustained success. She points out that avoiding failure often leads to stagnation, while embracing it fosters resilience and continuous improvement.

4. Cultivating a Growth-Oriented Work Culture

Moving beyond individual perspectives, Erika outlines her approach to building a company culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and resilience. She describes herself as a leader who demands high standards and embraces change, fostering an environment where team members are motivated to push their boundaries.

Erika Ayers Boden [18:03]: “I am a leader that wants growth. I insist on collaboration... I love the little jobs. So I also am a person who will dig and get into the trenches with everybody else to make something happen.”

Her leadership style is hands-on and participatory, aiming to build trust and mutual respect within her teams. Erika highlights the importance of aligning team dynamics with the company's mission, ensuring that each member is both accountable and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

5. Addressing Toxic Work Cultures

The discussion transitions to the pervasive issue of toxic work environments. Erika shares her aversion to negative workplace behaviors such as gossiping and complacency, emphasizing the need for individuals to take proactive steps in either improving their environments or seeking healthier workplaces.

Erika Ayers Boden [22:41]: “I have to find a way to either protect yourself from the environment or get out of that environment.”

She advocates for clarity and specificity when addressing workplace dissatisfaction, encouraging open dialogue about the root causes of negativity. Erika underscores that creating a positive work culture is a collective responsibility, where both leaders and employees play pivotal roles in maintaining a healthy and productive environment.

6. Guidance for the Next Generation and Parenting Insights

When asked about advising her teenage children in the context of an ever-evolving job market, Erika stresses the importance of resilience, work ethic, and a willingness to learn.

Erika Ayers Boden [26:27]: “My kids should apply themselves... give yourself to it and humble yourself to learn something.”

She reflects on her own upbringing without the conveniences her children enjoy, expressing a desire to instill in them the ability to navigate challenges independently. Erika's parenting philosophy balances encouragement of self-reliance with fostering environments where her children can explore and grow without being overly sheltered by technology or overprotective measures.

7. Future Aspirations and Ongoing Growth

In discussing her future endeavors, Erika reveals a plethora of ambitions ranging from creative pursuits like writing and painting to entrepreneurial goals such as establishing a clothing company in Africa.

Erika Ayers Boden [30:21]: “I have a dream to go back to Africa and make a clothing company with a women's collective... I'd like to read more.”

Her multifaceted interests demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and societal contribution, highlighting her belief in lifelong learning and the pursuit of diverse passions. Erika's openness to the unknown future underscores her adaptability and readiness to embrace new challenges as they arise.

Conclusion

This episode of Chief Change Officer offers a deep dive into Erika Ayers Boden's journey, philosophies, and strategies for both personal and professional evolution. Erika's candid discussions on the diminishing importance of titles, the constructive role of failure, and the cultivation of positive workplace cultures provide invaluable insights for anyone striving to outgrow themselves and harness change as a catalyst for success. Her emphasis on resilience, continuous learning, and authentic leadership serves as a guiding beacon for growth progressives and changemakers aiming to make meaningful impacts in their respective fields.

Notable Quotes:

• Erika Ayers Boden [06:18]: “I learned how to negotiate because my brother and I really had to duke it out to figure out what we were watching.”

• Erika Ayers Boden [10:50]: “Are you doing the same exact thing you did six months ago... I think that's way more important than title chasing.”

• Erika Ayers Boden [14:53]: “If you feel like you are failing, it means... you're pushing yourself.”

• Erika Ayers Boden [18:03]: “I love the little jobs. So I also am a person who will dig and get into the trenches with everybody else to make something happen.”

• Erika Ayers Boden [22:41]: “I have to find a way to either protect yourself from the environment or get out of that environment.”

• Erika Ayers Boden [26:27]: “My kids should apply themselves... give yourself to it and humble yourself to learn something.”

• Erika Ayers Boden [30:21]: “I have a dream to go back to Africa and make a clothing company with a women's collective... I'd like to read more.”

This episode serves as a testament to the power of personal evolution and the importance of embracing change with vigor and intent. Erika Ayers Boden's experiences and wisdom offer a roadmap for listeners aiming to navigate their own career paths with authenticity and ambition.