Work with Erika Ayers Badan

In this episode of WORK, Erika explores why generosity has become a lost art in today’s workplace—and why bringing it back can change everything. From the pitfalls of corporate “wellness weeks” to a failed launch that turned into one of her team’s most constructive conversations, she shows how giving time, feedback, and attention can transform culture. Along the way, Erika unpacks TD Bank’s clever ad campaign, a viral firing story from India, Elon Musk’s controversial management style, and the future beyond smartphones, before closing with a teaching segment on active listening as one of the most generous skills you can bring to work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of WORK, Erika introduces Food52's new resident Test Kitchen creator Isabelle Jardin, who shares her love of cookbook clubs and entertaining. Erika's also joined by Helena Shannon, who shares how nine years of sobriety have fueled her clarity, confidence, and career growth—turning consciousness into a true workplace superpower. From remembering every name in the room to speaking up with conviction, Helena shows how living alcohol-free can sharpen your professional edge. Erika also touches on some current event topics including revealing AI tools advising women and minorities to ask for lower salaries than men—proof that bias is built into our technology. With candid conversations, practical takeaways, and a quick strategery segment on what “breaking down the silos” really means, this episode offers fresh insight for anyone looking to thrive at work while challenging the systems that hold us back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of WORK, Erika dives into the real struggles of breaking the status quo at work and why it’s so hard to change what’s clearly broken. From finance frustrations to startup standoffs, this candid talk is for anyone trying to create real change within their organization. Plus, we spotlight the return of Ty Haney to Outdoor Voices - a comeback story filled with lessons in resilience, leadership, and founder identity. Erika also chats with bestselling author Mita Mallick about her book The Devil Emails at Midnight and the fine line between tough bosses and toxic ones. Thanks so much for listening to WORK. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get bonus content like interviews, deep dives, events we are doing with Work Like A Girl and more. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. That’s lemonadapremium.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of WORK, Erika unpacks the growing misuse of the word “burnout”—and why it’s becoming dangerously diluted. From Gen Z’s “rat people” rebellion in China to Elon Musk’s fiery back-to-office mandate, the episode explores the tension between hustle culture, generational work values, and what it really means to be burnt out. Erika also reflects on not measuring yourself by your old yardstick - whether it’s body image, past success, or unrealistic work standards and how to move forward with purpose. With practical wisdom, irreverent humor, and a teaching segment on the Charisma Wheel, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating modern work life. Thanks so much for listening to WORK. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get bonus content like interviews, deep dives, events we are doing with Work Like A Girl and more. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. That’s lemonadapremium.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this insightful episode of WORK, Erika dives into the reality of managing in a rapidly evolving workplace. She shares personal insights on tackling anxiety, navigating tough delegation decisions, and how to inspire teams through meaningful accountability. Special guest Chelsea Burnside joins Erika to discuss first-time management challenges, creating authentic connections at work, and how social media dynamics influence corporate culture and collaboration. They explore the complex but essential balance between professionalism and friendship at the office. Thanks so much for listening to WORK. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get bonus content like interviews, deep dives, events we are doing with Work Like A Girl and more. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. That’s lemonadapremium.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of WORK, Erika sits down with Rishad Tobaccowala—futurist, author, and former Chief Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe—for a big-picture conversation about how work is evolving and what it really takes to stay relevant. From demographic shifts and declining populations to AI, Gen Z mindsets, and the rise of marketplaces and side hustles, Rishad breaks down the five forces transforming work as we know it. They explore why most companies are asking the wrong questions, how leaders should rethink their org design, and why fewer jobs doesn’t mean less work. Plus, Rishad shares his daily learning practice, his favorite “ 6 Cs for success” and why thinking like an immigrant is the key to future-proofing your career. Thanks so much for listening to WORK. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get bonus content like interviews, deep dives, events we are doing with Work Like A Girl and more. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. That’s lemonadapremium.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Erika talks with Allen Warch, Vice President of Food and Fresh at Dollar General, about how the company is transforming itself from a discount retailer to a fresh food access point — tackling food insecurity, expanding into rural America, and making produce affordable. Plus, a little soccer talk and a look at how mission-driven culture scales. Thanks so much for listening to WORK. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get bonus content like interviews, deep dives, events we are doing with Work Like A Girl and more. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. That’s lemonadapremium.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of WORK, Erika dives into how personal style shapes professional presence with Jennifer Heinen, a leading fashion psychologist and creator of the Style‑Mind Shift. They explore how what you wear affects confidence, identity, and control in the workplace. Erika also breaks down the limits of AI note‑takers, and examines how New Balance rebranded a dad shoe into a cultural icon. It’s a layered conversation about belonging, technology, and why dressing well doesn’t solve a broken system. Thanks so much for listening to WORK. If you haven’t yet, now is a great time to subscribe to Lemonada Premium. You’ll get bonus content like interviews, deep dives, events we are doing with Work Like A Girl and more. Just hit the 'subscribe' button on Apple Podcasts, or, for all other podcast apps head to lemonadapremium.com to subscribe. That’s lemonadapremium.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of WORK, Erika talks about the Labubu craze, ethics of A.I and also sits down with Jess Cervellon—fractional CMO, entrepreneur, and founder of She Innovates—about what it really takes to build a career on your own terms. They get into the realities of juggling multiple clients, the myths around networking, and why personal branding isn’t just for influencers. It’s a conversation about boundaries, intuition, and how to create a business that actually works for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of WORK, Erika talks to Bree McKeen, founder of Evelyn & Bobbie, about what it really takes to rebuild a product from scratch—and why the bra industry was overdue for a total reset. They get into the science behind better support, the lies women have been told about comfort, and what happens when you stop following the playbook and build your own. It’s a conversation about innovation, scale, and why real R&D is anything but soft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Get full access to WORK at erikaayersbadan.substack.com/subscribe