The Two Piers Podcast

Two Piers Consulting
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The Two Piers Podcast is focused on discussions of workplace culture and inclusion, as well as providing tools and resources for individuals. We tackle the underlying systemic issues, while also giving the support needed in the short term for those facing challenging work environments. 

  1. 1 day ago

    Reclaiming Your Narrative: A Conversation with GG Renee Hill

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, Erica D’Eramo welcomes back author, creative coach, and facilitator GG Renee Hill for a conversation about writing, creativity, identity, and the stories we carry. GG’s latest book, Story Work: Field Notes on Self Discovery and Reclaiming Your Narrative, explores how inherited beliefs and limiting stories shape the way we see ourselves, make decisions, and move through the world. Together, Erica and GG discuss how writing can help us uncover those stories, examine whether they still serve us, and reconnect with our own voice and values. In this episode, they explore: How writing can support healing, self-understanding, and personal clarityThe stories we inherit from family, culture, and earlier experiencesHow limiting beliefs become embedded in our behaviorThe three sections of Story Work: Roots and Origins, Truth and Lies, and Voice and VisionCreativity as something much broader than traditional artistic expressionHow perfectionism and the inner critic can interfere with journaling and creative workThe value of practicing imperfection and allowing work to remain messy or unfinishedWhy the process of creating can matter more than the final resultGG also shares her own path from corporate America into writing, coaching, and facilitation. She reflects on how therapy and journaling helped her discover “the story beneath the story” and eventually led her toward work centered on creative expression, self-discovery, and community. One of the central takeaways from the episode is that writing does not need to be polished, impressive, or intended for anyone else. It can simply be a place to witness yourself more honestly. As Erica puts it: don’t deprive the world of your imperfect mess. About GG Renee Hill GG Renee Hill is an author, creative coach, and facilitator whose work explores writing as a pathway to wellness, personal clarity, creativity, and collective growth. She is the author of: Story Work: Field Notes on Self Discovery and Reclaiming Your NarrativeThe Self-Care Check-InA Year of Self-ReflectionGG also facilitates writing workshops, creative writing cohorts, monthly writing prompts, and free public writing sessions designed to help people reconnect with their voices in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Connect with GG Renee Hill Visit All the Many Layers: https://www.allthemanylayers.com/Subscribe to GG’s weekly newsletter and Substack, Writing the Layers: https://thelayers.substack.com/Follow GG on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ggreneewritesConnect with GG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-gg-renee-hill-28686762/Through All the Many Layers, you can also learn more about GG’s monthly writing prompts, First Friday free-writing sessions, workshops, creative writing cohorts, and other resources for writers and anyone interested in reflective creative practice. More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.comBrowse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast Affiliate disclosure: Some book links in this post are Bookshop.org affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Two Piers may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the work we do at Two Piers.

    29 min

  2. 18 Jun

    Thriving as an Outsider with Naeemah Elias

    In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, Erica D’Eramo is joined by Naeemah Elias, a TEDx speaker, leadership coach, and founder of Elias Presence Ventures. Naeemah’s signature message, “Thriving as an Outsider,” explores how difference can become a source of influence and impact. In this conversation, Erica and Naeemah discuss what it means to navigate spaces that were not designed with you in mind, and how outsider identities shape the rules, assumptions, and survival strategies we carry into work and life. Together, they explore: What it means to experience yourself as an outsiderHow family, class, culture, race, neurodivergence, and professional norms shape the “rules” we inheritWeaponized gratitude and how it can discourage people from advocating for themselvesThe value of mentors, sponsors, coaches, and trusted advisorsWhy networking is really about building relationships that help us interpret unfamiliar systemsHow to navigate salary negotiations with more clarity and confidenceThe difference between useful adaptation and unsustainable code-switchingWhy authenticity matters during interviews and career transitionsNaeemah also shares practical guidance for people navigating unfamiliar professional environments, including the importance of asking for feedback, building a personal board of advisors, taking time before responding to job offers, and learning the unspoken rules without losing yourself in the process. Her key takeaway for listeners: phone a friend. When something feels uncomfortable, confusing, or unfamiliar, find someone who understands the terrain and can help you interpret what is happening. You do not have to navigate it alone. About Naeemah Elias Naeemah Elias is a TEDx speaker, leadership coach, and founder of Elias Presence Ventures. A former finance executive turned entrepreneur, she helps leaders and organizations create environments where people can speak up, show up, and thrive. Her work focuses on leadership development, belonging, communication, and helping people who identify as outsiders navigate professional spaces with more clarity, agency, and impact. Resources & Links Connect with Naeemah on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/naeemaheliasFollow Naeemah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyelias/Visit Naeemah’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@eliaspresenceWatch Naeemah’s TEDx Talk, “Thriving as an Outsider”: https://youtu.be/lnNXcA28J30?si=IkVeQLbsbbu-aU5_Watch the “What Would Naeemah Do?” YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxA1sArIOZ_CGCMdhq8Xd7uX68HXchrvQLearn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.comBrowse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast

    54 min

  3. 4 Jun

    Coaching Beyond the Corporate World: Why Nonprofits Need Coaching Too - with Kathy Berger

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, Erica D’Eramo is joined by Kathy Berger, an experienced coach who leads coaching initiatives within the nonprofit sector and recently joined the Two Piers coaching team. Together, they explore the role of coaching in nonprofit organizations, common misconceptions about coaching, and why coaching can be a powerful resource for leaders across all sectors. Kathy shares her journey into coaching, what drew her to the profession, and how her work supporting nonprofit leaders has shaped her perspective on leadership, burnout, and personal growth. The conversation also examines the unique challenges facing nonprofit organizations, including resource constraints, mission-driven work, leadership transitions, and the increasing need for dedicated space to think strategically. In this episode, Erica and Kathy discuss: What coaching is, and what it isn'tCommon misconceptions about coachingWhy nonprofit leaders can benefit from coachingThe connection between mission-driven work and burnoutLeadership transitions and identity shiftsThe value of strategic thinking and reflectionHow coaching helps people build confidence, clarity, and ownership of their decisionsWhy coaching skills apply across nonprofit, corporate, government, and self-employed environmentsWhether you're leading a nonprofit, managing a team, navigating a career transition, or simply looking for a dedicated thought partner, this episode offers insight into how coaching can support growth, resilience, and sustainable leadership. About Kathy Berger Kathy Berger is a professional coach with extensive experience supporting leaders within the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as a lead coach within an internal nonprofit coaching program and recently joined the coaching team at Two Piers Consulting. Her work focuses on helping individuals navigate leadership challenges, professional growth, career transitions, and the complexities of mission-driven work. Resources & Links Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.comExplore coaching services: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/coachingEmail Kathy Berger at kathy@twopiersconsulting.comBrowse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcastAs a Public Benefit Corporation, Two Piers Consulting offers a 50% discount on coaching services for nonprofit organizations as part of its commitment to supporting mission-driven work.

    34 min

  4. 21 May

    Season Seven Begins: Reflections on Capacity, Growth, and Creating Space

    Season Seven of the Two Piers Podcast begins with a reflective solo episode from host Erica D’Eramo. In this opening episode, Erica shares some of the realities behind the scenes at Two Piers over the past several months, including navigating health challenges, shifting priorities, reduced capacity, and the ongoing balance between sustainability and growth. Drawing on lessons from coaching, offshore operations, and organizational leadership, Erica explores: The challenge of recognizing burnout and reduced capacity in real timeHow “firefighting mode” impacts strategic thinking and creativityThe concept of “load shedding” and what it can teach us about prioritizationWhy intentional tradeoffs matter when everything feels importantThe difference between maintaining critical operations and trying to do everything at onceThe episode also includes reflections on the growth of Two Piers over the past decade, updates on new team members and initiatives, and a preview of upcoming Season Seven episodes and themes. Upcoming conversations this season will explore: Coaching in nonprofit organizationsStorytelling and personal narrativeResearch on belonging and workplace connectionLeadership lessons from fighter pilotsNavigating uncertainty, overwhelm, and complexity in today’s worldErica also shares updates on: The expansion of the Two Piers teamTeam coaching certification through Brown UniversityMentor coaching and teaching through the University of New HampshireNew video content and educational resources coming later this yearThank you for joining us for Season Seven of the Two Piers Podcast. Resources & Links Two Piers Consulting: Two Piers ConsultingPodcast archive and episode summaries: Two Piers PodcastLearn more about coaching programs and offerings: Coaching Services

    28 min

  5. 25/12/2025

    Year-End Reflections: Rest, Creativity, and Making Space for What Matters

    Year-End Reflections: Rest, Creativity, and Making Space for What Matters In this short, reflective year-end episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo closes out the year with an unscripted conversation recorded on Christmas Day in Maine—complete with snowstorms, power outages, and a curious cat in the background. Rather than a traditional interview, this episode offers space to slow down and reflect on what rest, creativity, and strategic thinking really require. Erica explores why the pressure to “come back refreshed” after the holidays often misses the mark, especially for people whose brains don’t thrive in full stop mode. The conversation weaves together reflections on: Why rest doesn’t always mean doing nothingHow flow-state activities (like cooking, reading, walking, or puzzles) can be deeply restorativeThe role of the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) in creativity and strategic thinkingWhy constant busyness and digital distraction make it harder to think long-termPractical ways to create generative space without forcing stillnessThe episode closes with a reminder that joy is not something to feel guilty about—it’s essential fuel for facing hard things and creating meaningful change. A gentle, human way to wrap up the year and head into the next with more intention and compassion.

    30 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    Building Influence at Every Career Stage: A Conversation with Career Coach Katherine Cook

    Building Influence and Navigating Career Growth with Katherine Cook In this episode of The Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo sits down with Katherine Cook, a career coach who helps engineers rethink their career paths, build influence, and navigate corporate environments more effectively. Drawing from her own journey from engineering to technical marketing, product management, and ultimately coaching, Katherine shares practical and candid insights into what it really takes to grow your career—at any stage. What We Cover in This Episode Katherine’s unexpected shift from engineering into coaching—and the spreadsheet that started it allWhy understanding your “why” makes career decisions clearer (and less terrifying)How to assess risk realistically using worst-case scenario planningWhy networking feels uncomfortable for many engineersPractical, low-pressure ways to build meaningful professional relationshipsThe role of networking in job mobility and career advancement (hint: it’s bigger than you think)The unique challenges Black women face in corporate America—and how diverse networks can helpHow resilience, curiosity, and strategic relationship-building shape long-term career successWhy corporate America isn’t a meritocracy—and what to do with that truthKey Takeaways Your career path doesn’t need to be linear; it needs to be intentional.Networking isn’t about small talk at happy hours—it’s simply building genuine relationships.Most career opportunities come through people, not job postings.Being effective in your role is important, but managing yourself and your relationships is essential.You can influence your career trajectory more than you think—especially when you understand the landscape you’re operating in.About Our Guest Katherine Cook is a career coach who specializes in helping engineers identify their strengths, navigate transitions, and build fulfilling careers. She brings a structured, pragmatic approach rooted in her technical background, combined with deep experience supporting professionals in complex corporate environments. Connect with Katherine: Katherine Cook CoachingLinkedIn

    31 min

  7. 27/11/2025

    Choosing Possibility: A Conversation on Optimism, Awareness, and Nature-Based Coaching with Adam Bouse

    Choosing Possibility with Adam Bouse: Grounded Optimism, Self-Awareness, and Nature-Based Coaching In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, we talk with Adam Bouse, founder of Optimistic Coaching, about what it means to choose possibility in an uncertain world. Adam shares his path from emotional intelligence imbalance to becoming a coach who helps people build grounded optimism, deepen their self-awareness, and reconnect with nature as a source of resilience. The conversation explores how optimism can be a disciplined practice rather than a personality trait, why understanding our own internal signals matters more than we realize, and how nature-based coaching opens up new ways of processing stress and finding clarity. Adam also talks about his own experiences with grief and how they shaped his understanding of resilience. Listeners will come away with practical ideas for managing energy, building presence, and applying optimism in a realistic and meaningful way. Topics Covered • Adam’s origin story and his work with the EQI 2.0 assessment  • Balancing empathy and decision-making as part of emotional intelligence  • The philosophy behind Optimistic Coaching  • The difference between dispositional optimism, learned optimism, and toxic positivity  • Viktor Frankl’s concept of tragic optimism  • How cognitive biases and interoception influence perception  • The role of nature in regulating stress and shaping perspective  • Evidence-based benefits of forest bathing and nature exposure  • Practical ways to build resilience and grounded optimism  • Self-compassion, realistic expectations, and everyday presence  • How to connect with Adam and learn more about his work About Adam Bouse Adam Bouse is the founder of Optimistic Coaching, where he helps individuals explore possibilities, build resilience, and develop deeper self-awareness. He uses emotional intelligence assessment, grounded optimism, and nature-based coaching to support personal and professional growth. Adam offers a free 90-minute discovery session to help people gain clarity and explore next steps. Learn more at https://optimisticcoaching.com Viktor Frankl’s concept EQI 2.0 Assessment

    47 min

  8. 13/11/2025

    Traveling with Food Allergies and Sensitivities with Melissa Olivadoti

    In this episode of The Two Piers Podcast, we speak with medical affairs consultant Melissa Olivadoti about the realities of traveling with severe food allergies and sensory sensitivities — and what individuals, colleagues, and event organizers can do to create safer, more inclusive travel experiences. We discuss: What it really takes to prepare for air travel with multiple food allergiesThe emotional and social dynamics — including when you cannot safely join group mealsThe importance of eating before events and always traveling with backup foodHow event organizers can support attendees through allergy-friendly options and clear communicationManaging sensory overwhelm — and why quiet rooms matter at conferencesAdvocating for personal boundaries and non-touch preferences in professional spacesThe calming and community-building impact of animal rescue therapy zones at eventsAbout the guest: Melissa Olivadoti is a medical affairs consultant and founder of Assisi Consulting. You can connect with her on LinkedIn — link available at twopiersconsulting.com/podcast along with a full episode transcript. Assisi Consulting LinkedIn

    47 min
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About

The Two Piers Podcast is focused on discussions of workplace culture and inclusion, as well as providing tools and resources for individuals. We tackle the underlying systemic issues, while also giving the support needed in the short term for those facing challenging work environments. 

Information

  • Creator
    Two Piers Consulting
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Two Piers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Two Piers Podcast