Conversations with Erica

Erica Mattison
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Conversations with Erica is a podcast for purpose-driven professionals who want clarity in their careers, leadership, and lives. Each episode explores real stories and practical insights on navigating transitions, building authentic leadership, and making aligned decisions. If you’re seeking meaningful impact without burnout, you’ll find grounded guidance and inspiration here.

Episodes

  1. In the People Business: Trust, Risk, and Relationships | Kashif Ahmed

    FEB 17

    In the People Business: Trust, Risk, and Relationships | Kashif Ahmed

    Episode Summary What does it really mean to be in the people business? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, I speak with private wealth manager and professor Kashif Ahmed about the human side of financial planning. We explore trust, risk, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, networking, and the mindset required to build both a business and a meaningful life. This conversation goes beyond money. It touches on discipline, relationships, leadership, and the kind of long-term thinking that supports both professional success and personal fulfillment. Topics We Discuss • Why wealth management is fundamentally a relationship business• The role of trust in financial planning and leadership• Removing emotion from financial decisions• Fear and greed in money management• Career pivots and taking calculated risks• What entrepreneurship really requires• Networking as contribution, not extraction• Why multitasking reduces effectiveness• The power of persistence and self-belief• Building a legacy that extends beyond financial success About Kashif Ahmed Kashif Ahmed, MBA, MSF, PGDMS, CFP®, is the Founder and President of American Private Wealth, LLC®. Born in Pakistan and raised in Kuwait before escaping the Iraqi occupation, Kashif brings a global perspective shaped by resilience and adaptability. His career spans consulting with multinational corporations including Royal Dutch Shell, Chase Manhattan Bank, Citibank Global Relationship Banking, Fleet Bank, John Hancock, Iron Mountain, The World Bank, and the Government of Uzbekistan. He also pioneered the design of a fully automated, web-based, multi-currency supply chain risk management system. In addition to leading his firm, Kashif teaches graduate-level finance and investments and has been mentoring professionals since 1999. Learn more about Kashif and his firm:American Private Wealth ➔ Reflecting on Your Own Career or Leadership Direction? If this conversation sparked reflection about your own career growth or leadership direction, you may find my coaching resources helpful. I work with purpose-driven professionals and leaders navigating career transitions, leadership decisions, and meaningful change. Explore coaching options ➔ Or start with a guided reflection ➔

    38 min
  2. Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses That Want to Thrive | Amanda Russell

    12/31/2025

    Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses That Want to Thrive | Amanda Russell

    Episode Summary What does a thoughtful, sustainable approach to social media look like for entrepreneurs and small businesses? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, I speak with Amanda Russell, founder of Amanda Gets Social. Amanda works with small business owners and consumer packaged goods brands to simplify social media strategy and digital marketing. Our conversation explores what it means to grow a business over time with consistency, patience, and intention. We discuss visibility, fear, entrepreneurship, AI tools, stepping away from screens, and building a social media approach that supports both business growth and a thriving life. Topics We Discuss • Building a sustainable social media strategy for small businesses • Why entrepreneurship often resembles gardening: patience, consistency, and trust in the process • Navigating fear and visibility when putting yourself out there • Distinguishing between true capacity limits and avoidance driven by fear • Moving beyond vanity metrics like followers and likes • Aligning social media strategy with real business goals • Adapting your marketing approach as your business evolves • Using AI tools thoughtfully while maintaining authenticity • The importance of stepping away from screens to support creativity and clarity About Amanda Russell Amanda Russell is the founder of Amanda Gets Social, where she helps small businesses and CPG brands simplify social media strategy and digital marketing. Through her work with entrepreneurs and growing companies, Amanda focuses on helping clients develop clear, manageable approaches to social media that support long-term visibility and sustainable business growth. Follow Amanda on Instagram ➔ Reflecting on Your Own Professional Visibility Many professionals and entrepreneurs think about social media primarily in terms of tactics. This conversation invites a broader perspective. Visibility decisions are often connected to deeper questions about identity, growth, and the kind of work and life you want to build. You might reflect on questions such as: • Where might consistency and patience serve you better than pushing for immediate results? • Is there something you have been postponing because of fear rather than lack of capacity? • How could your visibility strategy better support your broader professional goals? Reflecting on Your Own Career or Leadership Direction If this conversation sparked reflection about your own professional direction, you may find my coaching resources helpful. I work with purpose-driven professionals and leaders navigating career transitions, leadership decisions, and meaningful change. Explore coaching options ➔  Or start with a guided reflection ➔

    37 min
  3. Building Relationships That Last: Leadership Lessons from David Halbert

    12/18/2025

    Building Relationships That Last: Leadership Lessons from David Halbert

    Strong leadership starts with strong relationships. In this episode, David Halbert shares how values-driven leadership, humility, and long-term relationship building shape a meaningful career in public service. Building Relationships That Last: Leadership Lessons from David Halbert What does relationship-driven leadership really look like in public service? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, I’m joined by my longtime friend David Halbert, a respected public service leader whose career has been shaped by values, relationships, and a commitment to community impact. David shares how building and maintaining strong relationships has opened doors throughout his career, why humility matters in leadership, and how great leaders create opportunities for others rather than holding them back. We talk about taking risks, investing in continuous learning, recognizing when you’ve outgrown a role, and how growth often comes from moments that don’t go as planned. We also explore how David sustains his energy across professional, family, and community commitments, from planning ahead and using technology intentionally to prioritizing wellbeing. Shortly after this conversation was recorded, David stepped into a new role as the first Director of External Affairs at Framingham State University, reflecting a continued commitment to education and public service. This episode is especially relevant for anyone interested in public service, values-driven leadership, career growth, and building relationships that last. In this episode, we discuss: Why relationships matter in leadership and career development How to build meaningful, mutually beneficial professional connections Leadership rooted in values, humility, and service Taking risks and learning from unexpected outcomes Knowing when you’ve outgrown a role and how to move forward Creating organizations that serve as launching pads for others Sustaining energy through planning, wellbeing, and support systems Guest: David Halbert is a public service leader and former Executive Director of Bay State Progress. He currently serves as the first Director of External Affairs at Framingham State University and has worked across government, nonprofit, and community-based organizations in Massachusetts. Related links: Read the companion blog post ➔ How to Get Started in Public Policy ➔ David Halbert: @voteHalbert Bay State Progress

    44 min
  4. Entrepreneurship that Moves People: Dot Fennell on Creating CargoB

    11/20/2025

    Entrepreneurship that Moves People: Dot Fennell on Creating CargoB

    Episode Summary What does it look like to turn professional expertise into solutions that strengthen communities? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, executive coach and career development author Erica Mattison speaks with Dorothy “Dot” Fennell, a Boston-based transportation planner, mother of three, and co-founder of CargoB, the first on-demand electric cargo bike share in North America. Dot shares the origin story behind CargoB and how her background in transportation planning led her to explore practical ways to address everyday mobility challenges in cities. Instead of waiting for large-scale systems change, she focused on a human-scaled solution that helps residents move through their neighborhoods more easily. We discuss how cargo bikes can support daily life by making it easier to run errands, transport children, and navigate neighborhoods without relying solely on cars. Dot also explains the operational model behind CargoB and how she and her co-founder collaborate with residents, city agencies, and universities to expand access to sustainable transportation. This conversation highlights how aligning your expertise, professional experience, and community priorities can lead to meaningful innovation and local impact. Topics We Discuss • Turning professional expertise into community solutions• The origin and growth of CargoB’s electric cargo bike share• How cargo bikes support accessibility, connection, and everyday mobility• Purpose-driven entrepreneurship and collaborative leadership• Building more livable, people-centered cities through practical tools Quote to Remember “When I step back and look at the challenges we’re facing, I ask: what can I do at a local level? Here’s what I know, and here’s how I can contribute.”— Dot Fennell About Dorothy “Dot” Fennell Dorothy “Dot” Fennell is a Boston-based transportation planner, mother of three, and co-founder of CargoB, the first on-demand electric cargo bike share in North America. Her work focuses on improving neighborhood mobility and helping communities adopt more sustainable transportation solutions that support everyday life. Learn more about CargoB ➔ Reflection Prompts You might reflect on: • Where could your expertise help address a challenge in your community?• What practical solutions could make daily life easier for the people around you?• How might aligning your work with your values lead to meaningful impact? Continue the Conversation If this conversation sparked reflection about your own career direction, leadership path, or the ways you want your work to make an impact, you can explore more resources on Erica Mattison’s website. Erica Mattison is an executive coach and career development expert who helps professionals and leaders clarify what matters, navigate career transitions, and lead with greater confidence and purpose. Explore articles, podcast episodes, and coaching resources ➔ You can also learn more about Erica’s book Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career, which offers practical reflection tools to help professionals make thoughtful decisions about what comes next.

    37 min
  5. Entrepreneurship that Moves People: Dot Fennell on Creating CargoB

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Entrepreneurship that Moves People: Dot Fennell on Creating CargoB

    In this trailer, we hear from Dot Fennell, a transportation planner, mom of three, and co-founder of CargoB, the nation’s first on-demand electric cargo bike share. Her long-standing engagement in her community, from organizing a Bike Bus for her school to participating in city planning meetings, helped her and her co-founder recognize a clear gap in local transportation. People needed an easy way to get around with kids, groceries, or gear without relying on a car. CargoB became their solution. Dot reflects on how Boston’s strong ecosystem for small business owners, including Main Street organizations, grant opportunities, and networks that support women-owned businesses, helped bring the idea from concept to reality. She also notes that city governments around the country often reach out, interested in how to replicate a model like CargoB. It illustrates how entrepreneurial initiatives can complement public goals by offering practical, community-centered tools that cities may not have the capacity to build on their own. Her message to listeners is energizing. If you notice a need in your community, explore it. Your idea might grow into a business or become another way to contribute locally. Either direction begins with trusting what you see and taking one real step forward. This trailer invites you to consider: What need have you noticed in your community, and what possibility might open up if you explored it more fully?

    2 min
  6. Bike Bus Revolution: Inspiring Stories with Coach Sam Balto

    09/23/2025

    Bike Bus Revolution: Inspiring Stories with Coach Sam Balto

    Episode Summary Sometimes meaningful change begins with a simple idea that brings people together. In this episode of Conversations with Erica, executive coach and career development author Erica Mattison speaks with Coach Sam Balto, physical education teacher and co-founder of Bike Bus World. Sam has helped bring global visibility to the Bike Bus movement, inspiring schools and families to rethink how children travel to school. What began with walking school buses in Boston has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Bike buses bring groups of children together to ride to school with adult leaders, creating safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and joyful daily routines. Sam shares how his passion for biking, teaching, and community led him to lean into work that aligns with his calling. Erica and Sam explore how grassroots initiatives can grow when people act on what they care about and invite others to join them. Topics We Discuss • How walking and biking school buses benefit kids, families, and schools• The growth and impact of the Bike Bus movement• Why you don’t need permission to create change in your community• The confidence and independence youth gain through participation• How Sam reshaped his career by leaning into his calling• The importance of balance, consistency, and honoring your capacity Quote to Remember “You don’t need permission to make your neighborhood better.”— Coach Sam Balto About Coach Sam Balto Coach Sam Balto is a physical education teacher and the co-founder and executive director of Bike Bus World. Through his work, he has helped bring international attention to the Bike Bus movement, encouraging schools and communities to create safe, joyful ways for children to walk and bike to school together. His work highlights how community-led initiatives can improve youth wellbeing, strengthen neighborhoods, and expand access to active transportation. Resources Mentioned Learn more about Bike Bus World ➔ Grist 50, 2025 ➔ Instagram: Bike Bus World ➔ Coach Balto ➔ Reflection Prompts You might reflect on: • Does your local school have a walking or biking school bus?• If not, who in your community might be interested in starting one?• Where in your own life have you been waiting for permission to act?• What is one step you could take this week to move an idea forward? Continue the Conversation If this conversation sparked reflection about leadership, community impact, or aligning your work with your values, you can explore additional resources on Erica Mattison’s website. Erica Mattison is an executive coach and career development expert who helps professionals and leaders clarify what matters, navigate career transitions, and lead with greater confidence and purpose. Explore podcast episodes, articles, and coaching resources ➔ You can also learn more about Erica’s book Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career, which offers practical reflection tools to help professionals make thoughtful decisions about what comes next.

    46 min
  7. Trailer - Bike Bus Revolution: Inspiring Stories with Coach Sam Balto

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer - Bike Bus Revolution: Inspiring Stories with Coach Sam Balto

    In this short preview, Coach Sam Balto shares a conversation with his son about the bike bus movement, explaining that you don’t need permission to make your community better. Sam is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bike Bus World. Learn more about Bike Bus World. Subscribe to get notified when the full episode airs.

    26 sec
  8. Being True to Myself: Jill Rafter on Consulting and Motherhood

    07/24/2025

    Being True to Myself: Jill Rafter on Consulting and Motherhood

    Episode Summary Building a business rarely begins with certainty. More often, it begins with reflection, experimentation, and the willingness to take the next step before everything feels fully defined. In this episode of Conversations with Erica, executive coach and career development author Erica Mattison speaks with Jill Rafter, a Greater Boston–based edtech consultant, writer, and new mother. Jill shares how she began shaping a consulting practice that reflects both her professional expertise and the life she wanted to create as a parent. During a period of professional transition and while navigating IVF and new motherhood, Jill started exploring what it might look like to work independently. What began as a few consulting projects gradually evolved into a growing business supporting edtech companies and nonprofits with strategy, writing, and growth initiatives. Jill describes how putting herself out there, building relationships, and staying open to different paths helped her grow her consulting work. She also reflects on the mindset shifts that allowed her to move through uncertainty, trust her instincts, and create a rhythm that supports both her career and her family life. Topics We Discuss • Building a consulting business during a period of professional transition• Navigating career decisions while becoming a new parent• How putting yourself out there creates unexpected opportunities• The role of reflection and coaching in clarifying direction• Balancing flexibility, family life, and professional growth• Why taking action before everything feels certain can lead to new possibilities Quote to Remember “You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start.”— Jill Rafter About Jill Rafter Jill Rafter is a Greater Boston–based edtech consultant and writer who works with small and mid-sized education organizations to support growth, strategy, and grant and proposal development. A former classroom teacher, she now partners with startups, nonprofits, and education companies to help them navigate opportunities and expand their impact. Reflection Prompts You might reflect on: • Where in your professional life are you waiting for clarity before taking action?• What might change if you experimented with a small step forward instead?• How could your work evolve if it more fully reflected your priorities and values? Continue the Conversation If this conversation sparked reflection about your own career direction, professional transitions, or the possibility of designing work that fits your life, you can explore more resources on Erica Mattison’s website. Erica Mattison is an executive coach and career development expert who helps professionals and leaders clarify what matters, navigate career transitions, and move forward with greater confidence. Explore articles, podcast episodes, and coaching resources ➔ You can also learn more about Erica’s book Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career, which offers practical reflection tools to help professionals make thoughtful decisions about what comes next.

    36 min
  9. Trailer: Being True to Myself – Jill Rafter on Consulting and Motherhood

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer: Being True to Myself – Jill Rafter on Consulting and Motherhood

    In this short preview, I introduce my upcoming conversation with Jill Rafter, a Greater Boston–based edtech consultant and writer who’s building a business that reflects who she is. A former coaching client of mine, Jill shares how she navigated professional transitions during her journey to become a mother—and what it’s looked like to create work and a life that align with her priorities. Subscribe now to be notified when the full episode goes live.

    2 min
  10. Build a Career With No Regrets: Craftivism Leader Diane Ivey on Entrepreneurship and Reinvention

    07/01/2025

    Build a Career With No Regrets: Craftivism Leader Diane Ivey on Entrepreneurship and Reinvention

    Episode Summary What does it mean to build a career with no regrets? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, executive coach and career development author Erica Mattison speaks with creative entrepreneur Diane Ivey about taking bold risks, leading with values, and continually reinventing her work to reflect what matters most. Diane shares the story behind her entrepreneurial journey, including the ten years she spent building a yarn dyeing business that sold products around the world. Through that company, she also helped advance conversations around craftivism, the intersection of crafting and social activism, using her platform to promote diversity, representation, and social justice within the crafting community. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic and closing her company, Diane entered a period of reflection and reinvention. She explains how trusting her intuition, reaching out to her network, and reconnecting with her long-standing passion for politics and writing led her to a new chapter as a broadcast writer at CNN. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, identity, risk-taking, and how values can guide career decisions across different phases of life. Topics We Discuss • Building a values-driven business and leading with integrity• The concept of craftivism and using creativity for social impact• Taking risks and leaving a stable career to pursue meaningful work• Navigating the decision to close a business and start a new chapter• The role of networking and relationships in career transitions• Trusting intuition and aligning work with personal values• Designing a career that reflects purpose and impact Quote to Remember “I made a decision that whatever I was going to do, I was going to make sure that my life would be fulfilled.”— Diane Ivey About Diane Ivey Diane Ivey is a creative entrepreneur, writer, and widely recognized voice in the craftivism movement. Through her yarn dyeing business, she helped elevate diverse creators and bring social justice conversations into the crafting community before transitioning from entrepreneurship to journalism. She is now beginning a new chapter as a broadcast writer at CNN while continuing to explore writing, entrepreneurship, and communication as tools for impact. Reflection Prompts You might reflect on: • What would building a career with no regrets look like for you?• Where might taking a thoughtful risk open new possibilities?• How do your values shape the work you choose to pursue?• What experiences from your past could inform your next chapter? Continue the Conversation If this conversation sparked reflection about career direction, entrepreneurship, or designing work that reflects your values, you can explore more resources on Erica Mattison’s website. Erica Mattison is an executive coach and career development expert who helps professionals and leaders clarify what matters, navigate career transitions, and move forward with greater confidence. Explore articles, podcast episodes, and coaching resources ➔ You can also learn more about Erica’s book Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career, which offers practical reflection tools to help professionals make thoughtful decisions about what comes next.

    42 min
  11. How Career Pivots Lead to Creative Work: Chuck Spidell and the Story Behind Pooch and Zen | Conversations with Erica

    06/20/2025

    How Career Pivots Lead to Creative Work: Chuck Spidell and the Story Behind Pooch and Zen | Conversations with Erica

    Episode Summary In the debut episode of Conversations with Erica, executive coach and motivational speaker Erica Mattison speaks with entrepreneur and creative Chuck Spidell, founder of Pooch and Zen, about how careers evolve through experimentation, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Chuck shares how his professional path shifted from running a Portland-based pet sitting business to developing a lifestyle brand inspired by his photography along the Pacific coast. The conversation explores how creative interests that show up early in life can later become part of meaningful work. Erica and Chuck discuss how paying attention to audience feedback, redefining success beyond job titles, and staying open to pivots can shape both entrepreneurship and career direction. They also reflect on practical ways to explore new ideas without abandoning stability, including starting passion projects and developing multiple income streams. For anyone reflecting on career direction, career transitions, or building work that feels more aligned, this conversation offers insight into how experimentation and curiosity can open new possibilities. Topics We Discuss • How career pivots often grow out of long-standing interests • The influence of job titles on what people believe they are allowed to pursue • Why experimentation is essential for entrepreneurship and professional development • How childhood interests can provide clues about future career direction • Rethinking success beyond income, status, or traditional career paths • Exploring passion projects while maintaining financial stability • Diversifying income streams to create flexibility and security • Marketing lessons entrepreneurs learn by listening to their audience Quote to Remember "Take risks if you want to grow. Take more risks if you want to grow faster." — Chuck Spidell About Chuck Spidell Chuck Spidell is an entrepreneur and creative based along the Pacific coast. He is the founder of Pooch and Zen, a lifestyle brand inspired by nature, pets, and outdoor living. Chuck’s work blends photography, design, and storytelling to share the landscapes and experiences that shape his creative journey. Through his entrepreneurial projects, he explores how curiosity, experimentation, and creativity can inform both business and life. Learn more ➔ Pooch and Zen Reflection Prompts You might reflect on: • What interests or activities have followed you through different stages of your life? • Where might experimentation help you explore a new direction in your career or business? • What definition of success feels most meaningful to you right now? Continuing the Reflection If this conversation sparked reflection about your own career direction, leadership growth, or professional transition, you may want to explore additional resources. Erica Mattison is an executive coach and career development expert who helps professionals and leaders clarify what matters, navigate career transitions, and move forward with greater confidence. If you are thinking about what comes next in your own career, the resources below can help you continue that reflection. Explore articles, podcast episodes, and coaching resources ➔ You can also learn more about Erica’s book Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career, which offers practical reflection tools to help professionals make thoughtful decisions about what comes next.

    41 min

Trailers

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About

Conversations with Erica is a podcast for purpose-driven professionals who want clarity in their careers, leadership, and lives. Each episode explores real stories and practical insights on navigating transitions, building authentic leadership, and making aligned decisions. If you’re seeking meaningful impact without burnout, you’ll find grounded guidance and inspiration here.

Information

  • Creator
    Erica Mattison
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Erica Mattison Coaching & Consulting LLC
  • Show Website
    Conversations with Erica