The Two Piers Podcast

Two Piers Consulting
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

The Two Piers Podcast explores leadership, work, organizational systems, and the human side of doing meaningful work. Hosted by Erica D’Eramo, founder of Two Piers Consulting, the podcast features thoughtful conversations and reflections on leadership development, coaching, workplace culture, team dynamics, sustainable performance, career growth, and the realities of navigating complex professional environments. Two Piers Consulting works with leaders, teams, and organizations through executive coaching, team coaching, leadership development, workshops, and organizational consulting. The podcast extends that work by examining the patterns, practices, and systems that help people and organizations work with greater clarity, care, and impact.

  1. 5d ago

    The Leadership Skill of Asking Better Questions with Thea Charles and Bob Greene

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, Erica D’Eramo is joined by Thea Charles and Bob Greene for a discussion about the power of questions in leadership. Together, they explore why asking better questions is such a valuable skill for leaders, coaches, facilitators, managers, and anyone responsible for helping people think more clearly. The conversation covers open-ended questions, delegation, active listening, performance conversations, team development, and the shift from being the person with the answer to being the person who helps others find their own. Erica, Thea, and Bob also discuss why “why” questions can sometimes create defensiveness, how leaders can use “what” and “how” questions more effectively, and why giving people space to answer is just as important as asking the question itself. In This Episode Erica, Thea, and Bob discuss: Why powerful questions are a practical leadership skillHow leaders can move away from the pressure to have all the answersThe difference between being a bottleneck and becoming a multiplierHow questions support better delegationWhy open-ended questions often create better insightThe limits of “why” questions in interpersonal conversationsHow to ask questions without leading people toward a predetermined answerWhy space, silence, and follow-up questions matterHow questions can support team ownership, creativity, and problem-solvingWhy coach education can be valuable for leaders, even if they do not plan to become professional coachesKey Takeaway Better questions help leaders build trust, develop people, and create more ownership across teams. For leaders who are used to being rewarded for having answers, this can be a meaningful shift. The value is no longer only in knowing what to do. It is also in creating the conditions for better thinking, stronger conversations, and more sustainable action. Interested in Building Your Question-Asking Skills? Erica, Thea, and Bob all teach in the University of New Hampshire Certificate in Professional Coaching program. This live online program is designed for people pursuing professional coaching as well as leaders, managers, and professionals who want to bring coaching skills into their work. The program includes hands-on coaching practice, reflection, mentorship, and real-time feedback, with a focus on skills such as active listening, powerful questions, ethical practice, accountability, and supporting growth in others. Enrollment is open for the Fall 2026 cohort. Learn more about the UNH Certificate in Professional Coaching: https://training.unh.edu/coaching About the Guests Thea Charles Thea Charles, PCC, is a mentor coach, leadership coach, educator, and consultant whose work includes coach education, mentor coaching, leadership development, and support for coaches pursuing ICF credentials. Connect with Thea: Website: https://thearenel.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thea-charlesBob Greene Bob Greene, MS, ACC, is a coach, consultant, facilitator, and trainer who works with individuals and teams on leadership development, career development, team effectiveness, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational development. Connect with Bob: Website: https://www.bgcoach.net/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertdgreeneMore from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.comBrowse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast

  2. Jul 30

    What Belonging at Work Really Means with Andrea D. Carter

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, Erica D’Eramo is joined by Andrea D. Carter, founder of Belonging First and a globally recognized expert in neuroscience-based belonging in the workplace. Andrea helps clarify what organizations often mean, and sometimes miss, when they talk about belonging. Rather than treating belonging as a vague culture concept or a checklist of initiatives, Andrea explains how it can be measured and strengthened through five indicators: comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and well-being. Erica and Andrea discuss why belonging matters for trust, motivation, retention, performance, and sustainable ways of working. They also explore common organizational pitfalls, including checkbox belonging, over-reliance on individual resilience solutions, and change efforts that are done to employees rather than with them. In This Episode Erica and Andrea discuss: What workplace belonging really meansWhy psychological safety is only one part of belongingThe five indicators of belonging: comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and well-beingHow belonging connects to organizational performance and retentionWhy clarity is especially important during onboarding, team changes, and reorganizationsThe “100% responsibility trap” and why belonging requires shared accountabilityWhy resilience tools cannot fix systems that are burning people outHow checkbox belonging can leave daily behaviors unchangedAccessibility, disability, and designing work environments with people in mind from the startWhy AI implementation and other change efforts need co-creation, not just rolloutKey Takeaway Belonging is not something employees should have to earn by decoding the culture, fitting in, or navigating unwritten rules on their own. Organizations can build belonging more intentionally by looking at the systems, expectations, relationships, leadership behaviors, and workload norms that shape how people experience work every day. About Andrea D. Carter Andrea D. Carter is the founder of Belonging First and the creator of the Belonging First methodology. Her work helps organizations measure and improve belonging through research, consulting, leadership support, and organizational strategy. Andrea is a strategist, researcher, TEDx speaker, adjunct professor at Adler University, and Forbes Council member. Her work bridges belonging, culture, organizational performance, trust, retention, and sustainable ways of working. Connect with Andrea D. Carter Learn more about Belonging First: https://belongingfirst.com/Subscribe to Andrea’s Substack, Belonging First: Rethink Culture: https://andreadcarter.substack.com/Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreadcarter/More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.comBrowse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast

  3. Jul 16

    Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit with Christian “Boo” Boucousis

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, Erica D’Eramo is joined by Christian “Boo” Boucousis, CEO of Afterburner, former fighter pilot, business founder, keynote speaker, and author of The Afterburner Advantage. Boo brings lessons from military aviation into the world of business leadership, with a focus on systems thinking, execution, reflection, and leading under pressure. In this conversation, Erica and Boo explore what it means to lead with intention, especially when the path forward is uncertain. They discuss how systems can create more freedom for leaders and teams by reducing the cognitive load of constantly reinventing the basics. Boo also shares the ORCA method, which stands for Objective, Reality, Cause, and Action, as a practical way to connect planning, reflection, and daily behavior. The conversation also touches on the difference between goals and destinations, why reflection needs to happen frequently enough to be useful, and how leaders can stay focused on what they can control while adapting to what they cannot. In This Episode Erica and Boo discuss: How fighter pilot mental models can translate into business leadershipWhy systems can create more room for creativity, judgment, and problem-solvingThe difference between managing current operations and leading people into the unknownThe ORCA method: Objective, Reality, Cause, and ActionWhy leaders should compare perception with reality before deciding what to changeHow daily reflection can turn learning into actionThe difference between goals and destinationsWhat “flawless leadership” means in practiceHow success can create pressure, expectations, and unexpected discomfortWhy “not yet” can be a useful way to think about growth and long-term goalsThe value of looking at the environment, not just ourselves, when building awarenessKey Takeaway Boo’s final takeaway is to bring intention to two parts of your life: where you are going, and why you are not there yet. That combination captures much of the conversation. Leaders need a clear destination, but they also need a disciplined way to examine the gap between intention and reality. With regular reflection and small adjustments, teams can build momentum over time. About Christian “Boo” Boucousis Christian “Boo” Boucousis is the CEO of Afterburner, a former fighter pilot, keynote speaker, business founder, and author of The Afterburner Advantage. Through Afterburner and his broader leadership work, Boo helps leaders and teams apply fighter pilot ways of working to execution, performance, and decision-making under pressure. Connect with Boo Call Me Boo: https://www.callmeboo.com/Afterburner: https://www.afterburner.com/Boo’s Afterburner speaker profile: https://www.afterburner.com/speakers/christian-boucousis/Connect with Boo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousisFollow Boo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianbooboucousis/Explore Flawless Leadership: https://www.afterburner.com/our-approach/mindset/Learn more about The Afterburner Advantage: https://www.afterburner.com/the-afterburner-advantage/More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.comBrowse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast

  4. Jul 2

    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.

  5. Jun 18

    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

  6. Jun 4

    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.

  7. May 21

    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

  8. 12/25/2025

    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.

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About

The Two Piers Podcast explores leadership, work, organizational systems, and the human side of doing meaningful work. Hosted by Erica D’Eramo, founder of Two Piers Consulting, the podcast features thoughtful conversations and reflections on leadership development, coaching, workplace culture, team dynamics, sustainable performance, career growth, and the realities of navigating complex professional environments. Two Piers Consulting works with leaders, teams, and organizations through executive coaching, team coaching, leadership development, workshops, and organizational consulting. The podcast extends that work by examining the patterns, practices, and systems that help people and organizations work with greater clarity, care, and impact.

Information

  • Creator
    Two Piers Consulting
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Two Piers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Two Piers Podcast