Grit, Grace & Glitz with Erika Rothenberger

Erika Rothenberger
  • 5.0 (48)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Join host Erika Rothenberger and her amazing guests as they share valuable learnings from their journeys in business and - life! Erika is a health + wellness biz founder, mom & wife, engineering corporate professional and published author. Her episodes will have you learning how to get gritty, give yourself the grace you deserve and celebrate all the glitz that comes to you along the way!

  1. 12h ago

    The Grit To Build Lasting Success: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Challenges with Kathleen Duffy

    Show Notes In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with Kathleen Duffy, founder of Duffy Group, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurial grit, innovative recruitment, relationship building, and the importance of giving yourself grace through life’s unexpected challenges. Kathleen shares how she built Duffy Group by rethinking traditional executive search and developing a recruitment research model centered on storytelling, partnership, and understanding what makes the right candidate a fit for the right organization. She discusses how her journey evolved from her early career experiences into building a successful business while raising a family, creating a flexible workplace, and empowering other women to grow professionally. Together, Erika and Kathleen explore the power of professional networking, the importance of refining your personal story, and practical ways to stand out in today’s competitive job market. They also discuss work-life integration, building a supportive team culture, and navigating uncertainty as an entrepreneur. Reflecting on economic downturns, technological changes, the pandemic, and her personal experience with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Kathleen shares how life can change without warning and why resilience is essential when facing the unknown. Kathleen leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: give yourself grace, take a moment to breathe when life becomes overwhelming, and keep moving forward with as much strength and compassion as you can. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: How to challenge traditional business models and build a company around innovation, storytelling, and meaningful client partnerships. Why understanding your unique skills and learning to tell your professional story can open doors to new opportunities. How to strengthen your LinkedIn profile, use relevant keywords, and leverage your network to stand out in today’s job market. Why building genuine professional relationships before you need them can create lasting opportunities throughout your career. How everyday activities, family involvement, and community connections can help expand your professional network. Why work-life integration, flexibility, and a supportive team culture are essential to building a sustainable business. How to grow a business organically by recognizing opportunities, embracing change, and surrounding yourself with talented people. Why employee retention, workplace culture, and understanding people’s personal priorities matter in recruitment. How entrepreneurs can navigate uncertainty, economic downturns, technological changes, and unexpected life challenges. Why resilience, self-compassion, and giving yourself grace are essential to moving forward when life does not go as planned. Episode Timeline 01:45 Rethinking recruitment and discovering the power of storytelling 02:38 Turning early experiences into a career in recruitment research 04:50 Building Duffy Group with a different business model 05:32 Standing out in today’s competitive job market 06:35 Refining your professional story, LinkedIn profile, and network 08:33 Building relationships before you need them 09:59 Creating meaningful connections through everyday life and community 12:26 Work-life integration and redefining success as a working mother 13:16 Growing a business organically while raising a family 15:10 Building a flexible workplace and a supportive team culture 16:29 The importance of people, company culture, and employee retention 17:40 Navigating job changes, compensation, and career decisions 20:22 Entrepreneurship, uncertainty, and redefining personal priorities 21:11 Adapting to technological changes and economic challenges 22:36 Facing unexpected challenges and finding the strength to move forward 23:25 The importance of resilience through life’s hardest moments 25:04 Giving yourself grace, taking a breath, and practicing self-compassion 26:03 Final reflections on grit, grace, glitz, and continuing to show up Where to Find Kathleen Duffy Website: https://duffygroup.com/kathleen-duffy/ In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenduffyybarra/?isSelfProfile=false Connect with Your Host, Erika Rothenberger **LinkedIn (Primary)** https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger **Instagram** https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 **Facebook** https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Oct 13

    The Grace In Your Midlife Awakening: Embracing Authenticity and Redefining Success with Jeanne Sparrow

    Shownote In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz,Erika Rothenberger sits down with Jeanne Sparrow, a seven-time Emmy-winning media personality, author, and leadership and communication consultant, for an inspiring conversation about fearless authenticity, self-compassion, and personal growth. Jeanne shares why giving yourself grace is essential to extending genuine empathy to others, and how embracing your authentic self can help you become a better leader, communicator, and version of yourself. She discusses navigating criticism, overcoming perfectionism, and accepting that personal growth may challenge the expectations others have of you. Together, Erika and Jeanne explore how to envision the life you truly want, make small but meaningful changes, remain open to new opportunities, and recognize that success is not always a straight path. They also discuss the importance of learning from past experiences, adapting when plans change, and taking responsibility for the everyday choices that shape our lives. Jeanne leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: live your life for yourself, give yourself the same love you offer others, and make the most of the life you have today. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why giving yourself grace is the foundation for showing genuine empathy to others. How to embrace fearless authenticity in leadership, communication, and everyday life. How to handle criticism and judgment when you begin showing up as your true self. Why letting go of perfectionism means accepting discomfort and imperfect progress. How to define your ideal life and take small, intentional steps toward your goals. Why staying open to new opportunities can lead to unexpected growth and possibilities. How to use past experiences as lessons rather than allowing them to define your future. Why your daily choices have a powerful influence on the direction of your life. How to adapt when your plans change and remain open to new possibilities. Why celebrating progress and living life on your own terms are essential to personal fulfillment. Episode Timeline 02:04 The meaning of grace and self-compassion 04:15 The role of authenticity in effective communication 05:17 Why fearless authenticity is essential for success 06:34 Staying true to yourself across different settings 08:02 Handling judgment and criticism during personal evolution 09:29 Midlife awakening and embracing change 12:20 Taking action and the importance of small steps 14:16 The value of flexibility and adaptability in life 17:37 Reflecting on past lessons and future growth 20:29 The power of incremental change and resilience 22:20 The importance of choices in shaping our lives 24:56 Final thoughts: live authentically and purposefully Where to Find Jeanne Website: https://jeannesparrow.com/about-js/ IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-sparrow-7409053/?isSelfProfile=false IG: https://www.instagram.com/jmsparrow/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/msjeannesparrow Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Oct 6

    The Grace in Mastering Ego, Embracing Humility, and Leading with Purpose with Andrew Paul

    Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz,Erika Rothenberger sits down with Andrew Paul, former Navy SEAL officer and leadership instructor with Echelon Front, for an honest conversation about resilience, leadership, humility, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life gets hard. Andrew shares lessons shaped by his military service, career transition, fatherhood, personal setbacks, and his journey from being out of shape after leaving the SEAL Teams to completing 100-mile ultramarathons. His story is a reminder that grit isn't about always feeling motivated—it’s about choosing to show up, especially when you don't feel like it. The conversation dives deep into ego, humility, extreme ownership, complacency, personal growth, and the power of pressure. Andrew explains how ego can prevent us from seeing the truth, making better decisions, and taking responsibility for what we can control. From the battlefield to business, relationships, parenting, and endurance sports, Andrew offers practical leadership lessons that apply far beyond the military. Most importantly, his message is simple: Keep going. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why pressure can be a privilege and how difficult experiences can shape who we become How resilience is built by repeatedly stepping outside your comfort zone Why ego can be one of the biggest obstacles to effective leadership The difference between ego-driven leadership and quiet confidence and humility How to practice extreme ownership without taking responsibility for things you cannot control Why blaming circumstances can keep you from seeing what you can actually change How complacency can develop through small shortcuts and overlooked details Why self-awareness and constantly questioning your own assumptions matter How consistency can turn a difficult starting point into extraordinary progress Why action often has to come before motivation How to balance striving for your next level with gratitude for what you already have Why the most important leadership lesson may simply be: keep going Episode Timeline 01:24 Advice to 25-Year-Old Andrew 03:06 The Value of Experience and Perspective 04:21 Building Resilience Through Stretching 05:16 Andrew’s Leadership and Grit on the Battlefield 08:37 Transition from Military to Civilian Life 12:19 Starting Ultra Marathons and Overcoming Physical Limits 13:43 The Power of Consistency and Hard Work 16:12 The Dangers of Ego in Leadership 18:20 Leadership in Action and Day-to-Day Reality 21:29 Ownership and Responsibility in Challenges 24:39 The Insidious Nature of Complacency 26:37 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Growth 30:20 The Power of Choice and Change 32:11 Keep Going: The Ultimate Leadership Mantra 33:42 Final Words and Call to Action Where to Find Andrew Website: https://theandrewmpaul.com/ IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmpaul/?isSelfProfile=false Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Sep 29

    The Grace To Stop The Comparison Game & Start Believing in Yourself with Carrie Hunter

    Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with Carrie Hunter, CEO of It's Not That Serious, a women-led lifestyle brand and storytelling platform dedicated to celebrating, connecting, and uplifting women. Carrie shares her journey from a successful corporate career in tech and construction to building a mission-driven business after surviving a life-threatening health crisis. Together, Erika and Carrie explore the reality that every woman carries unseen battles and why comparing your journey to someone else's only steals your confidence. They discuss practical mindset habits—including journaling, gratitude, affirmations, and meditation—that help reframe negative self-talk and build lasting confidence. The conversation also dives into dealing with criticism, social media comparison, finding the right community, and embracing growth without seeking everyone's approval. This episode is a reminder that resilience isn't about being perfect—it's about choosing yourself, honoring your story, and surrounding yourself with people who help you grow. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why everyone is fighting a battle you may never see. How comparison steals confidence and keeps you stuck. Simple daily practices to strengthen your mindset and self-belief. The power of gratitude, journaling, and affirmations. How to silence negative self-talk and replace it with empowering thoughts. Why you don't need everyone's approval to succeed. How to handle criticism, online negativity, and "haters" without losing your peace. Why finding the right community is essential for personal and professional growth. How investing in yourself and your purpose creates long-term impact. Episode Timeline 02:17 The importance of feeling seen and supported 04:07 Carrie’s health journey and resilience 08:13 Building confidence in young women and adults 12:33 The power of manifestation and positive visualization 15:22 Handling negativity and criticism effectively 20:55 Dealing with social media negativity and haters 22:22 Choosing the right energy and relationships 24:36 Investing in oneself and business growth 26:52 Final thoughts and encouragement for women Where to Find Ashley: IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehunter/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Sep 22

    The Glitz In Balancing Ambition, Wellness & Entrepreneurship with Ashley Novak

    Shownote In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with entrepreneur and operations consultant Ashley Novak, founder of Polished & Prosperous and Glam on Demand. Ashley shares how her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship—and her diagnosis with lupus—changed the way she approaches productivity, wellness, and sustainable business growth. Together, they discuss why entrepreneurs often struggle with overwhelm, the importance of boundaries, and how automation can simplify everyday life without sacrificing authentic client experiences. Ashley also shares practical productivity hacks, including time blocking, iPhone shortcuts, Notion workflows, and creating systems that support both business and personal well-being. The conversation also explores authenticity on social media, balancing ambition with rest, and how surrounding yourself with the right community can become the catalyst for personal and professional transformation. Whether you're building a side hustle, scaling a business, or simply trying to organize your life, this episode offers actionable strategies for creating success without burnout. In This Episode, You'll Learn How Ashley Novak built Glam on Demand into a thriving business before launching Polished & Prosperous. Why systems and automation are essential for sustainable entrepreneurship. How living with lupus reshaped Ashley's definition of wellness and productivity. Practical ways to reduce overwhelm through time blocking and prioritization. Ashley's "Top 3 Tasks" method for staying productive without burnout. Easy iPhone shortcuts and automation hacks that save time every day. Why AI should support your business—not replace authentic client experiences. How to stay genuine and build meaningful engagement on social media. The power of community, connection, and investing in yourself as an entrepreneur. Episode Timeline 02:11 Ashley shares her journey from beauty school to entrepreneurship 04:29 The importance of wellness in business and life 06:00 Tips for setting boundaries and managing overload 07:22 Using automation and shortcuts to simplify daily tasks 10:26 Balancing authenticity and strategic content on social media 13:41 The significance of downtime and creative space 16:37 Ashley’s approach to showing up authentically online 19:23 The impact of community and sisterhood at the summit 22:12 Ashley’s transformation over the past year and future goals 23:31 Final thoughts on growth, connection, and being audacious Where to Find Ashley: Website: https://www.ashleynovakbeauty.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/theashleynovak IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleylnovak/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Sep 15

    The Grace To Embrace Human Connection in the Age of AI with Zach Mercurio

    Shownote In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with researcher, leadership expert, and bestselling author Zach Mercurio to explore one of the deepest human needs: mattering. Zach explains why feeling seen, heard, valued, and needed is essential for our well-being, relationships, and leadership. Together, they unpack the difference between having a purpose and actually experiencing mattering, revealing why millions of people feel lonely despite being more digitally connected than ever. The conversation dives into the impact of authentic human interactions in an AI-driven world, practical ways to help others feel valued every day, and powerful real-life stories showing how a few intentional words can change someone's life forever. This episode is a reminder that the smallest acts of recognition can create lifelong ripple effects—and that true leadership begins by helping people know they matter. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why every human being has a fundamental need to matter. The powerful meaning behind the phrase "If it wasn't for you..." The difference between purpose and mattering—and why both are essential. Why loneliness isn't caused by a lack of people, but by a lack of feeling valued. How technology has increased connectivity while decreasing genuine connection. The three everyday practices that help people feel seen, heard, valued, and needed. Why authentic human interactions will become more valuable than AI skills. How leaders can create psychological safety by checking in on people, not just performance. Simple ways to make someone's day through intentional recognition and appreciation. Why handwritten notes and personal words can leave a lifelong impact. The importance of giving yourself grace through Zach's "Do-Over Journal" practice. How small moments of kindness create ripple effects far beyond what we can see. Episode Timeline 00:00 Introduction: Why Mattering Matters in a Digitized World 01:00 Zach Mercurio's Background and the Impact of His Book 02:12 The Fundamental Need to Matter from Birth 03:34 The Power of Saying 'If It Wasn't for You' 05:15 Difference Between Purpose and Mattering 07:16 The Connection Between Worth and Purpose 09:18 The Loneliness Epidemic and the Quality of Connections 11:37 Organizational Blind Spots in Psychological Safety 14:15 The Role of Human Skills in the Future of Work 16:00 Authentic Interactions vs. Artificial Intelligence 17:34 The Demand for Real, High-Quality Interactions 19:10 Simple Acts of Recognition and Their Impact 21:21 The Power of Small Moments to Change Lives 23:29 The Impact of Handwritten Notes and Personal Recognition 28:54 Time and Attention as the Currency of Care 30:05 Building Connection in a Disconnected World 31:22 Practicing Grace and Self-Compassion 34:50 Final Thoughts: How We Can Make a Difference ort Where to Find Zach: Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/zachmercurio/ IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/ZMercurio/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Sep 8

    The Grit To Build Resilience In The Face Of Diversity with Tina Guerrieri

    Show Note In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with Tina Guerrieri, a survivor, real estate professional, and founder of the nonprofit organization Miko's Place. Tina candidly shares her powerful journey of overcoming severe childhood physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as navigating a violent marriage as a single mother. Together, they discuss the importance of owning your story, breaking down cultural barriers in domestic violence support, and creating accessible pathways for healing. Tina explains how she channeled her past pain into empowering other women through housing assistance, legal aid, non-traditional therapy, and community education. They also dive into practical self-care habits, the strength found in supporting rather than competing with other women, and details on upcoming community-building events like Miko's Place's annual gala In This Episode, You'll Learn How to Turn Trauma into Purpose: Ways to embrace your story as a tool to inspire, heal, and uplift others. Overcoming Cultural Barriers: Why language barriers and immigrant pride often prevent minority victims from seeking help, and how targeted outreach makes a difference. Reclaiming Independence: Tina’s path from financial struggle to building a successful real estate career and providing stability for her family. Everyday Self-Care Practices: Practical ways to build self-love and reset your mind—from five-minute breathing moments to nature, music, and simple joys. Beyond Talk Therapy: How non-traditional methods like somatic, equine, dance, and movement therapies help heal trauma. The Power of Community Over Competition: Why lifting other women up creates a far more rewarding path than competing with them. Episode Timeline 02:09 Tina's journey from trauma to success 04:01 The founding of Mikos Place and its mission 09:56 Addressing cultural barriers in domestic violence support 14:46 The importance of self-care and mental health 19:55 Upcoming events: Gala and Summit 27:00 The power of community and connection 30:08 Closing thoughts and encouragement to support Where to Find Tina: IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaguerrieri/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/tinaguerrieri/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Sep 1

    The Grace To Redefine Success Without Losing Yourself with Angelica Ventrice

    Summary In this episode of Grit, Grace & Glitz, Erika Rothenberger sits down with leadership performance coach and TEDx speaker Angelica Ventrice to explore what she calls The Identity Trap, the invisible beliefs and labels we've carried since childhood that quietly shape our lives, careers, relationships, and success. Angelica shares her deeply personal journey from building a successful seven-figure health coaching business to realizing that success without alignment can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself. Together, Erika and Angelica discuss people-pleasing, perfectionism, grief, burnout, boundaries, nervous system regulation, and the courage it takes to reinvent yourself. If you've ever felt stuck being the version of yourself everyone expects, this conversation is your reminder that growth isn't about becoming someone new, it's about returning to who you've always been. In This Episode, You'll Learn What the Identity Trap is and how it begins in childhood. Why success can sometimes keep you stuck instead of fulfilled. The four stages of identity transformation: awareness, acceptance, embodiment, and mastery. How people-pleasing and perfectionism become hidden identities. Why reinvention is necessary for living in alignment. How grief transformed Angelica's leadership and coaching. The connection between your nervous system, burnout, and high achievement. Small daily habits that create lasting personal transformation. Why saying "No" is a complete sentence. How to recognize a full-body yes versus an out-of-alignment decision. Episode Timeline 02:14 Defining the identity trap and its origins 04:03 Angelica's personal story and breakthrough moments 06:12 The four phases of identity transformation 08:55 Practical habits for mental and physical well-being 12:01 The importance of vulnerability and authenticity 14:55 Handling setbacks and setbacks as growth opportunities 18:08 The power of self-awareness and body connection 20:50 Invitation to the upcoming summit and community engagement Where to Find Angelica: Website: https://www.angelicaventrice.com/ IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-ventrice/ IG: https:https://www.instagram.com/theangelicaventrice/ Connect with your host, Erika: LinkedIn (primary) https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikarothenberger IG https://www.instagram.com/erikalearothenberger?igsh=MmhjeTRhbnB1aXM2 FB https://www.facebook.com/share/69wqEYVzFKKnci9u/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About

Join host Erika Rothenberger and her amazing guests as they share valuable learnings from their journeys in business and - life! Erika is a health + wellness biz founder, mom & wife, engineering corporate professional and published author. Her episodes will have you learning how to get gritty, give yourself the grace you deserve and celebrate all the glitz that comes to you along the way!

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