Conversations with Erica

About Conversations with Erica

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.

Publisher

Erica Mattison

Category

business · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jun 2025

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Make More Music: Creativity, Connection & Career

   What does it take to keep creating while building a career around the work you love? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, I’m joined by Boston-based musician and educator John Glennon. We explore the preparation behind an energetic performance, the connection that grows through improvisation, and the persistence involved in building a music career. John shares stories from his teaching with Boston Music Project, where playful music making helps young students participate, experiment, and connect. We also discuss finding opportunities through relationships, translating broad goals into practical action, and making room for rest alongside demanding work. Whether you’re a creative professional, educator, leader, or someone who wants more creativity in your life, this conversation offers ideas to consider in your own work and life. In this conversation: How practice and preparation support improvisation What co-creating music reveals about listening and connection Why play matters in learning and teaching How persistence and relationships help a creative career develop How to move between long-term direction and practical next steps Why rest and everyday care deserve space in a full schedule What creative activity would you like to make more room for, and what small step could you take this week? Connect with John Instagram: @johnny_glennon John Glennon on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/johnny_glennon/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Learn more about Executive Coach Erica Mattison and coaching, facilitation, and professional development at ericamattison.com (https://www.ericamattison.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

2. 

   10 Oct 2026

   Make More Music: Creativity, Connection & Career | Trailer

   What does it take to build a creative life and career? Coming soon on Conversations with Erica, Executive Coach Erica Mattison talks with Boston-based musician and educator John Glennon about improvisation and play, music education, persistence, and what it takes to build a career as a working musician. Whether creativity is your profession or simply something you want more of in your life, this conversation explores the value of making space for creativity, play, and connection. The full episode is coming soon. Follow John on Instagram: @johnny_glennon (https://www.instagram.com/johnny_glennon/) Learn more about Conversations with Erica and Executive Coach Erica Mattison at ericamattison.com (https://www.ericamattison.com/).

3. 

   18 Sept 2026

   From Educators to Small Business Owners

   What can retirement make possible? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, Executive Coach Erica Mattison speaks with Cheryl St. Onge, co-owner of No Strings Attached Lemoncello, about the unexpected path from a long career in education to entrepreneurship. After retiring from Worcester Public Schools, Cheryl and her longtime friend and colleague Joan Sheary turned an idea inspired by a family recipe into a growing Massachusetts business. Their story explores transferable skills, experimentation, relationships, learning as you go, and staying open to a next chapter you may not have planned. Listen to the full episode to hear how Cheryl and Joan moved from education to entrepreneurship and what they are learning as they grow the business.

4. 

   3 Aug 2026

   How to Stand Out Authentically: Branding, SEO, and Taking the Next Step | Matthew Eriksen

   How can you make your business more visible without losing what makes it distinctive? Erica talks with Matthew Eriksen, founder and creative director of Good Brand Partners, about authentic branding, search engine optimization, relationship-building, and what it takes to grow a business before every step is fully mapped out. Matthew shares why businesses often struggle when they try to look like everyone else, how clear messaging can improve both branding and SEO, and why useful, original content still matters. He also reflects on launching his business after being laid off, growing through networking and referrals, hiring his first full-time employee, and developing his leadership approach as his company expands. In this episode: How to identify what makes your business different Why authenticity strengthens your brand Common branding and messaging mistakes How SEO helps the right people find your work Why networking works better with a clear intention How asking for help can create new opportunities What Matthew learned by taking action before having a perfect plan The shift from working independently to leading a team This conversation is for entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and professionals who want to communicate their value more clearly, build meaningful relationships, and move forward with greater confidence. About Matthew Eriksen Matthew Eriksen is the founder and creative director of Good Brand Partners, where he helps independent business owners create clear, cohesive brands and the systems to support them. His work includes brand strategy, visual identity design, website development, and CRM workflow automation. Learn more about Matthew and Good Brand Partners at: https://www.goodbrandpartners.com/ (https://www.goodbrandpartners.com/) About Erica Mattison Erica Mattison is an executive coach, facilitator, and speaker who helps purpose-driven professionals and organizations clarify what matters, navigate change, and strengthen their leadership. Learn more at: https://www.ericamattison.com/ (https://www.ericamattison.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

5. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Get Organized at Work: How to Reduce Overwhelm and Focus on What Matters

   Episode Description Feeling overwhelmed at work, even when you are trying to stay organized? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, I am joined by productivity coach and Certified Professional Organizer® Lisa Griffith to explore what it really means to get organized and why traditional productivity advice often falls short. This conversation goes beyond planners and apps. We talk about how overwhelm builds, why decision-making and prioritization are often the real challenges, and how to create systems that support follow-through. If you have been feeling stretched thin or unsure where to focus, this episode offers a more grounded and sustainable way forward. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why overwhelm is often a prioritization and decision-making challenge How physical clutter, digital clutter, and calendar overload are connected A simple way to get everything out of your head and into a workable system Why organization systems fail and how to build ones that actually stick How to align your time with what matters most to you The hidden cost of trying to do everything and how to refocus your energy Why there is no perfect tool and what matters more than the app you choose Key Takeaway Organization is not about doing more. It is about creating enough clarity and structure so you can focus on what matters and follow through with intention. About Lisa Griffith Lisa Griffith is a productivity coach, Certified Professional Organizer®, speaker, and trainer who helps professionals create systems that support focus, clarity, and sustainable productivity. With more than 30 years of experience in education and leadership, she brings a practical and human-centered approach to organizing workspaces, time, and responsibilities so people can reduce overwhelm and make better use of their time and energy. Learn more about Griffith Productivity Solutions (https://griffithproductivitysolutions.com/) ➔ Resources and Links Explore more articles, podcast episodes, and coaching resources ➔ https://www.ericamattison.com (https://www.ericamattison.com) Learn more about Conversations with Erica (https://www.ericamattison.com/conversations-with-erica) ➔ Interested in working together? Schedule a Career Strategy Consultation (https://www.ericamattison.com/coaching-consultation) ➔ Subscribe and Share If this episode resonated with you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who would benefit from a more sustainable approach to productivity and organization.

6. 

   31 Mar 2026

   Episode Trailer: Get Organized at Work (Full Episode Coming Soon)

   What happens when your priorities and your calendar do not match? In this short clip from an upcoming episode of Conversations with Erica, productivity coach and Certified Professional Organizer® Lisa Griffith names a challenge many professionals experience. You say something matters, but your time tells a different story. That disconnect is more common than you might think. It is also where meaningful change begins. When you take time to notice the gap between what you value and how you are actually using your time, you create an opportunity to make more intentional decisions about where your energy goes. What This Clip Highlights Why feeling disorganized is often about misaligned priorities, not lack of effort How your calendar reflects what is actually getting your attention The role of awareness in creating meaningful change Why acknowledging the disconnect is the first step toward clarity Key Takeaway Clarity begins when you are willing to see what is true. When your priorities and your time are out of alignment, that awareness gives you a place to begin. Full Episode Coming Soon The full conversation with Lisa Griffith will be released soon. Follow Conversations with Erica so you do not miss the episode. Continue Exploring Explore more podcast episodes and coaching resources (https://www.ericamattison.com/conversations-with-erica) ➔ If you are ready to clarify your priorities and direction, you can schedule a Career Strategy Consultation (https://www.ericamattison.com/coaching-consultation) ➔

7. 

   20 Mar 2026

   Women’s Visibility and Leadership Presence: Kimberly Paulk on Clarity, Confidence, and Career Growth

   Episode Description What helps women become more visible, more confident, and more intentional in their careers? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, Erica Mattison speaks with Kimberly Paulk, founder of Purple Thread Strategies, about women’s professional visibility, leadership presence, self-advocacy, and the courage to shape an intentional next chapter. Kimberly shares how her own career transition and coaching experience helped her clarify her direction and step more fully into work centered on helping women articulate their value, refine their message, and become more visible to the audiences who matter most. Together, Erica and Kimberly explore what it means to pause, reflect, and move forward with greater intention. They discuss coaching, self-trust, healthy boundaries, entrepreneurship, community, creativity, and the importance of giving yourself grace as you grow. This conversation will resonate with women in leadership, professionals navigating career transition, and anyone seeking more clarity, confidence, and direction in their work and life. In This Episode, We Talk About Women’s professional visibility and leadership presence Kimberly shares how she came to focus her work on helping women strengthen their visibility, clarify their message, and become more visible in spaces that matter. She also speaks to the larger importance of helping more women gain access to opportunities and leadership spaces that matter. Career transition and building an intentional next chapter This conversation explores what it looks like to pause instead of simply moving to the next available opportunity. Kimberly reflects on reaching a transition point in life and career, choosing to be more intentional, and recognizing the value of giving herself time to figure out what came next. Coaching, clarity, and self-trust Kimberly reflects on why she chose to work with a coach at that point in her life and career, and what she gained from having dedicated space to reflect, process, and move forward. She shares that while she initially wanted someone to hand her the answer, coaching helped her arrive at a direction that felt more authentic, self-generated, and aligned with who she is. Boundaries, confidence, and self-advocacy Erica and Kimberly discuss the importance of recognizing your own value, setting healthier boundaries, and understanding that women are often more capable and more prepared than they give themselves credit for. The conversation also touches on negotiation, confidence, and the need to challenge limiting narratives. Entrepreneurship, community, and support Kimberly talks about the realities of self-employment, the importance of peer support, and why building community matters when you no longer have a built-in team around you. She also reflects on the fact that running a small business is about more than generating revenue. It is also about creating value, helping people, and building work that reflects what matters to you. Creativity, exploration, and a fuller life The episode also highlights the importance of making time for creativity as part of a full and sustainable life. Erica and Kimberly reflect on art, dance, music, and other creative practices not as extras, but as meaningful ways to restore energy, support well-being, and create space for discovery. Kimberly also speaks about the joy of discovery itself, describing learning something new as deeply energizing and meaningful, especially when that learning can be used to help more women gain visibility. The conversation reinforces that time away from work can strengthen creativity, sustainability, and the value you bring to others. Topics Discussed women’s leadership, professional visibility for women, leadership presence, personal branding, career transition, executive coaching, coaching for clarity, self-trust, self-advocacy, healthy boundaries, entrepreneurship, women in business, negotiation for women, intentional career development, confidence, community, creativity, sustainable success, purpose-driven business Key Takeaways Kimberly shares that her work today is centered on helping women become more visible and more clearly communicate their value. She is especially motivated by the desire to help more women gain access to opportunities and leadership spaces that matter. She also reflects on how coaching supported her in pausing, being more intentional, and receiving the support she needed to build greater clarity and a stronger sense of direction. Rather than being handed an answer, she gained a clearer sense of ownership over the path she was creating. Another important theme in the conversation is the value of patience and experimentation. Kimberly encourages listeners not to rush, not to expect perfection, and not to assume they need to have everything figured out immediately. Sometimes the next meaningful step is simply to try something, learn from it, and keep going. The episode also reinforces that you already have value. You do not need to be everything to everyone all at once. Growth becomes more sustainable when you honor your strengths, set boundaries, receive support, and give yourself grace. The conversation also highlights that building a business is not only about income. It is also about contribution, impact, and creating something that genuinely helps people. About Kimberly Paulk Kimberly Paulk is the founder of Purple Thread Strategies, a personal branding consultancy focused on increasing women’s professional visibility and leadership presence. Drawing on leadership experience in nonprofit and corporate settings, she helps women articulate their value, refine their message, and become more visible to the audiences who matter most. Learn more at Purple Thread Strategies (https://www.purplethreadstrategies.com/) ➔ Reflection Questions Where are you ready to become more visible, and what value might you be underestimating in yourself right now? Where would it help to pause, be more intentional, and receive the support that could strengthen your clarity and sense of direction? What is one next step that feels a little uncomfortable, and what might become possible if you gave yourself permission to try? Closing If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who is navigating a career transition, growing into leadership, or reflecting on how to move forward with greater intention. You can learn more about Kimberly Paulk and her work at Purple Thread Strategies (https://www.purplethreadstrategies.com/) ➔ To learn more about Erica Mattison’s work supporting purpose-driven professionals through executive coaching, career clarity, and leadership development, visit EricaMattison.com (https://www.ericamattison.com/) ➔

8. 

   17 Feb 2026

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

   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 is about discipline, relationships, leadership, and long-term thinking. In This Episode, We Cover: 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 outlives financial success Standout Takeaways Financial planning is a process, not a product. Most financial mistakes stem from fear or greed. Opportunities are still decided by people, even in an AI-driven world. Persistence often makes the difference between plateau and breakthrough. Focused work beats multitasking. 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 at American Private Wealth → https://americanprivatewealth.com/ (https://americanprivatewealth.com/) If this conversation sparked reflection about your own career growth or leadership direction, explore more at https://www.ericamattison.com/ (https://www.ericamattison.com/)

9. 

   31 Dec 2025

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

   On this episode of Conversations with Erica, I’m joined by Amanda Russell, founder of Amanda Gets Social. Amanda works with CPG brands and small business owners to simplify social media strategy and digital marketing. We explore growing a business over time, including parallels between entrepreneurship and gardening, such as consistency, patience, and trusting the process. We also talk about putting yourself out there while working through fear, using AI with intention, stepping away from screens, and building a social media approach that supports a thriving life. Follow Amanda on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amandagetssocial/) at @amandagetssocial

10. 

    18 Dec 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 (https://www.ericamattison.com/blog/relationship-driven-public-service-leadership ) ➔ (https://www.ericamattison.com/blog/how-to-get-started-in-public-policy) How to Get Started in Public Policy (https://www.ericamattison.com/blog/how-to-get-started-in-public-policy) ➔ David Halbert: @voteHalbert (https://baystateprogress.org/) Bay State Progress (https://baystateprogress.org/)

11. 

    18 Nov 2025

    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?

12. 

    16 Sept 2025

    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. (https://bikebus.world/) Subscribe to get notified when the full episode airs.

13. 

    24 Jul 2025

    Being True to Myself: Jill Rafter on Consulting and Motherhood

    Jill Rafter, a Greater Boston–based edtech consultant and mom, shares how she began building a business that reflects who she is—while navigating professional transitions and new motherhood. We talk about putting yourself out there, finding rhythm, and taking action before everything feels certain.

14. 

    22 Jul 2025

    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.

15. 

    1 Jul 2025

    Living with No Regrets: Diane Ivey on Her Values-Led Career

    Diane Ivey discusses building a values-led career, taking risks, and reinventing work to align with personal priorities in this interview with Erica Mandy.

16. 

    20 Jun 2025

    Chasing Your Now: Building a Life That Fits

    Executive Coach Erica Mattison interviews Entrepreneur Chuck Spidell, who shares his story of evolving his career and life to create a path that reflects his true self.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

13,566

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

47

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

32

Contact Conversations with Erica

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.