Our Backpack is a podcast focused on providing entry level professionals with the tools to successfully navigate a career in Student Affairs. Erica Fraser and Christian Rafael use storytelling to provide insights, advice and tips that will help listeners grow as a professional, and they share advice on how to find confidence in yourself as professional during your 20s.
Season 1, Episode 10: Great supervisors aren't superheroes, they're human.
Supervisors aren't superheroes, but they play a major role in our professional development. In this Episode, Christian Rafael and Erica discuss three different types of managers: micro-managers, mid-managers and MIA-managers. They also discuss what is means to be a good supervisor, how to develop a management style and what it means to lead with vulnerability.
13 Jun 2021
Season 1, Episode 9: "Hey, can you step back?": How to handle being supervised by a micro-manager.
Micro-managers usually get a bad rep, but part of being a well-rounded professional is learning how to work under various management styles. In this episode, Erica and Christian Rafael discuss how to work with a micro-manager and how, if you identify as a micro-manager, to practice balancing overseeing the progression of projects and giving employees the opportunity to make decisions.
18 Feb 2021
Chapter 1, Episode 8: When Employee of the Month Just Isn't Enough
Have you ever said, "No one has said I'm doing a bad job, so I guess I'm doing a good job..." In this Episode, Erica and Christian discuss the importance of recognizing staff for their positive contributions to the team and department. They also discuss the value in being self-motivated and the potential dangers of being too reliant on outward validation to be feel fulfilled in your role/purpose.
16 Nov 2020
Chapter 1, Episode 7: So, you're on the Titanic. How do you stay afloat?
Sometimes we reflect on whether or not it is time for our next ship (opportunity). Before jumping ship, it is key to identify what is causing you to feel this way. From feeling like you’re sinking at work to navigating in disarray and from staying afloat to getting on your next ship, this is a process. In this Episode, Erica and Christian discuss ways to navigate working in a department that is undergoing a period of transition. They emphasize the importance of focusing on what you can control, figuring out next steps, choosing to chase new opportunities and prioritizing self care to avoid burnout.
30 Oct 2020
Chapter 1, Episode 6: Hide and Seek. Where is your Colleague?
Feedback is key for any professional. It is through feedback we improve our skills within the workplace and development as individuals. In this episode, Erica and Christian Rafael discuss the importance of communication, how to identify if your co-worker is “missing”, how to provide peer feedback, and when to reach out to supervisors for support.
15 Oct 2020
Chapter 1, Episode 5: No. You can't follow me on Facebook.
“Do you have a Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, or a …?” Let’s be honest, in a world where we are all connected, your co-workers want to add you on social media. In this episode, Erica and Christian Rafael discuss following co-workers, the difference between work friends and friends at work, and how social media can impact your image in the workplace.
28 Sept 2020
Chapter 1, Episode 4: If you want to go fast, send an email.
Another meeting? Another email? It seems like we’re in constant communication. In this episode, Erica and Christian Rafael discuss how and when to leverage meetings vs. emails. We share best practices on maximizing meetings and emails to ensure effectiveness as well as some tips to keep you organized.
15 Sept 2020
Introduction
First - we want to say thank you for joining us on this podcasting journey! In this episode, Erica and Christian Rafael discuss who they are as higher education professionals, explain the vision for “Our Backpack”, and what they hope you will gain as listener!
15 Sept 2020
Chapter 1, Episode 2: Do you trust me? How to step on the magic carpet.
As an employee, you are in a relationship with your department. When working in your career, you may spend more than 40 hours a week in the workplace. In this episode, Erica and Christian Rafael discuss how to build trust in the workplace and create relationships that help you have a better work experience.
15 Sept 2020
Chapter 1, Episode 3: Yes! You SHOULD take the day off.
“Should I call out of work today?”, is a question all of us have asked, or will ask, at some point in our careers. In this episode, Erica and Christian Rafael discuss the challenges of taking time away due to workplace culture as well as offer some advice on how to practice self care and create boundaries. They also discuss how to prepare yourself, and your team, for success while away.
15 Sept 2020
Chapter 1, Episode 1: Student Leader, you aren’t in Kansas anymore.
Congratulations! You have just graduated or received a new job offer. While this is the start to an exciting new chapter in your life, it could also be a bit nerve-racking. In this episode, Erica and Christian Rafael will share our top 10 tips for starting off a new job on the right foot. These tips will help you create connections in the work place, navigate the company culture and learn more about what your workplace has to offer you as a new employee.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
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