Marit Burmood shares her journey from learning to skateboard as a teenager to rediscovering her love for skating as an adult and mom. She talks about the determination, grit, and mental toughness developed through extreme sports and how these qualities translate into her professional life. Marit discusses finding balance between motherhood and personal passions, emphasizing the importance of nurturing one's own interests to stay fulfilled. She reflects on how sharing her true self helped her build more authentic relationships with clients and colleagues. Marit encourages listeners to embrace their unique "Ands" and be open about their outside-of-work interests. Her story is a reminder that being real and pursuing what lights you up creates deeper connections both at work and in life.
Episode Highlights
· Marit emphasizes the importance of being authentic and sharing her real self, including hobbies and interests, with clients and in her professional life rather than hiding behind a "buttoned up" image.
· She shares that pursuing skateboarding and other extreme sports has taught her grit, determination, and mental resilience, which directly translate into her ability to tackle challenges in her work.
· Marit discusses how finding balance and making time for her own passions, especially as a mom, has been crucial for her happiness and well-being, rather than always putting herself last.
· She believes that showing her human side and sharing personal interests helps build stronger connections and trust with clients and professional networks, rather than appearing as a "perfect" professional.
· Marit talks about embracing feedback (whether in skateboarding, public speaking, or business) as a tool for personal and professional growth, and not being afraid to make mistakes or show vulnerabilities.
Erika Flowers, the Chief Client Officer at Profitable Ideas Exchange (PIE), shares her journey from growing up in Montana and falling in love with cross-country skiing to racing professionally both in the U.S. and internationally. She reflects on how her passion for skiing helped her build strong friendships, instilled resilience, and taught her goal-setting, all skills she later found invaluable in her corporate career. Erika discusses the understated power of bringing your outside interests, or "Ands," into the workplace, believing these passions make people more human and effective in business. She explains how PIE's culture thrives by embracing diverse backgrounds and putting people first, aligning with their B Corp values. Erika encourages listeners to recognize the unique value of their outside passions and to seek out workplaces that truly support "living your best life." She closes by crediting her ongoing love for cross country skiing and trail running as continual sources of strength and inspiration both personally and professionally.
Episode Highlights
· Erika Flowers explains that her initial involvement in skiing was about making friends, but it soon evolved into a passion and a core part of her life.
· She highlights how the discipline, teamwork, goal-setting, and resilience developed through cross country skiing directly translate into valuable skills for her career and business, not just for athletes but for anyone with an outside interest or hobby.
· Erika Flowers stresses that sharing personal interests at work enhances authenticity, relatability, and connection with colleagues, ultimately making teams stronger.
· She describes how by PIE putting people first and becoming a B Corp all supports a healthy, human-centered environment that benefits both employees and clients.
· Erika Flowers encourages listeners not to shy away from their hobbies or “Ands,” even if they feel niche or irrelevant, because these interests are a source of genuine connection and distinct human value in any professional setting.