In this episode, Eddy and Erica Thomas discuss the challenges of showing up at work when life is hard. They emphasize the importance of resilience over burnout, exploring the impact of toxic work environments and societal stressors. The conversation highlights the significance of community, mindfulness, and personal growth in managing stress. They share practical strategies for coping with life's pressures and the transformative power of serving others.

Takeaways

• Resilience is about pushing through difficult times while prioritizing mental health.
• Toxic work environments significantly harm mental health.
• Community and connection are vital for reducing stress.
• Mindfulness practices can help manage stress and promote personal growth.
• Setting micro boundaries at work can alleviate pressure.

Resources

Practical tools for finding steadiness in the middle of stress. Mindful offers short, accessible articles and guided practices focused on emotional regulation, stress reduction, and presence. These resources are especially helpful for navigating difficult workdays when focus, patience, and self-compassion feel hard to access.

Support doesn’t have to be complicated to begin. Psychology Today’s therapist directory allows you to search for licensed mental health professionals by location, specialty, insurance, and personal preferences. For listeners considering therapy, this is a practical first step toward finding support that fits their needs.

The science behind resilience, connection, and meaning. The Greater Good Science Center translates research into real-world practices around compassion, burnout, purpose, and belonging. Their work helps normalize stress while offering evidence-based ways to reconnect with ourselves and others during challenging seasons.

Understanding stress as a biological and emotional experience. This book reframes burnout not as personal failure but as an incomplete stress response in the body. It’s a powerful resource for anyone feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck—especially those trying to keep showing up when life feels relentless.

Recognizing when stress becomes more than stress. The Jed Foundation provides tools and guidance for mental health awareness, emotional wellbeing, and crisis support. Their resources help individuals and organizations identify warning signs, reduce stigma, and take meaningful steps toward care and connection.

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Fun Pop" by Keeanna Kee from Canva & "Coronea" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

In this episode, Eddy and Erica discuss the significance of mentorship in personal and professional growth. They explore the characteristics of effective mentors, the differences between mentoring, coaching, therapy, and consulting, and the importance of integrity and continuous learning in mentorship. The conversation emphasizes the organic nature of mentorship and encourages listeners to seek out mentors and consider becoming mentors themselves.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Mentorship 02:35 Defining Mentorship vs. Coaching vs. Therapy 05:46 Characteristics of a Good Mentor 08:38 Finding and Approaching a Mentor 11:29 The Role of Integrity and Continuous Learning in Mentorship 14:13 The Organic Nature of Mentorship 17:23 The Call to Elevation: Becoming a Mentor

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Fun Pop" by Keeanna Kee from Canva & "Coronea" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Summary

In this conversation, Eddy and Erica explore the themes of self-leadership, career paths, and the importance of mentorship in shaping one's professional journey. They discuss how cultural influences and personal values play a significant role in defining success and the importance of viewing work as a journey rather than a destination. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness, the impact of mentors, and the tools available for personal growth and development.

Takeaways

• The opportunities to reinvent ourselves are endless.
• Self-awareness is key to self-leadership.
• We over me is a cultural value.
• Mentorship has a huge impact on our lives.
• Success is about the legacy we leave behind.
• What kind of lifestyle do I want?
• Embrace the non-linear journey of life.

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Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Fun Pop" by Keeanna Kee from Canva & "Coronea" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Summary

In this episode of E1 at Work, Eddy and Erica discuss the importance of feedback in the workplace and strategies for giving and receiving feedback effectively. They emphasize the need to recognize the value of the person receiving feedback and to be specific in the feedback given. They also mention the concept of radical candor and the importance of creating a culture that embraces feedback.

Takeaways

Recognize the value of the person receiving feedback and approach feedback with respect and empathy. Be specific in the feedback given, focusing on the present moment and actionable steps for improvement. Create a culture that embraces feedback and provides psychological safety for open and honest communication. Utilize resources such as the book Radical Candor by Kim Scott, the HALT model, and the Daring Feedback Checklist by Brené Brown.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Feedback 03:09 Benefits and Strategies of Feedback 12:30 Radical Candor and Team Dynamics 23:24 Specific Feedback and Positive vs. Negative Feedback 28:02 Courageous Feedback and Trust 32:35 Strategies for Effective Feedback 39:39 Resources for Further Learning

Resources

• Radical Candor by Kim Scott
• The H.A.L.T. (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) Model
• Brene Brown Checklist
• Situation Behavior Impact (SBI) Feedback Model
• Sandwich Method
• Care Method----more----
• Give to The Black Missions Museum: https://givebutter.com/blackmissionsmuseum
• Learn more about the Elevate 1 Consulting at: www.elevate1consulting.com
• Read our Newsletter on Linkedin

Brought to you by Elevate 1 Consulting.

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Fun Pop" by Keeanna Kee from Canva & "Coronea" by Blue Dot Sessions from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.

Welcome to E1 At Work, the podcast where organizational culture meets personal values and the art of conscious leadership drives business growth. Hosted by Dr. Erica Garcia Thomas and her husband Eddy Paul Thomas, this show dives into work-life discussions that resonate deeply and inspire continuous growth.

With over four decades of combined leadership and management experience, coaching and consulting expertise, and three master's degrees plus a doctorate in business, Erica and Eddy bring a wealth of knowledge to each conversation. They share their journey as entrepreneurs, navigating life with three generations of Thomases, a lovable but overprotective dog, and their own business, Elevate 1 Consulting.

Join them for mold-breaking dialogues that transform from within, embracing the journey of learning as they navigate the complexities of business and life. In this space, authenticity reigns, and we bring our whole selves into discussions that matter most—in business, our communities, and the world around us.

Ready to elevate your career or business? Tune in weekly to E1 At Work on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

We’ll see you at work!

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Learn more at elevate1consulting.com

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Produced by Say Some Thing Studios.

Music: "Fun Pop - Shoot Me Up" by Keeana Kee licensed from the Canva music archive.