The Two Piers Podcast

Hosted by Two Piers Consulting

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Episodes

105

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Two Piers Podcast explores leadership, work, organizational systems, and the human side of doing meaningful work. Hosted by Erica D’Eramo, founder of Two Piers Consulting, the podcast features thoughtful conversations and reflections on leadership development, coaching, workplace culture, team dynamics, sustainable performance, career growth, and the realities of navigating complex professional environments. Two Piers Consulting works with leaders, teams, and organizations through executive coaching, team coaching, leadership development, workshops, and organizational consulting. The podcast extends that work by examining the patterns, practices, and systems that help people and organizations work with greater clarity, care, and impact.

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November 5, 202638 min

Boundaries, Burnout, and the Cost of Saying Yes with Krista Casey

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo is joined by Krista Casey for a conversation about boundaries, burnout, highly sensitive people, negotiation, and what happens when consistently saying yes becomes unsustainable. Krista spent more than a decade as a creative director at Fortune 500 companies, including Wayfair and New Balance, before burnout and her own discovery that she is a highly sensitive person changed how she thought about work, capacity, and boundaries. Together, Erica and Krista explore what boundaries actually are, why self-boundaries matter, how reflexive yes patterns develop, and how leaders and employees can make capacity and tradeoffs more visible before things reach a breaking point. In This Episode Erica and Krista discuss: Common misconceptions about boundaries Why boundaries are about your own actions, not controlling someone else Self-boundaries and keeping commitments to yourself The pattern of becoming the reliable “yes person” High sensitivity, empathy, and depth of processing Why inserting a pause can interrupt automatic overcommitment The “yes cost” of time, energy, and mental capacity Using alignment, capacity, and tradeoffs to evaluate requests Boundaries as a form of negotiation Why common negotiation advice does not always fit everyone How leaders unintentionally model overwork The organizational consequences of burnout How testing a small boundary can provide useful information about an environment Key Takeaway Boundaries are less about putting up walls and more about creating clarity around needs, capacity, and tradeoffs. For people who are used to saying yes automatically, the first step may simply be slowing the response down long enough to assess what the request actually costs and what would need to change in order to take it on sustainably. About Krista Casey Krista Casey is a certified life and career coach based in Berlin who specializes in helping highly sensitive people design careers and lives that better fit the way they operate. Her work includes one-on-one coaching and programs focused on boundaries, negotiation, confidence, visibility, and sustainable career development. Connect with Krista Website: https://www.kristacaseycoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-casey-623a95b/ Substack: https://supersensitivecoaching.substack.com/ More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast Follow and stream the podcast: https://twopiers.buzzsprout.com/649285/follow

October 22, 2026Episode 1231 min

Emotional Awareness and Operational Readiness with Will Paulson

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo is joined by Will Paulson for a conversation about emotional awareness, trust, leadership, and operational readiness. Will is an ICF-accredited leadership and innovation coach, founder of Wayward Purpose, and military leader with nearly 20 years of experience developing people and leading teams in complex environments. Together, Erica and Will explore how emotions show up in high-stakes workplaces, why emotional awareness can support rather than undermine operational effectiveness, and what leaders can do to build the trust needed for honest feedback, difficult conversations, and stronger team relationships. In This Episode Erica and Will discuss: Will’s path from military leadership into coaching The tendency to treat emotions as separate from operational performance Why emotional awareness can be useful information for leaders The role of support systems in demanding environments What Will means by “restoring togetherness” The difference between a group of people and a functioning team Trust, interdependence, and noticing how people are showing up Why leaders need curiosity before jumping to assumptions Emotional self-awareness during difficult feedback conversations The difference between being nice and being supportive How established trust changes the way direct feedback is received Leadership as stewardship of other people’s growth and development Key Takeaway Emotional awareness does not replace accountability, standards, or operational discipline. It gives leaders and teams more information about themselves and each other. That awareness can influence how people communicate, respond to feedback, recognize changes in a teammate, and build the trust needed to work effectively together when the pressure is high. About Will Paulson Will Paulson is an ICF-accredited leadership and innovation coach and the founder of Wayward Purpose, a coaching and writing practice built around the idea of “restoring togetherness.” He is also a husband, father of four, lifelong learner, and military leader with nearly 20 years of experience developing people, leading teams, and navigating complex environments. Connect with Will Wayward Purpose: https://waywardpurpose.com/ Subscribe to the weekly Waymarker newsletter through the Wayward Purpose website LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpaulson2026/ More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast Follow and stream the podcast: https://twopiers.buzzsprout.com/649285/follow

October 8, 20261 hr 0 min

Decision-Making Under Pressure with US Army Colonel (Ret.) & Surgeon, Dr. Ron Martin

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo is joined by Dr. Ron Martin for a conversation about decision-making under pressure. Dr. Martin brings perspective from a career spanning surgery, healthcare leadership, medical education, and military service as a retired U.S. Army colonel and senior combat surgeon. Together, he and Erica explore what makes for a good decision when information is incomplete, time is limited, and the consequences matter. The conversation covers preparation, hindsight, feedback loops, decision rights, succession, judgment, and the role of experience in separating signal from noise. In This Episode Erica and Dr. Martin discuss: What actually makes a decision “good” The difference between a poor decision and a poor outcome How hindsight can distort decision reviews Why preparation matters before the pressure arrives When more information is useful, and when it only adds noise The role of after-action reviews and feedback loops Why leaders need people who are willing to challenge them Separating criticism of a decision from criticism of the person Decision rights, ownership, and organizational clarity When to follow the checklist and when experience needs to take over Building decision-makers rather than copies of yourself Why expertise depends on deliberate practice, reflection, and feedback Key Takeaway Better decision-making is not about eliminating uncertainty. It is about understanding the problem, knowing what information matters, recognizing your own limitations, and making the best call available with the resources and time you have. One of Dr. Martin’s most useful distinctions: more information is only valuable if it changes the options available to you. About Dr. Ron Martin Dr. Ron Martin is a professor emeritus of surgery, former associate dean of a medical school, former chief physician executive of two large healthcare clinic systems, and a retired U.S. Army colonel and senior combat surgeon. His career has included clinical surgery, military medicine, healthcare leadership, education, and organizational decision-making. More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast Follow and stream the podcast: https://twopiers.buzzsprout.com/649285/follow

September 24, 2026Episode 1031 min

Lessons About High-Stakes Leadership with Alisa Tijerina

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo is joined by Alisa Tijerina for a conversation about high-stakes leadership, crisis response, operational discipline, psychological safety, and what leaders in any industry can learn from high-hazard environments. Alisa is a seasoned VP-level leader with more than 20 years of experience in the upstream energy industry, spanning offshore and onshore operations across domestic and international assets. She is also a longtime friend of Erica’s and the first-ever guest on the Two Piers Podcast . Together, Erica and Alisa explore the difference between steady-state high-stakes operations and acute crisis response, why good operations are often “boring,” how leaders can stay calm under pressure, and what it takes to build teams that speak up, prepare well, and make better decisions when the stakes are high. In This Episode Erica and Alisa discuss: What makes an environment “high-stakes” The difference between day-to-day high-hazard operations and crisis response Why crisis can create clarity, cohesion, and shared purpose Why strong operations should often look boring The role of psychological safety in safety-critical environments How operational discipline, procedures, and routines support performance Leading as an Offshore Installation Manager, or OIM How leadership style shifts between crisis response and daily operations Why calm communication matters during emergencies The usefulness of “low and slow” communication under pressure What leaders in other industries can learn from offshore operations Decision rights, RACI/RAPID charts, and reducing cognitive load The transition from offshore leadership to office-based leadership Direct communication, office politics, and stakeholder influence Women Offshore and the challenges of adapting communication across environments Key Takeaway High-stakes leadership is not only about how leaders respond in a crisis. It is also about the systems, habits, communication patterns, and trust that make strong performance possible before anything goes wrong. In high-accountability environments, leaders need to prepare teams before the moment of pressure, clarify decision rights, build psychological safety, and know when to shift between directive and collaborative leadership. About Alisa Tijerina Alisa Tijerina is a seasoned VP-level leader with more than 20 years of experience in the upstream energy industry, spanning offshore and onshore operations across domestic and international assets. Her experience includes high-stakes operational leadership, including serving as an Offshore Installation Manager, or OIM, where she was accountable for people, safety, and emergency response on an offshore platform. Resources Mentioned It’s Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff Turn the Ship Around! by David Marquet Women Offshore Conference More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast Stream the podcast from your favorite platform and follow the show: https://twopiers.buzzsprout.com/649285/follow

September 10, 2026Episode 928 min

Guided by Your Why Through Personal and Professional Pivots with Megan Bingman

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo is joined by Megan Bingman for a conversation about personal and professional pivots, identity, purpose, and being guided by your “why” through seasons of change. Megan has worn many hats across her career, including physical therapist, myofascial release practitioner, women’s health therapist, yoga teacher, author, professor of practice at Penn State, and currently closer and marketer for Real Estate Closing Services. Together, Erica and Megan explore what it means to move through change without losing the deeper thread of who you are. Megan shares how her own through line has stayed consistent across roles: helping people feel supported, valued, and connected to their own worth. In This Episode Erica and Megan discuss: Navigating career and identity shifts Rebranding yourself after a major professional pivot How COVID prompted Megan to prioritize her health and make a change Finding purpose across different roles and industries The difference between external titles and internally rooted identity Megan’s experience writing Angel in the Marble People-pleasing, boundaries, fear, love, and authenticity Why “risk-free” choices are rarely risk-free How noticing what lights you up can help clarify your why Content Note This episode includes brief references to chronic illness, foster care loss, infertility, sexual assault, and trauma-informed care. Key Takeaway A career pivot does not have to mean abandoning who you are. Sometimes it reveals the deeper thread that has been there all along. For Megan, that thread is helping people feel loved, supported, and aware of their own worth. For listeners navigating change, her advice is to pay attention to the moments that light you up. Those sparks may be pointing toward something more durable than any single job title. About Megan Bingman Megan Bingman has worn many hats across her career, including physical therapist, women’s health therapist, yoga teacher, author, professor of practice at Penn State, and closer and marketer for Real Estate Closing Services. Across her work, Megan continues to center helping people feel supported, valued, and connected to their own worth. Connect with Megan Connect with Megan on LinkedIn View Megan’s author profile on Amazon More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts Stream the podcast from your favorite platform and follow the show

August 27, 2026Episode 854 min

Still Curious: 100 Episodes of the Two Piers Podcast

Episode Summary In this solo 100th episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo reflects on where the podcast began, how it has evolved, and why it still matters. Rather than offering a highlight reel, Erica looks back at the relationships, experiments, risks, pivots, and questions that helped shape both the podcast and Two Piers Consulting. The episode also arrives during Two Piers’ 10th year, making it a natural moment to reflect on what it means to build work that is meaningful, adaptable, and sustainable over time. Erica shares the origin story of the podcast, including early encouragement from Ally Tenorio of Women Offshore and recording support from Jesse of El Don Tamales. She also reflects on launching the podcast in February 2020, the shift that happened during the early days of COVID, and the decision later that year to leave corporate life and run Two Piers full time. The episode also explores the personal side of building a business around the way your brain and energy actually work, including reflections on ADHD, sensory needs, chronic stress, meaningful work, and the difference between sticking with something and letting it evolve. In This Episode Erica reflects on: The origins of the Two Piers Podcast Reaching 100 episodes and 10 years of Two Piers What early podcasting taught her about voice, editing, and experimentation The relationships that helped the podcast get started How 2020 changed the direction of both the podcast and the business Leaving corporate life and moving to Maine Building work around ADHD, energy, sensory needs, and sustainability Why coaching became more central to Two Piers over time The difference between persistence and sunk cost Why staying curious matters more than keeping things in their original form What might come next for the podcast and Two Piers Content Note This episode includes personal reflections on depression, ADHD, and not expecting to live a long life earlier in Erica’s life. Please take care of yourself while listening. Key Takeaway After 100 episodes and 10 years of Two Piers, the work continues to evolve. For Erica, persistence has not meant doing the same thing in the same way forever. It has meant staying engaged with the questions, paying attention to what is working, adapting when the evidence changes, and continuing to build work that feels meaningful, sustainable, and alive. More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast Stream the podcast from your favorite platform and follow the show: https://twopiers.buzzsprout.com/649285/follow

August 13, 2026Episode 731 min

The Leadership Skill of Asking Better Questions with Thea Charles and Bob Greene

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo is joined by Thea Charles and Bob Greene for a discussion about the power of questions in leadership. Together, they explore why asking better questions is such a valuable skill for leaders, coaches, facilitators, managers, and anyone responsible for helping people think more clearly. The conversation covers open-ended questions, delegation, active listening, performance conversations, team development, and the shift from being the person with the answer to being the person who helps others find their own. Erica, Thea, and Bob also discuss why “why” questions can sometimes create defensiveness, how leaders can use “what” and “how” questions more effectively, and why giving people space to answer is just as important as asking the question itself. In This Episode Erica, Thea, and Bob discuss: Why powerful questions are a practical leadership skill How leaders can move away from the pressure to have all the answers The difference between being a bottleneck and becoming a multiplier How questions support better delegation Why open-ended questions often create better insight The limits of “why” questions in interpersonal conversations How to ask questions without leading people toward a predetermined answer Why space, silence, and follow-up questions matter How questions can support team ownership, creativity, and problem-solving Why coach education can be valuable for leaders, even if they do not plan to become professional coaches Key Takeaway Better questions help leaders build trust, develop people, and create more ownership across teams. For leaders who are used to being rewarded for having answers, this can be a meaningful shift. The value is no longer only in knowing what to do. It is also in creating the conditions for better thinking, stronger conversations, and more sustainable action. Interested in Building Your Question-Asking Skills? Erica, Thea, and Bob all teach in the University of New Hampshire Certificate in Professional Coaching program. This live online program is designed for people pursuing professional coaching as well as leaders, managers, and professionals who want to bring coaching skills into their work. The program includes hands-on coaching practice, reflection, mentorship, and real-time feedback, with a focus on skills such as active listening, powerful questions, ethical practice, accountability, and supporting growth in others. Enrollment is open for the Fall 2026 cohort. Learn more about the UNH Certificate in Professional Coaching: https://training.unh.edu/coaching About the Guests Thea Charles Thea Charles, PCC, is a mentor coach, leadership coach, educator, and consultant whose work includes coach education, mentor coaching, leadership development, and support for coaches pursuing ICF credentials. Connect with Thea: Website: https://thearenel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thea-charles Bob Greene Bob Greene, MS, ACC, is a coach, consultant, facilitator, and trainer who works with individuals and teams on leadership development, career development, team effectiveness, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational development. Connect with Bob: Website: https://www.bgcoach.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertdgreene More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast

July 30, 2026Episode 625 min

What Belonging at Work Really Means with Andrea D. Carter

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo is joined by Andrea D. Carter, founder of Belonging First and a globally recognized expert in neuroscience-based belonging in the workplace. Andrea helps clarify what organizations often mean, and sometimes miss, when they talk about belonging. Rather than treating belonging as a vague culture concept or a checklist of initiatives, Andrea explains how it can be measured and strengthened through five indicators: comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and well-being. Erica and Andrea discuss why belonging matters for trust, motivation, retention, performance, and sustainable ways of working. They also explore common organizational pitfalls, including checkbox belonging, over-reliance on individual resilience solutions, and change efforts that are done to employees rather than with them. In This Episode Erica and Andrea discuss: What workplace belonging really means Why psychological safety is only one part of belonging The five indicators of belonging: comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and well-being How belonging connects to organizational performance and retention Why clarity is especially important during onboarding, team changes, and reorganizations The “100% responsibility trap” and why belonging requires shared accountability Why resilience tools cannot fix systems that are burning people out How checkbox belonging can leave daily behaviors unchanged Accessibility, disability, and designing work environments with people in mind from the start Why AI implementation and other change efforts need co-creation, not just rollout Key Takeaway Belonging is not something employees should have to earn by decoding the culture, fitting in, or navigating unwritten rules on their own. Organizations can build belonging more intentionally by looking at the systems, expectations, relationships, leadership behaviors, and workload norms that shape how people experience work every day. About Andrea D. Carter Andrea D. Carter is the founder of Belonging First and the creator of the Belonging First methodology. Her work helps organizations measure and improve belonging through research, consulting, leadership support, and organizational strategy. Andrea is a strategist, researcher, TEDx speaker, adjunct professor at Adler University, and Forbes Council member. Her work bridges belonging, culture, organizational performance, trust, retention, and sustainable ways of working. Connect with Andrea D. Carter Learn more about Belonging First: https://belongingfirst.com/ Subscribe to Andrea’s Substack, Belonging First: Rethink Culture : https://andreadcarter.substack.com/ Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreadcarter/ More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast

July 16, 2026Episode 532 min

Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit with Christian “Boo” Boucousis

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo is joined by Christian “Boo” Boucousis, CEO of Afterburner, former fighter pilot, business founder, keynote speaker, and author of The Afterburner Advantage . Boo brings lessons from military aviation into the world of business leadership, with a focus on systems thinking, execution, reflection, and leading under pressure. In this conversation, Erica and Boo explore what it means to lead with intention, especially when the path forward is uncertain. They discuss how systems can create more freedom for leaders and teams by reducing the cognitive load of constantly reinventing the basics. Boo also shares the ORCA method, which stands for Objective, Reality, Cause, and Action, as a practical way to connect planning, reflection, and daily behavior. The conversation also touches on the difference between goals and destinations, why reflection needs to happen frequently enough to be useful, and how leaders can stay focused on what they can control while adapting to what they cannot. In This Episode Erica and Boo discuss: How fighter pilot mental models can translate into business leadership Why systems can create more room for creativity, judgment, and problem-solving The difference between managing current operations and leading people into the unknown The ORCA method: Objective, Reality, Cause, and Action Why leaders should compare perception with reality before deciding what to change How daily reflection can turn learning into action The difference between goals and destinations What “flawless leadership” means in practice How success can create pressure, expectations, and unexpected discomfort Why “not yet” can be a useful way to think about growth and long-term goals The value of looking at the environment, not just ourselves, when building awareness Key Takeaway Boo’s final takeaway is to bring intention to two parts of your life: where you are going, and why you are not there yet. That combination captures much of the conversation. Leaders need a clear destination, but they also need a disciplined way to examine the gap between intention and reality. With regular reflection and small adjustments, teams can build momentum over time. About Christian “Boo” Boucousis Christian “Boo” Boucousis is the CEO of Afterburner, a former fighter pilot, keynote speaker, business founder, and author of The Afterburner Advantage . Through Afterburner and his broader leadership work, Boo helps leaders and teams apply fighter pilot ways of working to execution, performance, and decision-making under pressure. Connect with Boo Call Me Boo: https://www.callmeboo.com/ Afterburner: https://www.afterburner.com/ Boo’s Afterburner speaker profile: https://www.afterburner.com/speakers/christian-boucousis/ Connect with Boo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis Follow Boo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianbooboucousis/ Explore Flawless Leadership: https://www.afterburner.com/our-approach/mindset/ Learn more about The Afterburner Advantage : https://www.afterburner.com/the-afterburner-advantage/ More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast

July 2, 2026Episode 428 min

Reclaiming Your Narrative: A Conversation with GG Renee Hill

Episode Summary In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast , Erica D’Eramo welcomes back author, creative coach, and facilitator GG Renee Hill for a conversation about writing, creativity, identity, and the stories we carry. GG’s latest book, Story Work: Field Notes on Self Discovery and Reclaiming Your Narrative , explores how inherited beliefs and limiting stories shape the way we see ourselves, make decisions, and move through the world. Together, Erica and GG discuss how writing can help us uncover those stories, examine whether they still serve us, and reconnect with our own voice and values. In this episode, they explore: How writing can support healing, self-understanding, and personal clarity The stories we inherit from family, culture, and earlier experiences How limiting beliefs become embedded in our behavior The three sections of Story Work : Roots and Origins, Truth and Lies, and Voice and Vision Creativity as something much broader than traditional artistic expression How perfectionism and the inner critic can interfere with journaling and creative work The value of practicing imperfection and allowing work to remain messy or unfinished Why the process of creating can matter more than the final result GG also shares her own path from corporate America into writing, coaching, and facilitation. She reflects on how therapy and journaling helped her discover “the story beneath the story” and eventually led her toward work centered on creative expression, self-discovery, and community. One of the central takeaways from the episode is that writing does not need to be polished, impressive, or intended for anyone else. It can simply be a place to witness yourself more honestly. As Erica puts it: don’t deprive the world of your imperfect mess. About GG Renee Hill GG Renee Hill is an author, creative coach, and facilitator whose work explores writing as a pathway to wellness, personal clarity, creativity, and collective growth. She is the author of: Story Work: Field Notes on Self Discovery and Reclaiming Your Narrative The Self-Care Check-In A Year of Self-Reflection GG also facilitates writing workshops, creative writing cohorts, monthly writing prompts, and free public writing sessions designed to help people reconnect with their voices in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Connect with GG Renee Hill Visit All the Many Layers: https://www.allthemanylayers.com/ Subscribe to GG’s weekly newsletter and Substack, Writing the Layers : https://thelayers.substack.com/ Follow GG on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ggreneewrites Connect with GG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-gg-renee-hill-28686762/ Through All the Many Layers , you can also learn more about GG’s monthly writing prompts, First Friday free-writing sessions, workshops, creative writing cohorts, and other resources for writers and anyone interested in reflective creative practice. More from Two Piers Learn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com Browse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcast Affiliate disclosure: Some book links in this post are Bookshop.org affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Two Piers may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the work we do at Two Piers.