Traditional training only tells mangers *how* to do things, but doesn't take into consideration the manager's strengths or blind spots. Modern day training focuses on the human being behind the title, as well as the people being managed.
From Stressed Manager to Exceptional Leader: The Transformation Starts Here
Founder of Authentic Foundations
Let me be honest with you. I was a first-time manager once – second-guessing every decision, avoiding hard conversations, and quietly burning out trying to "figure it out" and do it all. Most organizations don't teach you how to lead people. You're promoted, and expected to just know
So, managers guess. They avoid. They overthink. And, they burn out (or cause employees to leave).
It costs more than people realize. Poor management costs businesses an estimated $360 Billion annually in the U.S. alone.
After almost 20 years in high-pressure training and leadership roles, I stepped away from corporate to fill this gap.
Our society doesn't provide first-time managers with enough skills or support to manage teams effectively, leading to:
Toxic work cultures
Burnout
Low team engagement
Low employee retention
Poor employee satisfaction.
All of this because managers were never taught the fundamentals.
This is fixable.
I help managers learn how to:
Communicate clearly (even when it's uncomfortable)
Lead different personalities effectively
Build trust without losing authority
Manage hybrid teams
Feel confident in their role
The result?
Strong teams, better retention, higher performance, and less burnout. All without putting additional work on HR or senior leadership.
My services teach practical skills they can use immediately (not just in theory).
This isn't just work for me. It's a calling, and it's how we start fixing broken workplaces for employees who are demanding better cultures.
Authentic Foundations offers training, coaching, and content licensing for organizations and individuals ready to build better leaders and better results.
Why Choose Me?
SaaS Company Vice President
Global Director
Corporate Trainer
Awards & Achievements
2023 Bronze Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year
PaceSetter Status for several TSIA benchmark standards
Certifications
Executive Management
Change Management
Diversity Management
Six Sigma Green Belt
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Business Networking
I also love animals (especially dogs), volunteering, hiking in nature, art (I paint and color), and finding humor in every day. I also love all things spiritual, am a host of 2 podcasts, and I'm an animal rescue "mom" (we have 9 rescue animals).
I'm not for everyone, and that's one of my strengths. I'm not selling cookie-cutter “10 steps to leadership” templates. I hold space for growth, challenge, and reflection for people who want leadership that's human, not just productive.
I'm a regular person who wants to help people lead happier lives by improving the workplace culture.
In my experience working with Erika, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact she has on team dynamics.
Her ability to create an inclusive and collaborative work environment is a testament to her leadership philosophy.
Any company fortunate enough to have Erika on board will undoubtedly benefit from her wealth of experience, exemplary accomplishments, and consistent delivery of exceptional results.
Erika is a leader who genuinely cares about the success of her team and the company as a whole. Her passion for customer service, her commitment to excellence, and her drive to exceed expectations make her an asset to any organization.
I am truly grateful for the impact Erika had on my career and my life. Erika is an outstanding leader, a true professional, and a valuable asset to any organization.
While I worked under Erika's direct leadership for a short time relative to my career at Relias, the years I spent on her team where incredibly formative in my professional development.
As a first time people manager in a corporate environment, Erika was absolutely essential in forming the way I lead a team, my ability to explore innovative projects with a collaborative approach, and providing feedback on my opportunities to grow.
I cannot recommend Erika highly enough [...].
This lovely customer dove head-first into training and landed a management promotion within several weeks.
I presented for SCORE Orlando's Coffee with a Leader event and received really positive reviews from those in attendance.
It's intentionally small and targeted toward those who access my courses and coaching to become better leaders. I'm not here to spam or give endless freebies, but I will offer discounts and support to those engaged with my email list. If you want to work with me, let's get started.