E114 - Lessons from Emily Erstad: Growing Through Challenge

Episode 114 of the Surviving the Side Hustle podcast, hosted by Rob Tracz, titled "E114 - Lessons from Emily Erstad: Growing Through Challenge" was published on September 5, 2025 and runs 11 minutes.

September 5, 2025 ·11m · Surviving the Side Hustle

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Summary

Send us a textWhat if leadership isn't about perfection but vulnerability? In this revealing conversation with Emily Erstad—speech pathologist, hospice leader, and author of "It's Not That Deep"—we explore how the messy, uncomfortable parts of our journeys actually become our greatest strengths.Emily's powerful story traces her path from the Midwest to Montana to Tucson, where each bold move forced deeper self-awareness and leadership growth. Her writing journey—from personal expression to published author—demonstrates how vulnerability creates authentic connections. Throughout our discussion, three game-changing insights emerge that could transform your approach to leadership and fulfillment.First, timing truly is everything. Emily shares how even the most promising projects falter when forced at the wrong time. I reflect on my own supplement line launch, where poor timing meant extraordinary effort just to stay afloat. The key question becomes: where might you be pushing against closed doors when redirecting that energy could create better outcomes?Second, vulnerability creates influence. Though Emily admits she doesn't naturally trust easily, her willingness to open up has deepened her connections with staff and readers alike. This mirrors my mentor Brett's experience during his divorce—when he stopped hiding behind professionalism and shared authentically, his impact actually expanded. Where might you be holding back out of fear when showing your true self could create deeper connections?Finally, intentional discomfort accelerates growth. From relocations to publishing her unfiltered thoughts, Emily consistently chooses challenge over comfort. This principle works in small ways too—like my recent experiment with cold-start morning showers to build resilience during an otherwise smooth period in business. The growth comes not from celebration but from challenge.Grab your copy of "It's Not That Deep" on Amazon for both inspiration and practical emotional intelligence strategies. And remember—your breakthrough likely lives on the other side of the discomfort you've been avoiding. What intentional discomfort will you embrace this week?

Episode Description

Send us a text

What if leadership isn't about perfection but vulnerability? In this revealing conversation with Emily Erstad—speech pathologist, hospice leader, and author of "It's Not That Deep"—we explore how the messy, uncomfortable parts of our journeys actually become our greatest strengths.

Emily's powerful story traces her path from the Midwest to Montana to Tucson, where each bold move forced deeper self-awareness and leadership growth. Her writing journey—from personal expression to published author—demonstrates how vulnerability creates authentic connections. Throughout our discussion, three game-changing insights emerge that could transform your approach to leadership and fulfillment.

First, timing truly is everything. Emily shares how even the most promising projects falter when forced at the wrong time. I reflect on my own supplement line launch, where poor timing meant extraordinary effort just to stay afloat. The key question becomes: where might you be pushing against closed doors when redirecting that energy could create better outcomes?

Second, vulnerability creates influence. Though Emily admits she doesn't naturally trust easily, her willingness to open up has deepened her connections with staff and readers alike. This mirrors my mentor Brett's experience during his divorce—when he stopped hiding behind professionalism and shared authentically, his impact actually expanded. Where might you be holding back out of fear when showing your true self could create deeper connections?

Finally, intentional discomfort accelerates growth. From relocations to publishing her unfiltered thoughts, Emily consistently chooses challenge over comfort. This principle works in small ways too—like my recent experiment with cold-start morning showers to build resilience during an otherwise smooth period in business. The growth comes not from celebration but from challenge.

Grab your copy of "It's Not That Deep" on Amazon for both inspiration and practical emotional intelligence strategies. And remember—your breakthrough likely lives on the other side of the discomfort you've been avoiding. What intentional discomfort will you embrace this week?