Stop Waiting for Permission to Live an Audacious Life with Erika Rothenberger

What does it really mean to live an audacious life? In this episode of The Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Erica Rothenberger—a civil engineer, corporate executive, entrepreneur, mom of two, podcast host, and founder of the Audacious Women Summit—to talk about leadership, fulfillment, resilience, and turning unimaginable pain into purposeful action. Erica defines being audacious differently than most people. It's not the highlight reel that everyone sees. It's the hard conversations, the early mornings, the uncomfortable decisions, and the behind-the-scenes work that no one applauds. It's choosing growth when it's difficult and continuing to show up when nobody's watching. After a seventh-grade Take Your Daughter to Work Day introduced her to construction, Erica found herself building a successful career in a male-dominated industry by learning how to stretch beyond her comfort zone and walk confidently into rooms where she didn't always feel like she belonged. But her greatest lesson wouldn't come from the boardroom. In 2022, Erica survived a violent assault and strangulation that forever changed the trajectory of her life. Rather than allowing her story to define her, she chose to use it to serve others. Today, she's become an advocate for survivors, donates proceeds from her book to domestic violence organizations, and is working to bring Erica's Law to Pennsylvania. We also dive into why so many high achievers struggle to feel fulfilled despite accomplishing incredible things, how meaningful relationships can completely change the direction of your life, and why celebrating your wins might be one of the most important habits you're currently neglecting. This conversation is about courage, boundaries, healing, and giving yourself permission to live audaciously. In This Episode, We Discuss: What it truly means to live an audacious life The behind-the-scenes habits that create extraordinary success Building confidence in male-dominated industries Why high achievers often struggle with fulfillment How meaningful connections can change your life's trajectory Erica's journey from corporate leadership to creating the Audacious Women Summit Surviving a violent assault and transforming pain into purpose Why boundaries and saying "no" are essential for growth The power of celebrating your accomplishments through an "Audacious Badass List" Erica's 3:00-3:30 daily practice for creating intentionality and success How resilience is built one decision at a time