#63 Work That Doesn’t Suck: Erin Hatzikostas on Authenticity & the 50% Rule

What’s the *real* secret to thriving at work… and in life? In this episode of Be the Sun, Not the Salt, Dr. Harry Cohen and Connie Fontaine sit down with Erin Hatzikostas, former corporate CEO, award-winning author, and globally recognized expert on authenticity in the workplace. If you’ve ever wished for more meaning, originality, or joy in your career, Erin’s wisdom is the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• Why authenticity isn’t just a feel-good buzzword, but a major business advantage in any organization
• The story behind Erin’s “50% Rule” and how it unlocks creativity, motivation, and results, both at work and in everyday life
• Candid tales from Erin’s journey from regional leader to CEO—and how she found success and engagement by showing up as herself
• Practical hacks for ditching corporate junk and bringing more originality (and fun) to the way you work
• How small acts of authenticity spark connection and trust, even in a world full of jargon, meetings, and AI
• Erin’s advice for aspiring leaders, especially women: side-step the “compromise calculation,” do the job your way, and become a thought leader in your own ecosystem

This episode is packed with honesty, research-backed insights, and playful takeaways on how to “50% rule” your own challenges, plus a little tough love for anyone stuck in business-as-usual. If you’re ready to rethink what’s normal, step into your own best self, and maybe even make work not suck, Erin’s energetic approach will inspire you to do just that.

Our latest guest episode is perfect for anyone building a career, leading a team, craving purpose, or just wanting a fresh, heliotropic perspective.

Tune in for an interview that proves authenticity is the most underused power move in business and in life.

About Erin

Erin Hatzikostas is a former Corporate CEO turned Authenticity Aficionado.

Often called “The Mel Robbins for business,” Erin is a globally recognized expert on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. She’s a sought-after keynote speaker, award-winning author of You Do You(ish) and The 50% Rule, and co-host of the hit podcast b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck.

Her TEDx Talk was among the Top 20 most-viewed TEDx talks worldwide in 2021, and Erin’s thought leadership has reached hundreds of thousands. She’s been featured by ABC, CBS, Business Insider, Fast Company, and more. Erin’s company is also behind a groundbreaking national study on authenticity’s impact in the workplace.

With a dynamic blend of humor, intelligence, and unfiltered honesty, Erin is sure to be your favorite no-nonsense navigator through the corporate junk jungle, helping you see that authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a business strategy.

Helpful Links

Erin’s website

Erin’s podcast: b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck

You Do You(ish): Unleash Your Authentic Superpowers to Get the Career You Deserve

The 50% Rule

To explore the book, or for more episodes, information, tips and tools to live a more heliotropic life, visit us at bethesunnotthesalt.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.