279: How Did the Savannah Bananas Start and Lessons From Their Success with Jesse Cole
b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck
Release Date: 03/18/2025
b Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck
Most resumes read like brag sheets no one asked for. Big words, boring buzzwords and mile-long bullet points that hiring managers will never read. In this episode, Erin breaks down what actually gets attention. <p> If you’re tired of blending in and ready to get noticed by real people scanning hundreds of resumes, this episode shows you the exact shift to make. <p> <p> If you’re tired of blending in and ready to get noticed by real people scanning hundreds of resumes, this episode shows you the exact shift to make. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear:...
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If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more humanity without losing authority, this episode is for you. <p> Rachel DeAlto, keynote speaker, communication and leadership expert and author joins Erin to unpack what it really means to be a relatable leader-one who’s respected, trusted, and real even when the pressure’s high. <p> <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> <p> The one thing teams say they crave most and most bosses forget to give <p> What it really takes to rebuild confidence after ego-driven leadership <p> How to use her “Me-You-We”...
info_outlineb Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck
In this episode, Erin sits down with author, researcher, and keynote speaker Sheri Jacobs, whose new book The Unexpected Power of Boundaries flips the traditional idea of creativity on its head. <p> Sheri argues that innovation doesn’t thrive in limitless freedom, it thrives inside clear constraints. <p> From playground fences to corporate experiments, from polar bears in the Arctic to the diagnosis that changed her life, Sheri shares powerful stories that prove boundaries aren’t barriers, they’re catalysts. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> 1.) How boundaries...
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In this micro episode, Erin shares one of the most powerful (and wildly overlooked) tools for building trust as a new leader: the humility moment. Not just “I suck at Excel” level vulnerability, but a real, human story that opens the door for connection, honesty, and trust. <p> She also tells the story of failing seven actuarial exams, how that shaped her leadership style, and why ditching the old-school success rubric is actually the smartest move you can make. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> -Why trying to be perfect is killing your leadership credibility <p>...
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Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. <p> Think leadership is about pep talks, perks, or pushing harder? Phil Putnam, former tech executive, speaker, and author of Desire-Based Leadership disagrees. <p> <p> In this conversation, Erin and Phil chat performance, loyalty and even take us into a topic most leaders avoid: menopause. <p> <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> • Why traditional...
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What if caring less actually made you a better leader? <p> In this episode, Nicole shares how dropping the mental load, setting unapologetic boundaries, and leading with humor have made her team stronger (and her stress levels lower). <p> Erin also jumps in with insights on why authenticity is finally winning in the workplace. <p> What’s Inside: <p> 1.) Why “I don’t care” is Nicole’s new leadership mantra <p> 2) .How humor helps you set boundaries without sounding like a jerk <p> 3.) What ChatGPT is teaching us about tone, trust, and...
info_outlineb Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck
Hate the “Tell me about yourself” question? Ok, we all kind of do, but truthfully you’re probably answering it all wrong. <p> In this solo episode, Erin breaks down how to stop regurgitating your resume and start captivating your interviewer from the first question. Using her signature “Intriguing Intro” method, you’ll learn how to combine humility, credibility, and a dose of what’s-in-it-for-them to make hiring managers lean in and actually remember you. <p> <p>If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic...
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In this solo episode, Erin chats about the kind of burnout we don’t talk about enough—the kind that masquerades as dedication. <p> After a powerful moment during a workshop with a high-achieving leader, Erin unpacks the hard truth: working nonstop isn’t always selfless… sometimes, it’s selfish. From addiction to the “hum” of hustle to the unintended signals we send our teams, this episode offers a tough-love reframe for anyone who’s worn burnout like a badge of honor. <p> If you’ve been struggling to set boundaries or feel guilty for slowing down, this...
info_outlineb Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck
You don’t need a PhD to get AI—you just need Dan Chuparkoff. <p> A former tech leader at Google and McKinsey, Dan now helps people make sense of innovation as the “Understandable Technology” expert. From dropping out of college to redefining how leaders use AI, this episode is packed with mic-drop moments, real-world use cases, and fresh ways to rethink how you work. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> 1.) Why he dropped out of college and how that actually served him better in the long-run <p> 2.) How using AI can be thought of as simply as finding small...
info_outlineb Cause Work Doesn't Have to Suck
In this episode, Erin and Nicole swap stories about the work traumas that shaped them—some painful, some funny, all of them unforgettable. From leadership flops and job losses to the quiet moments that hit a little too hard, they unpack the professional PTSD that left a lasting impression (and taught them what not to repeat). <p> If you’ve ever wondered why a small comment still haunts you—or how to make meaning out of a mess—this one’s for you. <p> Here’s what you’ll hear: <p> 1.) Why your “superpower” might actually be a trauma response <p> 2.) What...
info_outlineMeet Jesse Cole, the Walt Disney of baseball.
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In 2016, Jesse and his family took a chance on a struggling baseball team in Savannah. What happened next? They didn’t just revive the team—they completely reinvented the game. If you've ever wondered "How did the Savannah Bananas start?", this episode dives into the wild journey that transformed them into a global sensation.
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Instead of focusing on the sport itself, Jesse became obsessed with one thing: the fan experience. By challenging traditional baseball norms and making entertainment the priority, he and his team built a phenomenon that sells out every single game.
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In this episode, Erin and Jesse talk about:
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1.) Lessons from their success—how the Bananas became more than just a baseball team
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2.) The power of putting fans first (and why most businesses get this wrong)
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3.) Why standing out isn’t about being the best—it’s about being different
<p>Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or just someone looking for inspiration, Jesse's insights will make you rethink how you show up in your own field.
<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Yellow-Tux-Successful/dp/161961846X/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/134-1047312-6789663?pd_rd_w=3jwYp&content-id=amzn1.sym.7757a8b5-874e-4a67-9d85-54ed32f01737&pf_rd_p=7757a8b5-874e-4a67-9d85-54ed32f01737&pf_rd_r=VZF8S5BR3QX1822DGDYB&pd_rd_wg=b2gwT&pd_rd_r=b14af597-5ead-456d-929b-0eacde16cd88&pd_rd_i=161961846X&psc=1">Find Your Yellow Tux </a> <p>
<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fans-First-Change-Unforgettable-Experience/dp/154452921X">Fans First </a> <p>
<p>If you’d like quick tangible tips and practical corporate career advice to level up your authentic leadership, download the 10 simple “plays” to stop selling out and start standing out at <a href="https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie">https://bauthenticinc.mykajabi.com/freebie </a> <p>
<p>To connect with Erin and/or Nicole, email: hello@bauthenticinc.com <p>
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<p><b>If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration!</b><br></p>
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<li><p> <a href="https://twitter.com/bcausepodcast">Follow b Cause on Twitter (really it's mostly Nicole) </a> <p></li><li><p> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/erin-hatzikostas/">Follow Erin on LinkedIn </a>or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/erinhatzikostas/" >Instagram</a> <p></li><li><p> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/bCAUSEPodcast">Join the b Cause Podcast Facebook Group</a> <p></li><li><p> <a href="https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/600ec8544ddf900016d517d1"> Take our simple, fun and insightful"What’s your workplace superhero name?”quiz</a><p></li><li> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Do-ish-Authentic-Superpowers/dp/1736376535/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=you+do+youish&qid=1634564333&sr=8-1">Unleash your Authentic Superpower with Erin’s book,"You Do You (ish)" </a><p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.bauthenticinc.com/our-2-cents">Check out our blog for more no-BS career advice</a> <p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.bauthenticinc.com/authentic-programs">Work with Us </a><p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.bauthenticinc.com/b-you-shop">Or just buy some fun, authentic, kick-ars merch here </a><p></li>
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<p><em>DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences.<p></em>
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<p><b>Tweetable Comments</b><br></p>
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“Every single day, I get fascinated and obsessed with new ideas and new things we can create for our fans.”
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“How you view things is how you do things.”
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“Corporate and public companies are always focused on the next quarter. I'm focused on the next quarter century.”
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“You have to be able to throw away some short-term profits to create long-term fans.”
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“It starts with you being the number one fan of what you're doing.”
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“How can you really create fans if you aren't the biggest fan of what you do?”
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“Follow your energy, not your passion.”
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