Hi. I’m Erika. I use the phrase “Messy Humans” to remind people I’m coaching that it’s ok to be imperfect. In fact, that’s the only thing that’s true.
The goal is to pull together the shiny bits I have learned about what it means to be human at work—from the addictive delight of working on creative and highly collaborative teams, to the hard work of thriving in grinding corporate contexts. I’ll talk about the many cultures I’ve been part of: software, journalism, poetry, biological science, swing dancing, and consulting. Many of these ideas will inspire how you show up to work.
Focus areas
MESS: You are not alone. All the ways that *everyone* is messy. Stories about real humans who stumble, learn, get frustrated, are in denial, and sometimes thrive.
STRETCH: Explorations about how we grow stronger and wiser at work. I’ll write about adult development, authentic influence, idiosyncratic leadership, growth mindset (for real, not lip service).
PATTERN: As we develop our careers, ideas from systems thinking and social psychology become more relevant. I’ll share some of my favorite ways of thinking.
JINKS (paid only): Short challenges you can use today to jiggle your thinking, shift conversations, and learn new human tricks. (
Why you?
Your subscription will help support the process. More than that, you give me someone to write for. There’s nothing sillier than throwing pages into the wind.
Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.
Subscription benefits
As a free subscriber, you get occasional posts.
As a paid subscriber, you have:
Weekly subscriber-only posts and full archive
Jinks (short thoughts to help you thrive)
30% discount for online and in-person events (a few a year)
You’re welcome to sit back and absorb, or to engage with me and the Messy Humans community. We are small, but mighty. And we love dogs in fezes.
Referral program
To encourage you to bring more people into the fold, I’m spinning up a standard Substack referral program. When you use the referral link below, or the “Share” button on any post, you’ll get credit for any new subscribers. Simply send the link in a text, email, or share it on social media with friends.
When more friends use your referral link to subscribe (free or paid), you’ll receive special benefits.
Get a 1 month comp for 3 referrals
Get a 3 month comp for 5 referrals
Get a 6 month comp for 25 referrals
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