Leadership Through Change and Self-Assurance with Erin Herman

Business leaders aren’t crumbling under change because it’s unfamiliar, they're exhausted because it’s constant, confusing, and out of their control. In this episode, keynote speaker and change management expert Erin Herman explains how organizations can turn change into a competitive advantage by pairing clarity with empathy to create genuine confidence. She breaks down why AI and other workplace shifts trigger fear around identity, certainty, and job security, and what great leaders do differently in those moments. Instead of reacting to surface-level resistance, Erin shows how to listen “between the lines” to uncover deeper concerns and rebuild trust. She also shares her KEG method (Courage, Empathy, Growth mindset) as a practical framework for taking small, courageous steps that accumulate into massive transformation. If your team is overwhelmed by change and stuck in survival mode, this conversation offers a roadmap back to alignment and momentum. Erin also dives into the hidden forces behind self-limiting beliefs, especially for ambitious professionals and women in leadership. She reveals why women often wait until they meet 100% of job criteria before applying, while men typically move forward at around 40%, and how this mindset quietly blocks career growth. By cultivating a “delusional belief” in your own success, you can move forward even when fear is present, instead of waiting to feel perfectly ready. Erin contrasts fragile, externally-driven confidence with durable, internal self-assurance that can’t be shaken by gossip, criticism, or a bad performance review. With self-assurance as your foundation, you can process feedback, adjust your behavior, and still remain grounded in your worth. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to replace hesitation and self-doubt with intentional action and resilience. Through powerful personal stories from selling elevators in a male-dominated industry to securing a $300M commitment for St. Jude, Erin illustrates how boundaries, courage, and discomfort shape a fulfilling career. She candidly shares how she swung from having no boundaries and over-apologizing to being too rigid, and how she finally landed on healthy boundaries that protect her energy while empowering her team. You’ll learn how to say no without guilt, support others without carrying their burdens, and define your leadership style with clarity and care. Erin also unpacks the quote, “Don’t let your comfort zone become your cage,” and shows how micro wins and intentional risk-taking create long-term change. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or emerging leader, you’ll gain tools to lead with courage, design a culture that supports growth, and navigate change without burning out your people. If you’re ready to stop performing, start truly leading, and change your superpower, this episode will give you both the inspiration and the structure to begin. Stay tuned! Resources: Official Website: https://www.theerinherman.com/ LinkedIn URL: / erin-herman-97832217 Instagram URL: / eebherm TikTok URL: / eebherm Facebook URL: / erin.beaton.18 Robert Plank Show: https://www.robertplank.com/1671-lead... Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Change Leadership Expert Erin Herman 01:12 Why People Aren’t Afraid of Change They’re Tired of It 02:03 AI, Uncertainty, and the Need for Clarity plus Empathy 03:35 Going Beyond Surface Questions as a Leader 04:10 Being Underestimated, Self-Limiting Beliefs, and Applying Anyway 05:20 Women, Job Criteria, and Erin’s “Delusional Belief” in Success 06:44 The KEG Method: Courage, Empathy, and Growth Mindset 07:57 Early Career: Selling Elevators and Hitting the “Glass Ceiling” 09:10 Learning Leadership Through Boundaries and Tough Conversations 10:57 From Porous to Rigid to Healthy Boundaries in Management 12:18 Mission vs. Publicity: Why Speaking and Podcasts Matter 13:27 Confidence vs. Self-Assurance and Handling Criticism 15:47 Building Micro Wins Instead of Waiting for the Perfect Moment 16:59 “Don’t Let Your Comfort Zone Become Your Cage” 18:05 How to Work with Erin: Keynotes, Workshops, and Retreats 19:28 Final Quote Breakdown and Closing Inspiration