Erin Hatzikostas

When I decided to leave my wonderful, exciting and lucrative corporate career behind, I didn't know what I was going to do. b Authentic inc is a result of me allowing myself to get curious, messy and truly listen to what others were telling me + what my soul said I was put on the earth to do - help people see and activate the power of authenticity to get the success they deserve.

***Top 2% Global Podcast*** One day as I was talking to my friend, Nicole, when I metaphorically hovered above us and our deep but hilarious conversation and thought, “maybe this should be a podcast.” After a long-ass email proposing the idea to her, and me whipping out my iPhone unannounced one “planning session” to record episode #1, it became a podcast. The “b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck” podcast is open to all, but specially designed for GenX women who are bought-in to Corporate but fed-up with the BS. Part career advice, part comedy, full-on authenticity, Nicole and I (and our authentic guests) show you a more modern, and fun, way to battle the BS of Corporate America and have a big career, without compromising everything else.

Have you ever had your head, heart and guts (and back) all align behind something? If so, then you can understand why I decided to join the Telespine team. Something meaningful and big is in their hands, and I'm excited to help shape their journey!

When I was tapped as "Interim CEO" for PayFlex, I was determined to do all I could to lead big change, even if it was temporary. Well, apparently I did enough to earn the title for realz. And I have to say, some of the proudest moments in my life came from when I had the honor to lead this incredible company. I led a massive financial and cultural turnaround in my time at the helm. Most importantly, the people I met here will forever leave a mark on my heart.

"Erin, I want to suggest you as the next COO. What do you think?" ~ Former Boss "No thank you" ~Me "Well, I guess I will do it." ~Me (after the weekend) I'm a firm believer that our diversity issue is largely driven by the fact that much of the best talent is opting out. They fear having to compromise - their family, their health, even their soul. I know because I almost did (a few times) and so many others I know have too. Women: you don't have to change for the job; instead, change the job.

Jumping over to Aetna's newly acquired company, PayFlex, was driven by the need for a bit more breathing room (two children came along during the last job) AND as a strategic move as well. I knew the company had a reputation for having great people + it was in an industry that was growing rapidly. I had a feeling there would be opportunity for growth. However, I never could have predicted eventually becoming the CEO...

Running around overseas was making it pretty tough to start a family. Plus, I get bored if I don't have new challenges often. So I took on this role to be able to lead a bigger team, learn all about the provider network component of health care, and to be able to start having babies!

This was what many may call a "stretch role". I wore my glasses often so I looked older. And I have to say, I crushed it. I launched Aetna's first non-US health care business in the UK, led the strategy for our first international health care acquisition, and orchestrated getting our license in China. I also forgot my passport once going to London. That wasn't fun. But other than that, this was an exhilarating role that catapulted my career!

My first little "breakout" job. I love taking on something where the path is ill-defined. This was my first real role getting a chance to do that and prove that I was a scrapper and could get sh*t done.

Ok, so I completely failed at the Actuarial thing. Good thing I had a bit of a personality and decided to pivot my career.

Aetna hires me back as a full time employee! (suckers ;-)

My college roommate came home from class one day and said, "Erin, I found the job for you! It's high pay, low stress, and you have to be good at math. And you're the only person I know that's good at math. It's called an Actuary." So I went to the library, found an Actuarial booklet (Millennials, we used to NOT have the Internet - can you even imagine?!) and found Aetna. I swindled them into hiring me and packed my bags and headed east to Connecticut!