Episode 54: Why Your Legacy is Today Not Tomorrow: A Construction Executive's Take on Stepping into Your Power with Erika Rothenberger
Ready to break free from people-pleasing and reclaim your authentic self? In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into building resilience, embracing boldness, and cultivating emotional wellness—especially for women feeling stuck after years of over-giving and emotional suppression.
Host Kathy Washburn is joined by powerhouse Erika Rothenberger, a civil engineer, keynote speaker, and founder of multiple women’s empowerment groups, who shares her transformative journey from perfectionism and burnout to audacious self-leadership. Together, they explore how to build resilience before crisis hits, why auditing your personal “board of directors” accelerates growth, time management tricks for busy women, and the life-changing impact of embracing your true essence.
Packed with actionable strategies for overcoming Type C traits, setting healthy boundaries, and experimenting with “thriving” in midlife, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to stop living a muted life and start honoring their deepest desires. Tune in to discover how cultivating courage, community, and resilience can propel you into your most vibrant, empowered chapter yet!
In this episode, Kathy and Erika discuss:
Cultivating resilience through audacious action
Building empowering female support networks
Experiential thriving for personal growth
Emotional wellness in midlife transitions
Healthy boundaries and intentional time management
Timestamps:
00:00 From Pilgrim Roots to Engineering Boots
05:14 Building Resilience through Daily Practice
09:55 "Building Resilience Through Life's Challenges"
11:03 "Be Bold, Help Others"
15:46 Purpose of a Board of Directors
19:09 "Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones"
23:16 Born to Thrive
26:33 Cancer Journey Sparks Podcast Creation
30:24 Avoid Multitasking; Time Block
33:04 Audacious Woman Summit Announcement
36:17 "Articulating Values in New Environments"
38:04 Defining Word: Effervescent
If Erika was a pill, what effect would she want to have on someone?
Effervescence - giving someone a burst of energy!
More About Erika Rothenberger
Follow @erikarothenberger on LinkedIn
Listen to Grit, Grace & Glitz with Erika Rothenberger Podcast
Sign up for the 2025 Audacious Woman's Summit on October 17th in Conshohocken, PA
Not here to play small. Never have been.
Erika Rothenberger walks her talk. A high-impact executive in the male-dominated construction industry by day—and a keynote speaker, podcast host, entrepreneur, and mom of two by always—she’s living proof that you can build a life of both impact and intention.
From the job site to the stage, Erika’s mission is clear: to help people rise. Rise into unshakable confidence. Rise with clarity, conviction, and purpose. Rise into the kind of life and leadership that leaves a legacy.
Her speaking style is raw, real, and radically energizing. Audiences leave feeling seen, challenged, and lit up with new audacious conviction. Whether she’s speaking to a room full of executives or a ballroom packed with dreamers, Erika delivers a message that resonates.
Connect with Kathy Washburn
To learn more about Kathy and her coaching services, head over to https://kathywashburn.net/
To schedule a free consultation with Kathy visit https://kathywashburn.net/contact
Follow Kathy on Instagram @kathywashburndotnet
Sign Up for Kathy’s On Demand Anchored Hope Course https://kathy-washburn.teachable.com/p/anchored-hope