Meet Ericka Spradley | Chief PowHer Officer/Founder- Confident Career Woman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ericka Spradley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ericka, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’ve heard it said “The greater the risk, the greater the reward” but that’s not always the case. The reality is that there are times when we risk so much and gain very little. I decided that I would approach risk by: (1) weighing the pros and cons assoicated with my action as well as my inaction (2) assessing my commitment to the successful outcome I define (3) accepting what I have the power to control.

According to a Women’s Leadership Study from KPMG, seven in ten women (69%) are open to taking small risks to further their career, but far fewer (43%) are open to taking the bigger risks associated with career advancement. I categorize myself as one of the “far fewer.” At one point in my career, I provided my employer with a 6-week notice, placed my resume online, withdrew the balance from my 401k and went on vacation! I didn’t have another job but I knew I would eventually get hired. The leap of faith that has been called “risky” changed my life! I was recruited into banking, having never worked in the industry as a Financial Center Manager – without a college degree!

I didn’t know at the time that leveraging transferable skills could expand your employment options, which of course could also mean increasing your salary. Here I am, many years later helping women excel at work, know their worth and better manage their career because I made the decision to run toward risk instead of running away from it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Believe it or not, I started out in retail and stayed there for many years. I’d reached a point in my life where I needed “better balance.” I wanted to attend church on Sundays and couldn’t, so I made the courageous decision to try something different. After leaving the industry, I eventually relocated, started a business and completed my undergraduate degree – while working in a different industry!

For 10 years, I managed a business and built a brand while working full-time in banking. I expanded my network, I published books and blog posts, I posted on multiple social media platforms, I shared content as a career contributor, I created workshops and facilitated them, I volunteered in my community, I was mentored and I mentored others. I also coached clients 1:1! It was tiring, exhausting and rewarding but also life-changing – in a GREAT way. I learned so much about success, the importance of having a solid support system and prioritizing self-care. It was during this chapter of my life that I learned boundaries which is a challenge for myself as well as other working women. I now have no problem saying yes to myself first which means I rarely run on empty and compromise my well-being while doing this work.

As a result of my collective experiences, I can honestly say I have no regrets. I am now a Career Management Strategist that helps companies develop, promote and retain women through partnership with their Women’s ERG/BRG. In addition, I am honored to work with women behind the scenes as their coach to help them get promoted, navigate the workplace and make PowHer Moves. There’s nothing like hanging out behind the scenes to help women excel at work and know their worth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend and I were hanging out for a week, we’d have to include a comedy show and/or a live concert. We’d do something spontaneous like take advantage of a last minute travel deal – could be a day trip or a couple of days.
Shopping, a spa day, dancing and good food would have to make the list as well. Because we’ve been friends since we were 7, having fun is effortless when we’re together. I can simply be when I’m with her and I’m sure she feels the same way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Gosh! My first shoutout goes to God. I recognize that apart from Him, I couldn’t do this work and wouldn’t be able to positively impact women around the world.

Next, I have to shoutout my support system of family and friends. I am blessed to be loved unconditionally; to be showered with encouragement and to be challenged – to not only do better, but to also be better.

Last, but certainly not least – I owe who I am today to my clients and followers; to the women who mention my name in rooms I have yet to enter; to those who trust me with their stories as well as their career success and to those who tell me how I’ve changed their life! Without them, I can’t say that I would have published 3 courses, became a College and Career Readiness Adjunct Professor or launched my online course platform. They helped push me into my purpose! For these things and so much more, I am grateful.

Website: https://erickaspradley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confidentcareerwoman/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericka-spradley/

Other: Online courses: ConfidentCareerWoman.com