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In this episode, Sara talks with Erin Merrihew about her path from opening a hostel in Bolivia to becoming a Nonviolent Communication-based communication a leadership coach. Erin opens up about balancing her perfectionist tendencies with her commitment to being true to herself, as well as the stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck in positions that are no longer the best fit for us. In her work leading classes and workshops, in private coaching and in consulting for businesses, Erin gently pushes her clients toward their growth edge using a variety of different frameworks like Nonviolent Communication, Empathic Coaching, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, mindfulness meditation, Core Energetics, attachment theory, the work of Brené Brown and more.   Sara and Erin discuss: Erin studying Spanish and sociology Living in Germany and then Bolivia Always following what made her happy and what she was passionate about Taking a year off from university to travel Starting a youth hostel in Bolivia Troubles in paradise Realizing that she needed to leave both her business and her relationship Return to Seattle, broken-hearted Attending a free Nonviolent Communication (NVC) class Not realizing, at the time, that she'd been at a fork in the road NVC serving as a powerful tool for Erin's healing Wise words from a friend Warming up to the idea of making NVC her life's work (For those who are wondering!) What IS NVC? Business plans Apprenticing in NVC through Karl Steyaert Transitioning out of public health and into her own business Her main "hangup" about leaving her old position A money-saving move Noticing her own perfectionism Her commitment to being authentic at the risk of being imperfect Her role models Admiring people who know they are and what they value, and are willing to take a stand for them One career regret Opening a center for compassion, awakening, leadership and power Resources:Erin's two pieces of advice for those who are on the cusp of following their deeper life's work Recommended resources: Northwest Compassionate Communication Center for Nonviolent Communication Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg Erin's full bio: Erin Merrihew is a communication a leadership coach. She supports people to be who they are—to speak their truth, walk tall in life and live with fierce compassion, courage and kindness. Erin is an expert in emotional intelligence; she excels in the art of transforming pain, judgment and conflict into genuine open-heartedness. Erin is a Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication, as well as Northwest Compassionate Communication. In her work leading classes and workshops, in private coaching and in consulting for businesses, she gently pushes her clients toward their growth edge using a variety of different frameworks like Nonviolent Communication, Empathic Coaching, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, mindfulness meditation, Core Energetics, attachment theory, the work of Brené Brown and more. Erin is also an adventurous world traveler, a Spanish speaker, a singer-songwriter, a nature lover and a lifelong learner.    Connect with Erin: Website: www.erinmerrihew.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/erinmerrihewconsulting  Instagram: www.instagram.com/lovepowerliberation