Breaking Barriers: Shattering Glass Ceilings, Sticky Floors, and Workplace Norms with Erica Rooney

In this episode, I learn and laugh with the powerhouse Erica Rooney (see her bio below)—Chief People Officer, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors. From dreaming of becoming the University of Florida’s head football coach to becoming a trailblazer in HR and leadership, Erica’s journey is anything but conventional.

We tackle a range of topics, including:

• Why sticky floors—the limiting beliefs and behaviors we hold—can be just as career-stifling as the proverbial glass ceiling.
• Why not knowing what's "next" is okay.
• The real impact of return-to-work (RTW) policies and why companies need to rethink their approach to flexibility.
• How organizations can foster inclusive cultures that drive performance and employee satisfaction.
• Practical strategies to overcome self-doubt, advocate for yourself, and unlock new career opportunities.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply looking for inspiration to break free from barriers—both external and internal—this conversation is packed with insights, humor, and actionable takeaways.

This episode is brought to you by... Ever wished your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

 

About ​Erica: ​Erica Rooney ​(Website) is a powerhouse in leadership, gender equality, and workplace culture, with over 15 years of HR experience, including her role as Chief People Officer in the tech industry. She’s the bestselling author of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors and the host of the Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors podcast, where she inspires thousands to break free from limiting beliefs and step into infinite possibilities.​Erica has graced iconic stages like SXSW and CHIEF, and her work has been featured in Forbes, SUCCESS Magazine, and CBS News. Whether she’s partnering with top organizations or challenging the status quo, Erica is on a mission to help people and companies shatter barriers, unlock their potential, and achieve success without limits.