We recently connected with Erica Galia and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Erica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
Over the course of the past year, two defining moments emerged that have had a profound and lasting impact on the direction of my career:
Laid Off at 38 Weeks Pregnant: As I approached the 38th week of my pregnancy, a significant and unexpected event unfolded – I was laid off from my job. This twist of fate was a reminder of life’s unpredictability. It was a moment filled with uncertainty and questions about how I would navigate both the challenges of impending motherhood and the need to secure a stable source of income.
Becoming a Mother: Shortly after the upheaval of losing my job, I embraced one of life’s most transformative roles – that of a mother. The birth of my daughter marked an evolution in my identity and priorities. Suddenly, I was not only responsible for my own wellsprings, but also with the care and nurturing of hers. This metamorphosis brought with it immense joy, but also a heightened sense of responsibility and a reevaluation of what truly mattered in my life.
In the midst of these life-awakening experiences, I discovered a remarkable reservoir of resilience within myself. This resilience was grounded in my capacity to accept change and impermanence. I recognized that life’s journey is marked by highs and lows, and often, the most miraculous gifts arise from unexpected moments.
As I navigated this period, I found comfort in the idea that I was not starting anew but rather building upon the foundation of my past experiences. Each life chapter, whether it was my career, personal growth, or the challenges I faced, had contributed to shaping the person I had become. In essence, I was weaving a thread that connected my past self to the person I was becoming, and it was this thread that informed my present reality.
This ongoing process of self-discovery and curiosity has brought with it unexpected blessings. It has enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. My roles as a mother, a head of partnerships, a meditation facilitator, and an advocate for peaceful birth practices have collectively contributed to my perspective. They have altered my outlook on life and career, reframing them as a beautiful experiment.
Rather than viewing life and career as fixed and rigid, I now view them as dynamic and ever-evolving. I use my life experiences, innate talents, and accumulated wisdom as the raw materials for this alchemical process.
Ultimately, the dream is to draw closer to my highest, most authentic self. To gracefully navigate life’s uncertainties and devote myself wholeheartedly to my roles as a mother, partner, family member, and advocate. Above all, it instills in me a sense of purpose – to embody love in all that I do and to radiate its transformative power, illuminating the world around me.
Erica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those who may not be familiar with my background, allow me to share a bit about myself, my journey and the challenges. My career initially began in the advertising industry, where I oversaw creative internship programs and talent acquisition. I was navigating the “work hard, play harder” ethos, which eventually led me to a place of intense stress and anxiety, often finding myself in bathroom stalls during panic attacks.
However, I am deeply grateful for this experience because it ultimately led me to discover the power of meditation. One pivotal day, after work, I heard a whisper in my heart that urged me to sit down and focus on my breath. Even though I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I closed my eyes and repeated to myself, “I am breathing in, I am breathing out.” Within moments, I began to feel a sense of relief. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
My path has taken me through various roles and experiences, including working with a crystal energy brand, fit modeling, freelancing with clean beauty and CBD brands, as well as athleisure brands. I’ve also had the privilege of running meditation teacher trainings, facilitating corporate meditations and circles, attending home births and now, I’m a mother, a lead at a motherhood wellness brand, and a peaceful birth advocate.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn the belief that I needed to control every aspect of my life. In my early career, I thought I had to plan and execute everything perfectly. But I realized that this mindset led to stress and anxiety, even panic attacks.
So, I decided to let go of the need for rigid control and started following what brought me joy. I learned that true fulfillment comes from embracing life’s unpredictability.
This shift in mindset opened up new opportunities, like my work as a peaceful birth advocate and meditation facilitator. It taught me to go with the flow and be open to whatever life brings.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Apart from experience, wisdom and knowledge, meditation plays an incredible role in my success, particularly in my role as the head of partnerships at Agni, where human connection is essential. Meditation is like my guiding light in this field.
My meditation practice expands my capacity for loving awareness, allowing me to perceive the profound interconnectedness of life. It instills a deep sense of self-trust, which is crucial for making clear decisions, whether it’s choosing to collaborate with certain individuals or not. Through meditation, I sharpen my intuition, and this has proven to be the secret to my success in fostering meaningful partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ericarachelgalia.com
- Instagram: @ericarachelgalia, @rootedbeings, @agniforall