Ever feel like you’ve been performing a version of yourself for so long that you almost forgot who you really are underneath it all?
If you’ve been dimming your personality to fit into professional boxes, hiding your emotions to seem more “logical,” or following scripts that feel completely wrong… this Being Relatable podcast episode is going to be a game-changer.
Host, Erica Castner chats with Candace Sonne and Miranda Martin, who share how to stop performing at work and why authenticity became the key to their success.
MEET OUR PANELISTS:
- Candace Sonne – Owner, JC Castle Tax & Accounting (national firm specializing in micro-businesses and solopreneurs)
- Miranda Martin – Life Insurance Leader & Author of “The Ultimate Sales Training Success Guide”
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
- How trying to emulate others actually squashes your creativity and intelligence
- Why your emotions and empathy are superpowers, not weaknesses
- The moment you realize authenticity drives better results than performance
- How to find your real voice instead of following someone else’s script
KEY TIMESTAMPS:
- 1:42 – Candace shares how trying to emulate logical women in business squashed her creativity and intelligence
- 8:49 – Miranda discusses navigating judgment as a single mom working in a male-dominated industry
- 12:14 – Candace explains how her emotional nature and empathy became her sales superpower
- 17:02 – Miranda reveals the corporate conditioning that taught her to hide emotions and stay “level”
- 21:46 – Candace’s breakthrough moment choosing authenticity over approval in video content
- 25:28 – Miranda’s advice: “People need to hear from you” – your unique perspective matters
- 30:03 – HYPE SESSION: The women our panelists are celebrating right now
QUOTABLE MOMENTS:
- “All the things that I’ve been criticized for have actually been my superpower.”
- “When I try to put a hat on that’s not me, it squashes everything about me.”
ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING:
- Stop apologizing for your natural traits (emotion, empathy, passion) and start leveraging them as strengths
- Try creating content or having conversations in whatever setting feels most comfortable to you (even if it’s imperfect)
WOMEN WE’RE HYPING UP:
- Sarah Sonne – Candace’s daughter, mother of four, who is walking daily and exploring her passion for therapy (nominated by Candace)
- Amy Falvey – Miranda’s business partner, with 178% business growth and reaching the top of their organization (nominated by Miranda)
CONNECT WITH OUR PANELISTS:
- Candace Sonne – JC Castle Tax & Accounting (tax and accounting services for micro-businesses and solopreneurs)
- Miranda Martin – Facebook: Miranda Martin (Sales Gym app launching 2026, life insurance training)
RATE + REVIEW
If this episode gave you permission to stop performing and start being authentically you in your professional life, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the courage to show up as themselves.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow host Erica Castner on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content and more conversations about building authentic relationships in work, life, and leadership.
Ready to stop performing and start being yourself? Your authenticity isn’t a weakness to hide; it’s your greatest competitive advantage. Get Erica’s Weekly “Pep Talks” directly to your inbox HERE!
