Ever seen something that clearly needs to change but worried about rocking the boat?
If you’ve hesitated to speak up about broken systems, avoided challenging the status quo because you don’t want to be labeled a troublemaker, or wondered how to create change without alienating everyone around you… This episode will show you how to become a productive disruptor.
In this episode of Being Relatable, host Erica Castner chats with Mary Kate O’Connell, a serial entrepreneur and brand coach who’s mastered the art of creating positive disruption in toxic environments and outdated systems.
MEET OUR GUEST:
- Mary Kate O’Connell – Serial Entrepreneur, Brand Coach at Two Market Media (NYC branding company)
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
- Why demanding what you need (office, team, doubled rate) can lead to bigger opportunities
- How one successful disruption became the blueprint for a $20M business
- The power of “micro disruptions” to build confidence and skills
- How to challenge systems while maintaining respect and relationships
- The difference between productive disruption and just stirring the pot
KEY TIMESTAMPS:
- 8:58 – How Mary Kate disrupted agency systems for an $8M account
- 16:09 – “Don’t bring me a monkey without a banana” – bringing solutions, not just problems
- 17:39 – Transforming toxic culture by humanizing the workplace experience
- 23:05 – Mary Kate’s “backdoor disruption” strategy with her current boss
- 24:06 – How her father trained her to challenge authority starting at age 6
- 26:01 – Why you can start building disruption skills today through practice
- 29:07 – Shifting from rigid client processes to human conversations
- 32:36 – Balancing change agent energy with being a team player
- 36:08 – The importance of finding allies who will support your disruption efforts
- 40:49 – HYPE SESSION: Celebrating Jessica McCabe of How to ADHD for keeping her values intact
QUOTABLE MOMENTS:
“If you’re going to shine a light on the problem, please come with a solution. Otherwise, you are a troublemaker.”
ACTION STEPS TO TAKE AFTER LISTENING:
- Identify one system or process that needs changing in your workplace
- Start having more human conversations instead of following rigid processes
WOMAN WE’RE HYPING UP:
- Jessica McCabe – New York Times bestselling author and founder of How to ADHD, who kept her values intact by refusing to charge for resources, ensuring accessibility for everyone regardless of ability to pay.
CONNECT WITH MARY KATE:
RATE + REVIEW
If this episode gave you the courage to be a productive disruptor in your own environment, leave a review wherever you listen to Being Relatable. Your review helps other women find the confidence to create positive change.
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 worrying about rocking the boat? Remember: if your heart’s in the right place and you’re doing it for the right reasons, you might walk through a little fire, but it will be worth it. Get Erica’s Weekly “Pep Talks” directly to your inbox HERE!
