Meet Erika Chestnut | Leadership & Career Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika Chestnut and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, what principle do you value most?
Start with Human.

Several years ago, I served as the Head of Quality at Calendly, and it was there that I experienced something truly unique. From the moment I joined, I noticed how deeply the team was guided by their core values. This wasn’t just a list on a website or a checkbox during annual performance reviews; the people at Calendly lived and breathed these principles every day. More importantly, they used those values to hold leadership accountable. It was the first time I saw values like Start with Human move beyond corporate platitudes to become a living framework for how the organization showed up for its people, its customers, and each other.

That principle, Start with Human, became transformative for me. It empowered me to do something I’d always wanted to do: lead with people first. I had long been passionate about centering my work around the individuals I served, but in prior roles, that approach was often dismissed as “soft” or “secondary” to results. At Calendly, the opposite was true. For the first time, I had permission and support to lead in a way that aligned with my core values.

This was a turning point in my career and the foundation for the leadership and career coaching business I run today. By starting with the human experience, focusing on empathy, authenticity, and the unique strengths of each person; I not only found my voice but also developed a deep clarity about why I lead the way I do. That clarity gave me confidence, and that confidence became the source of a power no one could take away. It’s a power rooted in self-awareness and purpose, and it’s one I’ve since dedicated myself to helping others discover.

As someone who came up in tech as a double minority (Black Woman) I’ve faced my share of challenges. I’ve experienced being overlooked, undervalued, and dismissed in rooms where I was often the only one who looked like me. Those experiences were painful but also deeply formative. They’ve fueled my passion for serving women in tech, helping them navigate and overcome challenges I once faced. My mission is to empower them not by asking them to change who they are, but by showing them how to embrace their authenticity.

At the core of my work is this truth: clarity produces confidence, and confidence unlocks power. When women find their voice and own their unique strengths, they gain a power that cannot be taken away. That’s what it means to “Start with Human”; embracing who you are, unapologetically, and using that foundation to build the career and life you deserve.

My journey started with this principle, and it remains the heartbeat of everything I do.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is dedicated to empowering individual contributors, leaders and teams to realize their full potential and lead with confidence and intentionality. What sets my work apart is a deep commitment to fostering human-first connections and creating actionable frameworks that drive both personal growth and organizational excellence. Through tailored coaching, workshops, and consulting, I help individuals and teams navigate challenges, communicate effectively, and cultivate cultures where everyone thrives.

I’m most proud of the transformational journeys my clients undertake. Seeing individuals gain clarity in their career paths, build unshakable confidence, and make meaningful impacts within their organizations without relying solely on titles brings me immense satisfaction. It’s exciting to witness the ripple effect of empowered leaders who not only advance their careers but also contribute to creating inclusive and high-performing cultures.

The journey to where I am today was far from easy. As a Black woman in tech leadership, I faced challenges navigating systemic biases and breaking through glass ceilings. These experiences, while difficult, fueled my passion to create a supportive space for others facing similar obstacles. I overcame these challenges by staying true to my core values of intentionality, grace, accountability, and by surrounding myself with a community that uplifts and inspires.

Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons:

Authenticity is Powerful: Leading with your true self fosters trust and genuine connections.
Resilience is Essential: Obstacles are inevitable, but perseverance leads to growth.
Impact Over Title: You don’t need a specific title to make meaningful contributions.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that it’s rooted in a genuine desire to elevate others. My mission is to transform potential into extraordinary results by providing the tools, support, and inspiration needed to lead with purpose and confidence. Through my coaching programs, workshops, and resources, I’m committed to helping individuals and organizations cultivate cultures of excellence where everyone can thrive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much to do in Atlanta that’s not on the beaten path. Here are a few of my low key faves.

SoBa – get the salt and pepper tofu (even if you don’t like tofu) you won’t regret it
H&W Steakhouse – it’s a whole experience

A trip to Platnium Wellness spa in Conyers Ga. It’s a local Black owned retreat that has a boutique and personalized feel where other spas feel more sterile and cookie cutter, this feels like relaxing at home with others waiting on you hand and foot.

Definitely hit up a skating rink or two. Cascade East just opened in Conyers Ga as well, resurrecting a beloved skating rink in the community with a large floor to really get your roll on.

It’s the Christmas season and I’m a huge fan (It’s SANTA! IYKYK) and we’d definitely have to take a visit to the Christmas Market in Buckhead, get some Mulled Wine and visit the shops.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Haus of StageMom led by Tristan Lombard. He is the ultimate connector and supporter of people. His belief in the value I could bring to the market along with his constant shout outs in his own community have been instrumental in my business development and my own confidence.

Website: www.erikachestnut.com, www.theleadersqa.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikachestnut/