EP:102Kelsey Erickson, Senior Director of Athlete Health, Engagement, and Experience at USA Cycling.From growing up as an anxious teenager who couldn’t spend a night away from home, to moving abroad, earning a PhD, and leading athlete welfare in a male-dominated sport — Kelsey’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and refusing to be boxed in.In this conversation, we dive into:Why she never had a “five-year plan” and how that opened unexpected doorsWhat sport taught her about resilience, hard work, and redefining successHow she turned OCD and early struggles into empathy and strengthNavigating male-dominated environments and why being “the only woman in the room” can be an assetThe importance of honesty, curiosity, and showing up — even when you don’t have it all figured outKelsey’s story is proof that leaning into opportunities, embracing failure, and staying curious can lead to an extraordinary and impactful life.Key TakeawaysYou don’t need a fixed plan to build a meaningful career — curiosity and saying “yes” can be enough.Success isn’t black and white. Redefine it based on your values, effort, and relationships.Vulnerability and empathy aren’t weaknesses — they’re strengths that create trust and leadership.Women in male-dominated industries don’t need to shrink; their perspective is their power.True confidence comes from being comfortable with failing, laughing at yourself, and showing up anyway.Timestamps0:00 – Michelle introduces Kelsey and the meaning of She Who Dares Wins0:29 – Kelsey on forging her own path without a plan3:00 – From anxious teen to athlete: first steps out of her comfort zone6:00 – Moving abroad, studying, and saying “yes” to new opportunities9:00 – The underdog mindset and redefining success13:00 – Current role at USA Cycling and tackling sensitive issues in sport19:20 – Being the only woman in the room: challenges and opportunities25:30 – Curiosity as the driving force in career and life decisions27:00 – What she’d tell her 14-year-old self about trust and showing up31:00 – A defining “failure” that shaped her career in research36:00 – The unseen side of career struggles and hundreds of job rejections39:00 – Why confidence comes from being okay with mistakes and imperfection43:00 – Vulnerability, crying in a van, and why honesty matters at work45:20 – Michelle gifts Kelsey the She Who Dares Wins hoodie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.