158: Erica Meade: Expanding the Definition of Work for a More Sustainable Life

What does it look like to live your ambition sustainably, with joy, intention, and wholeness?

In this episode, I’m joined by Erica Meade, a former tech leader who made an unexpected and inspiring pivot — from product design work to making miniatures, co-founding a startup, and redefining what “work” means on her own terms.

We talk about how expanding our frame of reference for work and ambition can positively impact our sense of identity and bring more sustainability into our lives. We also discuss Erica’s creative hobbies and how these activities helped change her outlook on work and worth. 

Whether you’re at a crossroads, recovering from burnout, or just seeking inspiration to reconnect with your own joy, this episode offers a refreshing, honest look at ambition done differently.

More About Our Guest

Erica Meade is a startup co-founder, fractional product and design leader, and the artist behind Mini House on the Line. In 2023, Erica made a dollhouse for a friend’s daughter and it changed her life. In addition to discovering a hobby that brought her and others so much joy, she recognized that too much of her life and energy had been dedicated to her full time job. Inspired by that experience, she has redesigned her life and now splits her time between tech consulting, miniature making, and building a startup dedicated to spreading joy through creative hobbies and craft. Erica lives in Berkeley, California with her husband and dog, Pinto.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • How creative making became Erica’s form of self-care and a powerful reset for her ambition

  • Why Erica believes in defining work as a container for energy and effort, not only financial value

  • Why she started calling everything she values “work,” and how that reframed her identity

  • The surprising ways small acts of joy can create big impact

  • Her journey from corporate leadership to co-founding Practice, a startup supporting creative wellbeing

Learn more about Erica Meade:

Resources Mentioned

Thanks for Listening!

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159: Ashish Chatterjee on Defining Success on Your Own Terms

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157: Moe Carrick: Designing Workplaces Where People Thrive