"I think the journey that most of us are on with work really has to do with a process of self discovery that has followed us our whole lives.”

When Erin Wade was fired from her job as a lawyer, she decided it was time to take on a big project - creating a restaurant space that prioritized purpose, culture, and hospitality.

Erin is the founder of Homeroom, a restaurant with a cult following in Oakland, California, focused on delivering the absolute best mac and cheese.

She bootstrapped her restaurant, starting by investing her own money (no investors) and worked tirelessly in every corner—from building furniture to training staff. She was committed to launch a restaurant that was counter to typical dining culture. She designed systems rooted in transparency, employee engagement, and values that resonate beyond just serving mac and cheese.

Our conversation unpacks some of the lessons learned as well as her advice to others hoping to build something meaningful.

Erin Wade: https://www.erinwade.co/

Erin's Book: The Mac and Cheese Millionaire

Homeroom: https://www.homeroom510.com/

2018 WaPo Editorial Link

Chapters

00:00 - From Lawyer to Mac and Cheese Entrepreneur
03:38 - Childhood Influences and Entrepreneurial Spirit
06:13 - The Journey to Homeroom: A New Vision for Restaurants
09:12 - Building a Unique Restaurant Culture
12:24 - The Financial Risks and DIY Approach
15:15 - The First Weeks of Homeroom: Success and Challenges
18:04 - Hiring and Team Building: Lessons Learned
21:04 - Creating a Transparent and Engaging Workplace
23:52 - Values-Based Decision Making in Business
27:02 - Support Systems for Entrepreneurs

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EVOLUTION OR REVOLUTION is produced by Courtney Kaplan.

Website: Iconic Leadership Coaching.

Follow me on IG @iconicleadershipcoaching

Connect on Linked in @courtney-kaplan

Music by Midwest Got It (IG: midwestgotit)

In this conversation, Courtney Kaplan interviews Tina Santiago-Keenan, co-founder of Secret City, a creative design and production studio that creates immersive experiences. Tina shares her journey from working in tech at Facebook and Uber Eats to launching Secret City, which combines elements of escape rooms and immersive theater. The discussion covers the challenges of entrepreneurship, the impact of the pandemic, and the importance of community and in-person experiences. Tina also offers insights on career transitions, balancing work and family, and the future of Secret City.

Links:

Website: https://secretcity.studio/

Social Links: https://www.instagram.com/secretcityadventures/

Learn More: https://www.secretcityadventures.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tina Santiago-Keenan and Secret City
05:35 Tina's Career Journey and Transition to Secret City
10:53 Challenges in the Early Days of Secret City
21:48 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
27:08 The Importance of In-Person Connections
32:04 Advice for Career Transitions
36:29 Balancing Parenthood and Entrepreneurship
40:21 Introduction to Tina's Journey
42:53 The Importance of Patience and Testing Ideas
44:18 Leveraging Existing Skills and Collaboration

Send us Fan Mail

EVOLUTION OR REVOLUTION is produced by Courtney Kaplan.

Website: Iconic Leadership Coaching.

Follow me on IG @iconicleadershipcoaching

Connect on Linked in @courtney-kaplan

Music by Midwest Got It (IG: midwestgotit)

Over the years, I’ve seen how we can lead ourselves into dead ends when it comes to change. There are some ways we think about change that are actually pretty unproductive and not really useful.. and are also common patterns.

So, in this episode, I want to share a few of the ways we get blocked. Anything sound familiar? Getting to know how you sabotage or position yourself in dead ends is helpful to figure out how you're going to get out.

I’ve also seen - and experienced firsthand - how change is navigated more successfully. How we can frame changes in our lives to be less terrifying or stressful and more fun, creative and adventurous. (Really!) But that's in the next mini-episode.

I know I was squirming in my chair in recognition while recording this one.

Send us Fan Mail

EVOLUTION OR REVOLUTION is produced by Courtney Kaplan.

Website: Iconic Leadership Coaching.

Follow me on IG @iconicleadershipcoaching

Connect on Linked in @courtney-kaplan

Music by Midwest Got It (IG: midwestgotit)