We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Tanner . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.
Erin , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
For many of us, the path to self-discovery isn’t a straight line. Growing up, I felt like a chameleon, constantly adapting to my surroundings. There wasn’t a strong sense of “Erin,” but rather a reflection of the people and situations around me. This constant shapeshifting left a void – a nagging question of who I truly was and what I wanted to achieve. The illusion that everyone else had it figured out only amplified this feeling of uncertainty. But the truth, as I’ve come to learn, is that many people grapple with similar internal questions. This lack of clarity often leads to default decisions, career paths chosen by happenstance rather than purpose.
A turning point came in the form of a seemingly ordinary message, a decade after a chance encounter. Tucked within was a quote from “The Alchemist” that ignited a spark: “…no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams…” It was a wake-up call. Suddenly, the hollowness I carried made sense. I hadn’t found myself because I hadn’t given myself permission to look.
This realization became the catalyst for a period of immense personal growth. It wasn’t easy, but I knew that nothing can be changed until it is faced. With each step, I shed a layer of inauthenticity, revealing the woman I was meant to be. Vulnerability, as Brené Brown says, is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change. I discovered building confidence lies in a three-part strategy.
Permission: Giving yourself the green light to believe in who you are, even when it feels scary. As you live in your power you’ll notice your life begin to flow. You’ll feel more connected to your purpose.
Community: Creating a supportive network that celebrates your individuality and reminds you of your strengths. This became essential during my personal transformation.
Curiosity: It wasn’t just about the unfamiliar, but getting curious about the details of my own life. This self-awareness revealed the difference between my authentic truth and feeling out of alignment.
By sharing my story, I hope to inspire those who might be feeling like a walking question mark in their own lives. Remember, the greatest discoveries often lie on the other side of fear. Embrace the journey and remember, the most fulfilling adventure is the one that leads you back to yourself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My own journey of self-discovery wasn’t just transformative, it ignited Love Yours Consulting. Witnessing the impact of clarity on achieving a fulfilling life, we’re dedicated to guiding early career professionals on a similar path. Love Yours Consulting connects who you are to what you do and the people you do it with. We believe that by fostering confidence, community, and authenticity, we can empower young adults to translate their whole selves into futures they love.
Our programs equip young adults to:
- Uncover their unique skills, both human and technical.
- Gain a deeper understanding of their values and beliefs.
- Learn to craft their narrative and confidently tell their story.
- Highlight their uniqueness when they network and interview.
Like my own journey proved, a supportive community is essential. Everyone deserves to connect with people who will mentor, advocate, and support them, creating opportunities to do what they’re here to do. We know the early career years aren’t always blissful, but they can be a time of incredible growth. We’re here to guide you on your journey.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Cultivating Curiosity: This wasn’t just about seeking out new experiences, but rather embracing a questioning mind. It meant getting curious about the details of my own life, my reactions, and the energy I felt in different situations. This self-awareness became a compass, guiding me towards authenticity and fulfillment. The Power of Community: We’re Not Meant to Go It Alone: Finding a supportive network of people who celebrate your individuality and reminds you of who I are was essential during my transformation. My community became a source of encouragement and inspiration, especially during moments of self-doubt. Early career advice: Build Strong Relationships: Learning to connect with others is a crucial skill for both your career and personal life. Also, diversify who you bond with and learn from. This includes people inside and outside your field. Offering to help is a fantastic way to build these relationships. By supporting others, you allow them to see your skills and expertise firsthand, while simultaneously gaining valuable experience. Embracing Authenticity: The arc of life is long, and it bends towards authenticity. Becoming your true-self isn’t an overnight thing; it’s a journey. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore your interests. Give yourself permission to try new things, even if you stumble along the way. The key is to create a life that incorporates your beliefs and desires, that ignites you emotionally and intellectually, and that leverages your unique skills and talents. Happiness is the outcome of a meaningful, productive and connected life.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Our ideal client is a recent graduate or young professional feeling lost and unprepared to enter the workforce, despite their college education.They might be experiencing a lot of uncertainty about what to do next, struggling with the pressure to find the “right” decision. They may lack clarity on their values, strengths, and the kind of work environment that would be fulfilling for them. What really drives me is the disconnect many young adults feel between their academic experience and the realities of the professional world. Students often focus on traditional markers of success like GPA and internships, but these don’t always translate to meaningful careers.That’s where Love Yours Consulting comes in. We help young adults leverage these defining years intentionally by building their identity capital. This concept emphasizes investing in themselves through experiences, not just degrees. Our programs equip them to identify their unique value proposition, craft a compelling career narrative, and build a strong network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loveyoursconsulting.com
- Instagram: @e.a.tanner
Image Credits
Photos: Eddie Jones | Eddie Speaks Love | www.eddiespeakslove.com
