In this episode, Erica D’Eramo sits down with clinical psychologist and behavioral change expert Dr. Marissa Alert to explore the hidden costs of burnout—and what it really takes to create high-performing, resilient teams. After a life-altering car accident forced her to reexamine her own experience with burnout, Dr. Alert founded MDA Wellness to help leaders move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives and address the systemic roots of stress in the workplace.

From the dangers of “presenteeism” to the myth of rest as a reward, this conversation dives deep into the habits and cultural norms that keep burnout in place—and what organizations can do to change course. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or someone navigating burnout yourself, this episode is full of insight and practical tools.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Dr. Alert’s personal journey from burnout to founding MDA Wellness
• Why burnout is so often overlooked and normalized in high-performing environments
• The problem with one-size-fits-all wellness programs
• How the industrial model of work contributes to unsustainable performance
• The critical role of rest and recovery in long-term success
• Steps individuals can take to recognize and recover from burnout
• Strategies for organizations to diagnose and address systemic drivers of burnout
• When to bring in external expertise—and how to tell if your current efforts are falling short

Resources & Mentions:

• Dr. Marissa Alert’s company: MDA Wellness
• Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
• Dr. Alert’s features in Forbes and Newsweek

Connect with Dr. Marissa Alert:
🌐 mdawellness.com
💼 LinkedIn – Marissa Alert, PhD
📩 Join her monthly virtual roundtables for leaders focused on well-being and performance

Connect with Two Piers Consulting:
🔗 twopiersconsulting.com
📣 Follow us on LinkedIn

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In this episode, host Erica D’Eramo is joined by Ellis Ivy, founder of PowerFolx: a queer- and trans-centered martial arts program that’s redefining what inclusion looks like in fitness. Ellis shares his journey from feeling like an outsider in traditional gyms to creating brave, community-based spaces where everyone is seen, celebrated, and empowered. Together, Erica and Ellis explore the intersection of movement, mental health, identity, and the radical power of building spaces where people can show up as their full selves.

You can learn more about upcoming classes, community events, and how to get involved with PowerFolx by following them on Instagram @PowerFolx, Bluesky at powerfolx.bsky.social, or by visiting the PowerFolx’s website.

In this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo is joined by James Felton Keith, Chairperson of the ISO-30415:DISM standard for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and CEO of Inclusion Score Companies. Together, they explore why insurance is a leading indicator of people management risks—and how DEIB is becoming a critical component of risk strategy across industries.

James shares the journey behind developing the ISO standard for DEIB, the impact of employment practices liability on insurance markets, and the practical ways organizations can use DEIB standards to improve compliance, reduce litigation risk, and build resilient teams. From the roles of brokers and underwriters to the pitfalls of ad hoc inclusion efforts, this episode breaks down what leaders need to know now.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• James Felton Keith’s career path from engineering and politics to global DEIB leadership
• The development of the ISO-30415:DISM DEIB standard
• How DEIB intersects with insurance, risk management, and compliance
• The rise of Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) and its implications
• Understanding the roles of brokers and underwriters in DEIB risk
• Leadership’s role in creating feedback loops and belonging
• Real-world examples of DEIB missteps—and how to avoid them

Resources & Links:

• Learn more at InclusionScore.org
• Explore the ISO-30415:DISM standard on ISO.org
• Check out this article in Insurance Journal
• Connect with James Felton Keith on LinkedIn
• DEIB Resources + tools in the show notes at Two Piers Consulting

Connect with Us:

• Follow Two Piers Consulting on LinkedIn
• Learn more about our work at twopiersconsulting.com

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