There is no frustration quite like arriving prepared, qualified and then … being underestimated. An already complicated career and life journey is even harder when you’re overlooked. For folks who are part of marginalized communities, the obstacles can feel insurmountable. 

Through personal storytelling, Erika shares the lessons she learned as one of the only Filipino kids in her school, spending a decade in a career that relegated her to a supporting role, being an underdog who won one of the world’s biggest TV shows and how the power of community helped her survive unfair Internet backlash. Plus, she shares her advice on how being underestimated unlocks the ultimate advantages.

Key takeaways :

• Learning to trust your gut and having confidence in your abilities even when you feel isolated

• The important of living with purpose to help overcome obstacles

• Finding community when you feel like you’re in the minority

Change is constant. We experienced a lot of it over the last few years. It’s easy to get caught up in how the circumstances are always changing and nothing is clear. In this talk, I demonstrate through personal storytelling how when the rules of the game are always in flux, focusing on people leads to the win.

As the first Canadian winner of the TV series Survivor, I share my story of going from on-paper perfectionist to flexible, people-focused player. I persevered through being underestimated and figured out how to be successful in a game where the rules changed and looked very different from what I expected.

Key takeaways:

• How a people-focused mindset is the ultimate asset when navigating times of change

• How a fulsome life outside the “game” fuels perseverance and makes for a “better player”

• The importance of celebrating the rewarding parts of one’s work, even when facing adversity

People love the prestige of being “the first” but the road to getting there is often a rocky one.

In this keynote, Erika shares her story of navigating uncharted paths as the first Canadian and Filipino winner of Survivor. While many associate her with primetime reality TV victory, Erika reveals the challenges and triumphs that shaped her journey to becoming the “first.” From early moments growing up as an immigrant in Canada to facing judgment in her career and dealing with Internet trolls, she emphasizes the power of meaningful support and open-minded mentorship when you feel misunderstood. This keynote is a testament to how the willingness to see potential in the people around you can chart a course to success.

Key takeaways:

• Opportunities for growth and transformation are abundant in the people around us, if we are willing to see it.

•  The right questions, asked with genuine curiosity, can expand possibilities and open new paths.

• By embracing uncertainty, you can forge a path that’s unique to you and encourage others to do the same.

Those big decision-making moments like deciding on a career path, choosing a college or planning your life after graduation can be terrifying. The stakes are high and the wrong decision feels like it could send you down a path to failure. When the road ahead is unclear, letting go of perfectionism and embracing exploration can help you discover your purpose and passions.

As the first Canadian winner of the TV series Survivor, I share my story of being so focused on doing the “smart” thing that I ended up in a decade-long career I wasn’t passionate about. After accepting that what felt good didn’t look right on paper, I found the freedom to make even bigger dreams come true.

Key takeaways:

• The benefit of figuring out what you love to do, instead of what you should do

• Normalizing not having it figured out and accepting that our journeys are not straightforward

• Trusting yourself to try is the ultimate win

I’ve ghostwritten many keynotes during my decade-long communications career. I love understanding an organization’s goals and audience to create a custom keynote that’s empowering, approachable and aligned with your strategy.