Chenae Erkerd, J.D., RACR's Recent LinkedIn Posts

✨If You’ve Experienced A Toxic Work Environment, Come Sit Down. This Post Is For You✨ I want you to know you are not alone. For 2 years, I felt like I was on an island by myself. I went back to therapy to help me mentally because my work environment was tearing me apart. I even got to a point where I actually said, “I understand why people commit suicide over their jobs.” I was given links to internal resources. Just two days later, I was told how much of a disruption I was being to the recruiting process. This was after I explained that I needed help and I wasn’t ok. I WASN’T OK. And I didn’t have a problem with admitting it. While I was still on assignment, I knew I also needed help. So I stepped back and took a leave of absence to focus on healing and getting myself together. The one thing that stuck with me was someone told me, “You are difficult to work with.” My response was simply, “I am not a difficult person so I will not adopt the idea that I am difficult. I have never been told I am difficult and I wasn’t going to start believing that now.” What I learned was this….I wasn’t supposed to respond. That’s a rule in corporate America. If you respond and stand up for yourself, you go from being pet to threat quickly. Another thing that was said to me was, “You have too much influence because you have the power to influence how other people feel.” My response was, “We are all grown adults. I don’t possess that kind of power. If people feel that way, they’ve already felt that way. I just said what others are afraid to say. I’m not afraid of you.” Again, I was “supposed” to keep quiet. I was a midlevel individual contributor. I was supposed to be labeled, watched, and disrespected and I was “supposed” to take it. I’ve been public speaking since I was 14 years old. I’ve spoken in front of many prominent people along with interning on Capitol Hill with judges, congressman, and attorneys. When I petitioned to return to law school, I had to convince a panel of attorneys that I could handle law school. I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn’t the first time I sat in front of a firing squad. I knew as long as I planted my feet, I would be ok. Through this experience, God kept speaking to me. No matter how many times I was reported to no avail or questioned without reason, God gave me an assignment. I followed that assignment for two reasons: (1) God told me to and he promised to protect me and (2) I was going through my fertility journey. If my children asked me if I stood up for myself when I had the chance, did I? No would not be a sufficient answer. The message I received from God was: “In 2023, I taught you not to break. In 2024, I taught you not to bend so in 2025, YOU WILL STAND STRAIGHT UP.” Standing up meant it was time for me to go. Standing straight up meant I would accept a verbal offer just 25 days into unemployment in a market that had not been friendly to jobseekers. Don’t tell me what God can’t do. #recruitercousin

✨TEDx Parrish Street 2026✨ I am curating my second TEDx event and I am beyond excited! Please meet some of the speakers for TEDx Parrish Street 2026! 1. Susana Briscoe-Alba 2. Ty S. 3. Andrea Parker, CSM 4. Dr. Jessica Shupik 5. Teta L. Jackson, Esq. 6. Dion Chavis 7. Degion (Di-jion) Craddock, MBA, MSD 8. Chris Tazewell 9. Glenn Leifheit 10. Kenyetta Hall, MBA, CSM, CSPO Here’s the link to purchase tickets to support these amazing speakers: https://luma.com/3ykywa9x #recruitercousin #tedxparrishstreet #tedx #2026 #speakerannouncement #LinkedIn #community

So if you got a call back for a recruiter screen, an interview, or simplify had the guts to apply after being rejected so many times, I am so proud of you. If you follow #recruitercousin, my testimonials aren’t just about offers and promotions. My testimonials are about people who get call backs, interviews, or people who just keep trying. Happy Saturday! #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #community #jobseekers #motivationalspeaker #socialsaturday

I took a break from posting a lot over the year. It wasn't because I didn't have anything to say. It was because I needed to recover. While the LinkedIn algorithm hadn't really worked in my favor, I was also recovering from a bad work environment. That's why I relate to Natalie's TEDx Talk, "How to call out toxic leadership without losing yourself." I fought so many people in my last role. I fought leaders and other departments who did not understand that my identity wasn't tied to where I worked. While I loved being in big tech and it taught me a lot about corporate America, another side of big tech broke me down. I was labeled as aggressive, too strong, too confident, and ultimately, I was told my team said I was hard to work with. While they told me opposite, my leaders painted me as a person that couldn't get along with anyone. I did what any person would do...... I cried a lot, I questioned my abilities, and it resulted in me going to therapy because I was trying to survive in a work environment that didn't want me there. I stopped questioning and started to embrace the fact that my time was up. My fertility benefits were snapped away and although it felt unfair, I knew I new work environment would help me sustain my mind, body, and spirit while enduring the real feelings of needing to endure a fertility journey to have children. If I stayed in that environment, the stress headaches wouldn't stop, the panic attacks would increase, and I wouldn't have been able to operate in peace and in my gifts. So I slowed down a bit. I got a contract, learned a new skill, and started reporting to a manager that understood I was in recovery. During my interview, I asked my current manager, "Is this a toxic work environment? If it is, please tell me now because I'm coming from a toxic work environment and I am not interested in going into another one." He responded with, "Chenae', it's not." Not only did he give me space to cry because I was still recovering from years of fighting, but he took time to teach me what I needed to know about go-to-market recruiting so I can continue to teach others. On a recent podcast interview I did, Desmond Davis MSW asked me why I hadn't done many interviews. I told him that I needed to find my peace again along with learning more so I could share it with the world. If I am always talking, I am not learning. When you come from a work environment that not only traumatized you, but gave you PTSD, recovery and taking your time is essential. So cousins, if you feel this way, you aren't alone. You are not on an island by yourself. Don't allow that toxic work environment make you think it's you. I've been gone for a little over a year and I do my best everyday to make sure I speak life into the places that environment spoke death into. If you read this and you are a bad boss, my hope is you look in the mirror and ask yourself, "Would I want to be treated this way?" #recruitercousin

Received this email from one of my mock interview clients 🥹🤭🙏🏽 “Wanted to update you. Ever since you did the mock interviews and showed me how to research and what to mention in interviews, my offers have kept increasing. Just got an offer today to join a company as 1099, but for $120K per year. They went with someone more technical, to join the company, but wanted to offer me the 1099 option at $120k/yr. Since 1099, allows me to be more flexible with my time, I’d probably keep my job and do the 1099, which should put me at $110k + $120k /yr = $330k.” For anyone who books time with me, thank you for trusting me! I am so proud of you! Templates: https://lnkd.in/eKHR9Cum Calendar: https://lnkd.in/e7b95CUh #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #testimonial #testimonies #jobseekers #community

I knew sharing my fertility journey publicly was a risk. I knew there would be a lot of questions, suggestions, and opinions I didn’t ask for. I knew it would come with me opening my personal life. Trust me, I knew. What mattered most to me was the journey. If I’m honest, opening up about my fertility journey eased some of the emotional reactions to it. It helped me connect with women. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I got a lot of messages and comments about other women enduring the same journey. It humanized all of us. Outside of giving recruiting advice, when you’re looking for your next role, I want you to consider your non-cash benefits. Don’t get me wrong, everyone needs as much money as possible, especially with the cost of living increasing every year. Additionally, I want you to consider what’s going to make your life easier when you are trying to sustain your life and your job and in the case of emergencies. When my last role ended, I was fortunate to increase my pay an still have fertility benefits with my current contract. That’s not everyone’s story so as you’re looking for increase, that could also mean better benefits just in case something happens. When you get an offer, make sure you ask about and understand your non-cash benefits: (1) 401K matching, (2) what’s included in your health benefits, (3) employee perks and discounts, (4) paid time off (PTO), discretionary time off (DTO), flex time off (FTO – same as DTO – companies have different names for it). Ask about benefits that will help expand your family: (1) adoption, (2) surrogacy, (3) fertility. Inquire about benefits for veterans, buying additional stocks, etc. Understanding this information will help you understand what you’re getting into. More money can sometimes just mean more money. Wisdom says to go after more money and better benefits. Or, if you need to decrease your pay for better benefits, whether you agree or not, that’s a win too. I hope this helps. Yall be good and let me know if you have any questions. #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #community #jobseekers #noncashbenefits #benefits

Good connections, solid network, amazing relationship builder equals the following: I’ve successfully recruited 5 of my former colleagues into Palo Alto Networks. To all of you who trusted me with your cares, thank you! We are doing some amazing things at Palo Alto Networks. Check out the careers site: https://lnkd.in/eUechjQx #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #jobseekers #community

✨Truth on Good Friday✨ It is possible to land on your feet when your corporate company pushes you out. Being pushed out is a blessing in disguise, trust me. #recruitercousin

If you need to leave your job, leave. No job is worth your mental health. #recruitercousin

Meet Dr. Jessica Shupik! Dr. Jessica Shupik has worked in learning and development and education for over 15 years, leading teams and initiatives that improve how people learn at work and in schools. Her passion is designing equitable and engaging learning experiences to help students of all ages see what they are capable of achieving. Jessica believes every learner deserves access to purposeful, data-informed opportunities that honor their voice, experiences, and potential for growth. Tickets: https://luma.com/3ykywa9x #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #community #tedxparrishstreet #2026 #tedx #speakerannouncement

When candidates don't show up to their interviews.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 🤦🏽‍♀️ #recruitercousin

Are you ready Chris because we’re ready!!!! Chris Tazewell is coming to NC to deliver an amazing talk! Tickets: https://luma.com/3ykywa9x #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #community # #Lenovo #tedxparrishstreet #2026 #tedxspeaker

Are you ready Susana Briscoe-Alba because we’re ready!!!! Susana Briscoe-Alba is coming to NC to deliver an amazing talk! Get your tickets here: https://luma.com/3ykywa9x #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #tedxparrishstreet #tedxcurator #tedxspeaker

Are you ready Dion because we’re ready!!!! Dion Chavis is going to deliver an amazing talk in NC!!! #recruitercousin #Linkedain #tedxparrishstreet #2026 #tedxspeaker

📣📣📣TEDx Parrish Street 2026: Speaker Announcement! 📣📣📣 Meet Susana Briscoe-Alba! Susana Briscoe-Alba is a passionate Leadership Mentor and Career Consultant with a mission to empower women of color to reach new heights in their careers. With over a decade of experience in leadership roles across higher education and sales, Susana has honed the expertise needed to guide others toward success. Her transition from higher education leadership to career coaching and consulting reflects her resilience and dedication to helping others maximize their potential. Known for her warm smile and commitment to creating opportunities, Susana is a trusted advocate and inspiring voice in leadership and career development. Susana lives in New York with her husband and their son, a LEGO enthusiast. In her free time, she enjoys building LEGO forts and hosting Marvel movie nights. Her genuine commitment to ensuring others feel seen, valued, and heard defines her character. Please connect and follow Susana Briscoe-Alba! Y’all know I only recommend GOATs!!!!!! #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #tedxparrishstreet #2026 #TEDx #speakerannouncement

Meet Andrea Parker, CSM! Andrea Parker is an entrepreneur, community catalyst, and co-founder of The Parker Brand, LLC and the STEAMEX nonprofit-organizations committed to expanding access to entrepreneurship, STEAM education, and holistic career development for young adults and the communities that raise them. A native of Halifax County, North Carolina, Andrea’s journey reflects resilience, reinvention, and the belief that brilliance can be built anywhere. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication with a focus in journalism and mass media-from East Carolina University, and a master’s in information technology from North Carolina A&T State University. Today, she brings that blend of storytelling, technology, and strategy into her role as an HR Project Manager at a Fortune 500 tech company, where she specializes in change management and operational process improvement. As a working mom, wife, and visionary leader, Andrea is committed to creating access- access to opportunity, mentorship, financial readiness, and the confidence to start over again and again until success takes shape. Through her programs, events, and storytelling platforms, she empowers others to see themselves as CEOs of their own stories equipped to lead, build, and change the trajectory of generations. Andrea’s work continues to spark momentum across North Carolina and beyond, proving that when one woman chooses to rise, entire communities rise with her. Get your tickets: https://luma.com/3ykywa9x #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #tedxparrishstreet #2026 #tedx #speakerannouncement

TEDx Parrish Street 2026: Speaker Announcement! Please meet Teta L. Jackson, Esq.! A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Teta’s life experiences across multiple states shaped her understanding that emotional pain transcends race, class, and circumstance. This awareness led her into a ministry and career centered on emotional healing, beginning with her powerful message, “Kill the Spider: Deal with your past before it destroys your present and your future.” For more than three decades, Teta has helped women release past pain, embrace healing, and step fully into purpose. Passionate about wholeness, she views her calling as administering healing to the heart, mind, and soul, just as a doctor treats the physical body. A worshipper at heart, Teta ministers with conviction and faith, believing every life is purpose-driven and every dream still attainable. She is the Founder and Managing Member of Empowering To Be, LLC, and serves as a Minister, Attorney, Entrepreneur, Author, Possibilities Coach, and Mentor, dedicated to helping women discover who they were born to be. Tickets: https://luma.com/3ykywa9x #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #tedxparrish #tedx #speakerannouncement #2026

✨Speaker Announcement✨ Meet Glenn Leifheit! Glenn Leifheit is a passionate, energetic leader with 30 years experience in tech and cyber security industries who embraces the energy in life. His work in technology, community building and personal growth has shown him how personal identity guides us to the choices we make. Glenn has the ability to build strong community, connection and bring the best out of people. He leads a community of tens of thousands of developers and supports his passion through his podcast, From Stuck to Growth, which helps people elevate to that next level. Glenn’s passion for helping others grow and overcome obstacles has been reshaped by his recovery from mold toxin poisoning — an experience which required him to dismantle and rebuild his identity. Glenn currently resides in the Seattle area with his wife and son. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, kayaking, staying fit, developing his podcast and learning what is next in technology. #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #tedxparrishstreet #2026 #tedx #speakerannouncement

Ending my week with 2 signed offers and more coming next week. Yall be good and please have an amazing weekend! #recruitercousin

More proud of you than you'll ever know. Congrats on this Natalie Renee Parker! #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #TEDxParrishStreet #TEDx #community

✨✨✨Job Opportunity Alert✨✨✨ Safe Space Inc., a non-profit organization that is committed to reducing relationship violence and sexual assault in Franklin County, North Carolina and nearby communities. The organization is about to begin their search for an Executive Director. If you’re looking for a new role and you are in the non-profit, mission driven space, let me know if you’re interested. The role is in Louisburg, NC. It is hybrid. Here’s the link for more information on the organization: https://lnkd.in/emqm5pHr #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #community #jobseekers #nonprofit

Are you ready Glenn because we’re ready!!!! Glenn Leifheit is coming to NC to deliver an amazing talk! Get your tickets here: https://luma.com/3ykywa9x #recruitercousin #LinkedIn #tedxparrishstreet #2026 #tedxspeaker