Erica Medina Stanulis

Invest in yourself: Your health, Positive Experiences, Learning, and Travel. Doing so allows you to stay open to all that life has to offer.

 

Inspired by Nature, Erica holds a deep commitment to integrate environmental connection and conservation into the workplace and daily life, starting with her own practice. As a consultant with 20 years of experience facilitating and coaching teams across multiple industries (automotive, nutraceutical, biotech, and tech) as well as extensive experience in the social sector, Erica shows up ready to listen and collaborate in creating solutions with clients. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, an MBA in Leadership and Organizational Change Management from the Graziadio School of Business at Pepperdine University, a Sustainability Professional Certification from ISSP and is a Kripalu certified 500 hour Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher. Her background in time-tested methodologies such as LEAN, Sustainability, Biomimicry, and Ayurveda allows her to quickly understand a client’s current state and how to facilitate goals and future needs.

Where did the idea for FOLLOW THE SUN come from?

My focus shifted towards global systemic issues when I witnessed first hand what was happening as a result of tourist pollution during a 3-month sabbatical where I was fortunate enough to surf in Morocco and Indonesia as well as a trek to Everest Base Camp.

The common thread I noticed across all those areas was the persistent use of plastic water bottles by tourists despite the current technology available to filter or sterilize water efficiently. The consequence of seeing recyclable trash litter the local areas was disappointing. The experience became an inspiration to shift my career towards global solutions for the preservation of our environment.

I dove headfirst into learning about sustainability, the nonprofit sector, Biomimicry, and Ayurveda – anything that was cause-driven, Nature based, and Nature-inspired.

For several years I thought I had to make a hard career change. I had to let go of the 20 years of experience I had optimizing to serve the planet.

Then one day I realized I was looking at from an EITHER/OR perspective and it could be an AND type of attitude that could serve others best.

The moment I realized that I could combine my organizational background with Nature-based wisdoms like Biomimicry and Ayurveda to serve both corporate and nonprofit clients and use it as a basis for my coaching business, the creative flow started, and there was no stopping it.

I came up with the name Follow the Sun on a meditation walk in an outdoor labyrinth. It’s a nod to our circadian rhythms and an optimized workflow model used in global supply chains.

My intention in this work is to utilize Nature as a guide, a mentor and as an inspirational voice to my clients – whether we’re focusing on problem-solving or career coaching there is much wisdom and guidance waiting for us in Nature.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I have a solid morning routine. I meditate first thing in the morning for at least 20 minutes. After brushing my teeth and scraping my tongue I drink a cup of warm water to kick start my digestive fire. I eat my biggest meal in the middle of the day at lunch. I meditate for another 20 minutes in the early afternoon or right after my workday. I take care of my biology first and foremost. The rest becomes purposeful work filled with mindful observation.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I know myself well enough to determine if the idea is coming from a place of creative abundance or a place of fear. Ideas that root in abundance are the ones I pursue. Ideas that are rooted in fear are opportunities for me to grow. Either way an idea comes to life by introducing it to a diverse ecosystem. Creativity, personal growth, and collaboration go hand in hand.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I love the digital nomad trend. I feel like I’ve finally found my community. When I was younger, and I decided it was time to move on from a job I would resign and purposely not have another job lined up. Yes, it caused my parents a lot of worry, but it gave me time to travel and explore as I searched for a new job. I like to think of this practice as “Retirement in Moderation.” I’ve done this for every career move that I’ve ever made. It’s never held me back, and I’ve never regretted it. It’s allowed me to live a simple, flexible, and fulfilling life.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Health first. Purpose second. The rest flows as it should.

What advice would you give your younger self?

“Learn about Ojas.”

In the Ayurvedic philosophy, Ojas is the most refined nectar of digested food. It’s where we get our healthy glow. As someone who grew up during the fat-free craze when products containing olestra were being marketed and sold I wish I had had this knowledge. Perhaps as a young girl, I wouldn’t have introduced that chemical shit storm of food into my body.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

In the future there will be no job descriptions. People won’t fall into little boxes on an organizational chart.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Invest in yourself: Your health, Positive Experiences, Learning, and Travel. Doing so allows you to stay open to all that life has to offer.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I spent time getting clear on my service offerings. After that, I was consistent about growing my business. Consistency didn’t mean that I wasn’t flexible in changing an approach if it wasn’t working instead I showed up every day with the intention to serve others and make a difference.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

When I was getting ready to launch my business I placed a lot of trust in an agency to get my website up and running before the start of my speaking engagements. Something inside me didn’t resonate with their cadence and style of communication. In the end the project never started because the agency had overcommitted and either forgotten about my timeline or ignored it. They left me high and dry and I had to scramble to get help at the last minute. The lesson? Go with your gut. We hear it all the time, but it’s hard to follow if you prioritize schedules over what feels right. In the end I worked with the right agency with the right people that not only got me but also appreciated my business.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I love tea. Teas are not only for enjoyment, but they can also be used medicinally to aid digestion or reduce stress. I propose introducing more decaffeinated herbal teas into coffee houses. Consumers should have decaf herbal alternatives beyond mint and chamomile. Enter in tulsi or rose both excellent options to reduce stress. Enter in ginger or fennel great options to aid digestion. Just because you visit a coffee house doesn’t mean you want to get hopped up on caffeine all the time.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A last-minute flight to Brooklyn to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The gathering of artists, videographers, and entrepreneurs around the dinner table was an inspiration for work I’m doing this week.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I love Grammarly. It’s my real-time editor and coach.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks. Learn about the Upper Limit Problem how it can trip you up in the midst of your success and how you can overcome it by a simple intention every day.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is one I wrote and appears in a recently published article on Thrive Global titled, Guanacos and Our True Nature.

“OUR TRUE NATURE IS TO STEP INTO OUR PURPOSE, SERVE OTHERS, AND MAKE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS.”

Connect:

Erica Medina Stanulis on LinkedIn:
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