Erika Ayers Badan: Leadership, Ego, and Building Bold Careers
Erika Ayers Badan
This week on Badass Women in Business, we had the privilege of sitting down with Erika Ayers Badan, a powerhouse leader who has navigated multiple industries and transformed companies from the inside out. Erika is best known as the former CEO of Barstool Sports, where she grew the company from a 12-person blog into a $300 million media empire. Today, she’s leading Food52, a community-driven lifestyle and home goods brand. Her journey is filled with hard-earned lessons about leadership, resilience, and the courage it takes to make bold career moves.
Getting Over Ego and Insecurity
Erika kicked off our conversation by tackling an issue many of us struggle with: ego and insecurity. She believes these two forces often work together to hold us back. Ego tells us we’re better than we are and don’t need to learn, while insecurity whispers that we’re not good enough to succeed. For Erika, the key to growth lies in recognizing these voices and choosing to set them aside.
“When you show up as you are—with a desire to learn and do the work—really incredible things can happen,” Erika shared. Her advice is clear: don’t let your ego or insecurity dictate your actions. Instead, lean into opportunities for growth, even when they feel uncomfortable. This mindset has been central to her success, from leading male-dominated teams at Barstool Sports to taking on new challenges in the world of culinary lifestyle with Food52.
The Art of Feedback
As a leader, Erika’s approach to feedback is refreshingly straightforward. She views feedback as a sign of investment in someone’s growth. “If I’m not giving you feedback, I’ve given up on you,” she explained. For Erika, withholding feedback does more harm than good, creating a culture of unresolved issues and unmet potential.
Erika champions immediate, actionable feedback over delayed, vague critiques. She recalls a moment at Food52 when a campaign didn’t hit the mark. Instead of letting it slide, she addressed it on the spot, offering constructive insights while encouraging her team to regroup. Her philosophy? Feedback should always come with good intentions—it’s not about tearing someone down but about helping them see a better path forward.
Erika also touched on the “feedback loop” between leaders and teams, noting that effective feedback goes both ways. Leaders need to create a safe environment where team members feel empowered to share their thoughts and hold their leaders accountable. It’s a mutual exchange that builds trust and drives progress.
Taking Risks and Embracing Change
One of the most inspiring parts of Erika’s journey is her willingness to take risks. From stepping into the unconventional world of Barstool Sports to pivoting into a more creative and community-focused role at Food52, Erika’s career moves are bold and deliberate. But these decisions weren’t always easy.
Erika talked candidly about the doubts and criticisms she faced when taking on her role at Barstool Sports. “Nobody thought I should take that job,” she said, but it turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of her career. The takeaway? Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones others don’t see for you. Trusting your instincts and betting on yourself can lead to incredible outcomes.
Her move to Food52 marked a significant shift. After years of leading a company with a predominantly male audience, she wanted to focus on a consumer base that resonated more personally with her. At Food52, she’s building a brand that combines storytelling, community, and beautifully designed products—a reflection of her own passions and values.
Building Community
Community is a buzzword in today’s business world, but for Erika, it’s more than just a trendy concept—it’s the foundation of her leadership philosophy. At Barstool Sports, community meant fostering a rabidly loyal audience that felt deeply connected to the brand. At Food52, it’s about creating a space where people can find joy, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
“Community isn’t about numbers,” Erika explained. “It’s about people who are genuinely into what you’re creating.” She believes the most successful brands are those that build authentic connections with their audiences, whether it’s through a shared love of great food or a mutual appreciation for thoughtful design.
At Food52, this means curating products that bring joy into people’s homes and building storytelling platforms that engage and inspire. Erika is also keenly aware of the challenges ahead, especially in a world increasingly dominated by digital convenience and AI. Her goal is to keep Food52 grounded in authenticity, offering meaningful, high-quality experiences in an ever-changing marketplace.
Key Takeaways from Erika’s Leadership Journey
Erika’s story is filled with lessons for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to take charge of their career:
Let Go of Ego and Insecurity: Growth begins when you stop worrying about being perfect and start focusing on learning and doing.
Feedback Is a Gift: Honest, timely feedback—delivered with good intentions—drives individual and team growth.
Take Bold Career Moves: Trust your instincts, even when others doubt you. The best opportunities often require risk.
Build Real Connections: Community isn’t about scale; it’s about passion and purpose. Focus on creating meaningful relationships.
Lead with Care: Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up authentically, supporting your team, and fostering growth.
Erika Ayers Badan’s career is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and bold decision-making. Her story reminds us that success isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about embracing them and using every experience as a stepping stone to something greater.
