The Feature: Erin Beattie on What Communication Actually Costs
Meet Erin Beattie
So here is a fun fact you may not know about me, but when my son was 1 I went to Royal Roads University to do my Masters in Communications, but with a baby and having MS I quickly realised it wasn’t where I needed to be at that stage in my life (or maybe ever). Despite not completing my masters I did meet some nice people and one of which I have stayed in touch with, which is the lovely Erin Beattie.
Erin has spent close to two decades inside the messy, human reality of organizational communication, and from what I learned about this space at school it can be a fun yet complex place to be. Erin been part of every level of organisational communications, from front-line roles, digital media, strategy to leadership support. She’s seen how a poorly structured message can quietly unravel an entire team, and how the right words at the right moment can make people feel like they actually belong in the room.
Now she runs her own communications business Engage + Empower Consulting, a practice built on the belief that communication is never just about getting information out. It’s about how people feel when they receive it, whether they feel seen, trusted, and clear on what comes next.
Can you imagine if more businesses took this approach!
When Erin asked me for a photographer referral over in Victoria and I answered with “I will come!”
So I did (and yes I travel for photoshoots!) I went over in the morning and headed back mid afternoon and it was such a lovely way to have a reunion as it’s been a hot minute since we saw each other offline.
Erin’s portraits were taken around her home, a place she enjoys to spend her time in, and it was so cool to see her personal space and also find out new things about her (like how she loves art!)
Like many, Erin doesn’t love to have her photo taken, but she choose to make that happen, to show up with full presence and zero performance.
Here’s what she had to say, oh and make sure to read to the end for her tips on how to show up authentically with bonus blooper photos of her and her adorable dog!
What made you want to step in front of the camera at this stage in your business?
Stepping in front of the camera at this stage in my business felt like a natural progression. After going through my own transformative experiences—especially my health journey and the insights I’ve gained—I realized the power of vulnerability and authenticity.
I want to connect with my audience on a deeper level and share my expertise and my personal story. Being visible allows me to embody my message: empowering others to find their voice and strength. It’s about leading with my heart and showing that we can navigate challenges together.
Plus, stepping out of my introverted comfort zone is a way for me to embrace growth and inspire others to do the same.
What fear did you have to overcome to go into business for yourself?
One of the main fears I had to overcome when starting my own business was the fear of vulnerability. For years, I had hidden behind an organization, feeling secure in the structure it provided. The idea of stepping out and sharing my voice felt daunting. I worried about what would happen if it didn’t go well—what if people didn’t resonate with my message or if I faced criticism?
However, I realized that I had to be willing to share my authentic self to connect with others and truly make an impact. Embracing that vulnerability turned out to be a powerful motivator. I discovered that the potential for growth and connection outweighed the fear of failure.
Allowing myself to be seen and heard allowed me to create a space where others felt empowered to do the same. This journey has taught me that overcoming fear is essential to personal and professional growth.
What has gotten in the way of you being fully,
unapologetically you, and what changed?
A lot, honestly.
Corporate environments that reward sameness. Being the “only” in the room more times than I can count. Health stuff that completely knocked me sideways. And, if I’m being really honest, my own tendency is to read the room and adjust. I got very good at that. Too good.
I think I called it being strategic. Pragmatic. Sometimes it was. Usually, it was just masking.
What changed wasn’t one big moment. It was a slow build. Burnout. Endometriosis. Cancer. A bilateral mastectomy. A hysterectomy with BSO. The kind of stretch of life where you don’t really have the energy to keep performing.
At some point, I realized I could either keep trying to fit into spaces that didn’t quite hold me or build a life that actually reflected who I am.
So now I choose honesty more often. Not perfectly. But more than I used to.
How did this experience make you feel?
This experience has been incredibly transformative for me. Initially, stepping out from behind an organization filled me with a mix of anxiety and excitement. But as I leaned into that vulnerability, I started to tap into a new sense of freedom and authenticity. It is liberating to share my voice and message without the constraints I’d previously felt.
I found myself rediscovering passions and aspects of my personality that I had tucked away. My playful side has emerged as I engage more openly with my audience. It reminded me of the joy of connection and creativity. With each interaction, I grow confident, realizing that my unique perspective could inspire and resonate with others.
This journey has made me feel more confident and connected to my purpose. I’ve learned that embracing my authentic self has enriched my business and my personal life. It’s an ongoing journey of discovery, and I’m excited to see where it leads me next!
Being photographed by Michele was a wonderful experience! I felt excited and nervous when I stepped in front of the camera. Michele’s warm and encouraging demeanour immediately put me at ease, allowing me to embrace the moment and show my authentic self.
She had a way of making the entire process feel natural and fun. We collaborated on different poses and concepts, and I appreciated her keen eye for detail. It was refreshing to have someone who understood how to capture my appearance and the essence of who I am.
As the session progressed, I found myself letting go of any self-consciousness. I could feel my playful side shining through, adding a layer of joy to the experience. The results were more than just photographs; they reflected my journey and the confidence I’ve built in sharing my voice.
If confidence was a texture, a colour, a sound, what would yours be?
It’s not loud.
It’s more like a steady hum. Low, grounded, there when I need it.
Texture-wise, it’s worn-in denim with some ribbing. Not new, not trying to impress anyone, but it fits, and it holds up.
Colour is probably something warm and a bit unexpected. Mustard or deep pink. Not everyone’s first choice, but it works when you lean into it.
What would you say to the version of you that almost didn’t book the photoshoot?
Fuck it. You’re allowed to take up space.
Also, nobody is thinking about you as much as you think they are. In the best possible way.
And honestly, you’re going to look at these photos later and see a version of yourself that you were too close to recognize in the moment. Let yourself have that.
What surprised you most about seeing yourself through someone else’s lens?
How much softer I looked. Happy. At peace.
I think in my head I’m very direct, very strategic, a bit intense at times. Which is all true. But what I saw in the photos was warmth. Someone who looks like she listens. Someone who has lived a bit and isn’t trying to hide it.
That was a bit confronting in a good way. It made me realize I don’t have to choose between being strong and being human. Both can exist at the same time.
What do you want other entrepreneurs to stop waiting for?
Permission.
From clients, from industries, from people who are further along, from whoever they’ve decided is the authority.
If you’re building something that solves a real problem, especially one you’ve lived, you don’t need to wait until it’s perfect or until you feel like some ideal version of yourself.
You just need to start showing it to people.
What’s a ritual in your business that nobody sees but you couldn’t do without?
I write things. A lot of things.
Notes, half-formed ideas, messy drafts that will never see the light of day. It’s how I think.
Also, I take breaks more seriously now. Walks, stepping away, giving my brain space to catch up. For a long time, I pushed through everything. It didn’t make me better at my work. It just made me tired.
The quiet, unproductive-looking moments are actually where much of the growth/learning comes from.
As a music lover I like to ask people what song(s) represents you and or your business?
If you looked at my playlists, you’d be confused.
Bob Marley keeps me calm and reminds me to breathe.
De La Soul keeps things interesting and a little off-centre.
And Minor Threat, Rage Against The Machine, and NOFX are there for when I’m done with gestures to everything.
Somehow that mix works. It’s probably the most accurate representation of how I show up. Thoughtful, a bit playful, a bit unhinged, and not afraid to say what needs to be said.
Top Tips from Erin on showing up Authentically (Spoiler, these are so good!)
My advice for other small business owners about showing up as authentic is to embrace vulnerability and let your true self shine through.
Know Your Values: Reflect on what matters to you and what values drive your business. Aligning your messaging and actions with these values will help you feel more authentic.
Share Your Story: Don’t hesitate to share your journey, including your challenges. Your experiences can resonate with others and create genuine connections.
Be Consistent: Consistency in your messaging and presence helps build trust. Whether on social media or in person, strive to present the same authentic version of yourself. Don’t over-curate.
Engage with Your Audience: Invite conversation and feedback from your audience. Show them you value their input and are open to learning from their experiences.
Embrace Imperfection: Perfection is overrated! Embrace your quirks and imperfections; they make you unique. Remember, authenticity is more relatable than a polished façade.
Lead with Empathy: Understand that everyone has their own struggles. You create an environment where others feel comfortable being authentic by showing empathy and compassion.
Ultimately, showing up authentically can be transformative for you and your business. It fosters deeper connections and cultivates a community that resonates with your message.
Standing Ovation!
The first thing I want to point out that Erin deserves a standing ovation for is booking this photoshoot despite concerns around being on camera. Listen here people, MOST people HATE being on camera, yet after they often report that it wasn’t all that bad (yay!) So big props to you Erin for making this happen for yourself! Gold stars for Erin also include:
The Wrap Up
What stays with you after reading Erin’s answers is how much she trusts the human beings on the other side of every message. She’s not trying to make communication look good on paper. She’s trying to make sure it lands, and if you ask me that is what is most important and super hard to do!
Erin is committed to ensure that the person receiving the messages she helps to craft knows what to do next, feels included, and doesn’t have to guess. What a breath of fresh air it must be to work with someone on your communications strategy who gets the humanity of communications.
Building strong communication strategies is not that different from planning a portrait session for your business, really. It’s a chance to stop filling in the gaps and just be seen for you actually are and what you stand for, and right now I think we are all craving that type of energy.
If that sounds like something you’re ready for then reach out, I’d love to bring your truly human brand vision to life!
And PS: never be shy to share bloopers from a photoshoot, especially with your dog!
Where you can find Erin
Website: https://engageandempowerconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinbeattie/
Ask Nila (coming soon): http://www.asknila.com
Thanks for Reading!
Hi, I’m Michele Mateus, award-winning photographer based in Vancouver, BC creating bold, evocative, portraits and personal brand photography with an editorial flair for people who want anything but ordinary.
If something here hit the right note, let’s talk!
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