Reclaiming Power, Peace, and Happiness with Teri Chilcoat

In this episode, I sit down with Teri Chilcoat, keynote speaker, author of Surviving the Toxic Workplace: From an HR Insider, and founder of Inner Authority Co., whose story begins in Minnesota, where she grew up with a single mom, learned independence early, and developed a strong drive to work hard and create a better future for herself.

Teri shares how she started working at a young age, worked full time through college, and eventually found her way into human resources after taking what was supposed to be a two-day assignment at Time Warner Cable. That opportunity turned into the beginning of a 20-year HR career, where she gained a behind-the-scenes view of how leadership, culture, and company values do not always align.

She reflects on the moment she realized that toxic work environments are often accepted by people who feel grateful just to have a job. Through her experience in HR, Teri saw how employees can feel stuck, powerless, or unsure where to turn, and how even HR professionals can be limited by the culture and leadership around them. That realization inspired her to write Surviving the Toxic Workplace as a resource for people who need practical steps, perspective, and a way to regain agency.

Today, Teri continues her work in HR while speaking, writing, and leading workshops that help organizations improve retention, self-awareness, and employee engagement. Her advice to anyone feeling stuck is a reminder that even difficult seasons are not permanent:

“If you’re feeling stuck right now, it’s only temporary and you can get through this.” — Teri Chilcoat

Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Teri:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-chilcoat-phr/

https://www.innerauthoritycompany.com/about-me

Buy her book:

https://a.co/d/06oURIbX

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