Too often dismissed as “feel-good” extras, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are actually untapped engines of culture, innovation, and retention. In this episode, I sit down with Anna Ettin—known across the industry as the godmother of ERGs—to unpack why it’s long past time to give these groups the budget, backing, and strategic voice they deserve.
This isn’t about cupcakes in the break room or yet another heritage month panel. It’s about recognizing ERGs as powerful business drivers—and building the governance, funding, and executive alignment that transforms them from side-of-desk projects into real centers of influence.
We cover:
– Why ERGs are more than community—they’re culture strategy in action
– Funding, governance, and recognition models that actually work
– How storytelling makes ERGs impossible to ignore at the executive table
– The risk of inequity when ERG leaders go uncompensated
– Why fun matters: engagement is about energy, not obligation
– How to build a roadmap that keeps ERGs sustainable, visible, and impactful
– The role of consistent communication in scaling belonging
Why this episode matters:
If your company still treats ERGs like an afterthought, you’re leaving culture, innovation, and retention on the table. This episode is your wake-up call: give ERGs the resources and recognition they deserve—or risk watching your best people walk.
Guest Bio:
Anna Ettin is widely recognized as a pioneer and thought leader in the ERG space. With decades of experience building, scaling, and advising ERGs across industries, she’s earned the reputation as the godmother of ERGs for her ability to turn grassroots communities into organizational powerhouses. Anna’s expertise bridges strategy and storytelling, helping leaders understand not just why ERGs matter, but how to structure and sustain them for long-term business impact.
Why she matters to you:
If you’re struggling to prove the business case for ERGs—or if your employees are leading them without recognition or support—Anna brings the playbook you need. Her perspective will challenge you to stop treating ERGs as a checkbox and start seeing them as the culture-shaping, retention-driving engines they truly are.
Learn more about Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-ettin-7054ab1/
Learn more about the Global ERG Network: https://globalergnet.com/
Host Bio:
Kate Ball is an international talent strategist, bestselling author, and unapologetic Bullshit Exorcist on a mission to torch performative HR and take down corporate nonsense with a smile. With 20+ years spent shaking up culture, leadership, and talent strategy at giants like Amazon, Expedia, and Cision, she now runs Sparkle & Sass Consulting—helping brave companies and bolder leaders stop playing nice and start doing better.
On The Culture Chronicles, Kate calls it like it is: no jargon, no fluff, and definitely no beige. Just sharp minds, spicy takes, and real talk about what’s broken at work—and who’s bold enough to fix it.
This isn’t your HR department’s podcast. It’s the one they hope you never find.
Learn More About Kate: www.sparkleandsassconsulting.com
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateball1/
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Explore The Culture Chronicles Book Series: https://www.amazon.com/author/kateball