Name:

Erica Sandberg

Explain what makes you racy:

In my business – personal finance reporting – most people play it straight. They feel it’s the only way to be taken seriously. But that’s just not me. Sure these can be grave topics (we’re talking about unemployment, debt, and a super tough economy here), but delivery matters and I want to be entertaining and enjoyable to watch. I have no problem taking risks. I’ll do skits, put on costumes, tell jokes, even flirt. On camera, I tend not to conform to the standard “look.” I love beauty and wear what appeals, usually with my mad hair down. Maybe because I’m half Italian/Sicilian (the other half is Norwegian) I’m super animated. If I could, I’d physically grab each member of my audience when making a point. Being really passionate about my subject is in itself racy. I want everyone to be as excited, angry, amazed, or motivated about any given topic as I am.

Why is being racy so much fun?

Because it makes me feel alive. There is a uniform that almost all in my industry wear – literally, in terms of clothes, and figuratively in terms of behavior – and it makes me feel extremely uncomfortable to have it on too often. So I don’t unless the situation warrants it. But that’s my choice. To be racy means freedom and stimulation, and I need a ridiculous amount of both.

Any advice to prudes or sticks in the mud?

Sure! Some of my favorite people have trouble letting go. Being racy can be scary because you can get hurt, and I think that’s what makes so many hold back. So to them I say try it – stick your toe in the water by smiling at a random stranger or saying something totally honest and audacious to see how it feels to have your heart beat faster. You may not do it again, or too often, but I bet you’ll always remember it with a huge (if internal) smile. Ultimately, the simple truism “life is for living” is a mantra that everyone who is afraid to be hedonistic or who frowns upon those who are would be wise to adopt.

Website or social media link:

• http://www.ericasandberg.com/
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erica-Sandberg/