The Women of TmrO platform recently welcomed Erica Knox, widely known as EK the Mogul, for a powerful and transparent conversation that left no stone unturned. From navigating identity and healing to learning how to trust the process in business and life, Erica shared timeless wisdom for any woman seeking purpose, elevation, and peace.

This conversation wasn’t just about success it was about becoming whole. Here are seven core insights that captured the spirit of the conversation.

1. Faith Beyond Religion: Building a Personal Connection with God

Erica’s relationship with God didn’t begin in a traditional church it began in quiet, raw moments of pain and reflection. She describes a spiritual journey shaped by gentleness, patience, and love, rather than fear or dogma. Through life’s deepest valleys, she heard God speak directly to her heart, encouraging her to open up, soften, and embrace healing.

Key takeaway: Your spiritual journey doesn’t need to follow a prescribed path. You can build a direct connection with God rooted in authenticity and grace.

2. Roots, Representation, and Radical Growth

Although born in Englewood, California, Erica calls Brooklyn, NY her true home—and it’s that rich, layered background that shaped her worldview. Her decision to attend Morgan State University, an HBCU, was life-changing. Initially considering a PWI, she pivoted last minute, and the choice became a foundational chapter in her self-discovery.

Serving as Miss Morgan State University sharpened her leadership skills and gave her the space to find her voice. Erica reminds us that while college can be a place of shedding and challenge, it can also be a powerful incubator for greatness.

“The gift is always in you. The right environment just helps you recognize it.”

3. Ambition Without Striving

Despite holding a master’s degree, Erica accepted an internship at BET’s Social Impact division, understanding that titles don’t define purpose. Through that experience, she learned a vital lesson:

• Ambition is healthy—it’s a desire to build and grow with integrity.

• Striving, however, is when you begin forcing outcomes, often at the expense of your peace, values, and alignment.

Instead of chasing every opportunity, Erica encourages women to trust in divine timing and recognize that what is truly yours will always find you.

4. Moving from Survival Mode to Abundance

A powerful metaphor Erica shares is the idea of having presents under the tree but being too preoccupied to sit down and open them. Many of us are stuck in survival mode, operating out of fear, lack, or hyper-independence.

Her advice? Pause. Reflect. Check in with yourself. Don’t wait for permission to explore your existing gifts or celebrate the progress you’ve already made. True transformation begins in stillness.

5. Surrender Isn’t Weakness—It’s Wisdom

During her time at Columbia University, Erica had a pivotal moment: she realized her self-worth had become tied to external achievement. When that was stripped away, it was painful—but also liberating.

Through surrender, she discovered abundance. Surrender meant releasing control, trusting God, and allowing space for unseen blessings. It meant evolving, even when the people around her couldn’t yet understand the transformation.

“You are so much more than anything the world attaches to you.”

6. Self-Trust, Workplace Triggers, and Owning Your Voice

In both life and business, Erica emphasizes the importance of not shrinking to make others comfortable. She warns against prematurely explaining your evolution—growth doesn’t require external validation.

In the workplace, she identifies passive aggressiveness as a red flag, often rooted in fear or insecurity. Instead, she champions creating safe environments for honest communication. And while adapting to different settings is natural, becoming a completely different person is not necessary.

Show up fully. The world needs the real you.

7. Her Two Rules for Women in Business

Erica ends the conversation with two golden rules that serve as a north star for women navigating entrepreneurship, leadership, or any professional space:

1. Always be in the business of integrity. Let your morals, values, and purpose lead.

2. Always be in the business of pivoting. You are not what you do—you are who you are. The gift is in you, not on you.

Erica Knox’s story is a powerful reminder that faith, clarity, and alignment are the real markers of success. It’s not about striving it’s about surrendering, trusting your voice, and owning your value at every stage.

✨ Ready to hear the full story?
👉 Watch the full conversation with Erica Knox on Women of TmrO