May your resume become the least interesting thing about you.
A talk about jiu-jitsu, the cost of living without regret, and more from my 10-year MBA reunion at MIT Sloan in May 2026
The Submission Artist
Erica Zendell’s writing work lies at the crossroads of creativity and combat sports—and, increasingly, other sports. Forthcoming: more interviews, reflections, and reviews focused on commitment, continuous improvement, and what it means to be strong.
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Latest posts
One Brown Belt's Perspective, Nine Years Later
An annual reflection on my jiu-jitsu anniversary on what I’ve learned about the sport and about myself in the preceding year
The Atos "Dream Team" Nightmare: On The Tragedy of Jiu-Jitsu's Latest Scandal
If it can happen at Atos Jiu-Jitsu's Headquarters, it can happen anywhere. And it will happen again.
On Writing a Maternity Leave Plan for a Corporate Tech Job
Because an "email job" done well requires more than a "see you in three months" if you want a job to come back to.
On Surviving the Baby Registry Process
If you think that baby registries are overwhelming, peculiar, and un-fun, you’re not alone! Like almost everything else about pregnancy, that’s completely normal, too.
2025 in review
My best laid plans of 2025 were redefined by ACL rehab and pregnancy. With a new baby on deck in 2026, the only plan is to adapt as gracefully as possible.
On Managing a Training Layoff
What I did when following ACL surgery and what I'll do differently when sidelined and returning to sport postpartum
On Training Jiu-Jitsu Through Pregnancy
And why, until Week 30, I've been insistent on slowing down and adapting rather than fully stopping
Week 29: "Bringing the Whole Self to Work"
Reflections on pregnancy and professional life, inspired by the final work trip of my "pre-mom era."
Week 28: “So have you had any weird cravings?”
Expectations and realities of pregnancy-related food cravings on the heels of America’s biggest food holiday.