In this episode, Shanti sits down with Aaron Abreu (he/him), a Filipino gay man and pastor’s son, for an honest conversation about identity, resilience and navigating career success on your own terms. Aaron shares the emotionally complex experience of coming out in a deeply religious household, the cultural shifts he faced after immigrating to the U.S., and how those events shaped his career path. He openly discusses the power and complexity of Filipino values like community, humility, and resilience — and the ways in which they both lifted and limited him professionally. Aaron speaks about emotional intelligence and the need for strong support systems in building a sustainable, fulfilling career. He highlights the delicate balance between staying true to your identity and adapting to professional norms. His story offers powerful insights for anyone navigating identity in the workplace, building emotional safety on their team - or learning how to advocate for themselves while staying true to who we are at our core.

Aaron Abreu is an executive and leadership coach. Through his work at Cognitus Leadership and Executive Coaching, he helps individuals move from their current state and elevate to the next level. He also works in the healthcare industry as a board certified healthcare executive.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Other stories shared by Aaron and Shanti at the campfire:

• Hearing Aaron’s journey through five failed promotion attempts, and how his cultural values led him to view the setbacks as opportunities for feedback and professional development.
• Discussing the importance of proactively seeking out mentors with shared experiences when navigating career paths as an outsider.
• Exploring how professional systems often reward advocating for ourselves over quiet excellence - and may require cultural adaptation.
• Sharing about how queer professionals often mask parts of their lives to protect against bias, even in casual conversation, which limits our ability to connect and build trust with others.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH AARON ABREU
Work with Aaron!
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CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
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Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

In this episode, Shanti welcomes Lisa Hurley (she/her), a Black, Caribbean-born woman in her mid-50s with autism and ADHD — who shares her journey as an award-winning activist, writer, podcaster and community builder. Lisa powerfully describes a shocking discriminatory incident on a bus that reveals not only the harm of overt racism, but also the quieter betrayals of silence, gaslighting and complicity. She offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in workplaces that are rarely designed with them in mind, leaving them feeling uncomfortable and isolated. Lisa shares how the compounded stresses of racism, neurodivergence and overwork led her to extreme burnout — and how that moment created a calling to create spaces for deep rest and healing. She offers an inspiring dialogue on reclaiming humanity and kindness, challenging hustle culture, practicing self-care and choosing a gentler way of living.

Lisa Hurley is a 3x Anthem Award-winning activist, writer, and podcaster. She is the author of Space To Exhale, host of Space To Exhale: the Podcast, and the Founder of The Great Exhale: the Community. A powerful voice, she has been recognized as one of the Top 10 anti-discrimination activists worldwide. Her words have been quoted in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Adweek and more.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Other stories shared by Lisa and Shanti at the campfire:

• Hearing Lisa talk about the extra hurt inflicted by gaslighting, saying - “If you're okay with me being harmed, that means that you would probably be okay harming me yourself.”
• Exploring how validation and support are not just about policies — they require cultural shifts in how we listen, believe and adapt to others’ lived realities.
• Brainstorming and laughing about the possibilities of a creative TV collaboration called Breakdown-ish, focused on the career burnout most of us have experienced.
• Discussing how small, joyful rituals - like dancing - can offer an emotional reset in high-pressure work environments – and create a positive ripple effect.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me to share key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH LISA HURLEY
Order Space to Exhale book
Bulk Order Space to Exhale
Listen to Space to Exhale: The Podcast
Watch Space to Exhale: The Podcast
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LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
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Work with Shanti!

In this episode, Shanti welcomes back her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him), as her first repeat guest. The conversation delves into new stories and layers, including the chaotic promotional advertising event that could have derailed his career (but didn’t), the engagement he walked away from (and the draft notice that followed), his struggles as a new Army recruit - and how near-death experiences in Vietnam shifted his entire worldview. These stories highlight Rondavid’s evolution from a self-centered, hotshot, young ad guy/musician to a fatalist with a deep appreciation for life. He discusses the impact of gratitude, how fatalism helped him live with less stress (but also led to some missed opportunities early on) - and his realization that trusting yourself and taking chances leads to the greatest happiness. Expect laughter, warm father-daughter moments, wisdom - and a roadmap to limiting “I should’ve” moments.

Rondavid Gold is a retired ad guy who spent 50 years as a copywriter, partner and CEO providing advertising, marketing, branding and PR for clients. He’s a Veteran, published author and active musician. Due to his many interests, a dedicated exercise routine (initiated by his wife) and multiple philanthropic/volunteer efforts, he’s one heck of a busy retired guy.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Other stories shared by Rondavid and Shanti at the campfire:

• Recounting a bold call to Yamaha Keyboards, proving that bold moves can open unexpected doors.
• Sharing Rondavid’s unexpected, heart-warming song choice - the song he wrote for Shanti - as the one he’d preserve at all costs for future generations.
• Remembering how taking charge of his career gave him creative freedom, reignited his purpose and led to rewarding, memorable moments.
• Telling a short, punny Dad joke (of course).

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH RONDAVID
Website - All Things Rondavid
Tuesdays With Shanti’s Dad Advice Column
Book - Because of Eve (Mystery/Thriller)
Book - Selling (Without Selling)... With Wife, Carol
The Project R Story from Ep. 14 - Two-Part Blog

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!