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!
LinkedIn
Instagram

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
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
TikTok
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
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!

In this episode, Shanti interviews Liz Cruz (they/them/she/her), a genderqueer, femme, healer, witch, white anti-racist and critic of capitalism. Liz talks about factors that played into her career, including her relentless work ethic - rooted in growing up in an entrepreneurial family - as well as the divide between her vibrant queer community life and the more constrained corporate spaces, where she never felt fully seen. She then confronts a tumultuous period that pushes her to her limits and leads her to step away from corporate and toward her dream of being a queer leadership coach. As she takes this leap, she learns important lessons about grief and letting go - and emerges with a sense of freedom, strength and alignment. Liz shares that “the time is always right to center our own humanity,” reminding us that the path to thriving can be found in reconnecting to our unique needs and values - and disrupting status quo narratives.

Liz Cruz is a queer leadership coach, facilitator and consultant. She’s been in leadership development for over 15 years - and works across the corporate, nonprofit and public sectors. In addition to 1:1 coaching, she co-founded the Queer Leadership Lab with other amazing practitioners, offering a dedicated space for queer folks to work on leadership development.

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 Liz and Shanti at the campfire:

• Discussing how highly-challenging "crucible" experiences are often where we realize our most profound growth, laying the groundwork for the next, truer chapter.
• Listening to Liz’s thoughtful discussion of the words we use to define our intersectionality - exploring the layers of meaning and the power of language for disruption.
• Sharing the advice to get support before you hit the wall, since practicing at low-stakes moments prepares us for bigger challenges.
• Recognizing when it’s time to move on from toxic work environments in order to preserve our well-being and help align with our true purpose.

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 LIZ CRUZ
Queer Leadership Lab
Work 1:1 with Liz!
Liz’s 5-day Imposter Syndrome Breakthrough Challenge!
LinkedIn

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

In this conversation, Shanti interviews Leila Sawan (she/her), a trans Arab refugee and activist. Despite being highly qualified, Leila was repeatedly passed over for roles early in her career due to her intersectionality - leading her to take exploitative jobs simply to survive. She reveals the struggles trans individuals face in some countries to obtain medical resources needed to transition. She also highlights the insensitivity many trans employees face in the workplace. Determined to help others avoid the same hardships, Leila immerses in grassroots activism and perseveres in her career. She earns a role as Executive Director of the Trans-IT Foundation, which empowers the trans community through certifications, scholarships and job opportunities in the tech sector. Leila reminds us that now - more than ever - is an important time to come together, “not only as a queer community…not only as a trans community…as just humans.”

Leila Sawan is the Executive Director of the Trans-IT Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering trans and nonbinary individuals across Latin America through a certification program that enables participants to unlock new career opportunities and achieve greater professional growth. Leila also has a bachelor's degree in software engineering and a background researching artificial intelligence.

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 Leila and Shanti at the campfire:

• Hearing Leila’s advice for those feeling hopeless in their careers, encouraging them to navigate immediate challenges while continuing to keep their dreams in sight.
• Learning about Leila’s and her cousin’s road trip in Turkey to secure hormones from pharmacies in the hopes of distributing them for free to others who couldn’t access them.
• Exploring how the current anti-DEI, anti-Trans sentiments are leading to lack of responsiveness from previously-engaged corporate business partners.
• Discussing how Leila accepting an admin role eventually leads to her promotion to Executive Director, showing that sometimes small career steps lead to big opportunities.

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 LEILA SAWAN
Website Trans-IT
LinkedIn Trans-IT
Instagram Trans-IT
Email - leila@trans-it-foundation.org

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

In this episode, Sharon Hurley Hall (she/her) - a Black, British-born, Caribbean-Raised woman - shares stories about her own experiences with racism living in different parts of the world. She discusses her journey over time to unpack the hurt and find the words to speak about it with power and impact. Sharon chooses to not allow anger and pain to define her - and refuses to inflict the same pain on others. Instead, she journeys towards purpose-driven work, empowering others through learning experiences anchored in awareness and action. The conversation highlights examples of workplace discrimination, as Sharon offers important takeaways on how to sensitively and effectively support those who face it. Sharon ultimately offers a hopeful outlook on the power of community and collective action and “a world where everyone's humanity is valued.”

Sharon Hurley Hall is an author, educator and anti-racism activist who is on a mission to help create a world where everyone can thrive. Her work includes Sharon's Anti-Racism Newsletter, the SHHARE anti-racism community, support for introverts - and various courses based on over three decades of experience with writing and educating.

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 Sharon and Shanti:

• Hearing Sharon describe how we’re all like drops of water, and the hope that we will eventually form “a mighty river washing away all these inequalities that we hate.”
• Discussing that allyship is not about perfectionism: we have the opportunity to own and learn from our mistakes and ask how we can make things right.
• Recounting when Sharon’s college roommate said, “I don’t think of you as Black at all. I think of you as white,” and how a young Sharon was caught off guard and struggled to process the hurt.
• Exploring the nuances of allyship, including opportunities for it to unfold in simple, powerful, non-confrontational ways.

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 & find me to share your key takeaways!

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

CONNECT WITH SHARON HURLEY HALL
Work with Sharon!
Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter
Book: I'm Tired of Racism
SHHARE Anti-Racism Community
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Courses

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

In this conversation, filmmaker Nick Beaulieu (he/him) discusses his documentary “My Omaha,” and his decade-plus journey to understand the “tale of two cities” - the clear racial inequity he sees in Omaha versus a city presenting itself as a great place to live. The discussion centers around mounting frictions in Nick’s relationship with his father - with his Dad’s pro-Trump conservatism standing in direct opposition to Nick’s ever-deepening racial justice work. Nick’s Dad’s cancer diagnosis brings them back together to have difficult, honest, face-to-face conversations - ultimately allowing them to access empathy and find some common ground. Nick discusses his anti-racism journey, with a focus on time spent in Omaha’s Black community and lessons learned. He speaks about complicated and potentially-divisive topics with openness and thoughtfulness, offering a hopeful bridge to reconnecting to each other’s humanity in today’s often-divided world.

Nick Beaulieu is an independent filmmaker who serves in the roles of writer, director, producer and cinematographer. He also works in advertising sales. His film, “My Omaha” is set against the backdrop of Omaha's deep racial divide and growing Black Lives Matter movement - as Nick navigates the complexities of family conflict, political and racial discord - and the difficult search for common ground.

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/

Nick and I also talk about:

• “Shared experiences change the world” - exploring activist Leo Louis II’s belief that, especially in today’s digital world, connecting in person can reduce animosity and deepen understanding.
• Coming to conversations with an open mind and honesty for a true exchange of dialogue versus clinging tightly to preconceived ideas as a path to connection.
• Seeking and continuing to educate ourselves - versus finding concrete answers - can be liberating as we explore complex, deep-rooted, societal issues.
• Looking for opportunities in our careers to celebrate accomplishments, be more patient - and creatively collaborate 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 NICK BEAULIEU
My Omaha website
My Omaha Instagram
My Omaha Facebook

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

In this conversation, Sandy Kusano (she/her) shares her journey as an Asian immigrant and third-culture kid. Sandy discusses the challenges of assimilation and navigating conflicting East/West cultural expectations. She shares how her efforts to fit and feel safe in various contexts - whether at home, work, or in social settings - lead her to unconsciously downplay her Japanese/Korean identity. As an outsider, she is taught to keep her head down and work extra hard in order to prove her worth. She reflects on how this constant striving and balancing of two identities ultimately leads to exhaustion and an internal sense of living a lie. Sandy transforms her burnout into inspiration, using it as fuel to rewrite her story, trust the wisdom in her heart, reclaim her authenticity and joy - and inspire others to do the same.

Sandy Kusano is a human potential coach dedicated to cultivating joy as a superpower - empowering individuals to become conscious leaders who inspire positive change. She co-hosts the Spilling Our Tea podcast, where she explores the diversity of Asian female experiences, amplifying stories that challenge traditional career narratives.

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/

Sandy and I also discuss:

• Letting go of the feeling that we need to be different people in different spaces - or code switching - as a path to showing up fully and thriving.
• Understanding that challenging moments are an opportunity to learn and experience our most profound growth.
• Emphasizing the importance of celebrating every moment - whether big or small - and how we can activate joy in our lives.
• Exploring the narrative that finding our purpose will lead to joy - and concluding that it’s actually the other way around: in finding joy, we discover our purpose.

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 SANDY KUSANO
Work with Sandy!
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Spilling Our Tea podcast
YouTube Channel
Tiktok

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