Stories We Haven't Shared®

Finding Her Voice: How Dāli Rivera Turned Years of Bullying into a Life of Advocacy

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dāli Rivera (she/her) was seven years old when her family sought asylum from Nicaragua, thrusting her into a new country where she endured years of bullying, racism, colorism, and domestic violence at home. Today, the speaker, military veteran, leadership trainer, and bullying prevention advocate reflects on the experiences that silenced her for years — and how facing harassment and discrimination in the military became the catalyst for using her voice to advocate for herself and others. She shares how her daughter's experience with bullying led her to uncover gaps in school policies, empowering other families and inspiring the work she does today. Along the way, Dāli reminds us that asking questions, speaking up, and sharing knowledge can transform even our most painful experiences into opportunities to help others.

Dāli Rivera provides professional development training focused on leadership, team building, communication, and bullying prevention. A proud U.S. Army veteran and mother of two, she combines discipline, compassion, and expertise to help families and schools build safer, more empathetic communities — empowering parents and educators to raise confident, inclusive children.

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 guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Dāli and Shanti at the campfire:

Exploring the lasting impact bullying, domestic violence, and instability can have on a child's confidence, nervous system, and ability to learn.
Recognizing the powerful role mentors can play in helping us navigate fear and step into difficult conversations.
Discussing how one principal lovingly transformed a painful bullying incident into a lesson about understanding instead of shame.
Examining how children often repeat prejudice they don't yet understand, and why honest conversations matter.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT DALI RIVERA
Work with Dali!
LinkedIn
Instagram
Read Dali’s Book, “Confident, Bully-Proof Kids”
Newsletter
LinkTree

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

Living in the In-Between: Dr. Melissa Bird on Discovering Her Native Heritage, Coming Out, and Running for Congress

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Melissa Bird (she/her) has spent her life navigating spaces where she was told not to ask questions, not to speak too loudly, or not to fully be herself. Fresh off a run for Congress in Oregon's 4th District, the nationally-recognized speaker, policy strategist, and advocate reflects on discovering her Native heritage in her 30s and reconnecting with her roots as a descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, growing up in the shadow of her father's suicide, coming out as bisexual in Utah, and learning to embrace the "liminal spaces" where she never quite fit. She shares how healing childhood trauma and listening to what she calls "the push" led her to advocacy work, earning a PhD, teaching, writing, and ultimately launching her campaign for Congress. Along the way, Dr. Bird offers a powerful reminder that courage isn't the absence of fear — it's the willingness to disrupt the narrative, speak the truth even when your voice shakes, and trust that life's most meaningful chapters rarely unfold the way you planned.

Dr. Melissa Bird is a proud Native woman, nationally recognized keynote speaker, policy strategist, grassroots politician, lay preacher, feminist, and author. An unapologetic advocate for working people, she has spent her career championing abused and neglected children, homeless youth, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare access. She holds a master's degree and PhD in social work.

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 guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Dr. Bird and Shanti at the campfire:

Hearing Dr. Bird's grandfather's adorable and insightful response to her coming out, and his reminder that sexual identity exists on a continuum.
Confronting the reality that even today, in 2026, a simple gesture of affection doesn't feel safe for many LGBTQ+ people (me included).
Exploring colonization and Native religious practices that were illegal until 1978, and the deep negative impact that’s often felt through lost connection.
Recounting a funny, loving exchange with her husband before a Brandi Carlile concert that highlights persistent misunderstandings about bisexuality.
Reflecting on the role of trauma, and how to give voice to it while holding ourselves with compassion and love.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MELISSA BIRD
Work with Dr. Bird!
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Buy Dr. Bird’s books
Recommended reading: "The Discovery of America," Native Peoples and US History

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

Tibor Spitz on Surviving the Holocaust, Hiding 200 Days Underground, and Choosing Kindness Over Hatred

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

At 96 years old, Tibor Spitz (he/him), a Holocaust survivor, scientist, inventor, artist, and speaker, shares a story that is almost impossible to comprehend – and somehow even more extraordinary because of the remarkable life philosophy that emerged from it. Tibor discusses surviving as a Jewish boy in Slovakia during World War II, including years in hiding with his family to escape deportation to Nazi death camps, during which every moment could have been his last. That journey ultimately led them to more than 200 days underground in a tiny, makeshift shelter, where they nearly starved, carefully whispered to avoid detection, and slept pressed tightly against one another in freezing conditions. He reflects on the guiding voice that helped him survive and why he chose to release hatred and let go of ego. This conversation is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable brutality, we always have choices about how we respond, and how we can honor the extraordinary gift of being human through curiosity, strength, kindness, and gratitude.

After surviving the Holocaust, Tibor Spitz became a chemical engineer with a Ph.D. in ceramic engineering, specializing in glass science and technology - and publishing multiple patents. He also developed essential hardware in the emerging digital technology space. For the last 28 years, he has dedicated himself to being a full-time artist and motivational speaker.

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 guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Tibor and Shanti at the campfire:

Recounting how releasing hatred led him to befriend and help the daughter of a man connected to Nazi atrocities after the war.
Reflecting on how losing five years of formal education during the Holocaust showed Tibor how to think in images, shaping his rare ability to thrive as both a scientist and artist.
Exploring his unforgettable philosophy: don’t cry over spilled milk…bring a cat!
Sharing his career advice for keeping your mind fresh by shifting between different types of thinking.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT TIBOR SPITZ
PBS Documentary Song of Survivors feat. Tibor
Tibor's Song: All is Changing, We are Witness, We are Life
Article About Tibor’s Story
Tibor Documentary
Facebook

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

From Hidden to Seen: Jules and Brian Heron Reflect on Jules’ Experience as a Trans Human, Before and After Transition

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Jules (they/them), founder of Hair for Humans, and their father, Brian (he/him), a pastor, reflect on Jules’ experience growing up as a transgender person, before and after transitioning. Brian recalls early moments, like strong resistance to wearing dresses, and a persistent feeling that something about Jules wasn’t fully visible. Jules also shares the in-between years – marked by anxiety, disconnection, and charting unknown territory – before finding a way to reconnect with their body and feel at home in themselves, a shift that ultimately changed everything. Brian reflects on how his work in the ministry mirrors Jules’ work behind the chair as a hairstylist, both centered on listening deeply and creating safe spaces for people to discover how to show up in the world authentically. Together, they explore how support – through the coming out journey and beyond – wasn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up with trust, curiosity, and a willingness to grow alongside each other.

Jules Heron is the founder of Hair for Humans, providing hair services to people who struggle to feel seen or heard in the hair industry. They are passionate about creating transformational short haircuts and teaching their craft to others via group and individual classes.

Brian Heron is a minister, author, pilgrimager, and proud father of a trans human. In his semi-retirement, he blogs and is working on a book that explores the intersection of religion and culture – both lessons and thoughts on what’s ahead. He joyfully plays guitar and writes music.

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 guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling, and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Jules, Brian, and Shanti:

Reflecting on a Home Depot moment that heightened Jules’ awareness of being newly perceived as a white male — and the “obligation to be one of the good guys” that came with it.
Choosing values over moment-to-moment feelings to make business decisions with greater clarity and alignment.
Recognizing that strong reactions often reflect internal fears, and choosing self-awareness and conversation as a path to deeper understanding.
Highlighting the power and skill of listening without judgment, creating space for people to feel seen and discover who they are.

Thanks for listening — and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review! Check out all episodes at storieswehaventshared.com.

CONNECT WITH JULES HERON
Work with Jules!
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook

CONNECT WITH BRIAN HERON
Brian Work & Blog
Facebook
Buy Brian’s Book

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Spotify playlist
Work with Shanti!

Sue Wicks on Coming Out in the WNBA, LGBTQ+ Progress, and the Power of the Outsider Experience

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Sue Wicks (she/her) is a New York Liberty WNBA All-Star from the league’s inaugural season and a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports who became the first active WNBA player to come out publicly in 2002 and was recently inducted into the LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame. In this conversation, she reflects on building a career in women’s basketball before professional opportunities truly existed, playing for years overseas before the formation of the WNBA created a path to return home and compete in the United States. Sue also shares what it meant to come out publicly — an opportunity she welcomed — at a time when visibility carried real personal and professional risk. Along the way, she reflects on growing up feeling like an outsider and how that perspective shaped her views on leadership, gender, and representation in sports. Today, she sees that outsider lens as a strength — one that allows people to see, build, and sustain things others might miss.

Sue Wicks is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Rutgers women’s basketball history, a former New York Liberty WNBA All-Star who played in the league’s inaugural season, and a Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Today, she farms oysters and kelp on Long Island as the founder of Violet Cove Oyster Company, a sustainable aquaculture venture.

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.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Sue and Shanti at the campfire:

Remembering the newspaper clipping about Rutgers winning a women’s championship that convinced her she would play there — even before she’d seen women’s basketball at that level.
Admitting that even after decades of success in professional basketball, she still sometimes shrinks herself in certain environments after a lifetime of self-regulation.
Reflecting on how her focus later in her career shifted from individual performance to leadership and ambassadorship in women’s sports.
Observing that women often develop a unique skillset because they’re constantly asked to unpack and explain their thinking in ways men often aren’t.
Explaining why oyster farming became a new chapter after her professional basketball career — and why working on the water feels freeing, with no gender roles.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH SUE WICKS
Violet Cove Oyster Co. Instagram

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
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Work with Shanti!

Navigating Poverty, a Parent's Mental Illness, and Housing Insecurity: Caren Lissner on Creativity, Resilience, and Choosing to Share Her Story

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with her freshman-year roommate, Caren Lissner (she/her) — a news editor, reporter, essayist, and published novelist. Caren recently began sharing how housing insecurity and financial instability shaped her upbringing, including periods of living out of her car during college summers without anyone knowing. Caren shares what it was like to grow up navigating poverty alongside a parent’s mental illness, and how hiding those realities became a necessary way to cope. The conversation explores themes of outsiderhood, resilience, creativity, and the pressure to hustle quietly in an effort to break the cycle of instability. Caren reflects on how she never let go of her dreams, leaning into creativity as a way to heal herself and support others — and how determination and persistence shaped a path that finally felt like her own.

Caren Lissner is a news editor and reporter who currently writes for local news websites. Her humorous and serious essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. Her first novel, Carrie Pilby — an independent coming-of-age comedy-drama — was adapted into a feature film. She is currently working on a memoir, How We Became Homeless, which chronicles downward mobility from the 1980s to today.

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.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling — and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Caren and Shanti at the campfire:

Reflecting on the gradual unraveling of stability — from living modestly in a suburb to her mom’s mental illness quietly taking its toll over time.
Sharing how publishing her Pennsylvania Gazette essay created space for others with similar financial insecurity to reach out and feel seen.
Describing how Caren worked her way out of poverty one job at a time, squirreling away money and continuing to take small steps toward supporting herself and her family.
Offering her belief that everyone’s story matters, and that telling it can help someone else feel less alone.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH CAREN
Read Caren’s Work
Penn Gazette Essay "Close Your Eyes"
Buy Carrie Pilby - The Book
Watch Carrie Pilby - The Movie
Instagram

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

Queer, Nonbinary, and Autistic: Felix Sutherland on Self-Discovery, Self-Trust, and Moving From Exhaustion to Freedom

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with Felix Sutherland (they/them), a white, queer, nonbinary, autistic coach whose work is shaped by their lived experience. Felix shares their stories of self-recognition around identity and neurodivergence - along with the relief, grief, and clarity that surfaced as they began to understand and share themselves more fully. The conversation explores allyship, including the advice to stay present and engaged when discomfort arises. Felix discusses themes of masking, workplace safety, and the emotional labor required to navigate systems not designed with neurodivergent or nonbinary people in mind. They also reflect on how overcompensating through perfectionism and overachievement leads to deep exhaustion, and how cultivating self-trust supports a shift toward work that is aligned, joyful, and sustainable.

Felix Sutherland helps high-masking and late-/un-diagnosed autistic and ADHD folks sort through the identity crises that come with understanding your brain for the first time in adulthood. They offer coworking sessions, 1:1 coaching - and more - to help people build more joyful relationships with themselves and others.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Felix and Shanti at the campfire:

Recounting the range of reactions Felix experienced after sharing their pronouns at work, from support to subtle resistance.
Sharing how an unexpected layoff disrupted ideas of safety at work and, in the end, offered a sense of freedom.
Exploring what the words “queer” and “nonbinary” mean to Felix - and their experience of how others within the LGBTQIA+ community relate to the language
Learning about Felix’s passion for roller derby and what the sport is actually about (hint: not throwing elbows).

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the Stories We Haven’t Shared podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH FELIX
Work with Felix!
Instagram
Facebook
Mailing List
Coworking

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

Ally Sunberg Embraces the Messiness: An LGBTQ+ Leader on Coming Out, Authenticity, and Allyship

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shanti (she/her) welcomes Ally Sunberg (she/her), a marketing leader and long-time LGBTQ+ workplace advocate. Ally shares her journey of embracing her bisexual identity and navigating what it means to show up authentically in her career. She unpacks the tension between how she naturally presents, her discomfort with traditional “femme” business attire norms, and the assumptions that often lead her into repeated coming-out moments - whether about her sexuality or the significant age difference with her wife. She reflects on formative career experiences - from early conversations about her identity to leading her company’s Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) - that shaped her confidence and her commitment to creating safer spaces for others. She explores how identity, family, and resilience intersect, and how embracing the dynamic “messy middle” has helped her grow as a leader and a person.

Ally Sunberg is a corporate strategist and marketer who leads the development of innovation pipelines for consumer products - from early-stage ideation through feasibility and execution. She is a values-driven leader committed to inclusive leadership and creating space for others to thrive. Ally believes that insight and empathy are as essential as data and discipline.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Ally and Shanti at the campfire:

Reflecting on the ongoing “scanning” LGBTQ+ people navigate, and how her daughters inspire her to show up without hesitation.
Recounting the emotional labor of repeated coming-out moments and how leading the Pride ERG helped her take control of her narrative.
Exploring how marathon training teaches Ally to break life into small, manageable moments.
Sharing the layered experience of being in a same-sex relationship with a significant age gap.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the Stories We Haven’t Shared poscast at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH ALLY
LinkedIn

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

From Hiding to Impact: Chris Ruden on Disability, Ableism, and Building a World Without Limits Through Curiosity

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with Chris Ruden (he/him) - keynote speaker, powerlifter, disability advocate, and competitor on The Rock’s Titan Games. Born with a limb difference and later diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Chris shares how he spent years perfecting the art of hiding - keeping his hand in his pocket, wearing a glove, and meticulously planning ways to blend in. He talks about the weight of ableism, both external and internal, and how unlearning it required facing layers of shame and self-protection he didn’t know he carried. What followed wasn’t a sudden transformation, but a steady reclamation - and the belief that difference itself can be a source of power. Chris also shares how curiosity - his own and others’ - opens the door to inclusion, connection, innovation, and unlocking the best version of ourselves.

Chris Ruden is a transformational keynote speaker, change management expert, author, and disability inclusion advocate. He leverages his story of overcoming adversity to help organizations build trust and resilience - bringing his message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Shanti and Chris at the campfire:

Exploring how lasting change grows from small, winnable moments that build confidence - encouraging risk-taking and opening the door to possibilities.
Recounting the middle-school moment when a classmate’s cruel taunting set off years of hiding and self-doubt.
Discussing that habits are not identity - and the freedom that comes from knowing we can choose differently at any moment.
Reflecting on a period of numbing that ended with a little girl’s unfiltered love - sparking a cascade that led Chris to share his disability publicly.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t Shared at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH CHRIS
Work With Chris!
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Book - The Art of Changing Course
Book - The Upper Hand

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

Breaking Bread with Chef Anita Lo: Resisting Definition, Embracing Intersectionality, and Finding Belonging in the Heat of the Kitchen

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with chef Anita Lo (she/her), a gay, Asian, gender-nonconforming woman, Michelin-starred culinary innovator, Food Network competitor, and pioneer in contemporary-American cuisine. Anita reflects on growing up as a person of color and outsider in the Midwest: the taunts she endured, the resilience they fueled, and what it means to succeed on her own terms in an industry eager to define her. She shares how kitchens became a place of belonging despite their relentless pace and demands, and how her intersectional identity shaped her approach to her culinary journey. The conversation closes with the Thrive Takeaway: be tenacious, believe in yourself, and keep moving toward what makes you happy.

Anita Lo is a multiple-award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author - and the first female chef to collaborate on a White House State Dinner. She is currently the Culinary Director of Stylus, a private club on the Lower East Side dedicated to the ephemeral arts (opening early 2026). She also hosts culinary tours around the world with Tour De Forks, a luxury travel company specializing in custom-designed epicurean adventures.

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.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment to get instant clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact: shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment

Other stories shared by Anita and Shanti at the campfire:

Recounting Anita’s sweltering first kitchen job, where illness and exhaustion gave way to the realization she was exactly where she wanted to be.
Taking the leap to open the award-winning restaurant, Annisa - and why creative freedom outweighed stability.
Reflecting on the joy and focus found in the “Tetris rhythm” of the kitchen line.
Sharing Anita’s quirky passions - from mushroom foraging to unicycling - that fuel her artistry and joy.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for real stories and practical insights on navigating your career as an outsider - and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast!

Learn more about the Stories We Haven’t Shared podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH ANITA
Tour de Forks
Stylus
Instagram
LinkedIn
Anita’s Cookbooks
More About Anita

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

SEASON 2 PREMIERE: Shanti and Her Dad Revisit When She Came Out to Him - Plus Family Stories, Career Lessons in Authenticity, and Other Reminiscences

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In the Season 2 premiere, host Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with her dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him), to revisit the moment she nervously came out to him. They reflect on how Rondavid met the news by prioritizing Shanti’s happiness, a response that quickly replaced fear with unconditional love and modeled true allyship. The conversation also acknowledges that while Rondavid's acceptance was immediate, many loved ones need time to adjust to reframed expectations - and that patience and grace are part of the journey. Shanti shares how years of secrecy shaped her leadership style, and how bringing her full self to work transformed her career, her teams, and their results. The episode closes with the inaugural Thrive Takeaway, revealing why ‘be yourself; everyone else is already taken’ is a powerful way of operating in work and life.

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.

Other stories shared by Shanti and her Dad at the campfire:

Reminiscing about the Yankees rain-delay conversation where Shanti shared why she didn’t plan to have kids - and Rondavid’s evolving thoughts on grandparenthood.
Remembering Shanti’s stepmom’s light-bulb moment of acceptance and understanding.
Recounting how Shanti strongly resisted a sales path, until an internship revealed unexpected enjoyment and launched a decades-long career.
Talking about a charity concert around a historic Rachmaninoff piano - and sharing a perfectly-timed Dad joke.

Learn more at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH RONDAVID GOLD
Book - Because of Eve (Thriller)
Book - Selling (Without Selling)...With Wife, Carol
Rondavid Performs “Shanti and Me”
Rondavid's Website
The Project R Story from Ep. 14
Tuesdays With Shanti’s Dad

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
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Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Work with Shanti!

Season 1 Wrap-Up with Mary Tess Rooney: The Human Side of Working While Marginalized, the Power of Allyship - and 4 Takeaways to Show Up Fully in Your Success

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this Season One wrap-up, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) is joined once again by co-host Mary Tess Rooney (she/her). Together, we revisit the podcast’s founding intention: to create a campfire space and community where underrepresented people feel seen and more powerful as we navigate layered career paths - and invite allies to learn, listen and lead alongside us. We reflect on the stories that took our breath away - including moments of shocking injustice, quiet fear and powerful transformation. We explore the strategies we use to stay safe, the toll of hiding - and the eventual reckoning that leads to purpose-driven change. Tune in to hear more about four key takeaways for reclaiming fulfillment and success: taking small steps toward healing, the grounding power of presence and gratitude, the importance of joy, love, and kindness - and the strength we access through empathy for others. Season One closes with an enduring truth: shared experiences can change the world. Season Two, and a growing circle around the campfire, returns September 18.

Mary Tess Rooney is a teacher, healer, professional coach, retreat leader, speaker and perpetual student. As a 25-year corporate warrior, her executive presence combined with her coaching and Shamanic Reiki healing gifts, uniquely qualifies her to empower others to share their Heart Value and align with what lights them up.

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 Mary Tess and Shanti at the campfire:

Understanding that the guests’ deeply-vulnerable shares offer an amazing opportunity for growth and expansion, since we don’t know how to do better until we know better.
Recounting how discrimination is often compounded by silence - when no one speaks up or intervenes, the harm deepens.
Sharing that hiding parts of ourselves is a defensive strategy to feel safe - stemming from fear of judgment, rejection and not belonging.
Discussing that overperformance is a common survival strategy for outsiders to compensate for not starting on an even playing field, but it’s deeply unsustainable.

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 MARY TESS ROONEY
Buy Mary Tess’s Book
Listen to the True Stride Podcast
Work with Mary Tess!

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

Lisa Hurley Creates Spaces to Exhale: A Black, Neurodivergent Woman’s Path from Burnout to Breakthrough

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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!

More Wisdom from Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad): A Grateful Ad Man’s Journey and How Vietnam Changed Everything

Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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).

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
Wor

Queering Leadership with Liz Cruz: Accessing Our Humanity and Disrupting the Status Quo

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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.

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!

Sharon Hurley Hall: a Black Citizen of the World Shares Insights on Anti-Racism and Honoring the Humanity in Others

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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.

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!

Filmmaker / Activist Nick Beaulieu Finds Hope and Beauty in the Difficult Search for Racial and Political Common Ground

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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.

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!

An Asian Immigrant’s Journey: Sandy Kusano Joyfully Reclaims Her Story, Trading Her Dream Job For Her Dream Life

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

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.

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!

Indigo Avisov’s Roadmap to Impact: Building Self-Trust, Celebrating Small Steps and Creating Courageously

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shanti sits down with Indigo Avisov (they/them) - a white, trans, non-binary, first-generation college student of Slavic lineage whose family came to the US after being in POW camps during WWII. Indigo shares personal stories about the ways in which the cross-section of influences in their life shape their deep spirituality and understanding of self. They highlight the powerful role of kindness, joy, and love as exemplified by their grandmother - even in the face of deep hardships. Indigo shares takeaways about the importance of self-trust, taking baby steps and leaning into creativity to support success in all areas of life. To illustrate the power of these tools, they share examples from their successful career in tech leadership, where they build cultures of trust, risk-taking, and collaboration - allowing innovation to thrive and enabling everyone’s unique contributions to be celebrated.

Indigo is a DEI Practitioner and a Purpose Coach/Guide who has spent the last 18 years in the tech sector. With a commitment to “all things people,” they are dedicated to empowering others to align their work with their core values and contribute their unique perspectives and skills - so that we can fuel innovation and a better world.

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/

Indigo and I also discuss:

Embracing one’s unique flavor in the “soup of life”
Exploring how many underrepresented professionals experience corporate cultures that stifle authenticity - and recognizing the power of reconnecting to our intuition
Realizing that the creative energy we all possess is not just about painting or writing poetry - it’s also generating new ideas and solving problems in spaces where we feel safe
Leaning into fear builds resilience, confidence and a sense of accomplishment that can be repeated and sustained

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

CONNECT WITH INDIGO AVISOV
Email: indi@authenticdiscoveries.com
Linktree
LinkedIn
Instagram

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

Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad) Returns from Vietnam With an Unshakable Belief in Fate - A Story of Optimism, Presence and Gratitude

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shanti gratefully chats with her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him). Their conversation centers around multiple stories during his time on active duty in the Vietnam War that took unexpected twists - and ultimately saved his life. These experiences shaped Rondavid’s understanding that fate plays a powerful role and determines our path. This fatalism - coupled with optimism - freed him to accept what life had in store, let go of control of outcomes, take risks, be present in the moment, do his best - and enjoy the ride. He shares tales and lessons from his career in advertising, including the wisdom that allowed him to remain grounded as he successfully navigated career lows and highs. Shanti and her Dad, as per usual, share philosophical musings, laughter, love, warm memories of times spent together - and an appreciation of the importance of humor and gratitude.

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.

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/

Rondavid (aka Dad) and I also discuss:

Reviewing the coin-toss moment upon leaving the Army that led Rondavid to New York, where he embarked on the next chapter of his advertising career…and met Shanti’s Mom.
Exploring a moment of career complacency - and how he caught himself and got back on track to self-realization.
Sharing Rondavid’s career advice: go for it! We all have the power to make choices, try new paths and adjust if needed as we move toward happiness.
Telling a joke - as only Shanti’s Dad can :)

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

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

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

Natalia Sandor Steps Up to the Mic: A Gen Z Perspective on Coming Out, Connection and Impact

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shanti welcomes her friend Natalia Sandor (she/her) - a white, cisgender woman and the first Gen Z podcast guest. Natalia speaks candidly about her coming out story and the reasons she is ready to share it more publicly now. Shanti and Natalia explore their generational differences and the ways in which they impacted - and didn’t impact - their coming out experiences. The discussion highlights the challenges many marginalized individuals face at work, including the pressure to conceal aspects of their identity for fear of judgment or rejection. Natalia explores the difficulty of separating her sexuality from her professional self, emphasizing that queerness is not just about who you love but an integral part of how you engage with the world. She encourages others to share more of their unfiltered selves at work, creating the opportunity for more connection, satisfaction and impact.

Natalia Sandor works in/with startups with a focus on innovation, ideation and supporting impact-driven social entrepreneurship. She founded Sand Bars Handcrafted at age 18, selling to over 30 locations throughout Long Island. She is currently lending her gifts to a VC-backed technology startup, Arbor, and an innovation/entrepreneurship ideaHUb at Hofstra University.

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/

Natalia and I also discuss:

Creating safe spaces at work requires open channels of communication and, most importantly, people who step up and set the tone by sharing vulnerably.
Discussing that, more than anything (including age), people’s coming-out experiences are influenced by the specific events, people and environments that shaped them.
Exploring how we all have things we’re hesitant to reveal - and how this awareness can help us show up with more curiosity, openness and empathy.
Understanding how the unhealed parts of past experiences can cause underrepresented people to project fear of judgment onto current/future situations and relationships.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to 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 NATALIA SANDOR
LinkedIn
Hofstra - Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship IdeaHUb
Instagram - Sand Bars Handcrafted
More About Sand Bars Handcrafted

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

Bill Carmody Shines Light on Being the Proud Father of a Trans Kid, Fierce Ally and Believer in Enoughness

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Shanti interviews Bill Carmody (he/him), a cisgender, heterosexual, white man of privilege and proud father of trans daughter, Violet. Bill discusses the story of Violet coming out as transgender, sharing tender moments and highlighting the importance of unconditional love, patience and grace for everyone involved. Bill explains the powerful impact of Positive Intelligence® / mental fitness - and the access it offers to clear-headedness, calm, curiosity and empathy even in the face of stressful situations. He speaks about his allyship journey, including recognizing his own privilege, amplifying marginalized voices and doing the work it takes to continuously learn how to advocate for those who are underrepresented. He also shares the opportunity to “acknowledge the enoughness in each one of us” as a doorway to showing up fully - and fully accepting others.

Bill Carmody's purpose is to eradicate scarcity and help every person tap into their infinite abundance. He accomplishes his mission through public speaking, training and executive coaching. He additionally offers VIP Days for those who wish to go deep in a single day.

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/

Bill and I also discuss:

Exploring the “tale of two parents” as Bill and his wife navigated different paths to processing and accepting Violet as transgender
Sharing Bill’s parental advice to Violet about a right way / wrong way to interact with others during big changes, and the importance of meeting them halfway with patience
Stepping in as an ally when you feel called to act - even if you don’t have all the answers: “I don't know that I'm going to say the right thing, but I know that something needs to be said“
Recognizing that numbers matter with underrepresentation, pausing to do the math in the room - and stepping in on others’ behalf if you determine their voices may be drowned out

CONNECT WITH BILL CARMODY
World Tour: Bill and Violet Carmody!
Work with Bill
LinkedIn
Sage Business Development Book (Advanced Readers Edition)
I Am Already Enough YouTube Video
Instagram
Facebook
X (Twitter)

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

What it Feels Like to Hide and Discovering Strength in Vulnerability with Shanti Joy Gold and Mary Tess Rooney

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, host Mary Tess Rooney (she/her) turns the tables and interviews Shanti Joy Gold (she/her). Shanti shares more about her journey, including the early days of her relationship working at the same company with her now-wife - before there were societal shifts in LGBTQ+ acceptance. She discusses the tightrope of balancing her personal and professional life while experiencing the exhaustion and isolation of hiding her relationship in order to maintain a sense of professional safety. Mary Tess and Shanti also reflect on the first 10 episodes of the podcast, discussing key moments from the wide-ranging and deeply-personal stories shared by underrepresented guests and allies. Mary Tess and Shanti express gratitude for the vulnerability with which the guests have shared in order to use their stories in service of others - transforming the systemic challenges that marginalized people often face into opportunities for hope, healing, evolution, connection and empowerment.

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, helps underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

Mary Tess Rooney is a teacher, healer, professional coach, retreat leader, speaker and perpetual student. As a 25-year corporate warrior, her executive presence combined with her coaching and Shamanic Reiki healing gifts, uniquely qualifies her to empower others to share their Heart Value and align with what lights them up.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE

Mary and I also discuss:

Remembering the “do we want to keep going?” conversation that Shanti and her now-wife revisited throughout their early days as they assessed the career risks associated with their relationship
Exploring the opportunity to ask deeper questions and share our stories more freely to foster deeper connection with people in our lives
Explaining the experience of constantly “filtering” and “scanning” conversations / situations to engage with colleagues while trying to avoid suspicion - and the exhaustion of it all
Sharing anecdotes about not “getting away with things” - and the humorous moments in Mary Tess’s and Shanti’s lives that offered this awareness

Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the 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 SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Take the Free Thriving Assessment
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

CONNECT WITH MARY TESS ROONEY
Buy Mary Tess’s Book
Listen to the True Stride Podcast
Work with Mary Tess!

A Veteran Comes Home - Brett D’Alessandro’s Recovery, Growth and Dedication to the Underserved

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Brett D'Alessandro (he/him) shares his journey from active military service as a Marine in Afghanistan to founding Backpacks for Life - a nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless and at-risk veterans. Drawing from his own difficult reintegration into civilian life after a tough deployment, Brett’s work with veterans is rooted in establishing trust and making them feel human again. He shares about his struggles with alcohol addiction - and how a chance encounter with a homeless veteran helped him find his purpose and open the door to recovery. He emphasizes that seeking help when struggling is a sign of strength, and shares a wide range of available therapeutic approaches. He expresses gratitude for the clarity, strength and resilience he gained from overcoming hardships, and how - while he’s still human - it has made him a better person in every aspect of his life.

Brett D’Alessandro is the Founder of Backpacks for Life, a nonprofit that supports homeless and at-risk veterans. He also owns Golden Door Dispensary, where he focuses on innovation and exceptional service in the cannabis industry. His career is shaped by a commitment to giving back and creating meaningful solutions for underserved communities.

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, helps underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE

Brett and I also discuss:

Navigating the specific challenges he faced after returning home from war - “They train you how to go to Afghanistan and how to survive, but they don't tell you how to leave.”
Discussing how words matter - and how communicating with kindness and empathy can change outcomes and create positive results
Realizing that, at times, we can all become jaded in our work - and the importance of having the presence of mind to catch ourselves and reconnect to our purpose
Connecting with other like-minded people is an important part of navigating through challenging times
Understanding that success isn’t about perfection - it’s about the important lessons we can only learn when things don’t go as planned

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

CONNECT WITH BRETT D’ALESSANDRO
Backpacks for Life (BFL) - learn more or donate!
BFL on LinkedIn
BFL on Instagram
BFL on Facebook
BFL on X (Twitter)
ROGER - a resource website for NJ veterans

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Take the Free Thriving Assessment
Book a Free Discovery Call

Ruth Rathblott Unhides Her Physical Disability, Opening a Path to Connection and Purpose

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Ruth Rathblott (she/her) shares her story of finding the courage to reveal her limb difference after the exhaustion and loneliness of hiding it for 25 years. She reveals the deep relief that comes from vulnerably letting others in, embracing her true self - and experiencing the power of connection and community. She also emerges with a mission to help leaders transform cultures so their employees can unhide, thrive and belong. Ruth offers practical steps to catch the ways in which we each may be building walls in an attempt to fit in and avoid judgment - and the empowering choices we can make to emerge into our full truth and potential.

Ruth Rathblott is a disability specialist and inclusion expert who empowers leaders to foster an inclusive and diverse culture of unhiding in order to unleash untapped potential and ignite innovation. She is a bestselling author who has published two books, including this year’s “Unhide and Seek: Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work.” She is also a TEDx and inspirational speaker.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE

Ruth and I also discuss:

Understanding the importance role leaders play in creating spaces for employees to feel safe to unhide - and the opportunity to model this behavior by being vulnerable and prioritizing connection
Expanding the view of what we may be hiding - including neurodiversity, relationship status, financial situation, education level, trauma, family background, health, difficult family relationships and more….
Looking at the ways that hiding limits our presence in the moment, leads other people to make assumptions about our behavior - and may create a limited view of our ability to make a contribution
Examining the momentum of both hiding and unhiding

Thank you for listening! Check out all the 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 RUTH RATHBLOTT
Work with Ruth - speaking and consulting
Book - “Singlehandedly: Learning to Unhide and Embrace Connection”
Book - “Unhide and Seek: Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work”
TEDx - “When I Stopped Hiding, I Found Freedom”
LinkedIn
Instagram
X (Twitter)
YouTube

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

Living Intentionally and Creating Safe Spaces: How Justin Ayars is Transforming Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Justin Ayars (he/him), shares his journey to starting equalityMD, an LGBTQ+ telehealth platform that enables marginalized patients to enjoy affordable, affirming care in safe digital spaces - and become the superheroes of their own healthcare stories. Justin - a white, cisgender, gay man - has a story that starts in a showbiz family as the godson of Liberace...and gets more interesting from there. His eclectic professional journey brings him to an intersection of LGBTQ+ circles, where he consistently hears the question: “Where can I find a doctor who makes me feel safe?” Justin goes on to share a deeply-personal and shocking experience of discrimination he encountered in a medical setting - as well as statistics about the healthcare disparities that lead many people in the LGBTQ+ community to avoid health care altogether. Justin’s knowledge and experiences inspire him to mission-driven action, powerfully illustrating the impact of living deliberately and authentically.

Justin Ayars is a former healthcare trial lawyer turned healthtech entrepreneur. As the Founder of equalityMD, he is working to transform how the LGBTQ+ community perceives and receives healthcare - offering a telehealth platform that affordably connects them with culturally competent providers for all of their mental, physical and prescription healthcare needs.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE

Justin and I also discuss:

Examining our own intersectionality of identities - and how these different parts of ourselves can complement each other and lead to our fullest potential
Demonstrating why “your network is really your net worth” and the importance of building trust and social capital over time
Choosing to embrace the uncomfortable as an avenue to achieving transformative growth and impact
Looking at an example of how being a white, cisgender male can open doors professionally - but may not prevent LGBTQ+ bias
Exploring how music can “...uplift the soul and speak to the height of what the human condition can attain - if only we stay curious and look up”

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

CONNECT WITH JUSTIN AYARS
equalityMD Website
equalityMD Product Demo
Justin on LinkedIn
equalityMD on LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Spotify playlist
Take the Free Thriving Assessment
Book a Free Discovery Call Here
Work with Shanti!

Amy Bobchek’s Road to Allyship, Deep Curiosity and Discovering Her Inner Rock Star

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Amy Bobchek (she/her) joins the campfire in allyship with her friend, Shanti, and with “a whole bunch of people I've never met…I just want everybody to have a good [life]." Through the lens of a cisgender, white, heterosexual woman, Amy explores the meaning of allyship and its impact. She shares personal stories that illuminate the isolation some people face in the workplace due to their identity and the importance of proactively stepping in to support them when needed. She discusses how crucial it is to create environments where people can show up fully as themselves. Amy also shares a pivotal coaching experience that opened her up to approaching life through a deeply-curious lens, which transformed her career and directly contributed to her success.

Amy Bobchek is a former media sales leader who is currently Senior VP of New Business for Blackbaud's Workplace Culture and Compliance Training Division. She co-founded and helps run the non-profit BENEFIT, a coalition of musicians and community leaders committed to raising funds and awareness for charities supporting children in need.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE

Amy and I also chat about the following:

Witnessing her mom fiercely stand up for others - and how it shaped Amy’s views on what it means to be an ally
Discussing Amy’s supportive feedback when Shanti shared her coming-out-at-work stories - and the central role it played in inspiring Stories We Haven’t Shared
Examining gender bias and double standards in the workplace
Sharing stories of an epic jam session and Amy’s unapologetic dislike of dad jokes

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

CONNECT WITH AMY BOBCHEK
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
DEI Training and Offerings
Non-Profit Work at BENEFIT Music
Loudoun Art Tours

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Spotify playlist
Take the Free Thriving Assessment
Book a Free Discovery Call Here
Work with Shanti!

Breaking Down Walls and Welcoming the Sunshine with Farrah Hudson-Brown

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Farrah Hudson-Brown (she/her) discusses her career as a Black, heterosexual, cisgender woman in the predominantly white, male-dominated sales industry. She recounts a time when she worked on a sales team led by Shanti - and a memorable 1:1 meeting during which Shanti challenged Farrah to examine an observed pattern of shifting from openness to defensiveness. Farrah’s introspection following this conversation uncovered an awareness of fears related to her racial identity and feeling “different” in corporate settings, which led her to adopt a likable, team-player persona in order to feel safe. Frustration and resentment followed. Farah ultimately found inspiration in her Faith and her mother's advice to express her true self - returning to work with renewed commitment to showing up authentically, openly and powerfully.

Farrah Hudson-Brown has worked 20+ years in sales consulting in various industries, ranging from telecommunications, software and education. She is currently spending cherished time as the mom of two truly-adorable young sons. She is also focusing on early childhood development with a specific interest in Black male education.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE

Farrah and I also chat about the following:

Accelerating success by tapping intuitively into one’s best self - and not looking externally for motivation and validation
Shifting from being transactional at work to looking for opportunities to inspire others and add flavor
Experiencing microaggressions and how they reinforce feelings of being different and unseen
Accessing self-love and being untethered to make a positive impact

Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and more about 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 SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call Here
Work with Shanti!

CONNECT WITH FARRAH HUDSON-BROWN
Farrah is currently juggling two small boys. If you’d like to connect with her, please let me know and I’ll be glad to make the introduction.

Fearing Less: Eduardo Placer's Journey from Playing a Part to Repairing the World

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, Eduardo Placer (he/him), a cisgender gay/queer man who is the proud descendant of refugees/immigrants, shares his journey to becoming a Story Doula and international public speaking coach. Eduardo recounts personal stories from his childhood - including a pivotal 2nd grade story featuring Sammy the Seal - that highlight the impact of being misunderstood, feeling shame and living untruthfully. He talks about his path to coming out in the 1990s, the healing he experienced by embracing his own narrative - and how he now joyfully empowers others to do the same. As a professionally-trained actor who suffers from self-described showtune-itis, he also randomly breaks out into song.

Eduardo Placer is the Founder of Fearless Communicators, helping game-changing leaders become more clear, connected and courageous communicators: “I think it's not about eliminating fear, but building a powerful relationship with it and allowing it to be our teacher….”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE

Eduardo and I also chat about the following:

Exploring the dynamics of language and how it powerfully informs who we are in the world
Understanding the intolerance of femininity in the male culture and how it differs from homophobia
Recognizing when we are in a position of privilege - and the importance of standing in solidarity with our gender-expansive and trans communities
Overreaching and over-performing to compensate for how others may perceive us as outsiders
Choosing joy and love as a revolution

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

CONNECT WITH EDUARDO PLACER
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Work with Eduardo!

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

Breaking Barriers and Serving From the Overflow: US World Cup Captain Karameli Faaee’s Inspiring Journey

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, Karameli Faaee (she/they) shares her inspiring journey to becoming the 2017 US Women's Rugby World Cup captain and the first-ever woman to coach a professional US men's rugby team. Karameli vulnerably opens up about new layers of her story to honor her authenticity and empower others. She recounts how overcoming childhood adversity, along with being Indigenous / Polynesian and queer, have shaped her life and career. She discusses how she transformed self-doubt and limiting beliefs into joy and success. Karameli serves others from a place of abundance: “I feel my purpose in this world is to support people, highlight their superpower…and remind them that we're all born whole, perfect and complete.”

Karameli Faaee is the Director of Operations for Rugby4All, using flag-rugby as a vehicle to teach leadership, self confidence and teamwork to middle schoolers in New York City. She also coaches the highly-competitive New York Athletic Club men’s rugby team - and she is training to be a transformational coach.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE

Karameli and I also talk about the following:

Effectively leading others – whether in sports or in their careers – is rooted in communication, clarity, affirmations and being present
Grinding it out and performing from a place of scarcity are not sustainable and only lead to surface-level success
Self-acceptance and self-love create the space for deep connection and inspiring others to be their best
Receiving feedback about performance offers the gift of knowing what we’re doing well and where there are opportunities to grow

Inspired by Karameli's story? Share this episode with someone who needs a dose of inspiration. Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and be an ally for others. 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 KARAMELI FAAEE
Instagram
Rugby4All

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

Fearlessly Improvising and Redefining the Road to Happiness with Lilith Electra

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, Lilith Electra (she/her) shares her experience as a trans, white person who navigated her gender transition while working in academia. Whether she’s discussing her transition or passion for improvisational comedy, Lilith lives by example when she says, “When we're about to be our greatest…our fear gets the loudest.” In this episode, Lilith tells the story of emerging from a difficult period in her life by boldly redefining herself in support of her well-being and fulfillment. Her choices led her to a highly-successful career in sales, where she authentically challenges and empowers others to embrace their uniqueness - and fearlessly pivot in support of their own happiness.

Lilith Electra is a sales rockstar in the Admissions Department of iPEC Coaching, a life coach helping people with work and gender transitions - and an improvisational performer.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE.

Lilith and I also chat about the following:

Resisting our brain’s urge to keep us from stepping outside of our comfort zone
Embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth and using them as stepping stones
Being open to new ideas, even if they seem silly or unconventional
Finding happiness at the intersection of your personal and professional paths

Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and be an ally in the workplace. 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 LILITH ELECTRA
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube - The Transverse
Work with Lilith!

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

The Power of Authentic Self-Expression and Claiming Your Narrative with Kelly L. Campbell

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In today’s episode, Kelly L. Campbell (they/she) shares their experiences as a queer, white, able-bodied person who is proudly gender fluid. They open up about their evolution with language around gender and the important role it plays in honoring and aligning who they are. Kelly shares an early-career story where they dressed differently in order to conform and win over a conservative potential client - who was also gay. Kelly was nonetheless confronted in the meeting about their appearance, leaving them feeling uncomfortable and diminished. They quickly pivoted, vowing never again to compromise their self-expression, realizing that authenticity was non-negotiable, regardless of the professional stakes.

Kelly L. Campbell is a former CEO and trauma-informed leadership coach. In addition to Kelly’s work in cause marketing, consulting, coaching and the healing arts, they recently published a book, “Heal to Lead” and own a speakers’ agency offering a platform for underrepresented voices.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE.

Kelly and I also talk about the following:

Choosing to view people who’ve hurt us with compassion, freeing us to let go of resentment and move forward powerfully
Thinking about the meaning of safe spaces - and who gets to decide if they’re truly safe
Navigating power dynamics in the workspace, especially around client relationships.
Opportunities and resources Kelly offers to support individuals in the healing and leadership space

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

CONNECT WITH KELLY L. CAMPBELL
LinkedIn
Instagram
My Healing Menu
Work with Kelly!

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

From Corporate to Campfire: The Inspiration for Stories We Haven’t Shared with Shanti Joy Gold and Mary Tess Rooney

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In the debut episode of Stories We Haven't Shared, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) is interviewed by Mary Tess Rooney (she/her) and introduces the podcast: a campfire-style interview series where underrepresented voices share their experiences navigating into the already-complicated career landscape. Whether you're seeking guidance in your career or you’re an ally looking to deepen your understanding, the podcast offers a space for learning and connection. Shanti openly shares her own personal and professional journey as a white, gay, cisgender woman and her transition from a career in corporate sales leadership to becoming a professional coach. She recounts two coming-out-at-work stories, both of which were clumsy (and humorous in retrospect) and ultimately led to acceptance.

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 in their careers.

Mary Tess Rooney is a former corporate warrior, teacher, healer, coach and perpetual student. She loves helping others align with what lights them up.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 1:1 CAREER COACHING WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD, BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL HERE.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

Sitting in community offers the opportunity to feel less alone, more seen - and to gain inspiration from each other’s unique experiences.
Embracing vulnerability and authenticity allows you to discard any filters you’ve developed and live your life more freely and powerfully.
Reflecting on experiences without judgment presents a path to awareness, understanding and the space to thrive.
Sharing music, like sharing stories, taps into our humanity and holds the possibility to connect and unite - so let’s get our music on!

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

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

CONNECT WITH MARY TESS ROONEY
Buy Mary’s Book
Work with Mary!

Welcome to Stories We Haven't Shared

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Stories We Haven't Shared, hosted by Shanti Joy Gold, helps underrepresented / minority individuals navigate the extra layers of complexity they encounter within the career landscape. Whether you're seeking guidance in your career or you’re an ally looking to deepen your understanding, this podcast offers a space for learning and connection. As a professional coach, 25-year-corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Shanti Joy Gold understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders in their careers. Every other week, you'll hear stories from individuals who have navigated their careers from the margins, sharing their experiences and insights on the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, love, neurodiversity, disability and military veteran status. Learn more about Shanti Joy Gold and Stories We Haven't Shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com/.