Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership

What does it mean to lead authentically while creating space for others to thrive?

In this episode of Forged in Fire, Liz Cavallaro sits down with Jeff Marootian, President and CEO of UL Standards & Engagement, to explore a leadership journey shaped by public service, identity, mentorship, and a commitment to making people feel welcome.

Jeff reflects on coming of age as a gay man during a challenging period for the LGBTQ+ community and how those experiences strengthened his ability to listen, read a room, build trust, and lead with empathy. He shares lessons from his career across local and federal government and discusses why inclusion is not simply a workplace value, but an essential part of building effective organizations and attracting and retaining talented people.

The conversation also explores the importance of visible LGBTQ+ leadership, the mentors who helped Jeff recognize that he belonged, and his responsibility to create that same sense of possibility for others. Through moments of adversity, public scrutiny, and organizational leadership, Jeff returns to a simple principle that continues to guide him: “Be kind and be useful.”

Jeff’s story offers a reminder that leadership is not only about the position you hold. It is about listening, showing up authentically, breaking down barriers, and helping others see that they belong in the room.

The Stories We Tell
Featuring Graham Gremore

Every story has the power to shape how we see ourselves and each other.

In this episode of Forged in Fire, Robert Garrett and guest co-host Itai Bailey sit down with Graham Gremore, Editor-in-Chief of Queerty, to explore how journalism, media, and authentic storytelling influence LGBTQ+ leadership.

Together they discuss:

• How leading a newsroom differs from leading in the spotlight
• Why representation in media still matters, even during periods of backlash
• The evolution of journalism in the age of podcasts, social media, and short-form content
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding the confidence to lead authentically
• Why the most important stories aren't always the ones with the biggest audience

Throughout the conversation, Graham reflects on his journey from freelance writer to editor-in-chief, sharing lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories that help people feel seen.

Because leadership isn't always about being the loudest voice in the room.

Sometimes it's about deciding whose voice gets heard.

Behind every Pride celebration is a team of leaders working year-round to build community, create safe spaces, and ensure LGBTQ+ voices are seen and heard.

In this special Pride Month episode of Forged in Fire, we sit down with Kenya Hutton of the Center for Black Equity, the organization behind DC Black Pride, and Jessica Laney, President of Pikes Peak Pride. Together, they share what it takes to lead large-scale community organizations, navigate challenges, inspire volunteers, and create meaningful impact for LGBTQ+ communities.

From the lessons they've learned as leaders to the moments that remind them why this work matters, this conversation explores leadership at the community level and the power of creating spaces where people can feel seen, valued, and connected.

Join us for a discussion about service, resilience, visibility, and what it means to lead with pride.

In this episode of Forged in Fire, we sit down with Major General (Ret.) Tammy Smith, a trailblazing leader whose career was shaped not only by service, but by the courage to lead authentically in moments of profound institutional change.

From her early years navigating leadership in a rigid and tradition-bound military, to becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ general officer following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Tammy shares what it means to lead while carrying both visibility and responsibility. She reflects on “leading from the closet,” the personal cost of compartmentalization, and the pivotal moments that forced her to reconcile identity, values, and service.

This conversation explores the evolution from honesty to true authenticity, the weight of being first, and the reality that leadership is not just about outcomes, but about how fully you show up. Tammy also offers insight into inclusive leadership, the power of representation, and why resilience continues to drive both the veteran and LGBTQ+ communities forward.

This is a conversation about courage, growth, and the kind of leadership that doesn’t separate identity from service—but integrates it fully.

In this powerful return to Forged in Fire, retired U.S. Space Force Colonel Bree Fram joins the team—this time on the other side of the mic—to reflect on a leadership journey shaped by service, identity, and courage under pressure. From helping build the Space Force from the ground up to navigating deeply personal and institutional challenges, Bree shares what it truly means to lead with authenticity in environments that don’t always make space for it.

The conversation explores the tension between tradition and innovation, the responsibility of leaders to challenge broken systems, and the reality that integrity is often tested in quiet, uncomfortable moments—not just bold, visible ones. Bree offers candid insights into advocating for change from both inside and outside institutions, the emotional weight of public service, and why vulnerability is not weakness, but one of leadership’s greatest strengths.

Grounded in lived experience, this episode is a call to action for anyone striving to lead with purpose. Whether you’re in uniform, public service, or your local community, Bree reminds us that leadership isn’t about status or noise—it’s about character, connection, and the courage to stand up, again and again, for what’s right.

“We don’t have Democratic potholes or Republican snowplows.”

Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis joins Forged in Fire to talk about leadership where it matters most: the neighborhoods we live in.

In this episode, Dr. Liz Cavallaro and guest co-host Eduardo Placer explore leadership in local government, public service, and LGBTQ representation in politics through Peter’s experience serving the people of Milwaukee.

From knocking on thousands of doors to pointing out potholes on a neighbor’s street, Peter reflects on leading in one of the most immediate and accountable forms of government. Local office, he reminds us, is not about party labels. It is about solving problems and earning trust.

Peter also shares how his immigrant roots, his grandmother’s quiet wisdom, and his early career in community lending shaped his belief that leadership is fundamentally about service.

He discusses becoming the first openly LGBTQ elected official on the Milwaukee County Board, launching a recognition effort for LGBTQ leaders, and passing legislation ensuring the Intersex Progress Pride flag flies at city and county buildings during Pride Month.

• Leadership in local government
• LGBTQ representation in politics
• Community engagement and public service
• Milwaukee civic leadership• Why representation and visibility matter

Leadership is not forged in grand speeches. It is forged in everyday decisions, shared streets, and the commitment to serve every neighbor.

🎧 Follow Forged in Fire for conversations with leaders shaping their communities through courage, service, and authenticity.

Season Four of Forged in Fire begins by turning the spotlight inward.

In this welcome episode, host Liz Cavallaro is joined by rotating co-host Itay Bailey and members of the Forged in Fire volunteer team for a candid, reflective conversation about the leadership culture behind the season. Rather than focusing on titles or credentials, this episode explores the yes moments—the personal, often quiet decisions that lead people to step up, serve, and build something meaningful together.

Executive Producer Kirsten Pecua, guest researcher Trinity Downing, and guest relations lead Robert Garrett share why they said yes to this work, how lived experience shapes their leadership, and what it looks like to lead without recognition, authority, or a microphone. Together, they reflect on empathy, trust, patience, burnout, boundaries, and the kind of leadership that happens behind the scenes—especially in uncertain times.

This episode sets the tone for Season Four: leadership shaped through challenge, reflection, and lived experience, built by people who believe leadership begins long before a title and often without applause.

Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Communications at the Human Rights Campaign, joins Forged in Fire to talk about leadership rooted in service, impact, and inclusion. From shaping national communications and policy efforts to advancing equality for LGBTQ+ and minority-owned businesses, Jon’s career reflects a commitment to leading with purpose rather than position. He shares lessons on self-awareness, adaptability, and creating space for others, and reminds us that strong leadership is built on trust, curiosity, and the courage to protect what matters most.

Tech leader, author, and trans advocate Erica Vogel joins Forged in Fire to talk about authenticity, vulnerability, and how a lifetime of solving problems shaped her leadership. From growing up without the language to describe her identity to leading global change initiatives at a Fortune 25 company, Erica’s journey shows that self-acceptance is both personal work and professional superpower. She shares lessons on storytelling, self-awareness, and the balance between openness and self-protection and reminds us that the key to leading well is to protect your peace.

Former Palm Springs mayor Lisa Middleton has spent her life breaking barriers—from working-class roots to the halls of California politics. In this episode, she joins Bree, Liz, and Eduardo to talk about courage, self-acceptance, and the art of listening as a tool for leadership. Lisa shares what it means to stand firm against hate, to build coalitions across difference, and to leave the next generation with a brighter, braver torch to carry forward.

“Our uniqueness isn’t a problem to solve—it’s what makes the world interesting.”

-Lisa Middleton