LET'S GO WITH JULIO

If you ever feel like you don't belong, or are struggling with the confidence to show up authentically, this episode is for you. Chris Mossiah, Executive Director at JP Morgan Chase, Out & Equal board member, and Navy veteran, offers hard-won wisdom about what it takes to show up in spaces that weren’t built for you. Chris shares their experience serving during "Don't Ask, Don't Tell”, what prompted them to leave their electronics job, and navigating corporate as a non-binary, Black leader. This conversation goes deep—exploring the power of knowing yourself, reading the room, and leading with both caution and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Why reading the energy in the room is not “woo woo”
• The distinction between confidence and arrogance, and what it means for marginalized leaders
• The difference between failure and lessons
• Practical strategies for owning your career progression and using your manager effectively
• How joy can be a form of resistance

CONNECT:

Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com

CREDITS:

Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠

Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠

00:00:00 Introduction to the episode

00:03:16 Do I Want to Be On a Ladder or in a Chair?

00:03:59 In the navy during 9/11 and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

00:12:25 You Shape a Child by What You Give Them

00:14:33 Failure is a Grade You Get in School

00:18:22 I Don’t Know vs Let’s Find Out

00:19:43 Insights from Mentoring

00:20:46 Moving with Caution But Not Fear

00:22:30 Reading the Energy in the Room

00:24:47 Kindness as a Virtue

00:29:30 Coming Out to Family

00:34:05 Overcoming Intimidation

00:37:02 Confidence vs. Arrogance

00:42:38 How to Read the Room

00:47:03 How to Stay Grounded

00:49:21 Career Ownership: Using Your Manager Well

00:52:27 Compartmentalizing Frustration

00:59:24 Different Responsibility vs. Extra Responsibility

01:01:06 You’re the Only One Who Can Give You What You Need

01:03:26 Joy Will Cleanse Your View

01:04:46 Courage and Hope

All of us leaders are in the midst of transition right now — and what separates those who do it well is your capacity to stop resisting, to have the hard conversations and to lean into experimentation. That’s why we’re talking with Adrian Nuño, filmmaker, co-host of the Twin Spin podcast, and senior video editor at Motorola. Adrian is a leader that’s been on a journey of growth and self reflection, and my hope is that his story helps unlock more courage in your own life.

Adrian takes us to the moment he knew he wanted to try therapy and how he broke generational patterns around mental health and anti-LGBTQ+ stigma in his family. He shares lessons from his journey of deep reflection that started during COVID and continued during his 2 year break from filmmaking. He reflects on his ERG leadership, including the importance of listening and empathy. We talk about our shared search for belonging being first generation in tech.

You’ll learn practical lessons and insights around:

• How do you prioritize relationships over endless hustle?
• How can you re-engineer your brain to handle failure differently?
• Why is play essential for creativity and success?
• How do you pursue passions both inside and outside your day job?
• What's the difference between focusing on speed versus direction?
• How do you find courage to do things that scare you?

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Twin Spin:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7G7DTDiWqY21Kci0dOHQMN

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/twin-spin/id1524237388

National alliance on mental illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/

Final Frame: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32660376/

Learn more about Adrian:

https://www.adriannuno.com/

CONNECT:

Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com

CREDITS:

Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠⁠Nick Deutsch⁠⁠

Produced + edited: ⁠⁠Rikki Gunton⁠⁠

00:00:00 Introduction to Adrian and the Importance of Reflection

00:03:44 Deciding to Go to Therapy

00:08:50 How Breaking the Stigma Around Therapy Transformed Adrian’s Family

00:15:40 Making Time to Pause and Reflect

00:20:47 Taking a Terrifying 2-Year Break from Filmmaking

00:22:16 Rediscovering Fun in Life00:28:28 Prioritizing Direction Over Speed

00:29:51 "Final Frame": The Story Behind Adrian’s Latest Film

00:32:59 Valuing the Relationships in Your Life

00:35:20 You Are Bigger Than Your Job

00:37:10 Lessons from Leading an LGBTQ+ ERG: Listening, Empathy and Community

00:42:07 Holding Space for Each Other’s Stories

00:43:40 Re-Engineering Your Brain to Handle Failure

00:46:47 Do More Things That Scare You

00:49:23 The First Time Approaching Someone at a Bar

00:52:39 Making Human Connections

00:54:22 Authenticity and Presence Are Becoming Scarce

00:56:11 First-Gen Latino Experience in Corporate America

01:05:03 It’s Not Just Who You Know But Who Knows You

01:06:18 Be Flexible, Our Career Path’s Aren’t Always Linear

1:07:39 Lightning Round: Courage, Hope, and Self-Appreciation

The data is staggering: 84% of tech workers are burned out, and only 26% consider their managers highly effective. But there’s hope—there's a small group of professionals who've cracked the code on sustainable high performance.In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Noam Segal (psychologist, coach, and Head of UX Research at Zapier) to unpack the groundbreaking findings from the worker sentiment survey he conducted with Lenny Rachitsky. We dive deep into the fascinating mix of emotions tech professionals are experiencing in 2025 and, more importantly, the strategies used by "burnout conquerors”—the 16% who are thriving despite the chaos.

You’ll learn:

• Why burnout isn't a personal failing but "organizational warfare" that requires strategic defense
• The ARMOR framework: 5 research-backed shields against burnout
• The different types of breaks to take for rest and reflection
• What we should focus on instead of time management
• The importance of this work, especially in the time of AI

This episode is meant to validate that you are not alone in this and to inspire hope that there’s a way forward. Tune in for a practical roadmap from someone who's not only done the research, but walked this path alongside thousands of tech professionals.

Mentioned in the episode:

Research Findings

Kim Scott / Radical Candor

Pomodoro Technique

Big 5 Personality Traits

Lenny’s newsletter

Where to Find Noam: Linkedin

Maven courses: https://maven.com/ux-quests/uxr-missing-foundationshttps://maven.com/the-disruptive-coach/peak-performance

Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠

Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠

Connect: Follow the journey on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com

This episode is for anyone dealing with job loss, having anxiety about layoffs, or managers navigating these difficult conversations.

I offer perspective and real talk from someone who's been on both sides of that table. I share my own journey getting fired 4 times — from Apple, Google, Tumblr, and Airbnb and give some compassionate guidance for navigating this particular type of trauma.

You’ll walk away with:

• A reality check that you are not alone, and the data to prove it
• Practical advice on dealing with difficult emotions, including my Big Brave Heart framework
• A leader’s checklist for handling layoffs humanely—and why it protects your legacy

This is just one chapter in your journey and you don’t have to go through it alone. It can be your greatest teacher—if you let it.

Share this episode with a friend, teammate, or manager who needs a human‑first take on layoffs. Together we’re building a braver, kinder world—one open‑hearted leader at a time.

Listen to Braving Big Tech

Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠

Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠

Connect: Follow the journey on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com

Do you feel like the pace of change is faster and more intense than anything you've experienced before? You're certainly not alone. Join me and Bill Kirst, a change management expert at Adobe and former military officer, as we dive into his powerful framework that “change happens to you, through you, and for you.” We explore trust as the cornerstone of any social contract, why leaders are burning out, and what it really takes to lead change in the age of AI. Bill shares practical advice for leaders and reveals the question every leader should ask their team.

Mentioned in the episode:

Deloit Survey

Tides book

Where to find Bill:

Substack

Everward book

Linkedin

Coffee & Change

Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠

Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠

Connect: Follow the journey on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com

Did you know that every 45 seconds, at least one LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. attempts suicide? I know. It almost happened to me. That’s why I’m sitting here today, on the couch with my mom, Gigi, at the start of Season 3, as we close out Pride Month with an intimate, powerful conversation about acceptance and love.

You’ll hear both sides of my coming out story—the fears, the struggles, and the unwavering love that ultimately saved me. My mom, a cis, straight white woman, openly shares her journey of navigating my queerness with compassion and strength, despite the resistance around her. She offers invaluable insights for parents who may be unsure of how to support their queer children, emphasizing the vital importance of acceptance.

This episode is for leaders, advocates, parents, and anyone who wants to better understand and support LGBTQ+ youth. Our dialogue provides practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement, demonstrating how acceptance isn’t just life-affirming—it can be life-saving.

For more information on the Trevor Project, visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Theme song: "You Are The One" by Nick Deutsch

Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton

Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn

Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com

After getting advice from a mentor, spending a week at a personal growth retreat, and taking some time off work, I started a new chapter. I entered a new role at Lyft with more self awareness, agency, and intention. After COVID turned the business, and the world, upside down, I had to confront a hard truth: leaders aren’t prepared for what’s to come. In an experiment of surrender, I discovered my true calling: empowering others to lead from their heart.

Theme song: “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch

Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton

Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn

Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com

(0:00) A Good Change

(2:02) Life Felt Different After The Hoffman Process

(3:07) Jon – Let Love In

(6:32) Newfound Intentionality and Trust in Self

(7:28) Elevating The Ride at Lyft

(8:06) Leadership Turnover and Constant Swirl

(9:55) Bex – The Importance of Having a Best Friend at Work

(14:24) Working on The Future of Transportation: Autonomous Vehicles

(15:56) Jody – Trust Is An Enabler to Speed

(22:07) Bex – The Power of a High Performing Team

(24:01) COVID Hit – Autonomous Vehicles No Longer a Priority

(25:38) Jody – Put Your Best People on the Hardest Problems

(29:03) The Entire Company in Crisis Management Mode

(31:21) Jon – Frustrated by Lack of Urgency Around COVID

(33:45) Jody – You Didn't Always Play Well With Others

(36:58) The Lightbulb Moment: Leaders Aren't Ready

(37:49) I Learned to Watch, Not Ride, the Rollercoaster

(41:18) Leaving Lyft – This Time I Listened to the Whisper

(42:06) The Surrender Experiment Begins

(43:24) Discovering My Calling to Help Other Leaders

(46:31) Jon – It Takes Courage to Follow Your Calling

(48:15) Teresa – Reframing Failure as a Trial Run

(50:10) Indy – How Do You Recruit for Heart?

(51:42) Vulnerability Is Your Superpower

(53:21) Life is Speaking to You Now

(54:33) Who We Are Is How We Lead

(55:07) An Invitation to Use This Story

I landed a job at Airbnb and was thrown into the chaos that is typical for a fast growing start up, pre IPO. I did career defining work there, and tried hard to influence, but didn't have the tools or self awareness to navigate the company politics. The rejections really started to wear on me and I was driven to the darkest moment of my life. 

This episode discusses themes of substance abuse. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is available and healing is possible.

• U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 or visit ⁠988lifeline.org⁠

• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) — 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• ⁠The Trevor Project⁠ (for LGBTQ+ youth) — 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

Theme song: “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch

Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton

Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn

Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com

(0:00) Take Care of Yourself as You Listen

(0:56) Taking Time to Find the Next Role

(1:36) Allen – Building the Marketing Team

(5:07) A Fresh Start at Airbnb

(6:12) Working on Instant Book

(6:47) Chaos Was Just Part of the Culture

(7:08) Allen – Celebrate the Team, Not Just Yourself

(8:40) Leading From Ego, Pride, and Fear

(9:10) A New Manager – The Opposite of Allen

(9:33) Steph – Struggling With the New Leadership

(13:24) Airbnb Plus & Luxe – Working With Brian Chesky

(14:33) Going Into Victim Mode to Regain Control

(15:43) Losing a Good Leader – Shifting Into Protection Mode

(16:28) Searching for Relief in Food, Sex, and Drugs

(18:11) Beau – We Didn't Know How to Be Vulnerable

(22:30) Getting Fired – It Came as a Shock

(23:51) Steph – We Tried To Make Sense of It

(27:48) Leaders Need Tools and Support to Succeed

(29:38) Allen – Change Happens on a Micro Scale

(35:17) The Whisper – My Internal Wake-Up Call

(38:33) Asking for Help – Well-Intentioned but Poorly Implemented

(41:24) Jon – How I Met My Husband in London on Instagram

(45:57) Lessons from The Hoffman Process

To get back on my feet quickly, I rushed into a new role at Tumblr, where I was tasked with ensuring the success of an acquisition. As corporate procedures clashed with the culture of a low key start up, I started to feel less engaged at work. To ease the growing pain of past rejections, I turned to numbing behaviors, counterfeit connections, and lashing out at the office.

This episode discusses themes of substance abuse. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is available and healing is possible.

• U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 or visit ⁠988lifeline.org⁠⁠
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) — 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• ⁠The Trevor Project⁠⁠ (for LGBTQ+ youth) — 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

Theme song: “Breaking Out” by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠

Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton⁠

Connect: Follow the journey on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com⁠

(0:00) Take Care of Yourself as You Listen

(0:54) Beau – Hiding a Truth From My Best Friend

(2:33) Rejection Started to Wear on Me

(3:02) Tumblr – A Big Change of Pace

(5:04) Don – Your Resume Intimidated People

(10:05) Numbing My Pain

(12:21) Beau – Work Hard Play Hard

(14:00) We All Struggle

(15:25) Desperate For An Escape

(16:21) Mom – We Must Be Able To Feel

(20:04) Not Why the Addiction, But Why the Pain

(21:27) Bottling Up Pain Only Works for So Long

(23:17) Yet Another Performance Improvement Plan

(25:22) Don – Be Careful With Your Tone

(33:26) The Power of Vulnerability and Reconciliation

(34:28) I Kept Missing the Lesson

I joined Google during the glory days of tech. I was living the dream, working with extraordinary people on iconic projects, until I clashed with a new manager and was put on a PIP in London. I talk with former co-workers about situational leadership, the importance of good team dynamics, and asking for help.

Theme song: “Breaking Out” by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠

Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠

Connect: Follow the journey on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com

(0:00) Applying to Google

(0:53) The Interview Strategy That Worked

(4:48) Sarah – The Magic of the Docs Team

(7:07) I Could Finally Be Myself

(9:09) Shauna – Situational Leadership

(14:44) Promoted Into Marketing for Google Drive

(15:58) Busyness as a Badge of Honor

(17:25) Michael – I Saw You as a Little Gay Tornado

(20:00) Serving the LGBTQ+ Community

(20:34) Marching With Mom and Michael at Pride

(23:42) London – Iconic Marketing Projects

(25:20) Tension With a New Manager

(26:44) Sarah – When the Person and Environment Don’t Match

(30:50) The One-on-One That Changed Everything

(32:55) Shauna – Leadership Is About the How, Not Just the What

(35:11) Put on a Performance Improvement Plan

(36:16) Michael – Coaching Gets Lost in Corporate Structure

(38:50) Struggling to Ask for Help

(39:50) Indy – The Culture of Vulnerability Google Needed

(43:28) Fired – Yet Again

(44:25) Ian – Setting Work Relationships Up For Success

(49:40) Keeping the Secret Only Made it Worse

(50:44) Eric – One Bad Team Doesn’t Define You