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