Stories We Haven't Shared®

By Shanti Joy Gold

Stories We Haven't Shared®, hosted by Shanti Joy Gold, helps underrepresented / marginalized individuals navigate the extra layers of complexity they encounter within the career landscape. W

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How many episodes does Stories We Haven't Shared® have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

Stories We Haven't Shared® episodes:

May 01, 2025Leila Sawan’s Remarkable Journey as a Trans Arab Refugee - and Her Dedication to Making the Path Easier for Others
In this conversation, Shanti interviews Leila Sawan (she/her), a trans Arab refugee and activist. Despite being highly qualified, Leila was repeatedly passed over for roles early in her career due to her intersectionality - leading her to take exploitative jobs simply to survive. She reveals the struggles trans individuals face in some countries to obtain medical resources needed to transition. She also highlights the insensitivity many trans employees face in the workplace. Determined to help others avoid the same hardships, Leila immerses in grassroots activism and perseveres in her career. She earns a role as Executive Director of the Trans-IT Foundation, which empowers the trans community through certifications, scholarships and job opportunities in the tech sector. Leila reminds us that now - more than ever - is an important time to come together, “not only as a queer community…not only as a trans community…as just humans.”
Leila Sawan is the Executive Director of the Trans-IT Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering trans and nonbinary individuals across Latin America through a certification program that enables participants to unlock new career opportunities and achieve greater professional growth. Leila also has a bachelor's degree in software engineering and a background researching artificial intelligence.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/
Other stories shared by Leila and Shanti at the campfire:
Hearing Leila’s advice for those feeling hopeless in their careers, encouraging them to navigate immediate challenges while continuing to keep their dreams in sight.
Learning about Leila’s and her cousin’s road trip in Turkey to secure hormones from pharmacies in the hopes of distributing them for free to others who couldn’t access them.
Exploring how the current anti-DEI, anti-Trans sentiments are leading to lack of responsiveness from previously-engaged corporate business partners.
Discussing how Leila accepting an admin role eventually leads to her promotion to Executive Director, showing that sometimes small career steps lead to big opportunities.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com
CONNECT WITH LEILA SAWAN
Website Trans-IT
LinkedIn Trans-IT
Instagram Trans-IT
Email - [email protected]
CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!
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36min
April 17, 2025Sharon Hurley Hall: a Black Citizen of the World Shares Insights on Anti-Racism and Honoring the Humanity in Others
In this episode, Sharon Hurley Hall (she/her) - a Black, British-born, Caribbean-Raised woman - shares stories about her own experiences with racism living in different parts of the world. She discusses her journey over time to unpack the hurt and find the words to speak about it with power and impact. Sharon chooses to not allow anger and pain to define her - and refuses to inflict the same pain on others. Instead, she journeys towards purpose-driven work, empowering others through learning experiences anchored in awareness and action. The conversation highlights examples of workplace discrimination, as Sharon offers important takeaways on how to sensitively and effectively support those who face it. Sharon ultimately offers a hopeful outlook on the power of community and collective action and “a world where everyone's humanity is valued.”
Sharon Hurley Hall is an author, educator and anti-racism activist who is on a mission to help create a world where everyone can thrive. Her work includes Sharon's Anti-Racism Newsletter, the SHHARE anti-racism community, support for introverts - and various courses based on over three decades of experience with writing and educating.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/
Other stories shared by Sharon and Shanti:
Hearing Sharon describe how we’re all like drops of water, and the hope that we will eventually form “a mighty river washing away all these inequalities that we hate.”
Discussing that allyship is not about perfectionism: we have the opportunity to own and learn from our mistakes and ask how we can make things right.
Recounting when Sharon’s college roommate said, “I don’t think of you as Black at all. I think of you as white,” and how a young Sharon was caught off guard and struggled to process the hurt.
Exploring the nuances of allyship, including opportunities for it to unfold in simple, powerful, non-confrontational ways.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast & find me to share your key takeaways!
Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com
CONNECT WITH SHARON HURLEY HALL
Work with Sharon!
Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter
Book: I'm Tired of Racism
SHHARE Anti-Racism Community
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Courses

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!
...more
41min
April 03, 2025Filmmaker / Activist Nick Beaulieu Finds Hope and Beauty in the Difficult Search for Racial and Political Common Ground
In this conversation, filmmaker Nick Beaulieu (he/him) discusses his documentary “My Omaha,” and his decade-plus journey to understand the “tale of two cities” - the clear racial inequity he sees in Omaha versus a city presenting itself as a great place to live. The discussion centers around mounting frictions in Nick’s relationship with his father - with his Dad’s pro-Trump conservatism standing in direct opposition to Nick’s ever-deepening racial justice work. Nick’s Dad’s cancer diagnosis brings them back together to have difficult, honest, face-to-face conversations - ultimately allowing them to access empathy and find some common ground. Nick discusses his anti-racism journey, with a focus on time spent in Omaha’s Black community and lessons learned. He speaks about complicated and potentially-divisive topics with openness and thoughtfulness, offering a hopeful bridge to reconnecting to each other’s humanity in today’s often-divided world.
Nick Beaulieu is an independent filmmaker who serves in the roles of writer, director, producer and cinematographer. He also works in advertising sales. His film, “My Omaha” is set against the backdrop of Omaha's deep racial divide and growing Black Lives Matter movement - as Nick navigates the complexities of family conflict, political and racial discord - and the difficult search for common ground.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/
Nick and I also talk about:
“Shared experiences change the world” - exploring activist Leo Louis II’s belief that, especially in today’s digital world, connecting in person can reduce animosity and deepen understanding.
Coming to conversations with an open mind and honesty for a true exchange of dialogue versus clinging tightly to preconceived ideas as a path to connection.
Seeking and continuing to educate ourselves - versus finding concrete answers - can be liberating as we explore complex, deep-rooted, societal issues.
Looking for opportunities in our careers to celebrate accomplishments, be more patient - and creatively collaborate with others.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com
CONNECT WITH NICK BEAULIEU
My Omaha website
My Omaha Instagram
My Omaha Facebook

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!
...more
41min
March 20, 2025An Asian Immigrant’s Journey: Sandy Kusano Joyfully Reclaims Her Story, Trading Her Dream Job For Her Dream Life
In this conversation, Sandy Kusano (she/her) shares her journey as an Asian immigrant and third-culture kid. Sandy discusses the challenges of assimilation and navigating conflicting East/West cultural expectations. She shares how her efforts to fit and feel safe in various contexts - whether at home, work, or in social settings - lead her to unconsciously downplay her Japanese/Korean identity. As an outsider, she is taught to keep her head down and work extra hard in order to prove her worth. She reflects on how this constant striving and balancing of two identities ultimately leads to exhaustion and an internal sense of living a lie. Sandy transforms her burnout into inspiration, using it as fuel to rewrite her story, trust the wisdom in her heart, reclaim her authenticity and joy - and inspire others to do the same.
Sandy Kusano is a human potential coach dedicated to cultivating joy as a superpower - empowering individuals to become conscious leaders who inspire positive change. She co-hosts the Spilling Our Tea podcast, where she explores the diversity of Asian female experiences, amplifying stories that challenge traditional career narratives.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/
Sandy and I also discuss:
Letting go of the feeling that we need to be different people in different spaces - or code switching - as a path to showing up fully and thriving.
Understanding that challenging moments are an opportunity to learn and experience our most profound growth.
Emphasizing the importance of celebrating every moment - whether big or small - and how we can activate joy in our lives.
Exploring the narrative that finding our purpose will lead to joy - and concluding that it’s actually the other way around: in finding joy, we discover our purpose.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com
CONNECT WITH SANDY KUSANO
Work with Sandy!
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Spilling Our Tea podcast
YouTube Channel
Tiktok

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!
...more
43min
March 06, 2025Indigo Avisov’s Roadmap to Impact: Building Self-Trust, Celebrating Small Steps and Creating Courageously
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.
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/
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
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 INDIGO AVISOV
Email: [email protected]
Linktree
LinkedIn
Instagram
CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!
...more
38min
February 20, 2025Rondavid Gold (aka Shanti’s Dad) Returns from Vietnam With an Unshakable Belief in Fate - A Story of Optimism, Presence and Gratitude
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.
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/
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 :)
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!
Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com
CONNECT WITH RONDAVID 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!
...more
45min
February 06, 2025Natalia Sandor Steps Up to the Mic: A Gen Z Perspective on Coming Out, Connection and Impact
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!
...more
39min
January 23, 2025Bill Carmody Shines Light on Being the Proud Father of a Trans Kid, Fierce Ally and Believer in Enoughness
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
...more
42min
January 09, 2025What it Feels Like to Hide and Discovering Strength in Vulnerability with Shanti Joy Gold and Mary Tess Rooney
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!
...more
44min
December 26, 2024A Veteran Comes Home - Brett D’Alessandro’s Recovery, Growth and Dedication to the Underserved
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
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 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
...more
35min

FAQs about Stories We Haven't Shared®:

How many episodes does Stories We Haven't Shared® have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.