Stories We Haven't Shared®

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.

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

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”

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 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!

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.

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

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 

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 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!

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.

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

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 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!

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!

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!

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

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 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!

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! 

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 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!

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/.