Meet LGBTQ+ superheroes! Explore the nexus of LGBTQ+ identity and leadership development through interviews with leaders in business, government, academia, advo...
Dr. Mitchell Lunn, a physician-scientist and co-director of the PRIDE Study, discusses the challenges of gathering meaningful data on LGBTQ health and leadership, the systemic barriers to visibility, and the importance of research-driven advocacy all in the context of how he developed his leadership capacities. Dr. Lunn shares his personal journey of resilience, his passion for research, and the necessity of ensuring that LGBTQ individuals are seen, heard, and supported. Learn how data can drive meaningful change, promote equity, and empower the next generation of LGBTQ leaders!
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The Ripple Effect with E.C. Pizarro
Technology strategist E.C. Pizarro III explores how his intersecting identities as a Black trans man and corporate professional shaped his leadership style and commitment to community. E.C. revisits pivotal mentorship moments—like encouraging a young trans student in his earliest days of transition—and explains how visibility can spark a ripple effect for others looking to enter tech. He also delves into the power of strategic pivots, the importance of self-belief, and how harnessing transferrable “project management” skills from everyday life can transform one’s career. Through his own journey from volunteer at TransTech Social to executive director, E.C. highlights what it looks like to build new tables rather than waiting for a seat at old ones, ultimately reminding us that each of us can lead, uplift others, and redefine success on our own terms.
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50:19
Unburying the Self with Olivia Hill
Nashville Council Member Olivia Hill—a U.S. Navy veteran and the first openly transgender person elected in Tennessee—discusses her lifelong journey of hiding, self-discovery, and ultimately embracing her true identity. She recounts brutal “blanket parties” in the military while overcompensating with a hyper-masculine persona, only to break free decades later and run for public office. Drawing on 40 years of utilities experience, she explains how her unique background helps her tackle infrastructure issues for all Nashvillians. Olivia highlights the power of everyday visibility, sharing stories of young trans kids finding hope in her leadership and reminding us that simply being oneself can foster real change.
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47:43
Can't Win Without Risk with Gordon Bellamy
Game designer and USC professor Gordon Bellamy shares how embracing his intersecting identities—from queer mathlete to Madden NFL innovator—shaped his leadership philosophy. He describes trusting his team enough to take a bold risk (shipping the game with unconfirmed NFL player rights) and highlights how champion mindsets spark breakthroughs in creativity. Throughout, Gordon underscores the importance of communal care, empathy, and authenticity, explaining how simple acts of safety-building empower people to do their best work. By weaving his personal journey with insights on resilience and hope, Gordon invites listeners to cultivate spaces where everyone can show up fully—and flourish together.
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57:55
The Power of Adversity with Brian Sims
Brian Sims—civil rights advocate, former Pennsylvania state legislator, and current CEO of Agenda PAC—to discuss how adversity shapes extraordinary leadership. Brian traces his roots as the son of two Army Officers, recalling a childhood shaped by frequent moves and a powerful mother figure who taught him the value of service, resilience, and challenging inequity. As he shares his coming-out journey, Brian highlights how his closeted years—though not always traumatic—helped him cultivate empathy, a skill he later carried into both sports and politics.
Meet LGBTQ+ superheroes! Explore the nexus of LGBTQ+ identity and leadership development through interviews with leaders in business, government, academia, advocacy, entertainment and more! We'll dive into crucible moments in LGBTQ+ lives, such as stigmatization, coming out, or transition. Understand how leaders transformed what we often view as negative experiences into moments that accelerated their growth into leadership superheroes.
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