Todd Ross shares his journey from growing up as a closeted queer youth in rural New Brunswick to becoming a leading voice for 2SLGBTQIA+ veterans in Canada. After being forced out of the Canadian Navy during the discriminatory LGBT purge, Todd transformed his trauma into activism—becoming a lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit that resulted in a national apology and the establishment of the LGBT Purge Fund. The conversation explores his intersecting identities as a Two-Spirit Métis person, the resilience forged through adversity, and the ongoing work of reconciliation, memorialization, and representation. Todd’s story is a testament to healing, leadership, and the quiet strength of returning home.
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52:26
Boss Battles with Raquel Willis
In this powerful episode, activist and author Raquel Willis shares an intimate and wide-ranging conversation on fear, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Raquel reflects on her childhood fears, the complexities of coming out in a traditional Southern Black family, and how her father's expectations shaped—and ultimately catalyzed—her path toward liberation. From founding the Gender Liberation Movement to creating humanizing media like Afterlives and Queer Chronicles, Raquel speaks candidly about ego, empathy, collective leadership, and the intersectional strategies we need to build a freer world. This episode is a testament to the quiet strength required to live authentically—and the bold voice required to make systemic change... to fight the boss battles ahead.
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54:07
Choreographing Authentic Leadership with Fuchsia
In this episode, we talk with Fuchsia—choreographer, drag artist, and founder of Una Productions—as they share deeply personal reflections on identity, leadership, and creative expression. From the dual worlds of Michigan farmland and San Francisco’s queer community to navigating authenticity, safety, and self-discovery, Fuchsia provides a moving exploration of what it means to lead with openness and heart.
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55:15
Everything is Intentional with Steve Yacovelli
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Steve Yacovelli—author, educator, and founder of Top Dog Learning Group—about what it takes to lead with authenticity and courage, especially as a queer professional navigating today's shifting cultural and political climate. Steve shares stories from his leadership journey, from being “the invisible other” to proudly claiming his space as the “Gay Leadership Dude.” We dig into how identity shapes leadership, how resilience is built through hard-earned experience, and why now is the time to lean into inclusion—not away from it.
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52:31
Bring Your Curiosity with Day Al-Mohamed
In this episode, Day Al-Mohamed, an accomplished disability policy expert, filmmaker, and advocate, joins hosts to explore the intersections of cultural identity, leadership development, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Day provides unique insights into how cultural backgrounds—from Bahrain to the Midwestern United States—influence personal growth and leadership styles. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, visibility, and authenticity in leadership, advocating for creating inclusive spaces that enable individuals to thrive and influence meaningful societal change.
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.
Ireland