Empowered & Out

Jonathan Barbe
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Empowered & Out is the podcast for anyone who wants a career that feels aligned, meaningful, and authentic. Hosted by career purpose and confidence coach Jonathan Barbe, each episode explores confidence, identity, and self-worth at work through coaching insights and candid conversations with leaders and change-makers redefining success. Rooted in LGBTQ+ lived experience and open to everyone, this podcast supports listeners navigating burnout, career transitions, toxic workplaces, and the pressure to mask who they are. Whether you’re rebuilding confidence, seeking clarity, or ready to show up more fully at work, Empowered & Out is here to help — without apology.

  1. 17 MAR

    “Self-Acceptance Is My Superpower”: Coming Out Later + Creating Change

    What does it mean to come out later in life — and then learn how to live, work, and lead from that truth? In this powerful returning guest episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon welcomes back Aime Hutton for a deeper conversation about identity, self-acceptance, coming out in adulthood, and what it takes to feel safe and seen in the workplace. Aime shares her personal journey of coming out in her 40s, the fear she carried before saying it out loud, the role family played in that process, and how self-acceptance became her superpower. Together, Jon and Aime unpack what authenticity really looks like when you are still figuring yourself out on your own timeline. They also dig into workplace inclusion, disability advocacy, accommodations, belonging, and the difference between simply surviving at work and actually thriving there. Aime also shares insights from her work with Open Door Group’s Work Abilities Program, where she helps adults living with barriers find meaningful, lasting employment, along with her leadership as Chair of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Advisory Board for the Calgary Police Service. This conversation is honest, affirming, and deeply needed for anyone navigating identity, confidence, and career without wanting to abandon themselves in the process. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome back and introducing returning guest Aime Hutton 02:12 Aime’s new role with Open Door Group and today’s focus 03:40 Energy check-in and grounding through work and weather 06:14 “Self-acceptance is my superpower” — where that came from 11:26 What was happening internally before coming out 13:23 Fear, family, and what felt most at risk 17:09 What surprised Aime most after coming out 19:55 Advice for anyone in the “I think I’m ready, but I’m terrified” stage 22:15 Coming out at work and learning what safety really looks like 29:12 Helping adults with barriers find meaningful, lasting employment 32:00 What workplaces need in order for people to thrive 39:43 How employers can rethink inclusive hiring 45:48 Leading systems change with the Calgary Police Service 49:29 Mentoring, pronouns, and speaking to the right room 52:04 Rapid-fire questions with a Canadian twist 57:20 One action step toward self-acceptance without forcing danger 58:53 Final reflections and closing message If this episode reminded you that you are not behind in your becoming, share it with someone who needs to hear that today. And if you’re ready for support around identity, confidence, workplace belonging, or career direction, book a discovery call through the show notes or DM me the word READY. https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout

    51 min

  2. 10 MAR

    Breaking Stereotypes: LGBTQ+ Leadership in the Security Industry

    What does it look like to lead with integrity in an industry that still clings to outdated assumptions about masculinity and who “belongs”? In this episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon sits down with Chris Malden, owner of Prestige Security, to talk about coming out at 19, building credibility in a male-dominated field, and what real workplace inclusion actually requires. Chris gets honest about stereotypes gay men still face in security, why “allyship” can sometimes become too much, and the leadership lesson he’ll shout from the rooftops: know your people. We also get into authenticity versus safety at work, how to navigate conservative environments, and why being out doesn’t have to become your entire personality to be valid. Want support beyond the episode? Follow Coach Jon on social (jmbcoachingllc) and book a Discovery Call with Empowered & Out Coaching using the link below. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Empowered & Out + season focus 01:13 Why LGBTQ+ visibility in security matters 02:03 Energy check-in 03:09 Who Chris is outside of work 05:40 “People assume I’m straight” — stereotypes and perception 06:31 Coming out at 19 + early influences 09:24 What he needed most back then: reassurance 12:21 Misconceptions about LGBTQ+ people in security 18:52 Building credibility with low representation 20:31 Earning respect the hard way 22:12 What “lead by example” actually means 27:02 Leadership lesson: know your people 29:45 Authenticity vs safety at work 37:43 Advice for conservative workplaces 46:03 What companies get wrong about support 49:25 Allyship that doesn’t help (and why) 52:06 Rapid fire time 01:00:20 Actionable takeaways for listeners + leaders Follow + Book a FREE Discovery Call using this link: https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout

    54 min

  3. 4 MAR

    You’re Not Late: Coming Out Later and Rebuilding Confidence at Work

    What happens when you stop living on autopilot… and finally tell yourself the truth? In this episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon sits down with Mark Dembo — business leader, executive education professional at Cornell University, coach, and co-host of Coming Inside Out — to talk about the chapter so many people live quietly: coming out later in life, and what that changes in your confidence, leadership, and day-to-day experience at work. Mark shares what shifted internally before anything changed externally, why “authenticity” can’t be a checkbox, and how vulnerability can make you a stronger leader without turning your workplace into therapy hour. We also get into imposter syndrome in LGBTQ+ spaces, the pressure to “prove” confidence by coming out, and why community isn’t optional — it’s foundational. If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind, late, or “too much” for wanting a career where you don’t have to edit yourself… this one lands in your chest. Ready for support?  Book a free call with Coach Jon https://calendly.com/jmbcoachingllc/discovery-call  And if you want a quick starting point, DM “ALIGN” to @jmbcoachingllc and you’ll get a simple next step for this week. 💬🏳️‍🌈 Podcast chapters (timestamps based on transcript) ⏱️ 00:00 — Welcome + season theme: visibility, authenticity, and unmasking 01:10 — Today’s topic: coming out later in life and what shifts at work 02:05 — Meet Mark Dembo + his leadership/corporate lens 03:10 — Energy check-in: “There’s a lot going on… especially in our community” 06:10 — Decompression and joy (Olympics, rest, permission to unplug) 08:20 — “What did coming out change internally?” (the mirror moment) 11:25 — What got easier vs what got harder (family, guilt, people-pleasing) 13:55 — How authenticity + vulnerability changed Mark’s leadership 18:10 — Vulnerability without “therapy hour” at work 20:55 — Where leaders get authenticity wrong (checkbox culture) 23:10 — Boundaries: what to share vs what to keep private at work 29:40 — Pressure to come out to “prove confidence” + pacing your story 41:05 — Integrating truth into professional identity (later-in-life lens) 42:55 — Small steps that create momentum (signals, conversations, leverage) 46:45 — Imposter syndrome in LGBTQ+ spaces: what fuels self-doubt 55:40 — Community as bedrock: why you can’t do this alone 01:00:00 — Building community from zero (online groups, interest-based meetups) 01:07:20 — Ideal workplace: psychological safety 01:14:20 — Rapid fire (hand-holding in NYC, comfort show, theme song, podcast chaos) 01:21:20 — One move to build confidence while coming out later 01:22:40 — Coach Jon closing message + CTA (DM “ALIGN”, book a free call)

    1 h y 8 min

  4. 24 FEB

    Queer Leadership, Inclusive AI, and Burnout Recovery with Dr. Steve Yacovelli

    In this episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon sits down with Dr. Steve Yacovelli (aka The Gay Leadership Dude) for a powerful conversation about what leadership looks like right now—especially for LGBTQ+ professionals navigating workplace change, performative allyship, burnout, and the rise of AI. Steve brings decades of experience in leadership development, organizational change, belonging, and learning strategy (including work with organizations like Disney and IBM). He breaks down what queer leaders often get wrong about authenticity, what they uniquely bring to the table, and how to lead with context without losing yourself. You’ll also hear an eye-opening conversation about using AI as a leadership tool (not a replacement for human judgment), where people overcomplicate it, and the biggest mistakes people make when using AI at work. Plus, Steve shares practical burnout warning signs, resilience strategies, and advice for coaches, consultants, and thought leaders sitting on ideas they haven’t launched yet. This episode is honest, insightful, funny, and full of real-world takeaways for anyone who wants to lead more effectively, communicate with more courage, and build a career that actually fits who they are. If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink to succeed, this conversation is for you. If this episode sparked something in you and you’re ready to rebuild confidence, get clearer on your purpose, or make more aligned career moves, book a discovery call with Coach Jon: https://calendly.com/jmbcoachingllc/discovery-call Chapters: 00:00 Intro | 03:24 Queer leadership + authenticity | 09:12 AI as a leadership tool | 13:48 Biggest AI mistake (“rip and read”) | 16:11 Inclusion vs. corporate theater | 23:20 Gen Z + business case for inclusion | 32:29 Burnout warning signs | 34:45 3 resilience strategies | 42:45 Going virtual + business pivot | 51:02 Author/speaker/thought leader journey | 01:10:25 Final actionable advice

    1 h y 6 min

  5. 17 FEB

    Visibility Is a Strategy, Not a Personality

    In this episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon sits down with Ryan M. McCarthy for a sharp, honest, and surprisingly funny conversation about radical authenticity, visibility as strategy, and what it really takes to stay human inside high-pressure work cultures. 🧠✨ Ryan shares what it means to “translate yourself” across cultures and power structures, how identity can feel like a mask we’re constantly updating, and why reading the room isn’t the same thing as shrinking. They also get real about corporate toxicity, layoffs, dignity, boundaries, and the brutal reality of today’s job market—especially in big tech and AI-adjacent work. 😮‍💨💼 If you’ve been editing yourself to survive at work, this one lands. And Ryan leaves listeners with one simple, subtle action you can take this week to reclaim more of who you are—without putting a target on your back. 🌈✅ Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Empowered & Out + season theme (visibility & authenticity) 00:31 Coach Jon’s mission + discovery call CTA 01:10 Ryan McCarthy intro: radical authenticity + high-stakes leadership + “translation” 02:30 Energy check-in (Ryan’s 7/10… after a rough start) 04:23 What radical authenticity looks like on inconvenient days 05:10 Coming out at 14 (and why it felt like compulsion + relief) 10:08 Authenticity vs. oversharing (context + knowing your audience) 12:06 “Read the room” without masking yourself 14:24 France story: conservative context, gay rights convo, and visibility timing 19:48 Translation as a life skill: identity, masks, reinvention 24:08 Returning to U.S. corporate norms after France (culture shock + job struggle) 28:39 The current job market: networking, silence, and corporate “ghosting” 32:46 Toxicity at work: leadership, layoffs, and the cost of staying 40:48 PIPs, hiring freezes, and why “dignity intact” matters 47:07 When the pay doesn’t match the pressure (and choosing your health) 53:18 “Too much / too weird / too queer”: why wording reveals culture 55:22 Integrity + boundaries after disruption (and refusing “professional grief”) 01:01:06 When you can’t afford to leave: the hard truth + compassion 01:08:23 Resilience vs harm: the signs it’s time to cut something loose 01:10:42 Rapid fire fun 🎬🚿🎧 01:15:03 One small action this week to reclaim yourself (the “rainbow heart” move) 🌈 01:17:00 Ryan’s upcoming book: The New Meta + job market help offer 01:17:41 Coach Jon wrap + how to connect Reach out to Coach Jon here - https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout

    1 h y 13 min

  6. 10 FEB

    The Hidden Cost of Hiding: Burnout, Brain Health, and Being Queer at Work

    What does it really cost to keep editing yourself at work? In this episode of Empowered & Out, host Jonathan Barbe sits down with Dr. Ty McKinney (Calgary, Alberta) to talk about the brain-and-body toll of staying “less than fully you” on the job — especially for LGBTQ+ professionals. Dr. Ty lives at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, leadership, and queer entrepreneurship, and he breaks down burnout in a way you can actually feel and understand: stress hormones, cognitive overload, emotional exhaustion, and the long-term health impacts that pile up when authenticity becomes a performance. 00:00 Welcome + episode focus 01:58 Energy check-in to set the tone 04:25 The extra “burnout weight” many queer professionals carry 07:57 Burnout broken down: the 3-part model 12:30 Stress hormones and focus (why productivity drops) 16:30 Burnout vs a rough week: how to tell the difference 18:59 Expressive suppression + why masking compounds stress 22:38 Gen Z at work: vulnerability, voice, and burnout trends 27:59 What companies lose: retention, presenteeism, performance 31:56 Authenticity without the “free-for-all” (healthy boundaries) 44:38 What the smartest leaders do differently 01:10:17 One doable change this week + your powerful close If you’ve ever felt exhausted from code-switching, masking, or shrinking at work — this one is for you. Connect with Dr. Ty + learn about his upcoming expressive suppression workshop (ahead of Pride Month): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tytheneuroguy/ Work with Coach Jon/Jonathan / coaching: https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout Reminder: You deserve a career that doesn’t require you to disappear to succeed. #EmpoweredAndOut #BurnoutRecovery #AuthenticLeadership #Neuroscience #MentalHealthAtWork

    1 h y 4 min

  7. 4 FEB

    Queer Time, Becoming, and the Courage to Stay Visible

    Queer Time, Becoming, and the Courage to Stay Visible — with Colin Belcourt What does it mean to live in the in-between? In this expansive and deeply honest episode of Empowered & Out, Jonathan sits down with writer and former HR/DEI leader Colin Belcourt, author of the forthcoming memoir The Blue Hour Gospel—a lyrical, fragmented exploration of queer time, self-erasure, survival, and the slow work of becoming whole. Together, they unpack what it means to move through careers and communities while constantly editing yourself, how queer lives resist neat timelines, and why authenticity is less about perfect endings and more about learning how to stay. Colin shares how therapy helped him recognize patterns of self-erasure, why he rejected traditional memoir structure in favor of fragments, and how chosen family, queer spirituality, and music playlists became acts of resistance and repair. The conversation weaves through generational divides, visibility politics, body image, belonging, faith, and the quiet courage it takes to stop shrinking—at work and in life. If you’ve ever wondered: ✨ Why your career path doesn’t look linear ✨ How to stop performing safety ✨ What “home” really means ✨ Or how to honor who you’re still becoming This episode is for you.

    1 h y 13 min

  8. 28 ENE

    Reinventing at 50: Travel, Beauty & Building a Life That Feels Aligned | Emmanuel Denizot

    What happens when you reach midlife and realize there’s more inside you waiting to be expressed? In this episode of Empowered & Out, Jonathan sits down with Emmanuel Denizot — a longtime film and television subtitler who spent over 25 years translating stories across cultures before choosing to rewrite his own. After turning 50, Emmanuel stepped into a bold pivot, launching Partant, a series of intimate, culture-centered weekend experiences designed to foster authentic connection, curiosity, and slow living in European cities. Together, they explore what it truly means to align your work with your values, why beauty and creativity are powerful tools for healing and connection, and how taking imperfect action builds confidence — especially later in life. Emmanuel opens up about navigating fear, perfectionism, introversion, and the courage it takes to put yourself back out there after decades in one career. This conversation is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date — and that authenticity, presence, and curiosity can reshape how we work, travel, and connect with each other. If you’ve ever felt called to slow down, reconnect with your purpose, or trust yourself enough to try something new, this episode will resonate deeply. Chapters  00:00 Welcome to Empowered & Out + Season Theme: Visibility & Authenticity 01:30 Meeting Emmanuel + Energy Check-In 03:10 Turning 50 and Questioning What’s Next 06:45 Coaching, Reflection & The Power of Slowing Down 10:40 Digital Detox, Travel & Reconnecting with Presence 13:05 Introducing Partant: Intimate Cultural Weekends 17:20 Curiosity, Introversion & Designing Authentic Connection 22:05 The “Accidental but Intentional” Experience 27:15 Slow Travel, Hidden Cities & Deeper Cultural Access 34:10 Beauty, Cinema & Why Atmosphere Matters 36:10 Art as Healing and Transformation 39:15 Starting Over at 50: Fear, Confidence & Imperfect Action 43:00 Introversion, Visibility & Owning Your Voice 47:50 Perfectionism, Mindset Shifts & Growth 52:00 Final Reflections on Courage, Alignment & Living Authentically

    1 h y 9 min
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Empowered & Out is the podcast for anyone who wants a career that feels aligned, meaningful, and authentic. Hosted by career purpose and confidence coach Jonathan Barbe, each episode explores confidence, identity, and self-worth at work through coaching insights and candid conversations with leaders and change-makers redefining success. Rooted in LGBTQ+ lived experience and open to everyone, this podcast supports listeners navigating burnout, career transitions, toxic workplaces, and the pressure to mask who they are. Whether you’re rebuilding confidence, seeking clarity, or ready to show up more fully at work, Empowered & Out is here to help — without apology.

Información

  • Creador
    Jonathan Barbe
  • Años de actividad
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodios
    66
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jonathan Barbe
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Empowered & Out