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. 17h ago

    You're Interviewing Them, Too: Know Your Value with Julio Govreau

    What if your next job interview became a conversation about whether the workplace is right for you, too? Coach Jon opens a new season of Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast with Julio Govreau, a business and human resources leader with more than 25 years of experience and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Julio shares his approach to being a “potential partner”—someone who helps people recognize their strengths, develop their talent, and see possibilities they may have overlooked. Together, we explore how to research workplace inclusion, ask meaningful interview questions, and communicate your experience with greater confidence. Julio also shares his perspective as a gay Latino veteran and the importance of finding an organization that supports the whole person. In this conversation: Look for signs of inclusion, psychological safety, and values alignment.Ask how a future manager handles disagreement and supports development.Use the STAR method and “I” statements to explain your contributions.Recognize the value of volunteer work, board service, and transferable skills.Approach a career transition with curiosity, intention, and room to recharge.You bring value to the conversation. This episode will help you recognize it—and ask whether the employer recognizes it, too. Want support rebuilding your confidence, preparing for interviews, or finding a career that fits? Message Coach Jon with CONFIDENT or schedule a complimentary career clarity call: https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout  Follow Empowered & Out wherever you listen, share this episode with a friend navigating a career change, and join us next time for a conversation with a returning guest. Podcast chapters 00:00 Welcome to a new season and meet Julio 02:32 Energy check-in 03:26 What it means to be a potential partner 04:55 Mentorship and recognizing hidden strengths 09:09 How leaders can invest in the person 10:43 Researching psychological safety and inclusion 15:18 Questions that reveal workplace culture 18:16 Identity, disclosure, and feeling supported 22:11 The interview is a two-way evaluation 24:46 Questions about growth, priorities, and success 29:09 Evaluating a role when you need a job 30:59 What interview reactions can tell you 32:50 Building confidence through preparation 37:06 Making STAR answers conversational 38:48 Using notes and knowing your resume 43:36 Talking about accomplishments without feeling boastful 45:56 Taking ownership of a career transition 48:44 Setting boundaries around your job search 51:39 Rapid fire: office bands, interview kits, and theme songs 55:03 A question to help you recognize your potential 55:53 Closing reflections and career coaching support

  2. Sep 1

    t’s Never Too Late to Start Over: Identity, Grief & Reinvention with Joshlyn Peace

    What happens when the life you planned no longer fits the person you are becoming? In this episode of Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast, Coach Jon sits down with Joshlyn Peace—a multidisciplinary artist, writer, sculptor, published author, model, and creative leader—for an honest conversation about identity, grief, workplace leadership, creativity, and starting over. Joshlyn shares how stepping away from constant motion helped them process a season of profound change, including a corporate layoff, the loss of loved ones, changes within the modeling industry, and their evolving understanding of their bisexual and non-binary identity. They also reflect on leading an LGBTQ+ business resource group, finding their voice through leadership, refusing to reshape themselves to fit someone else’s mold, and redefining success beyond traditional expectations. This conversation is a reminder that reinvention does not have to mean becoming someone completely different. Sometimes it means releasing the expectations that no longer belong to you and becoming more fully who you have always been. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why stillness can be essential when life has changed faster than you can processWhat Joshlyn’s identity journey taught them about self-discovery and belongingHow LGBTQ+ employee resource groups can create language, education, and connectionWhat leadership taught Joshlyn about listening, advocacy, and finding their voiceHow creativity can support healing through grief, loss, and uncertaintyWhy authenticity and financial preparation both matter during a career transitionJoshlyn’s message for anyone wondering whether it is too late to begin again Chapters 00:00 — Welcome and introduction to Joshlyn Peace 01:36 — Energy check-in and finding places of peace 03:24 — The road trip that created space for healing 05:13 — Releasing expectations and living for yourself 09:21 — Coming out as bisexual and embracing a non-binary identity 14:03 — The moment Joshlyn truly saw themself 16:17 — What workplaces need to understand about gender identity 18:06 — Leadership lessons from running an LGBTQ+ business resource group 20:40 — How leadership helped Joshlyn find their creative voice 22:19 — Navigating grief, a layoff, loss, and major change 26:02 — Rebuilding confidence when life feels uncertain 28:26 — Redefining success beyond society’s expectations 29:51 — Discovering purpose by embracing what makes you different 31:03 — What makes the next chapter exciting 31:59 — Choosing authenticity while considering financial security 35:28 — Rapid-fire questions 44:57 — Joshlyn’s advice when everything feels uncertain 48:52 — Final reflections and episode call to action If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast, share this episode with someone navigating change, loss, identity, or a career transition, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. Feeling stuck, burned out, disconnected, or uncertain about your next career move?  Connect with Coach Jon at Empowered & Out Coaching here: https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout and schedule a complimentary Career Clarity Call.  You do not need to have your entire future figured out—you only need to be willing to take the next authentic step.

  3. Aug 18

    Can Faith Be LGBTQ+ Affirming? Finding Churches Where You Truly Belong

    What does it actually mean for a church to be LGBTQ+ affirming — not simply welcoming, but genuinely safe, inclusive, and committed to belonging? In this powerful episode of Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast, Coach Jon is joined by Reverend Liz Patz, pastor of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Elgin, Illinois, and returning guest Maya Garner for an open and deeply personal conversation about faith, LGBTQ+ identity, religious hurt, healing, scripture, and finding community. Maya shares her experience searching for affirming churches and the additional questions she has carried as a Black LGBTQ+ woman. Reverend Liz explains why genuine affirmation requires much more than displaying a rainbow flag — and what churches in the United Church of Christ actually go through when pursuing the official Open and Affirming designation. The conversation also tackles one of the most difficult subjects surrounding LGBTQ+ people and Christianity: scripture. Reverend Liz discusses the importance of historical and cultural context when interpreting biblical texts, and the group explores the controversy surrounding the introduction of the word “homosexual” into modern Bible translations and the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. As Reverend Liz and Maya remind us throughout this conversation: keep looking. Your people may be out there. Resources mentioned in this episode: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ — Elgin, Illinois www.stpauluccelgin.org St. Paul’s identifies itself as an Open and Affirming congregation and offers both in-person and online worship. (St. Paul's United Church of Christ) Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ https://openandaffirming.org/ Find an affirming church: https://www.gaychurch.org/ 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture https://www.1946themovie.com/ 🎙️ PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 — Why Are We Talking About Faith on a Career Podcast? 01:44 — Energy Check-In With Liz & Maya 03:20 — Reverend Liz’s Journey Into Ministry 05:50 — Maya’s Personal Faith Journey 11:59 — “Is This Church Really Safe for Me?” 14:31 — What “Open and Affirming” Actually Means 19:19 — Returning to Church After Religious Hurt 24:08 — Why “Open and Affirming” Carries Responsibility 26:05 — How a Church Becomes Open and Affirming 29:28 — Why Flying a Rainbow Flag Isn’t Enough 33:27 — How to Tell Whether a Church Is Genuinely Affirming 38:07 — LGBTQ+ People, Scripture & Religious Harm 41:03 — Why Historical Context Matters When Reading the Bible 42:50 — The 1946 Translation Conversation 49:48 — What Authentic Welcome and Belonging Look Like 52:24 — How Do You Know You’ve Found the Right Church? 53:43 — LGBTQ+ Inclusion Beyond Sunday Morning 58:55 — Finding Community When You Live in a Small Town 1:01:13 — How Online Worship Has Changed Access 1:04:19 — Hope for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Faith Communities 1:07:07 — Where There Is Still Work to Do 1:09:46 — Rapid Fire With Liz & Maya 😂 1:18:58 — A Final Message for Anyone Carrying Religious Hurt 1:22:17 — Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Resources

  4. Jul 28

    You Are More Than Your Job Title: Redefining Success, Purpose and Career Identity with Malcolm Chen

    What happens when the career title you worked so hard to earn no longer reflects who you are—or the life you want to build? In this episode, Coach Jon sits down with Malcolm Chen, an investor relations manager, entrepreneur, career advisor, community builder and proud cat daddy based in Singapore. Malcolm shares how his unconventional career journey took him through hospitality, human resources, marketing, communications, adult education, entrepreneurship and investor relations—and why those pivots ultimately helped him separate his identity from his job title. Together, Jon and Malcolm explore how our definitions of success change over time, why career growth does not always mean climbing the corporate ladder and how professionals can begin building financial and career resilience before they desperately need it. Malcolm also shares honest lessons from starting multiple businesses, balancing ambition with burnout, building a community around his pet products company and choosing progress over perfection when launching something new. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why your job title should not become your entire identity • How burnout can force you to reconsider what success means • Why career pivots do not have to follow a traditional path • How to build a career safety net through skills, interests and relationships • The difference between planning carefully and getting trapped in analysis paralysis • Why community is becoming more valuable than simply producing more content • How purpose can extend beyond work and income • What LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion can look like in Singapore • Why you do not have to follow someone else’s definition of success Whether you are considering a career pivot, building a side business, questioning your professional identity or simply wondering what comes next, this conversation will encourage you to remain open to the next adventure. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Malcolm Chen 02:30 – An unconventional career across multiple industries 03:00 – Realizing you are more than your job title 05:23 – Burnout, mental health and rebuilding career identity 08:09 – What happens when your identity is tied to work? 09:56 – Redefining success beyond climbing the ladder 13:01 – Titles, comparison and choosing work-life balance 14:55 – Career decisions that felt risky but paid off 17:36 – Returning to corporate life in a completely new role 19:47 – How to recognize when it is time to pivot 22:37 – Building a career and financial safety net 25:38 – Common mistakes people make with side businesses 27:48 – Progress over perfection in entrepreneurship 29:45 – Balancing business ambition without burning out 32:40 – Building a pet business around community and purpose 35:27 – How Malcolm’s definition of purpose has evolved 37:55 – LGBTQ+ professional life in Singapore 39:19 – Pink Dot, LGBTQ+ rights and social progress 43:04 – Pride celebrations in Singapore and the United States 45:26 – Misconceptions about LGBTQ+ life across Asia 48:49 – What global LGBTQ+ communities can learn from one another 52:15 – Rapid-fire questions with Malcolm 54:42 – Malcolm’s message for anyone feeling stuck 55:39 – Final reflections and how to take your next step Feeling stuck, disconnected or unsure about your next professional move? Through the Empowered Career Transformation Program, Coach Jon helps professionals move from career confusion and self-doubt into clarity, confidence, strategy and aligned action. Send Coach Jon a message with the word CLARITY to learn more or schedule a career clarity conversation.

  5. Jul 21

    Leadership, Inclusion & Mental Wellbeing with Amanda Millar

    What does it really mean to be authentic at work? In this episode of Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast, Coach Jon sits down with Amanda Millar—lawyer, ADHD coach, leadership consultant, suicide prevention trustee, and the first openly LGBTQ+ President of the Law Society of Scotland—for an honest conversation about authenticity, leadership, inclusion, and mental wellbeing. Together they explore why so many professionals still feel they need to hide parts of themselves at work, how inclusive leadership directly impacts organizational success, and why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. Amanda also shares her personal leadership journey, the lessons she wishes she knew earlier in her career, and why curiosity—not certainty—is one of the most important leadership qualities. Whether you're a leader, manager, HR professional, LGBTQ+ employee, or simply someone trying to build a career where you can truly be yourself, this episode is packed with practical insights and meaningful reflection. You'll learn: • Why authenticity looks different for everyone • The hidden cost of masking at work • How great leaders create psychological safety • Why inclusion is more than policies and ERGs • The connection between mental wellbeing and workplace culture • How curiosity creates stronger organizations • Advice for LGBTQ+ professionals navigating authenticity If you've ever wondered whether you truly belong at work, this conversation is for you. Podcast Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Meet Amanda Millar 01:20 Amanda's Career Journey 07:10 Finding Her Leadership Voice 13:00 Advice to Her Younger Self 15:15 What Authenticity Really Means 20:05 Common Misunderstandings About Authenticity 26:30 LGBTQ+ Mental Health Matters 34:15 Creating Safe Workplace Cultures 37:00 One Leadership Habit That Changes Everything 39:00 What Inclusive Organizations Do Differently 44:15 Advice for LGBTQ+ Professionals 52:40 Hope for the Next Generation 1:00:20 Rapid Fire Questions 1:02:15 Amanda's Final Message

  6. Jul 14

    From Hiding to Thriving: Steven Whyte on Identity, Confidence & Reinvention

    What happens when you stop living for everyone else's expectations and finally start living for yourself? In this deeply honest conversation, Coach Jon sits down with Steven Whyte—lawyer, coach, former Mr. Gay Scotland, marathon runner, and confidence coach—to explore what it truly means to reinvent yourself. Steven shares his journey from growing up gay in Scotland during the 1980s, hiding parts of himself for years, navigating multiple career changes, transforming his health, and discovering that lasting change has very little to do with weight—and everything to do with identity. Together they discuss: Growing up feeling differentComing out and finding acceptanceWhy career success doesn't always equal fulfillmentMidlife as a time of awakening—not crisisThe mindset shifts that create lasting transformationWhy asking for help is one of the bravest things you can doLiving authentically at work and in lifeThe power of courage, curiosity, and coaching Whether you're questioning your career, rebuilding your confidence, or simply wondering what comes next, this episode will remind you that your next chapter can be your most authentic one yet. Connect with Steven linkedin.com/in/steven-whyte-6b91811a7 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Energy Check-In 04:10 Growing Up Different in Scotland 12:55 The Diary That Changed Everything 20:40 Finding Community Through Music 22:30 Success vs. Fulfillment 31:45 Why Transformation Isn't About Weight 38:45 Coaches Need Coaches Too 45:30 Identity vs. Career Changes 49:15 Why Midlife Is Actually a New Beginning 55:00 Courage Then vs. Courage Now 58:40 Rapid Fire Questions 1:03:05 Final Advice for Anyone Feeling Stuck 1:04:10 Coach Jon's Closing Thoughts

  7. Jul 1

    Equity, Leadership, and the Courage to Build Better Workplaces

    In this powerful episode of Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast, Coach Jon sits down with Celeste Warren, a visionary leader, consultant, author, and former Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at a global Fortune 100 company. Celeste brings decades of experience helping organizations create more equitable, inclusive, and human-centered workplaces. She is also the founder of Celeste Warren Consulting LLC, co-founder of Destination STEM Inc., and author of “The Truth About Equity.” Together, Coach Jon and Celeste explore what equity really means, why performative inclusion is not enough, and how workplaces can create cultures where people feel safe, seen, respected, and able to thrive. Celeste shares her experience being the first and only woman of color in leadership spaces, the impact of masking and covering at work, and the importance of leaders knowing their people beyond job titles. PODCAST CHAPTERS 00:00 — Welcome to Empowered & Out 02:22 — Meet Celeste Warren 03:34 — Walking in Purpose and Leaving the Sunday Scaries Behind 05:11 — Being the First and Only in Leadership Spaces 08:54 — Why Representation Alone Is Not Enough 10:31 — Masking, Covering, and the Energy It Takes to Fit In 15:53 — Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity Explained 18:03 — Where Organizations Get Inclusion Wrong 20:12 — What Meaningful ERG Support Can Look Like 24:24 — Creating Safety for LGBTQ+ and Intersectional Professionals 30:45 — Generational Shifts, Values, and the Future of Work 36:21 — Building Experience Beyond Traditional Internships 39:17 — What Leaders Can Do Right Now to Build Trust 42:23 — Celeste’s Book: The Truth About Equity 46:28 — The Rocks and the Fence Analogy 49:47 — Lessons from Celeste’s Father’s Leadership Journey 53:33 — Family Stories, Advocacy, and the Long Arc of Equity 01:00:12 — Rapid Fire Questions 01:03:00 — Celeste’s Final Advice: Stay Relevant, Stay Supportive, Stay in the Fight 01:04:29 — Closing Thoughts and Call to Action If today’s conversation resonated with you, share this episode with someone who cares about building more inclusive, authentic, and equitable workplaces. And if you are realizing that you are feeling stuck, burned out, disconnected, under-confident, or unsure about your next career move, I invite you to connect with me here: https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout   You can follow Celeste, learn more about her consulting work, and check out her book, The Truth About Equity, below. Website:  www.CRWDiversity.com Insta: https://www.instagram.com/crwdiversity  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@celestewarren-equity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestewarrenllc/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CXPNHNqZE/?mibextid=wwXIfr Link to book on Amazon:  https://mybook.to/TruthAboutEquity

  8. Jun 23

    LGBTQ+ Leadership, Bias & Confidence at Work

    In this episode of Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast, Coach Jon sits down with Ryan DeLuca, Managing Director of 25th Hour Regulatory Consulting, for a powerful conversation about confidence, bias, leadership, allyship, and what it means to navigate professional spaces as an LGBTQ+ person. Ryan brings nearly 20 years of experience in regulation, investigations, compliance, education, and professional development. His work helps regulatory professionals strengthen investigative practices, reduce bias, improve decision-making, and approach their work with fairness, neutrality, and confidence. Together, Coach Jon and Ryan explore how LGBTQ+ professionals often become skilled readers of people and environments, especially after years of masking, navigating safety, and learning how to assess where they can fully show up. Ryan shares how confidence grew throughout his career, what helped him trust his own expertise, and why representation matters in industries where LGBTQ+ people are often assumed not to exist. This episode also dives into workplace bias, meaningful allyship, the current political climate, support for the trans community, and the importance of standing together during difficult moments. Ryan also shares how risk, adventure, and challenge have helped shape his relationship with confidence and growth. If you have ever felt underestimated, questioned your right to take up space, or wondered how to stay grounded while navigating bias or assumptions, this conversation is for you. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Welcome to Empowered & Out 02:24 — Meet Ryan DeLuca 03:00 — Energy check-in 04:11 — Ryan’s path from real estate to regulatory investigations 07:05 — Understanding people, behavior, and bias 09:11 — How LGBTQ+ professionals learn to read environments 11:25 — Navigating professional spaces as an LGBTQ+ investigator 14:52 — Moving from self-consciousness to trusting your expertise 17:18 — Misconceptions about LGBTQ+ professionals in leadership and compliance 20:22 — Visibility, representation, and LGBTQ+ professionals in every industry 24:00 — Advice for anyone feeling underestimated 28:04 — Authenticity, Pride, and showing up at work 32:46 — Where bias shows up in workplace decision-making 36:57 — How professionals can check their own assumptions 38:49 — Why marginalized communities become political targets 43:05 — What meaningful allyship looks like right now 44:56 — Confidence, fear, skydiving, and personal growth 55:36 — How risk and challenge change with age 59:30 — Rapid-fire questions 1:02:40 — Encouragement for LGBTQ+ professionals and leaders 1:03:33 — Final reflections and closing CTA If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and connect with Coach Jon at Empowered & Out Coaching. And if you are feeling stuck, burned out, disconnected, under-confident, or unsure about your next career move, the Empowered Career Transformation Program can help you reconnect with your purpose, rebuild confidence, and take aligned action toward a career where you can thrive as your full self.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Barbe
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jonathan Barbe
  • Show Website
    Empowered & Out