LET'S GO WITH JULIO

Julio G. Alvarez
  • 4.8 (30)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Hi, I’m Julio. After 15 years leading teams at Apple, Google, Tumblr, Airbnb and Lyft — I’m now a coach on a mission to educate, inspire and empower you to unlock your best, most authentic self as a leader. Through conversations, interviews, practical advice, and live coaching, we’ll cover topics like career changes, personal growth, tackling failure, building community, brave leadership, and creating a life you genuinely love. You can expect real talk, laughs, and lots of love as I help you navigate life’s tough questions with a calm head and courageous heart. To learn more or submit a question or topic you’d like to hear covered in the show, visit letsgowithjulio.com/podcast Tune in, buckle up and get ready to bring out your best. Let’s go!

  1. JAN 27

    Compassion as Your Compass with Michael Pelehach

    We’re sitting down with my old Lyft colleague Michael Pelehach. He’s currently the COO of The Adventure Project, a nonprofit tackling extreme poverty through sustainable job creation. Michael's career journey has in some ways been traditional — from Duke to Northwestern's MBA program to leadership roles at Target and Lyft. But he’s also been called more than once to social impact work. How do you know when to follow the call? Michael opens up about the pivotal experiences that shaped his path: witnessing poverty in rural Slovakia as a child, teaching English on a Fulbright grant, and the loss of his mother during the pandemic. We also explore how becoming a father has reshaped his definition of success and the legacy he wants to leave to his kids. If you’re searching for purpose, navigating a career transition, or wondering how to be both successful and do good in the world, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired — because Michael's story proves you don't have to choose. The Adventure Project: https://www.theadventureproject.org/ Get in Touch with Michael: michael.pelehach@theadventureproject.org CONNECT: Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com CREDITS: Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠ Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠ 00:00 Episode Preview 00:45 Intro: Finding Purpose in Out Work 02:56 Meet Michael Pelehach  05:02 Early Exposure to Travel and Humbling Realizations 09:10 The Pull Toward Social Impact  18:30 The Courage to Leave Corporate 20:30 Teaching English in Bulgaria 23:00 Realizing What’s Important 28:13 Leaving Lyft for The Adventure Project 37:00 Where Can We Have the Most Impact? 40:45 Reflecting on Returning to Tech 42:48 Sustainable Development Work is Locally Led 47:11 A Broader Definition of Success 48:33 Raising Young Boys to be Compassionate 53:26 Staying Grounded While Juggling the Responsibilities of Fatherhood  56:24 Leaving a Legacy of Putting Others First 57:22 How to Get Involved with The Adventure Project 58:24 Closing: Compassion and Empathy Are the Answer

    1 hr

  2. 12/02/2025

    Leadership Lessons from Eckhart Tolle

    Eckhart Tolle's teachings have completely transformed how I live and lead—that’s why today we’re walking you through 5 powerful leadership lessons after my 4-day retreat with Eckhart Tolle at the Omega Institute. This will help you close out 2025 with more presence and what I call "Big Brave Heart" energy. And each lesson comes with a simple yet practical tool that you can use today, right after listening. You know we are living through strange times—answering Slack on the toilet, doomscrolling three wars, watching layoff rumors circulate—all while being expected to lead ourselves, our families, and our teams. The challenge is: most leadership training teaches us roadmaps and dashboards, not empathy, emotional regulation, or how to have hard conversations. That’s why I made this episode for you, because the wisdom to overcome feeling underwater or directionless or stressed is within reach if you slow down enough to listen. Really listen. What You'll Learn: How to shift from your inner critic to your inner coachWhat can happen if you see your biggest challenge as a portal for growthWhy presence is the new IQ in the age of AI MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Braving Big Tech Omega Institute A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Kim Scott Radical Candor CONNECT: Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com CREDITS: Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠ Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠ 0:00 Introduction: Leadership in Strange Times 1:55 My Story: Lack of Support Before Getting Fired 3:37 Rock Bottom and Waking Up 4:57 Finding Eckhart Tolle Through Oprah 5:38 Eckhart Tolle at Omega Institute 6:32 Intro to the Five Lessons 7:13 Lesson One: You Are Not the Critic in Your Head 11:59 A Practice for Lesson One 13:23 Lesson Two: Don’t Get Infected by the Insanity 15:59 A Practice for Lesson Two 17:22 Lesson Three: You Are More Than This Role, This Year 19:34 A Practice for Lesson Three 20:43 Lesson Four: Your Hardest Thing is a Portal, Not a Problem 22:47 A Practice for Lesson Four 24:06 Lesson Five: Presence Is the New IQ in the Age of AI 27:08 A Practice for Lesson Five 28:08 Accelerating Our Awakening 30:03 Invitation to Experiment with the Lessons

    32 min

  3. 11/18/2025

    The Courage to Create Calm with Sue Rae

    We often see leadership as a title you hold at work, but today, we're talking with Sue Rae about the leadership you exercise over your personal sanctuary. You know the saying: clean house, clean mind. I worked with Sue at Google NYC, where she was an elite Executive Assistant—a master of organizing at the highest level. But her own success came at a cost. She reached a point where she was running on fumes just to go to work. Sue had the courage to listen to the whispers and step away from her role at Google to start Sorted by Sue, a professional organizing business. Today, she works with executives, entrepreneurs, and rockstar public figures. You'll hear her story of transformation, the system she uses to go from chaos to calm, and the one simple thing you can do today to start treating your home like the powerful sanctuary you deserve. You ready? Let's go! MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo Find Sue: ⁠https://www.sortedbysue.com/⁠ CONNECT: Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com CREDITS: Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠ Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠ 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:02:01 How Julio and Sue Met at Google 00:04:40 The Intensity of Being an Executive Assistant at Google 00:07:43 The Breaking Point 00:10:15 Asking for a Sabbatical 00:10:58 Coping Mechanisms 00:18:28 How Sue Spent Her Sabbatical in Asia 00:19:41 The Inspiration Behind Sorted by Sue 00:22:35 Taking the Leap: Leaving Google to Start Sorted by Sue 00:32:50 What Do People’s Spaces Say About Them? 00:35:12 Leap and the Net Will Appear 00:37:33 How Does the Disorganization Make You Feel? 00:39:05 Visual Clutter Ends Up Being Mental Clutter 00:40:37 De-Cluttering is an Emotional Exercise 00:47:53 The Role of Grief 00:51:34 Home Therapy for Individuals and Couples 00:55:08 Putting Systems in Place 00:58:07 Real Life Examples of Chaos to Calm 01:10:42 Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help 01:12:33 How to Begin Your Organizing Journey 01:14:22 Valuing Experiences Over Stuff 01:16:14 The 30-Minute Junk Drawer Challenge 01:18:03 Final Thoughts: Organizing’s Ripple Effect 01:19:22 Closing and Credits

    1h 20m

  4. 11/04/2025

    5 Shifts to Courageous Leadership: Insights from Out & Equal

    Inspired by this year’s Out & Equal Workplace Summit, I share five powerful leadership shifts that surfaced while connecting with over 4,000 Fortune 500 leaders. We’ll discuss how to move from apathy to love, from anger to action, from fear to faith, from division to bridge, and from noise to awareness. Each shift comes with practical tools you can implement immediately, including the Big Brave Heart framework. Whether you're navigating team dynamics, personal relationships, or simply trying to show up with more heart, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable strategies for building courageous, heart-led leadership. Perfect for leaders, ERG members, and anyone committed to creating lasting change through self-awareness and brave action. CONNECT: Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com CREDITS: Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠ Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠ 00:00 Welcome Back from Out & Equal 00:53 The Stakes: Why This Moment Matters 02:42 Shift 1: From Apathy to Love 04:30 Why We Drift Into Apathy: Fatigue & Fear 06:34 The Big Brave Heart Tool 07:55 Shift 2: From Anger to Action 08:18 Larry Kramer: Anger Transformed 10:56 Channeling Your Indignation 11:57 Shift 3: From Fear to Faith 12:37 Harvey Milk's Message of Hope 16:00 Shift 4: From Division to Bridge 17:43 Professor Kenji Yoshino: From Cancel Culture to Coaching Culture 19:19 Finding the Bigger Win for Everyone 21:14 Allyship is a Behavior 22:16 Zooming Out: Equality Always Advanced 22:52 Shift 5: From Noise to Awareness 24:01 Why Leaders Need Coaches 24:51 Impact Over Action 25:23 Create Time Where None Exists 26:54 Closing: Gratitude, Queer Magic, & Choosing Courage

    29 min

  5. 10/21/2025

    What Happens When a Tech Leader Hits Pause? with D.J. Johnson

    If you're a high-performing leader sensing that it’s time for a break, that there has to be a better way—one that doesn't sacrifice your health, relationships, or sense of self—this conversation is for you. In this episode, we’re going deep with D.J. Johnson, Program Manager for Global Employee Engagement & Experience at Amazon, to talk about his most recent act of courage: taking a sabbatical. DJ shares the lessons he learned during this time of recalibration, how he discovered who he was beneath the hustle, and his intention to break generational cycles. Together, we explore the meaning of heart-centered leadership and it’s role as the ultimate differentiator in an age where AI is leveling the intellectual playing field. Key takeaways: How to spot the signs that you need to slow down and recalibrateThe key qualities of heart centered leadership and what to start practicing nowThe difference between intent and impactThe importance of de-stigmatizing therapy and mental health medicationReady to start leading from your heart? If this episode resonated with you and you're ready to do the inner work to become a more aligned, effective leader, I offer 1:1 coaching for tech leaders navigating transitions, burnout, and the journey to heart-centered leadership. Visit letsgowithjulio.com to learn more. Where to find D.J.: LinkedIn CONNECT: Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com CREDITS: Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠ Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠ 00:00 Introduction 02:38 Finding Community in Heart-Centered Leadership 05:50 Are You Willing to Look Inward? 13:16 How D.J. Knew it was Time to Take a Sabbatical 19:29 Spotting the Signs: Know When You're Moving Too Fast 22:52 Exploring Hobbies & Natural Hair Curl Journey 24:25 Body Image & Self-Acceptance 27:56 Pressures to Be Productive During Time Off 29:51 Uplifting Heart Centered Leaders in Tech 34:12 Managers vs. Leaders 35:17 Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI 38:34 What Is Heart-Centered Leadership? 47:33 Self-Care Tools from D.J.’s Book 50:59 Skills From a First Generation Upbringing 56:36 Intent Does Not Erase Impact 58:21 How Growing Up With Instability Impacts Professional Life 1:00:34 Mental Health: De-stigmatizing Therapy & Medication 01:04:16 Understanding Your Purpose & Living Fully 01:06:52 Forgiveness: The Most Powerful Tool We Can Give Ourselves 01:08:33 Fire Round: Courage, Hope & Accountability 01:10:33 Closing Thoughts: Sharing the Journey

    1h 13m

  6. 10/09/2025

    Showing Up in Spaces That Weren’t Built for You with Chris Mossiah

    If you ever feel like you don't belong, or are struggling with the confidence to show up authentically, this episode is for you. Chris Mossiah, Executive Director at JP Morgan Chase, Out & Equal board member, and Navy veteran, offers hard-won wisdom about what it takes to show up in spaces that weren’t built for you. Chris shares their experience serving during "Don't Ask, Don't Tell”, what prompted them to leave their electronics job, and navigating corporate as a non-binary, Black leader. This conversation goes deep—exploring the power of knowing yourself, reading the room, and leading with both caution and confidence. Key Takeaways: Why reading the energy in the room is not “woo woo”The distinction between confidence and arrogance, and what it means for marginalized leadersThe difference between failure and lessonsPractical strategies for owning your career progression and using your manager effectivelyHow joy can be a form of resistance CONNECT: Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com CREDITS: Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠ Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠ 00:00:00 Introduction to the episode 00:03:16 Do I Want to Be On a Ladder or in a Chair? 00:03:59 In the navy during 9/11 and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell 00:12:25 You Shape a Child by What You Give Them 00:14:33 Failure is a Grade You Get in School 00:18:22 I Don’t Know vs Let’s Find Out 00:19:43 Insights from Mentoring 00:20:46 Moving with Caution But Not Fear 00:22:30 Reading the Energy in the Room 00:24:47 Kindness as a Virtue 00:29:30 Coming Out to Family 00:34:05 Overcoming Intimidation 00:37:02 Confidence vs. Arrogance 00:42:38 How to Read the Room 00:47:03 How to Stay Grounded 00:49:21 Career Ownership: Using Your Manager Well 00:52:27 Compartmentalizing Frustration 00:59:24 Different Responsibility vs. Extra Responsibility 01:01:06 You’re the Only One Who Can Give You What You Need 01:03:26 Joy Will Cleanse Your View 01:04:46 Courage and Hope

    1h 7m

  7. 09/23/2025

    Acts of Courage with Adrian Nuño

    All of us leaders are in the midst of transition right now — and what separates those who do it well is your capacity to stop resisting, to have the hard conversations and to lean into experimentation. That’s why we’re talking with Adrian Nuño, filmmaker, co-host of the Twin Spin podcast, and senior video editor at Motorola. Adrian is a leader that’s been on a journey of growth and self reflection, and my hope is that his story helps unlock more courage in your own life. Adrian takes us to the moment he knew he wanted to try therapy and how he broke generational patterns around mental health and anti-LGBTQ+ stigma in his family. He shares lessons from his journey of deep reflection that started during COVID and continued during his 2 year break from filmmaking. He reflects on his ERG leadership, including the importance of listening and empathy. We talk about our shared search for belonging being first generation in tech. You’ll learn practical lessons and insights around: How do you prioritize relationships over endless hustle?How can you re-engineer your brain to handle failure differently?Why is play essential for creativity and success?How do you pursue passions both inside and outside your day job?What's the difference between focusing on speed versus direction?How do you find courage to do things that scare you? MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Twin Spin: https://open.spotify.com/show/7G7DTDiWqY21Kci0dOHQMN https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/twin-spin/id1524237388 National alliance on mental illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/ Final Frame: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32660376/ Learn more about Adrian: https://www.adriannuno.com/ CONNECT: Follow Julio on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com CREDITS: Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠⁠Nick Deutsch⁠⁠ Produced + edited: ⁠⁠Rikki Gunton⁠⁠ 00:00:00 Introduction to Adrian and the Importance of Reflection00:03:44 Deciding to Go to Therapy00:08:50 How Breaking the Stigma Around Therapy Transformed Adrian’s Family00:15:40 Making Time to Pause and Reflect 00:20:47 Taking a Terrifying 2-Year Break from Filmmaking 00:22:16 Rediscovering Fun in Life00:28:28 Prioritizing Direction Over Speed00:29:51 "Final Frame": The Story Behind Adrian’s Latest Film 00:32:59 Valuing the Relationships in Your Life00:35:20 You Are Bigger Than Your Job00:37:10 Lessons from Leading an LGBTQ+ ERG: Listening, Empathy and Community 00:42:07 Holding Space for Each Other’s Stories00:43:40 Re-Engineering Your Brain to Handle Failure 00:46:47 Do More Things That Scare You00:49:23 The First Time Approaching Someone at a Bar 00:52:39 Making Human Connections00:54:22 Authenticity and Presence Are Becoming Scarce00:56:11 First-Gen Latino Experience in Corporate America 01:05:03 It’s Not Just Who You Know But Who Knows You01:06:18 Be Flexible, Our Career Path’s Aren’t Always Linear1:07:39 Lightning Round: Courage, Hope, and Self-Appreciation

    1h 15m

  8. 08/10/2025

    Conquering Burnout with Dr. Noam Segal

    The data is staggering: 84% of tech workers are burned out, and only 26% consider their managers highly effective. But there’s hope—there's a small group of professionals who've cracked the code on sustainable high performance.In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Noam Segal (psychologist, coach, and Head of UX Research at Zapier) to unpack the groundbreaking findings from the worker sentiment survey he conducted with Lenny Rachitsky. We dive deep into the fascinating mix of emotions tech professionals are experiencing in 2025 and, more importantly, the strategies used by "burnout conquerors”—the 16% who are thriving despite the chaos. You’ll learn: Why burnout isn't a personal failing but "organizational warfare" that requires strategic defenseThe ARMOR framework: 5 research-backed shields against burnoutThe different types of breaks to take for rest and reflectionWhat we should focus on instead of time managementThe importance of this work, especially in the time of AIThis episode is meant to validate that you are not alone in this and to inspire hope that there’s a way forward. Tune in for a practical roadmap from someone who's not only done the research, but walked this path alongside thousands of tech professionals. Mentioned in the episode: Research Findings Kim Scott / Radical Candor Pomodoro Technique Big 5 Personality Traits Lenny’s newsletter Where to Find Noam: Linkedin Maven courses: https://maven.com/ux-quests/uxr-missing-foundationshttps://maven.com/the-disruptive-coach/peak-performance Theme song: "You Are The One" by ⁠Nick Deutsch⁠ Produced + edited: ⁠Rikki Gunton⁠ Connect: Follow the journey on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at ⁠letsgowithjulio.com

    1h 26m
See All (38)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Hi, I’m Julio. After 15 years leading teams at Apple, Google, Tumblr, Airbnb and Lyft — I’m now a coach on a mission to educate, inspire and empower you to unlock your best, most authentic self as a leader. Through conversations, interviews, practical advice, and live coaching, we’ll cover topics like career changes, personal growth, tackling failure, building community, brave leadership, and creating a life you genuinely love. You can expect real talk, laughs, and lots of love as I help you navigate life’s tough questions with a calm head and courageous heart. To learn more or submit a question or topic you’d like to hear covered in the show, visit letsgowithjulio.com/podcast Tune in, buckle up and get ready to bring out your best. Let’s go!

Information

  • Creator
    Julio G. Alvarez
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Julio G. Alvarez
  • Show Website
    LET'S GO WITH JULIO