In this episode, Shanti (she/her) welcomes Ally Sunberg (she/her), a marketing leader and long-time LGBTQ+ workplace advocate. Ally shares her journey of embracing her bisexual identity and navigating what it means to show up authentically in her career. She unpacks the tension between how she naturally presents, her discomfort with traditional “femme” business attire norms, and the assumptions that often lead her into repeated coming-out moments - whether about her sexuality or the significant age difference with her wife. She reflects on formative career experiences - from early conversations about her identity to leading her company’s Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) - that shaped her confidence and her commitment to creating safer spaces for others. She explores how identity, family, and resilience intersect, and how embracing the dynamic “messy middle” has helped her grow as a leader and a person.

Ally Sunberg is a corporate strategist and marketer who leads the development of innovation pipelines for consumer products - from early-stage ideation through feasibility and execution. She is a values-driven leader committed to inclusive leadership and creating space for others to thrive. Ally believes that insight and empathy are as essential as data and discipline.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Ally and Shanti at the campfire:

• Reflecting on the ongoing “scanning” LGBTQ+ people navigate, and how her daughters inspire her to show up without hesitation.
• Recounting the emotional labor of repeated coming-out moments and how leading the Pride ERG helped her take control of her narrative.
• Exploring how marathon training teaches Ally to break life into small, manageable moments.
• Sharing the layered experience of being in a same-sex relationship with a significant age gap.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about the Stories We Haven’t Shared poscast at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH ALLY
LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with Chris Ruden (he/him) - keynote speaker, powerlifter, disability advocate, and competitor on The Rock’s Titan Games. Born with a limb difference and later diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Chris shares how he spent years perfecting the art of hiding - keeping his hand in his pocket, wearing a glove, and meticulously planning ways to blend in. He talks about the weight of ableism, both external and internal, and how unlearning it required facing layers of shame and self-protection he didn’t know he carried. What followed wasn’t a sudden transformation, but a steady reclamation - and the belief that difference itself can be a source of power. Chris also shares how curiosity - his own and others’ - opens the door to inclusion, connection, innovation, and unlocking the best version of ourselves.

Chris Ruden is a transformational keynote speaker, change management expert, author, and disability inclusion advocate. He leverages his story of overcoming adversity to help organizations build trust and resilience - bringing his message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.

Other stories shared by Shanti and Chris at the campfire:

• Exploring how lasting change grows from small, winnable moments that build confidence - encouraging risk-taking and opening the door to possibilities.
• Recounting the middle-school moment when a classmate’s cruel taunting set off years of hiding and self-doubt.
• Discussing that habits are not identity - and the freedom that comes from knowing we can choose differently at any moment.
• Reflecting on a period of numbing that ended with a little girl’s unfiltered love - sparking a cascade that led Chris to share his disability publicly.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t Shared at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH CHRIS
Work With Chris!
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
Book - The Art of Changing Course
Book - The Upper Hand

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with chef Anita Lo (she/her), a gay, Asian, gender-nonconforming woman, Michelin-starred culinary innovator, Food Network competitor, and pioneer in contemporary-American cuisine. Anita reflects on growing up as a person of color and outsider in the Midwest: the taunts she endured, the resilience they fueled, and what it means to succeed on her own terms in an industry eager to define her. She shares how kitchens became a place of belonging despite their relentless pace and demands, and how her intersectional identity shaped her approach to her culinary journey. The conversation closes with the Thrive Takeaway: be tenacious, believe in yourself, and keep moving toward what makes you happy.

Anita Lo is a multiple-award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author - and the first female chef to collaborate on a White House State Dinner. She is currently the Culinary Director of Stylus, a private club on the Lower East Side dedicated to the ephemeral arts (opening early 2026). She also hosts culinary tours around the world with Tour De Forks, a luxury travel company specializing in custom-designed epicurean adventures.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment to get instant clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact: shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment

Other stories shared by Anita and Shanti at the campfire:

• Recounting Anita’s sweltering first kitchen job, where illness and exhaustion gave way to the realization she was exactly where she wanted to be.
• Taking the leap to open the award-winning restaurant, Annisa - and why creative freedom outweighed stability.
• Reflecting on the joy and focus found in the “Tetris rhythm” of the kitchen line.
• Sharing Anita’s quirky passions - from mushroom foraging to unicycling - that fuel her artistry and joy.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for real stories and practical insights on navigating your career as an outsider - and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast!

Learn more about the Stories We Haven’t Shared podcast at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH ANITA
Tour de Forks
Stylus
Instagram
LinkedIn
Anita’s Cookbooks
More About Anita

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

In the Season 2 premiere, host Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with her dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him), to revisit the moment she nervously came out to him. They reflect on how Rondavid met the news by prioritizing Shanti’s happiness, a response that quickly replaced fear with unconditional love and modeled true allyship. The conversation also acknowledges that while Rondavid's acceptance was immediate, many loved ones need time to adjust to reframed expectations - and that patience and grace are part of the journey. Shanti shares how years of secrecy shaped her leadership style, and how bringing her full self to work transformed her career, her teams, and their results. The episode closes with the inaugural Thrive Takeaway, revealing why ‘be yourself; everyone else is already taken’ is a powerful way of operating in work and life.

Rondavid Gold is a retired ad guy who spent 50 years as a copywriter, partner and CEO providing advertising, marketing, branding and PR for clients. He’s a Veteran, published author and active musician. Due to his many interests, a dedicated exercise routine (initiated by his wife) and multiple philanthropic/volunteer efforts, he’s one heck of a busy retired guy.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment to get instant clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact: shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment

Other stories shared by Shanti and her Dad at the campfire:

• Reminiscing about the Yankees rain-delay conversation where Shanti shared why she didn’t plan to have kids - and Rondavid’s evolving thoughts on grandparenthood.
• Remembering Shanti’s stepmom’s light-bulb moment of acceptance and understanding.
• Recounting how Shanti strongly resisted a sales path, until an internship revealed unexpected enjoyment and launched a decades-long career.
• Talking about a charity concert around a historic Rachmaninoff piano - and sharing a perfectly-timed Dad joke.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for real stories and practical insights on navigating your career as an outsider - and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast!

Learn more at storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH RONDAVID GOLD
Book - Because of Eve (Thriller)
Book - Selling (Without Selling)...With Wife, Carol
Rondavid Performs “Shanti and Me”
Rondavid's Website
The Project R Story from Ep. 14
Tuesdays With Shanti’s Dad

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Work with Shanti!

In this Season One wrap-up, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) is joined once again by co-host Mary Tess Rooney (she/her). Together, we revisit the podcast’s founding intention: to create a campfire space and community where underrepresented people feel seen and more powerful as we navigate layered career paths - and invite allies to learn, listen and lead alongside us. We reflect on the stories that took our breath away - including moments of shocking injustice, quiet fear and powerful transformation. We explore the strategies we use to stay safe, the toll of hiding - and the eventual reckoning that leads to purpose-driven change. Tune in to hear more about four key takeaways for reclaiming fulfillment and success: taking small steps toward healing, the grounding power of presence and gratitude, the importance of joy, love, and kindness - and the strength we access through empathy for others. Season One closes with an enduring truth: shared experiences can change the world. Season Two, and a growing circle around the campfire, returns September 18.

Mary Tess Rooney is a teacher, healer, professional coach, retreat leader, speaker and perpetual student. As a 25-year corporate warrior, her executive presence combined with her coaching and Shamanic Reiki healing gifts, uniquely qualifies her to empower others to share their Heart Value and align with what lights them up.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Other stories shared by Mary Tess and Shanti at the campfire:

• Understanding that the guests’ deeply-vulnerable shares offer an amazing opportunity for growth and expansion, since we don’t know how to do better until we know better.
• Recounting how discrimination is often compounded by silence - when no one speaks up or intervenes, the harm deepens.
• Sharing that hiding parts of ourselves is a defensive strategy to feel safe - stemming from fear of judgment, rejection and not belonging.
• Discussing that overperformance is a common survival strategy for outsiders to compensate for not starting on an even playing field, but it’s deeply unsustainable.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH MARY TESS ROONEY
Buy Mary Tess’s Book
Listen to the True Stride Podcast
Work with Mary Tess!

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

In this episode, Shanti sits down with Aaron Abreu (he/him), a Filipino gay man and pastor’s son, for an honest conversation about identity, resilience and navigating career success on your own terms. Aaron shares the emotionally complex experience of coming out in a deeply religious household, the cultural shifts he faced after immigrating to the U.S., and how those events shaped his career path. He openly discusses the power and complexity of Filipino values like community, humility, and resilience — and the ways in which they both lifted and limited him professionally. Aaron speaks about emotional intelligence and the need for strong support systems in building a sustainable, fulfilling career. He highlights the delicate balance between staying true to your identity and adapting to professional norms. His story offers powerful insights for anyone navigating identity in the workplace, building emotional safety on their team - or learning how to advocate for themselves while staying true to who we are at our core.

Aaron Abreu is an executive and leadership coach. Through his work at Cognitus Leadership and Executive Coaching, he helps individuals move from their current state and elevate to the next level. He also works in the healthcare industry as a board certified healthcare executive.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Other stories shared by Aaron and Shanti at the campfire:

• Hearing Aaron’s journey through five failed promotion attempts, and how his cultural values led him to view the setbacks as opportunities for feedback and professional development.
• Discussing the importance of proactively seeking out mentors with shared experiences when navigating career paths as an outsider.
• Exploring how professional systems often reward advocating for ourselves over quiet excellence - and may require cultural adaptation.
• Sharing about how queer professionals often mask parts of their lives to protect against bias, even in casual conversation, which limits our ability to connect and build trust with others.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH AARON ABREU
Work with Aaron!
LinkedIn
Instagram

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!

In this episode, Shanti welcomes Lisa Hurley (she/her), a Black, Caribbean-born woman in her mid-50s with autism and ADHD — who shares her journey as an award-winning activist, writer, podcaster and community builder. Lisa powerfully describes a shocking discriminatory incident on a bus that reveals not only the harm of overt racism, but also the quieter betrayals of silence, gaslighting and complicity. She offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in workplaces that are rarely designed with them in mind, leaving them feeling uncomfortable and isolated. Lisa shares how the compounded stresses of racism, neurodivergence and overwork led her to extreme burnout — and how that moment created a calling to create spaces for deep rest and healing. She offers an inspiring dialogue on reclaiming humanity and kindness, challenging hustle culture, practicing self-care and choosing a gentler way of living.

Lisa Hurley is a 3x Anthem Award-winning activist, writer, and podcaster. She is the author of Space To Exhale, host of Space To Exhale: the Podcast, and the Founder of The Great Exhale: the Community. A powerful voice, she has been recognized as one of the Top 10 anti-discrimination activists worldwide. Her words have been quoted in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Adweek and more.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Other stories shared by Lisa and Shanti at the campfire:

• Hearing Lisa talk about the extra hurt inflicted by gaslighting, saying - “If you're okay with me being harmed, that means that you would probably be okay harming me yourself.”
• Exploring how validation and support are not just about policies — they require cultural shifts in how we listen, believe and adapt to others’ lived realities.
• Brainstorming and laughing about the possibilities of a creative TV collaboration called Breakdown-ish, focused on the career burnout most of us have experienced.
• Discussing how small, joyful rituals - like dancing - can offer an emotional reset in high-pressure work environments – and create a positive ripple effect.

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me to share key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH LISA HURLEY
Order Space to Exhale book
Bulk Order Space to Exhale
Listen to Space to Exhale: The Podcast
Watch Space to Exhale: The Podcast
TikTok
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Work with Shanti!

In this episode, Shanti welcomes back her Dad, Rondavid Gold (he/him), as her first repeat guest. The conversation delves into new stories and layers, including the chaotic promotional advertising event that could have derailed his career (but didn’t), the engagement he walked away from (and the draft notice that followed), his struggles as a new Army recruit - and how near-death experiences in Vietnam shifted his entire worldview. These stories highlight Rondavid’s evolution from a self-centered, hotshot, young ad guy/musician to a fatalist with a deep appreciation for life. He discusses the impact of gratitude, how fatalism helped him live with less stress (but also led to some missed opportunities early on) - and his realization that trusting yourself and taking chances leads to the greatest happiness. Expect laughter, warm father-daughter moments, wisdom - and a roadmap to limiting “I should’ve” moments.

Rondavid Gold is a retired ad guy who spent 50 years as a copywriter, partner and CEO providing advertising, marketing, branding and PR for clients. He’s a Veteran, published author and active musician. Due to his many interests, a dedicated exercise routine (initiated by his wife) and multiple philanthropic/volunteer efforts, he’s one heck of a busy retired guy.

Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.

ACCESS SHANTI’S FREE THRIVING ASSESSMENT TO GET BIG-PICTURE CLARITY ON FOCUS AREAS FOR INCREASED FULFILLMENT, JOY AND IMPACT - https://shantijoygold.com/take-the-thriving-assessment/

Other stories shared by Rondavid and Shanti at the campfire:

• Recounting a bold call to Yamaha Keyboards, proving that bold moves can open unexpected doors.
• Sharing Rondavid’s unexpected, heart-warming song choice - the song he wrote for Shanti - as the one he’d preserve at all costs for future generations.
• Remembering how taking charge of his career gave him creative freedom, reignited his purpose and led to rewarding, memorable moments.
• Telling a short, punny Dad joke (of course).

Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes to receive insights about how to navigate your career as an outsider - and learn more about the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and find me below to share your key takeaways!

Learn more about Stories We Haven’t shared at https://storieswehaventshared.com

CONNECT WITH RONDAVID
Website - All Things Rondavid
Tuesdays With Shanti’s Dad Advice Column
Book - Because of Eve (Mystery/Thriller)
Book - Selling (Without Selling)... With Wife, Carol
The Project R Story from Ep. 14 - Two-Part Blog

CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
LinkedIn
Instagram
Podcast Spotify playlist
Book a Free Discovery Call
Work with Shanti!