Game designer and USC professor Gordon Bellamy shares how embracing his intersecting identities—from queer mathlete to Madden NFL innovator—shaped his leadership philosophy. He describes trusting his team enough to take a bold risk (shipping the game with unconfirmed NFL player rights) and highlights how champion mindsets spark breakthroughs in creativity. Throughout, Gordon underscores the importance of communal care, empathy, and authenticity, explaining how simple acts of safety-building empower people to do their best work. By weaving his personal journey with insights on resilience and hope, Gordon invites listeners to cultivate spaces where everyone can show up fully—and flourish together.

Brian Sims—civil rights advocate, former Pennsylvania state legislator, and current CEO of Agenda PAC—to discuss how adversity shapes extraordinary leadership. Brian traces his roots as the son of two Army Officers, recalling a childhood shaped by frequent moves and a powerful mother figure who taught him the value of service, resilience, and challenging inequity. As he shares his coming-out journey, Brian highlights how his closeted years—though not always traumatic—helped him cultivate empathy, a skill he later carried into both sports and politics.

As transgender military service is likely to take center stage in early 2025, we wrap up Season 2 with Captain Trey Wirth of the U.S. Coast Guard. Trey takes us on an extraordinary journey of leadership forged through adversity. From responding to major disasters to breaking barriers as an openly transgender officer, Captain Wirth reveals the strength and determination it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments while staying true to oneself. This episode is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the unique value of diverse leadership. Be inspired by Captain Wirth's story of forging new paths, uplifting others along the way, and living up to the Coast Guard Motto to be Always Ready.
​Note: This episode was recorded prior to the presidential election of 2024