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

​Anthony Shop and Thomas Sanchez are the dynamic couple behind Social Driver, a trailblazing digital agency. Anthony, Chair of the National Digital Roundtable and an acclaimed strategist, and Thomas, a celebrated CEO and advocate for inclusion, share their journey from humble beginnings to leading change in technology, diversity, and LGBTQ advocacy. They reveal how their people-centered approach has driven success for top brands and advanced inclusion in business. From lessons learned on a Missouri farm to the boardroom of The Trevor Project, they discuss the power of authenticity in leadership, the impact of fostering trust, and their vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.

This is a special "almost live" episode, recorded on the Sunday before the 2024 election in the United States. Joining Bree for the conversation are Zane Alvarez and Paulo Batista, transgender service members, and Emily Starbuck Gerson, a writer and communications specialist who is also the spouse of a transgender service member. This community has been demonized in the runup to the election and the stakes are incredibly high.

In this episode we discuss what voting means to each of the guests, why it is important, and cover the connection between voting and leadership.

If you haven't yet done so, please go vote!

Guest Biographies

Emily Starbuck Gerson is a native Texan, creative maker, award-winning journalist, and passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ and military communities. She splits her time between working as a freelance writer/editor and serving as the magazine editor and communications & advocacy specialist for Modern Military Association of America. She currently lives in the DC area with her wife, an active duty transgender airman.

Staff Sergeant Zaneford Alvarez is a 30-year-old Transgender Man, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is an Active Duty Soldier who educates on the importance of Transgender Healthcare with a focus of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Petty Officer Paulo Batista is a 40 year old transgender man from Lakeland, Florida. He is an active duty sailor who advocates for military diversity and inclusivity while serving with Honor, Courage and and Commitment.

​Bianca Sprague, Executive Director of Trans Pride DC, shares her incredible journey from hiding her true identity to becoming a powerful advocate for transgender rights. In this episode, Bianca discusses the importance of creating spaces where all identities are celebrated and how her intersectional experiences as a trans woman, Filipina, and immigrant shape her leadership. Bianca describes feeling almost embarrassed to share her mostly positive story, as it seemed to differ from the common narratives of struggle and hardship even though she too faced adversity that honed her leadership skills. Her message of hope and authenticity will resonate with anyone working toward inclusion and equality.

What happens when the darkest parts of your past can fuel your brightest future? Brian Wenke’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Brian, the executive director of It Gets Better, reflects on growing up as a gay teen during the AIDS epidemic, grappling with self-acceptance, and how those early battles led him to champion LGBTQ+ youth. He reveals the magic of storytelling, the thrill of connecting with community, and the lessons learned from a life lived authentically. It’s a conversation that proves that even in our darkest times, there’s always a path to something better.

Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal, shares her journey of overcoming societal and personal barriers as a bisexual leader. Growing up in a conservative environment and later navigating international spaces where her identity had to be hidden, Erin reflects on the challenges of embracing her authentic self. She also explores how biphobia within the LGBTQ+ community fueled her determination to create more inclusive workplaces. Her story is a powerful example of how self-awareness and resilience forge effective leadership. ​This episode dives deep into the importance of authenticity, the power of storytelling, and the evolving role of queer leadership.