Queering Leadership with Liz Cruz: Accessing Our Humanity and Disrupting the Status Quo

In this episode, Shanti interviews Liz Cruz (they/them/she/her), a genderqueer, femme, healer, witch, white anti-racist and critic of capitalism. Liz talks about factors that played into her career, including her relentless work ethic - rooted in growing up in an entrepreneurial family - as well as the divide between her vibrant queer community life and the more constrained corporate spaces, where she never felt fully seen. She then confronts a tumultuous period that pushes her to her limits and leads her to step away from corporate and toward her dream of being a queer leadership coach. As she takes this leap, she learns important lessons about grief and letting go - and emerges with a sense of freedom, strength and alignment. Liz shares that “the time is always right to center our own humanity,” reminding us that the path to thriving can be found in reconnecting to our unique needs and values - and disrupting status quo narratives.

Liz Cruz is a queer leadership coach, facilitator and consultant. She’s been in leadership development for over 15 years - and works across the corporate, nonprofit and public sectors. In addition to 1:1 coaching, she co-founded the Queer Leadership Lab with other amazing practitioners, offering a dedicated space for queer folks to work on leadership development.

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 Liz and Shanti at the campfire: 

• Discussing how highly-challenging  "crucible" experiences are often where we realize our most profound growth, laying the groundwork for the next, truer chapter.
• Listening to Liz’s thoughtful discussion of the words we use to define our intersectionality - exploring the layers of meaning and the power of language for disruption.
• Sharing the advice to get support before you hit the wall, since practicing at low-stakes moments prepares us for bigger challenges.
• Recognizing when it’s time to move on from toxic work environments in order to preserve our well-being and help align with our true purpose.

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 LIZ CRUZ
Queer Leadership Lab
Work 1:1 with Liz!
Liz’s 5-day Imposter Syndrome Breakthrough Challenge!
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CONNECT WITH SHANTI JOY GOLD
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