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!
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