079: Forging Queer Leaders with Bree Fram and Liz Cavallaro

In this episode of Evolve: A New Era of Leadership, I'm joined by Bree Fram and Liz Cavallaro, co-authors of the recently published book "Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity." Bree and Liz share their profound insights on the unique leadership qualities fostered within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Bree Fram is an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, and active duty colonel and astronautical engineer in the United States Space Force. She co-leads the Department of the Air Force LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team, dedicated to eliminating barriers to LGBTQ+ military service in the Air and Space Force. 

Liz Cavallaro is an Executive Coach, Adult Development Scholar, Educator, and Leader Development Practitioner. She is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Leader Development at the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC), where she conducts research, builds curriculum, and teaches courses in the College of Leadership & Ethics. Together, Bree and Liz explore the intersection of personal adversity and leadership growth in their book, providing a comprehensive look at how the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community can lead to exceptional leadership qualities.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The Power of Adversity: Bree and Liz discuss how the experiences of adversity within the LGBTQIA+ community forge stronger, more resilient leaders. They emphasize the transformative power of facing and overcoming discrimination and stigma. 💪🌈
  
  

• Vertical Development: Liz explains the concept of vertical development, where individuals expand their cognitive and emotional capacities through challenging experiences, leading to more sophisticated and resilient leadership. 📈🧠
  
  

• Authenticity in Leadership: Bree shares her personal journey of embracing her authentic self, highlighting how authenticity leads to deeper connections and more effective leadership. 🌟💬
  
  

• Inclusive Leadership: The conversation delves into practical strategies for creating inclusive environments in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of allyship and structural support for marginalized communities. 🤝🏳️‍🌈
  
  

• Joy in Authenticity: Bree and Liz highlight the joy that comes from living authentically and the importance of fostering environments where everyone can bring their true selves to work. 😊🌼
  
  

• Allyship and Support: The episode includes powerful stories of allyship and the positive impact of having supportive friends and colleagues during challenging times. 🤗👫
  
  

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro

• 03:57 The Birth of 'Forging Queer Leaders'

• 07:28 Exploring the Unique Challenges and Strengths of LGBTQ Leaders

• 14:18 The Concept of Vertical Development

• 25:25 The Role of Allyship and Inclusivity

• 33:37 Inspiration and Contribution

• 35:54 Moments That Matter: Creating Inclusive Environments

• 38:49 Practi