What happens when a Gen Zer walks into a workplace that wasn’t built for them… and decides to remix the whole thing? 👀

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Zach Conklin — a 3+1 business student at Elon University earning three degrees in four years (casual flex), juggling multiple jobs, entrepreneurial projects, and a front-row seat to how Gen Z is changing the future of work.

They get into:
✨ Why Gen Z brings an entrepreneurial mindset into every role (not just startups)
✨ Redefining success without the comparison spiral
✨ Why doing one thing really well beats doing everything halfway
✨ Being underestimated for looking young — and how to own your seat at the table
✨ AI, adaptability, and why future leaders need to evolve (or get left behind)
✨ How to stay authentic while learning how to navigate different spaces

It’s honest, funny, thoughtful — and a reminder that you don’t have to follow outdated rules to build a career that actually fits your life.

If you’re a Gen Zer figuring it out, a leader trying to understand the next generation, or someone ready to stop shrinking and start building on your own terms — this one’s for you.

🎙️ Until next time — stay empowered, stay out, and keep building your future on your own terms.

Join me as my friend, Dr. Emily Wassell—award-winning college coach, with 25+ years in education—joins me on Empowered & Out to share game-changing strategies for students and parents. From academic prep to leadership development and mental fitness, she’s got the insights you need!

Find Emily at: http://linkedin.com/in/dremilywassell

And to learn more and to book a free discovery call go to: https://paperbell.me/dr-wassell

Jonathan Barbe is a Certified Life Coach dedicated to empowering LGBT+ professionals and beyond to land careers where they can thrive and be their authentic selves.

Empowered & Out is more than just a podcast about career advice—it’s a movement. A celebration of LGBT+ professionals stepping into their power, owning their worth, and showing the world exactly what we bring to the table.

If you’re ready to level up your career, build confidence, and navigate the workplace with Pride, You’re in the right place!

Book a Free Discovery Call : https://paperbell.me/jmbcoachingllc

Find me on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmbarbe

TikTok : @jmbcoachingllc

Instagram : @jmbcoachingllc

Leading Without a Blueprint — Visibility, Resilience & Authenticity with Dr. Jess Spohn (they/them)

What does it mean to lead when there’s no roadmap for someone like you?

In this powerful episode of Empowered & Out, host Jonathan Barbe sits down with Dr. Jess Spohn (they/them) — a nonbinary, queer, and neurosparkly public health social worker redefining leadership and visibility in social work and beyond.

From turning pronoun mistakes into dance breaks 💃 to navigating discrimination with courage and humor, Dr. Jess shares what it’s really like to build a leadership identity without nonbinary role models — and how visibility itself can be a radical act of resistance and hope.

You’ll hear stories about:

🌈 Leading authentically in systems that weren’t built for you

💬 A real-life discrimination experience that reshaped their advocacy

💃 Reclaiming joy and agency through creativity and humor

🧠 The power of lived recovery experience in leadership and supervision

🔥 Why nonbinary & trans visibility in professional spaces matters now more than ever

Whether you’re an LGBTQ+ professional, an ally, or a leader learning how to make your workplace safer and more inclusive, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with truth, courage, and compassion.

🎧 Tune in now — and if it resonates, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share Empowered & Out to help others lead authentically, too.

🔗 Resources

• Dr. Jess’s publication: Trans and Gender Expansive Invisibility in Social Work Senior Leadership

• Kaleidoscope Wellness Services (OUTLAST Workshop): withkaleidoscope.com

• InsideOut Advocacy: ioadvocacy.org

2026 is the year you stop shrinking.

The year you step into rooms you once felt unqualified for.

The year you finally claim that you are visible, valuable, and chosen.

In this season kickoff episode of Empowered & Out, host Jonathan sets the tone for a powerful year centered on visibility, authenticity, and what prosperity truly means for LGBTQ+ professionals and leaders.

Prosperity isn’t just about money — it’s about identity, belonging, confidence, and making aligned decisions that honor who you really are. Jonathan unpacks why visibility is strategy (not vanity), how to stop minimizing your value, and what it means to choose yourself before waiting for validation.

You’ll also hear a practical “Coach’s Corner” exercise to help you anchor your year with intention and clarity:

“In 2026, I prosper because I choose ______.”

Whether you’re navigating career growth, rebuilding confidence, or learning how to show up more authentically at work, this episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded, and empowered to take up space.

✨ If you’re ready to prosper — not just financially, but personally and professionally — this season is for you.

Left a toxic job but still feel stuck?

Questioning your worth after workplace discrimination?

You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken.

In this week’s episode of Empowered & Out, we’re getting real about the silent damage toxic workplaces leave behind and what it actually takes to rebuild your confidence as an LGBTQ+ professional.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• The lasting impact toxic environments have on your mindset and self-worth
• How exclusion, microaggressions, and gaslighting can make you doubt your own value
• Why reclaiming your confidence is the most powerful move you can make after a toxic experience
• How to unlearn the lies you were told, find real support, and start showing up as your authentic self again

This conversation is raw, honest, and everything you needed to hear but never got in that last job.

And keep your ears open—something big is here for Empowered & Out supporters!

https://patreon.com/empoweredandoutpodcast

In this week's episode of Empowered & Out, we’re diving into the career strategies that help LGBTQ+ professionals not just get noticed—but truly shine. From switching industries with confidence to negotiating like a pro, I’ll share real stories and practical steps to take your career to the next level. Tune in to learn how to stop blending in and start standing out!

Jonathan Barbe is a Certified Life Coach, Empowering LGBTQ+ Professionals and Allies to Find their Purpose, Discover True Happiness, and Land Careers Thriving Being their Authentic Self!

Empowered & Out is more than just a podcast about career advice—it’s a movement. A celebration of LGBTQ+ professionals stepping into their power, owning their worth, and showing the world exactly what we bring to the table.

If you’re ready to level up your career, build confidence, and navigate the workplace with Pride, You’re in the right place!

Book a Free Discovery Call : https://paperbell.me/jmbcoachingllc

Find me on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmbarbe

TikTok : @jmbcoachingllc

Instagram : @jmbcoachingllc

Facebook: @JMB Coaching LLC

This week on Empowered & Out, I’m joined by Nicole Merges, is the founder of Brightsol Wellness and a transformational coach who helps people break free from depression and uncertainty to step into a life of clarity, purpose, and intention. With a unique blend of spiritual life coaching, intuitive energy healing, hypnotherapy, and tarot, Nicole guides others on their journey to personal reinvention. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss! Tune in and get ready to step into your own transformation.

Connect with Nicole on Instagram @coachnicolemerges

Jonathan Barbe is a Certified Life Coach, Empowering LGBTQ+ Professionals and Allies to Find their Purpose, Rediscover True Happiness, and Build Unshakeable Confidence and to Land Careers where they finally feel free to be their Authentic Self!

Empowered & Out is more than just a podcast about career advice—it’s a movement. A celebration of LGBTQ+ professionals stepping into their power, owning their worth, and showing the world exactly what we bring to the table.

If you’re ready to level up your career, build confidence, and navigate the workplace with Pride, You’re in the right place!

Now enrolling: The Empowered & Out Coaching Program, by JMB Coaching LLC.

This program is for LGBTQ+ professionals who are ready to stop shrinking and start thriving.

You’ll get support with career clarity, confidence-building, job search strategy, and living your truth—without compromise.

If you're feeling stuck or ready for a shift, let’s talk.

Book your free discovery call here: https://paperbell.me/jmbcoachingllc

Or message me directly and say you're interested.

Your next bold step starts here.

Find me on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmbarbe

TikTok : @jmbcoachingllc

Instagram : @jmbcoachingllc

Facebook: @JMB Coaching LLC

My guest, Federico Arellano, has built 5 companies, survived 3 epic failures, and still came out on top—winning Facebook’s Best Social Entrepreneurship Award and being named one of Mexico’s most influential LGBTQ+ figures by MIT. Now, as the co-leader of Colmena 41, he’s shaping the future of LGBTQ+ empowerment in Mexico.

But here’s the twist—he hates social media… so he’s building his own.

Don’t miss this one! Drop your questions for Federico in the comments!

So hit follow now and join me for an inspiring, insight-packed episode. See you there!

Jonathan Barbe is a Certified Life Coach dedicated to empowering LGBT+ professionals and beyond to land careers where they can thrive and be their authentic selves.

Empowered & Out is more than just a podcast about career advice—it’s a movement. A celebration of LGBT+ professionals stepping into their power, owning their worth, and showing the world exactly what we bring to the table.

If you’re ready to level up your career, build confidence, and navigate the workplace with Pride, You’re in the right place!

Book a Free Discovery Call : https://paperbell.me/jmbcoachingllc

Find me on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmbarbe

TikTok : @jmbcoachingllc

Instagram : @jmbcoachingllc