Why have "Risky Conversations"? Because everything worthwhile is on the other side of one. In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Cristina Alcalde, professor at Miami University in Ohio, gender and women’s studies scholar, anthropologist, and leadership coach, to pull back the curtain on institutionalized bias.

Recorded in December 2025—just before the devastating events of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota—this conversation provides a hauntingly timely framework for understanding the transition from systemic exclusion to institutional violence.

In this episode, we explored:

• Beyond "Us vs. Them": Why addressing institutional whiteness isn't about attacking people, but about fixing the hidden systems that block everyone from equity.
• The "Illusion Bubble": Why the status quo feels so "natural" to some, while creating moving goalposts for high-achieving women of color.
• Feminist Curiosity: How to stop being "complicit" and start asking the risky question: "Who actually benefits from the status quo?"
• Agency in the Heavy Moments: Navigating institutional hate while holding onto our internal authority and resistance.
• Connecting the Dots: How historical exclusions—like redlining—continue to build the workplace barriers we see today.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Dr. Cristina Alcalde on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-cristina-alcalde-ph-d-24b71b8b/
• Dr. Cristina Alcalde's Faculty Webpage: https://miamioh.edu/profiles/cas/m-cristina-alcalde.html
• Dr. Cristina Alcalde's Website: https://www.crisalcalde.com/
• Donate to Support our St. Paul Public Schools Community Fund https://my.cheddarup.com/c/support-our-st-paul-public-schools-community/items
• Learn more about Jamie's Executive Coaching Services: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/apply

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• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts.

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• Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at jamie@jamieleecoach.com

Have you felt the crushing weight of otherization as the only woman or person of color in the room? Or maybe you've been told you’re "too intense," "not assertive enough," or some other maddening combination of subjective, conflicting feedback at work?

In this episode of Risky Conversations with Jamie Lee, we dive into why these experiences are not personal failings, but symptoms of the systemic injustices we swim in every day.

As a South Korean immigrant living in the U.S., I feel the tension of both: I've gained advantages by understanding how global workplaces function, yet I've also experienced the invisible barriers many marginalized people face, working harder than most, only to be undervalued.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Truth About Intersectional Feminist Coaching: Why traditional "think positive" coaching fails women of color, and how to embrace the paradox of systemic reality versus personal agency.
• The Biology of Bias: How systemic inequities and "otherization" trigger your nervous system and create inherited belief systems that lead to over-functioning.
• Real-World Case Studies: How a woman in the male-dominated construction industry reframed "intensity" into leadership; how a single mother successfully challenged the assessment that she wasn't "technical enough"; and how a BIPOC woman transformed her income and impact by choosing to believe in herself when no one else at work would.
• The Three Votes Strategy: A practical framework to regain your agency—voting for yourself, voting with your tribe, and voting with your feet.

To learn more about my coaching philosophy, process, and pricing, come on over to www.jamieleecoach.com/apply

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

Enjoy the show?

• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts.

Connect with me

• Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at jamie@jamieleecoach.com

Earlier today on January 13, 2026, LinkedIn published an article The 2026 job market: What to know about hiring, confidence and opportunity.

The data is mixed: U.S. job growth is sluggish and many job seekers are feeling stuck where they are but not prepared for the job hunt.

Plus, with a bulk of the growth in the economy happening in the AI infrastructure space, a forward-thinking professional can't help but wonder, "Will I be replaced by AI?"

I'm answering this question head-on in this episode. I talk about what AI is excellent for and what it can't do, and what it means for smart leaders planning ahead.

What you'll learn:

00:00 – AI cannot fully replace human coaching and the value of human insight
01:30 – A quick case study on uncovering human blind spots and parlaying them to build generative intelligence
07:30 – The 2026 job market challenges and the push for AI-integrated skills
12:00 – Importance of discerning wisdom and cognitive agility for future career success
16:30 – Doubling down on humanity and bridge-building as a competitive edge
18:30 – Reflective questions for listeners about uncertainty and growth through human conversations

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

Enjoy the show?

• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts.

Connect with me

• Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at jamie@jamieleecoach.com