
What does it really mean to shift culture from the inside out?
In this powerful first part of a two-part series, Leah C. Murphy, CEO of Career Gems for the Journey, sits down with Dominic George—a seasoned talent strategist, executive coach, and DEI leader—to unpack the realities of showing up authentically in professional spaces, especially as a Black man navigating corporate systems.
Dominic gets real about the unspoken pressures, emotional labor, and leadership masks that many professionals of color are expected to wear. He also shares what it takes to stop code-switching, lead with authenticity, and build inclusive cultures where people don’t just survive—they thrive.
Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you show up and how you use your influence to shift culture for good.
In this episode:💎 Why showing up authentically is a radical act in some environments
💎 The hidden costs of code-switching and how to reclaim your voice
💎 The importance of self-reflection and internal alignment before influencing others
💎 What leaders must unlearn to create psychologically safe teams
💎 How career success and cultural change can go hand-in-handMAKE YOUR JOURNEY WORK FOR YOU!
Stay Connected:
🎟️ Secure your spot at the 2nd Annual Career & Care Summit!
✨ Early bird tickets are available now
💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth.
💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!
💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on YouTube for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations.
💎 Visit gemsforthejourney.org for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.
About Our Guest
Dominic George is a leadership strategist, real estate developer, and founder of Vision Leadership for Life, a coaching company that empowers Black men to lead with clarity, confidence, and emotional wellness. His work bridges personal growth with community transformation by challenging outdated models of success and redefining what it means to lead with purpose.
Dominic combines trauma-informed coaching, spiritual insight, and executive mentorship to help high-performing individuals build legacies rooted in healing and impact. He is a respected voice on Black male leadership, mental resilience, and purpose-driven living.He is also the author of Just Lead: The No-Fluff Playbook for Leadership in Real Life, a practical and empowering guide for leaders who are ready to move beyond outdated playbooks. With real-world insights and actionable strategies, the book challenges readers to lead with integrity, courage, and authenticity—especially in environments where conformity often overshadows true leadership.