Hi, I’m Julio. After 15 years leading teams at Apple, Google, Tumblr, Airbnb and Lyft — I’m now a coach on a mission to educate, inspire and empower you to unlock your best, most authentic self as a leader.
Through conversations, interviews, practical advice, and live coaching, we’ll cover topics like career changes, personal growth, tackling failure, building community, brave leadership, and creating a life you genuinely love.
You can expect real talk, laughs, and lots of love as I help you navigate life’s tough questions with a calm head and courageous heart.
To learn more or submit a question or topic you’d like to hear covered in the show, visit letsgowithjulio.com/podcast
Tune in, buckle up and get ready to bring out your best. Let’s go!
Hi, I’m Julio. After 15 years leading teams at Apple, Google, Tumblr, Airbnb and Lyft — I’m now a coach on a mission to educate, inspire and empower you to unlock your best, most authentic self as a leader.
Through conversations, interviews, practical advice, and live coaching, we’ll cover topics like career changes, personal growth, tackling failure, building community, brave leadership, and creating a life you genuinely love.
You can expect real talk, laughs, and lots of love as I help you navigate life’s tough questions with a calm head and courageous heart.
To learn more or submit a question or topic you’d like to hear covered in the show, visit letsgowithjulio.com/podcast
Tune in, buckle up and get ready to bring out your best. Let’s go!
If you're a high-performing leader sensing that it’s time for a break, that there has to be a better way—one that doesn't sacrifice your health, relationships, or sense of self—this conversation is for you.
In this episode, we’re going deep with D.J. Johnson, Program Manager for Global Employee Engagement & Experience at Amazon, to talk about his most recent act of courage: taking a sabbatical.
DJ shares the lessons he learned during this time of recalibration, how he discovered who he was beneath the hustle, and his intention to break generational cycles. Together, we explore the meaning of heart-centered leadership and it’s role as the ultimate differentiator in an age where AI is leveling the intellectual playing field.
Key takeaways:
Ready to start leading from your heart? If this episode resonated with you and you're ready to do the inner work to become a more aligned, effective leader, I offer 1:1 coaching for tech leaders navigating transitions, burnout, and the journey to heart-centered leadership. Visit letsgowithjulio.com to learn more.
Where to find D.J.: LinkedIn
CONNECT:
Follow Julio on Instagram and LinkedIn
Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
CREDITS:
Theme song: "You Are The One" by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
00:00 Introduction
02:38 Finding Community in Heart-Centered Leadership
05:50 Are You Willing to Look Inward?
13:16 How D.J. Knew it was Time to Take a Sabbatical
19:29 Spotting the Signs: Know When You're Moving Too Fast
22:52 Exploring Hobbies & Natural Hair Curl Journey
24:25 Body Image & Self-Acceptance
27:56 Pressures to Be Productive During Time Off
29:51 Uplifting Heart Centered Leaders in Tech
34:12 Managers vs. Leaders
35:17 Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI
38:34 What Is Heart-Centered Leadership?
47:33 Self-Care Tools from D.J.’s Book
50:59 Skills From a First Generation Upbringing
56:36 Intent Does Not Erase Impact
58:21 How Growing Up With Instability Impacts Professional Life
1:00:34 Mental Health: De-stigmatizing Therapy & Medication
01:04:16 Understanding Your Purpose & Living Fully
01:06:52 Forgiveness: The Most Powerful Tool We Can Give Ourselves
01:08:33 Fire Round: Courage, Hope & Accountability
01:10:33 Closing Thoughts: Sharing the Journey
