Judgment is sneaky—it wears the disguise of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and hustle. And the most dangerous part? We often don’t even realize it’s there. 

In this episode of The Ownership Game, Gary Montalvo is joined by transformational coach and leadership expert Dawn Speaks to explore how judgment silently corrodes self-worth, derails potential, and keeps us from showing up fully in our lives.

Together, they unpack how inherited beliefs, cultural conditioning, and internalized voices from the past shape our behavior and identity. You'll learn how judgment isn't just a thought—it’s an operating system. But the good news? It can be dismantled.

If you've ever performed strength while struggling, avoided action because you feared being “too much,” or secretly believed success needs to be earned through suffering—this conversation is your invitation to break free.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Judgment is identity-shaping. Most of our limiting beliefs stem from old stories that we've never stopped to question.
• High performers aren’t immune. Accomplishment doesn’t mean you’ve outrun judgment—it often means it’s gotten sneakier.
• Inherited beliefs aren’t yours. Much of what we think is “just who I am” is actually borrowed from family, culture, or trauma.
• Working hard ≠ worthiness. Hustle can be a trauma response in disguise.
• Transformation starts with awareness. You can’t dismantle what you don’t see.

Chapters:

00:00 Opening Reflections: The voice in your head isn't your own

03:20 Introducing Dawn Speaks: A powerful voice in leadership and transformation

08:00 Coaching Entrepreneurs: Fear, capacity, and breaking internal ceilings

13:30 The Real Voice of Judgment: Would you let someone else talk to you that way?

18:40 The Hustle Trap: How “working hard” can be a mask for unworthiness

24:00 Presence vs. Productivity: Why slowing down can move you forward

27:30 Money Shame & Inherited Stories: Judgment’s grip on our financial identity

33:00 Discovery vs. Defensiveness: Fighting for your limitations

38:00 Boundaries, Bravery & Saying “No”: Empowerment without apology

46:00 Invitation to the Event: Beyond Circumstances—July 26th in NYC

55:00 Final Thoughts: Bringing discernment with compassion

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Connect with Dawn:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dspeaksleo/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.speaks.77

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnspeaks/

Please Note: Beyond Circumstances: Dawn and Gary's one-day training in NYC has been rescheduled to October 11th. https://beyondcircumstancesnyc.com/

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