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
If you ever feel like you don't belong, or are struggling with the confidence to show up authentically, this episode is for you. Chris Mossiah, Executive Director at JP Morgan Chase, Out & Equal board member, and Navy veteran, offers hard-won wisdom about what it takes to show up in spaces that weren’t built for you. Chris shares their experience serving during "Don't Ask, Don't Tell”, what prompted them to leave their electronics job, and navigating corporate as a non-binary, Black leader. This conversation goes deep—exploring the power of knowing yourself, reading the room, and leading with both caution and confidence.
Key Takeaways:
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
00:00:00 Introduction to the episode
00:03:16 Do I Want to Be On a Ladder or in a Chair?
00:03:59 In the navy during 9/11 and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
00:12:25 You Shape a Child by What You Give Them
00:14:33 Failure is a Grade You Get in School
00:18:22 I Don’t Know vs Let’s Find Out
00:19:43 Insights from Mentoring
00:20:46 Moving with Caution But Not Fear
00:22:30 Reading the Energy in the Room
00:24:47 Kindness as a Virtue
00:29:30 Coming Out to Family
00:34:05 Overcoming Intimidation
00:37:02 Confidence vs. Arrogance
00:42:38 How to Read the Room
00:47:03 How to Stay Grounded
00:49:21 Career Ownership: Using Your Manager Well
00:52:27 Compartmentalizing Frustration
00:59:24 Different Responsibility vs. Extra Responsibility
01:01:06 You’re the Only One Who Can Give You What You Need
01:03:26 Joy Will Cleanse Your View
01:04:46 Courage and Hope
All of us leaders are in the midst of transition right now — and what separates those who do it well is your capacity to stop resisting, to have the hard conversations and to lean into experimentation. That’s why we’re talking with Adrian Nuño, filmmaker, co-host of the Twin Spin podcast, and senior video editor at Motorola. Adrian is a leader that’s been on a journey of growth and self reflection, and my hope is that his story helps unlock more courage in your own life.
Adrian takes us to the moment he knew he wanted to try therapy and how he broke generational patterns around mental health and anti-LGBTQ+ stigma in his family. He shares lessons from his journey of deep reflection that started during COVID and continued during his 2 year break from filmmaking. He reflects on his ERG leadership, including the importance of listening and empathy. We talk about our shared search for belonging being first generation in tech.
You’ll learn practical lessons and insights around:
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Twin Spin:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7G7DTDiWqY21Kci0dOHQMN
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/twin-spin/id1524237388
National alliance on mental illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
Final Frame: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32660376/
Learn more about Adrian:
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
00:00:00 Introduction to Adrian and the Importance of Reflection
00:03:44 Deciding to Go to Therapy
00:08:50 How Breaking the Stigma Around Therapy Transformed Adrian’s Family
00:15:40 Making Time to Pause and Reflect
00:20:47 Taking a Terrifying 2-Year Break from Filmmaking
00:22:16 Rediscovering Fun in Life00:28:28 Prioritizing Direction Over Speed
00:29:51 "Final Frame": The Story Behind Adrian’s Latest Film
00:32:59 Valuing the Relationships in Your Life
00:35:20 You Are Bigger Than Your Job
00:37:10 Lessons from Leading an LGBTQ+ ERG: Listening, Empathy and Community
00:42:07 Holding Space for Each Other’s Stories
00:43:40 Re-Engineering Your Brain to Handle Failure
00:46:47 Do More Things That Scare You
00:49:23 The First Time Approaching Someone at a Bar
00:52:39 Making Human Connections
00:54:22 Authenticity and Presence Are Becoming Scarce
00:56:11 First-Gen Latino Experience in Corporate America
01:05:03 It’s Not Just Who You Know But Who Knows You
01:06:18 Be Flexible, Our Career Path’s Aren’t Always Linear
1:07:39 Lightning Round: Courage, Hope, and Self-Appreciation
The data is staggering: 84% of tech workers are burned out, and only 26% consider their managers highly effective. But there’s hope—there's a small group of professionals who've cracked the code on sustainable high performance.In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Noam Segal (psychologist, coach, and Head of UX Research at Zapier) to unpack the groundbreaking findings from the worker sentiment survey he conducted with Lenny Rachitsky. We dive deep into the fascinating mix of emotions tech professionals are experiencing in 2025 and, more importantly, the strategies used by "burnout conquerors”—the 16% who are thriving despite the chaos.
You’ll learn:
This episode is meant to validate that you are not alone in this and to inspire hope that there’s a way forward. Tune in for a practical roadmap from someone who's not only done the research, but walked this path alongside thousands of tech professionals.
Mentioned in the episode:
Where to Find Noam: Linkedin
Maven courses: https://maven.com/ux-quests/uxr-missing-foundationshttps://maven.com/the-disruptive-coach/peak-performance
Theme song: "You Are The One" by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
00:00:03 Introduction to Noam and the Burnout Crisis
00:03:00 Introduction to the Study
00:06:45 How the Research Began
00:12:08 The Surprising Founder Finding
00:15:23 In-Office, Hybrid, Remote
00:17:43 Four Key Takeaways from the Data
00:26:07 Working with Lenny
00:30:02 Introducing the ARMOR Framework
00:33:12 Autonomy
00:35:21 Rock Solid Boundaries
00:35:46 Rhythmic, Reflective and Restorative Breaks
00:46:56 Maintenance Rituals
00:49:59 Personality Traits Advantages Across the Eras
00:51:16 Openness to Experience
00:53:42 Original Thinking
00:58:21 Role Architecture
00:59:33 Time Management vs Energy Management
01:02:49 Are You a Burnout Conqueror?
01:07:03 Imposter Syndrome
01:13:50 The Future of Work & AI
01:20:42 Lightning Round
This episode is for anyone dealing with job loss, having anxiety about layoffs, or managers navigating these difficult conversations.
I offer perspective and real talk from someone who's been on both sides of that table. I share my own journey getting fired 4 times — from Apple, Google, Tumblr, and Airbnb and give some compassionate guidance for navigating this particular type of trauma.
You’ll walk away with:
This is just one chapter in your journey and you don’t have to go through it alone. It can be your greatest teacher—if you let it.
Share this episode with a friend, teammate, or manager who needs a human‑first take on layoffs. Together we’re building a braver, kinder world—one open‑hearted leader at a time.
Listen to Braving Big Tech
Theme song: "You Are The One" by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
Do you feel like the pace of change is faster and more intense than anything you've experienced before? You're certainly not alone. Join me and Bill Kirst, a change management expert at Adobe and former military officer, as we dive into his powerful framework that “change happens to you, through you, and for you.” We explore trust as the cornerstone of any social contract, why leaders are burning out, and what it really takes to lead change in the age of AI. Bill shares practical advice for leaders and reveals the question every leader should ask their team.
Mentioned in the episode:
Where to find Bill:
Theme song: "You Are The One" by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
Did you know that every 45 seconds, at least one LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. attempts suicide? I know. It almost happened to me. That’s why I’m sitting here today, on the couch with my mom, Gigi, at the start of Season 3, as we close out Pride Month with an intimate, powerful conversation about acceptance and love.
You’ll hear both sides of my coming out story—the fears, the struggles, and the unwavering love that ultimately saved me. My mom, a cis, straight white woman, openly shares her journey of navigating my queerness with compassion and strength, despite the resistance around her. She offers invaluable insights for parents who may be unsure of how to support their queer children, emphasizing the vital importance of acceptance.
This episode is for leaders, advocates, parents, and anyone who wants to better understand and support LGBTQ+ youth. Our dialogue provides practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement, demonstrating how acceptance isn’t just life-affirming—it can be life-saving.
For more information on the Trevor Project, visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Theme song: "You Are The One" by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
After getting advice from a mentor, spending a week at a personal growth retreat, and taking some time off work, I started a new chapter. I entered a new role at Lyft with more self awareness, agency, and intention. After COVID turned the business, and the world, upside down, I had to confront a hard truth: leaders aren’t prepared for what’s to come. In an experiment of surrender, I discovered my true calling: empowering others to lead from their heart.
Theme song: “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
I landed a job at Airbnb and was thrown into the chaos that is typical for a fast growing start up, pre IPO. I did career defining work there, and tried hard to influence, but didn't have the tools or self awareness to navigate the company politics. The rejections really started to wear on me and I was driven to the darkest moment of my life.
Theme song: “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Part 5 drops on Sunday, April 13th
Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
This episode discusses themes of substance abuse. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is available and healing is possible.
To get back on my feet quickly, I rushed into a new role at Tumblr, where I was tasked with ensuring the success of an acquisition. As corporate procedures clashed with the culture of a low key start up, I started to feel less engaged at work. To ease the growing pain of past rejections, I turned to numbing behaviors, counterfeit connections, and lashing out at the office.
Theme song: “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
This episode discusses themes of substance abuse. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for support. Help is available and healing is possible.
I joined Google during the glory days of tech. I was living the dream, working with extraordinary people on iconic projects, until I clashed with a new manager and was put on a PIP in London. I talk with former co-workers about situational leadership, the importance of good team dynamics, and asking for help.
Theme song: “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
In this first episode, I confront the emotional armor I developed to survive a turbulent childhood. My ambition led me to my first job at Apple, a formative experience and rare opportunity to learn about the Apple brand from the inside. But I struggled to make an impact or feel heard by my manager, and my insecurity and frustration got the best of me. Reflecting on these events, I can take responsibility for my part and share lessons from my first real leadership test.
Theme song: “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
Connect: Follow the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
Want to bring this kind of real talk to your company or stage? Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
How do you get fired from a dream job…four times in a row? Join me for Braving Big Tech—a 5-part audio series where I take you behind the scenes of my time working at Apple, Google, Tumblr, Airbnb, and Lyft. Through raw, unfiltered conversations with friends, family, and former co-workers (including people who hired and fired me) you’ll hear the real story and timely lessons on leadership, healing, and resilience.
In a world moving faster than ever—where AI, layoffs, and disconnection are reshaping work—how do we lead with courage right now? How can we find our way as leaders in these uncertain times? Tune in, and together we’ll slow down, re-define failure, and bring humanity back into leadership. Let’s go!
Subscribe to the LET’S GO WITH JULIO Podcast.
Season 02 begins March 16th.
In the meantime, stay in touch on Instagram or on LinkedIn or visit www.letsgowithjulio.com to learn more.
Music credit: The song is “Breaking Out” by Nick Deutsch, a brave elementary school music teacher and singer songwriter. Find him wherever you stream music.
Happy New Year — and welcome to the last episode of Season 1!
We’re going to set ourselves up for a strong 2024 in this episode with clear steps to help you build the life you want. That means going easy on ourselves, doing the work to heal, clarifying our intention, connecting to something greater than ourselves, and more.
My wish for you is that you find wisdom and tools that help you weather whatever this year has in store.
And stay tuned — we’ve learned so much these last 20 episodes and we’re hard at work on Season 2. Can’t wait for you to hear it!
In the meantime, stay in touch on Instagram @letsgowithjulio or on LinkedIn. I will be sharing content for leaders there in preparation for the next season.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Kristin Neff on Self Compassion
Lighter by Young Pueblo
Build the Life You Want by Arthur Brooks & Oprah Winfrey
In 2018, watching old reruns of the Oprah Show, I learned about the still, small voice that is always speaking to us. Our work is to get quiet enough to hear that voice, and follow its guidance. In this episode I share the story of what first led me to Oprah, how I applied this teaching to my life, and the recent opportunity I got to spend the day with her and Gayle!
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How can you give yourself permission to be more creative in your life? That’s what our guest Grey Jacks is here to help us with. As a creative coach and recording artist, he has helped leaders (like me) tap into our innate creativity, deal with doubt, and stay curious along the creative journey. Grey explains what it’s like to be in creative flow, how to nourish a creative seed, and his experience with creative partnerships. I hope this conversation gets your creative juices flowing and gives you the inspiration to see yourself more creatively.
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Holidays are here — and this is your invitation to approach the season with kind boundaries, clear expectations and lots of gratitude. In this episode I share actionable tips for managing stress, taking time off, predicting triggers, and staying resilient. Take notes and share with others who may benefit as we all prepare for the holiday!
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On October 28th I had the privilege of giving a talk at TEDx Harlem. In this episode, I tell the story of how I got my spot on the TEDx stage, my creative process at the one month, one week, one day and one minute marks, and my key takeaways. I share tips for overcoming fear and remind us of the importance of moving with the flow of life.
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Aaron Hurst is a serial social entrepreneur and a leading expert on the science of purpose and fulfillment at work. He is the founding CEO of Imperative, founder of the Taproot Foundation, and bestselling author of The Purpose Economy. In this episode, I talk with Aaron about what purpose is and isn’t, the importance of quiet, and surviving burnout. Aaron explains the importance of reflection for meaning making, how to know if you’re coachable, and how to ask for, and offer, help.
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Did you know that the most compassionate leaders are also the most boundaried? This episode will empower you to set boundaries for yourself. We go through the steps to identify, communicate and maintain boundaries as well as help you get clear on where there may be an opportunity for boundary-setting in your life. Try the tools on and establish that kind clarity in your life!
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