The Podcast

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. Tune in, buckle up and get ready to bring out your best. Let’s go!

Have a question or topic you’d like to hear covered in the show?

Ep. 20: Build the Life You Want in 2024
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 20: Build the Life You Want in 2024

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.

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Ep. 19: Following That Still, Small Voice
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 19: Following That Still, Small Voice

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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Ep. 18: On Finding Creativity With Grey Jacks
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 18: On Finding Creativity With Grey Jacks

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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Ep. 17: Preparing for the Holidays
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 17: Preparing for the Holidays

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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Ep. 16: Thanks for Coming to My TED Talk
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 16: Thanks for Coming to My TED Talk

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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Ep. 15: On Finding Purpose With Aaron Hurst
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 15: On Finding Purpose With Aaron Hurst

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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Ep. 14: Clear is Kind - Tips on Setting Boundaries
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 14: Clear is Kind - Tips on Setting Boundaries

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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Ep. 13: The Business of Belonging
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 13: The Business of Belonging

After attending this year’s Out & Equal Summit, the largest LGBTQ+ and Allies workplace conference in the world, I’m reflecting on the business of belonging. In this episode, I share five lessons from the conference to inspire leaders to create a more inclusive, empathetic, and loving work environment.

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Ep. 12: Gratitude as Your Pathway to Joy
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 12: Gratitude as Your Pathway to Joy

Cultivating a mindset of gratitude can lead to a profound sense of joy and fulfillment in life. By actively practicing gratitude and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives, we can shift our focus away from what we lack, and instead emphasize the abundance and goodness that surrounds us. Today we'll delve into the heart of why gratitude isn't just a fleeting habit but a strategic tool for leaders like you. We’ll explore the art of embracing the present and finding joy in the simplicity of everyday moments. It's time to make gratitude your compass – guiding you towards a life with more joy and meaning.

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Ep. 11: The Midlife Chrysalis (Lessons From the Modern Elder Academy)
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 11: The Midlife Chrysalis (Lessons From the Modern Elder Academy)

Last week I went to the Modern Elder Academy, a new school dedicated to helping people navigate midlife and beyond. Surrounded by the beauty of Baja, I was with 21 others as we dove into the wisdom and experience of our lives alongside teachers Chip Conley, Light Watkins, and Christine Sperber. In this episode, I lay out the key lessons I’m taking with me, from how to reframe the midlife crisis to prioritizing presence, to asking for help, and more. Wisdom and experience have never been more important. My hope is that you walk away inspired to take time away and cultivate the tools to help you navigate your next chapter.

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Ep. 10: The Voice in Your Head
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 10: The Voice in Your Head

Think about the voice in your head - is it kind or harsh? Is it the voice of a critic or a coach? So many leaders struggle with negative self talk that isn’t serving them. In this episode, I talk about the steps I take when confronted with negative thoughts. This is an opportunity to slow down, get curious, and make a conscious decision not to attach to these thoughts. By embracing this compassionate mindset, we can find deeper connection with ourselves and others.

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Ep. 9: It’s OK Not to Be OK (A Conversation With My Mom)
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 9: It’s OK Not to Be OK (A Conversation With My Mom)

Processing difficult emotions is a journey — one that we’re all familiar with. In episode 03, I talked about how I was processing the sudden news that my mom was losing her home after 14 years. In this episode, she joins us to share her perspective, how she’s doing after the move, and how she’s getting through this difficult moment in her life. I hope you find my mom as resilient, loving, and powerful as I do.

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Ep. 8: Why I Became a Coach
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 8: Why I Became a Coach

In this episode I tell the story of why I became a coach - what motivated me to leave tech and what drew me to the work I do now. Whether you’re contemplating a career shift, seeking personal growth, or yearning for alignment with your purpose, my hope is that you gain valuable insights into embracing change and uncovering the potential that awaits.

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Ep. 7: One Day or Day One?
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 7: One Day or Day One?

What’s the idea that’s been on your mind — the one you’ve been pushing back, delaying, waiting for the “right” moment to pursue? In this episode I encourage you, with tangible steps, to make today day one!

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Ep. 5: Awareness Intelligence - Embracing AI as a Leader
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 5: Awareness Intelligence - Embracing AI as a Leader

In this episode, I share my thoughts on AI alongside an exploration of another kind of AI: Awareness Intelligence. We unravel the mindset required to embrace AI and highlight the importance of using our inner compass to navigate uncharted territory.

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Ep. 4: Rising Stronger After a Layoff
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 4: Rising Stronger After a Layoff

In this episode, I'll share my best advice on how to cope with the emotional and practical challenges of a layoff, including how to manage your thoughts and feelings, how to reframe the situation as an opportunity for growth, and how to stay connected with your purpose and values.

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Ep. 3: Processing Difficult Emotions
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 3: Processing Difficult Emotions

As I help my family deal with a sudden change, I’m learning a lot about my ability to process emotion. In this episode I take you on a journey of navigating difficult emotions through a coach’s mindset. I hope you’ll relate in some way to this story and walk away with a fresh perspective for the next time you bump up against change.

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Ep. 2: Leading With Your Heart
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 2: Leading With Your Heart

The journey of leading with your heart begins with an intention to be vulnerable, to practice compassion, and to cultivate connection with yourself first. My hope is that you walk away feeling compelled to try leading with your heart as much as your head. 

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Ep. 1: The Me You Can’t See
Julio Alvarez Julio Alvarez

Ep. 1: The Me You Can’t See

Turning towards our story and owning it is the bravest thing we can do as leaders. What I now recognize as a coach: we're all made of strength and struggle. That's how life works. So, we start this journey with my struggle – and how I used it to step into what's next.

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