Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership

Meet LGBTQ+ superheroes! Explore the nexus of LGBTQ+ identity and leadership development through interviews with leaders in business, government, academia, advocacy, entertainment and more! We'll dive into crucible moments in LGBTQ+ lives, such as stigmatization, coming out, or transition. Understand how leaders transformed what we often view as negative experiences into moments that accelerated their growth into leadership superheroes.

Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership is a science podcast hosted by Forged In Fire, with 78 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Forged In Fire hosts Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership, a science show with 78 episodes published.

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  Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership

  Be Kind, Be Useful with Jeff Marootian

  Sep 8, 202648 min

  What does it mean to lead authentically while creating space for others to thrive? In this episode of Forged in Fire , Liz Cavallaro sits down with Jeff Marootian, President and CEO of UL Standards & Engagement, to explore a leadership journey shaped by public service, identity, mentorship, and a commitment to making people feel welcome. Jeff reflects on coming of age as a gay man during a challenging period for the LGBTQ+ community and how those experiences strengthened his ability to listen, read a room, build trust, and lead with empathy. He shares lessons from his career across local and federal government and discusses why inclusion is not simply a workplace value, but an essential part of building effective organizations and attracting and retaining talented people. The conversation also explores the importance of visible LGBTQ+ leadership, the mentors who helped Jeff recognize that he belonged, and his responsibility to create that same sense of possibility for others. Through moments of adversity, public scrutiny, and organizational leadership, Jeff returns to a simple principle that continues to guide him: “Be kind and be useful.” Jeff’s story offers a reminder that leadership is not only about the position you hold. It is about listening, showing up authentically, breaking down barriers, and helping others see that they belong in the room.

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  Episode #6

  The Stories We Tell: Queer Media, Visibility, and Leadership

  Jul 1, 202634 minS4

  The Stories We Tell Featuring Graham Gremore Every story has the power to shape how we see ourselves and each other. In this episode of Forged in Fire , Robert Garrett and guest co-host Itai Bailey sit down with Graham Gremore , Editor-in-Chief of Queerty, to explore how journalism, media, and authentic storytelling influence LGBTQ+ leadership. Together they discuss: How leading a newsroom differs from leading in the spotlight Why representation in media still matters, even during periods of backlash The evolution of journalism in the age of podcasts, social media, and short-form content Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding the confidence to lead authentically Why the most important stories aren't always the ones with the biggest audience Throughout the conversation, Graham reflects on his journey from freelance writer to editor-in-chief, sharing lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories that help people feel seen. Because leadership isn't always about being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it's about deciding whose voice gets heard.

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  Episode #5

  More Than a Parade: Leadership, Community, and Pride

  Jun 1, 20261h 6mS4

  Behind every Pride celebration is a team of leaders working year-round to build community, create safe spaces, and ensure LGBTQ+ voices are seen and heard. In this special Pride Month episode of Forged in Fire , we sit down with Kenya Hutton of the Center for Black Equity, the organization behind DC Black Pride, and Jessica Laney , President of Pikes Peak Pride. Together, they share what it takes to lead large-scale community organizations, navigate challenges, inspire volunteers, and create meaningful impact for LGBTQ+ communities. From the lessons they've learned as leaders to the moments that remind them why this work matters, this conversation explores leadership at the community level and the power of creating spaces where people can feel seen, valued, and connected. Join us for a discussion about service, resilience, visibility, and what it means to lead with pride.

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  Episode #4

  The Cost of Hiding, The Power of Being Seen with Tammy Smith

  May 1, 202650 minS4

  In this episode of Forged in Fire , we sit down with Major General (Ret.) Tammy Smith, a trailblazing leader whose career was shaped not only by service, but by the courage to lead authentically in moments of profound institutional change. From her early years navigating leadership in a rigid and tradition-bound military, to becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ general officer following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Tammy shares what it means to lead while carrying both visibility and responsibility. She reflects on “leading from the closet,” the personal cost of compartmentalization, and the pivotal moments that forced her to reconcile identity, values, and service. This conversation explores the evolution from honesty to true authenticity, the weight of being first, and the reality that leadership is not just about outcomes, but about how fully you show up. Tammy also offers insight into inclusive leadership, the power of representation, and why resilience continues to drive both the veteran and LGBTQ+ communities forward. This is a conversation about courage, growth, and the kind of leadership that doesn’t separate identity from service—but integrates it fully.

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  Episode #3

  Standing Your Ground: Authentic Leadership and Service with Bree Fram

  Mar 30, 202647 minS4

  In this powerful return to Forged in Fire , retired U.S. Space Force Colonel Bree Fram joins the team—this time on the other side of the mic—to reflect on a leadership journey shaped by service, identity, and courage under pressure. From helping build the Space Force from the ground up to navigating deeply personal and institutional challenges, Bree shares what it truly means to lead with authenticity in environments that don’t always make space for it. The conversation explores the tension between tradition and innovation, the responsibility of leaders to challenge broken systems, and the reality that integrity is often tested in quiet, uncomfortable moments—not just bold, visible ones. Bree offers candid insights into advocating for change from both inside and outside institutions, the emotional weight of public service, and why vulnerability is not weakness, but one of leadership’s greatest strengths. Grounded in lived experience, this episode is a call to action for anyone striving to lead with purpose. Whether you’re in uniform, public service, or your local community, Bree reminds us that leadership isn’t about status or noise—it’s about character, connection, and the courage to stand up, again and again, for what’s right.

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