Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership · 2026-02-02 · 1h 3m
Season Four of Forged in Fire begins by turning the spotlight inward. In this welcome episode, host Liz Cavallaro is joined by rotating co-host Itay Bailey and members of the Forged in Fire volunteer team for a candid, reflective conversation about the leadership culture behind the season. Rather than focusing on titles or credentials, this episode explores the yes moments - the personal, often quiet decisions that lead people to step up, serve, and build something meaningful together. Executive Producer Kirsten Pecua , guest researcher Trinity Downing , and guest relations lead Robert Garrett share why they said yes to this work, how lived experience shapes their leadership, and what it looks like to lead without recognition, authority, or a microphone. Together, they reflect on empathy, trust, patience, burnout, boundaries, and the kind of leadership that happens behind the scenes - especially in uncertain times. This episode sets the tone for Season Four: leadership shaped through challenge, reflection, and lived experience, built by people who believe leadership begins long before a title and often without applause.
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