Episode 46

Empowered & Out with Guest Mary Ellen Murrah

Published on: 18th November, 2025

Lead & Belong — Showing Up Fully at Work (with Mary Ellen Murrah)

Guest: Mary Ellen Murrah — Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Vista Consulting; co-owner, Groundwater Creative; proud Baltimorean; mom of two; fierce alto.

What we cover

  • Coming out later in life while already in senior leadership
  • Speaking up in male-dominated, “stiff” industries
  • The power of queer spaces (chorus!) to build resilient leaders
  • Holiday boundary-setting with family (the Christmas Eve dinner)
  • Empathy at work: modeling grace without losing standards
  • Networking authentically—micro-moments that shift culture

Memorable quotes

  • “I decided I’m walking in as myself—and the room can take me as I am.”
  • “You don’t have to know every answer to be a great leader.”
  • “Queer joy is leadership training.”
  • “Boundaries are love with clarity.”

Action step

Ask yourself before your next meeting: What’s one small, honest detail I can share that lets me show up fully (and safely) today? Then do it.

Links

  • Connect with Mary Ellen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryellenmurrah/
  • Vista Consulting: https://vistact.com/
  • Jonathan: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmbarbe/
  • IG/TikTok/FB @JMBCoachingLLC

Credits

Host: Jonathan Barbe • Empowered & Out Coaching

Subscribe + review to support the show and help others find it. 💜

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Empowered & Out

About the Podcast

Empowered & Out
The Career Coaching Podcast
Empowered & Out is the podcast for anyone who wants a career that feels aligned, meaningful, and authentic.

Hosted by career purpose and confidence coach Jonathan Barbe, each episode explores confidence, identity, and self-worth at work through coaching insights and candid conversations with leaders and change-makers redefining success.

Rooted in LGBTQ+ lived experience and open to everyone, this podcast supports listeners navigating burnout, career transitions, toxic workplaces, and the pressure to mask who they are.

Whether you’re rebuilding confidence, seeking clarity, or ready to show up more fully at work, Empowered & Out is here to help — without apology.

About your host

Profile picture for J B

J B

JB Motivating From The 5280 Podcast is about me, Jonathan Barbe, living in the Mile High City, sharing my thoughts and opinions on positive motivation and self-improvement from my home in Colorado.