Episode 35

Empowered & Out with Guest Maya Garner

Published on: 30th September, 2025

From Surviving to Seen: Being Black, Queer & Bold in Today’s Workplace with Maya Garner

What was it like being out at work in the 1990s—and how much has really changed? In this powerful and personal episode, Maya Garner—a seasoned sales trainer, fierce advocate, and financial literacy educator—joins host Jonathan Barbe to share her experience navigating corporate America as a Black lesbian professional.

Together, they explore:

🌈 The difference between being “out” then vs. now

✊🏾 The reality of racism and queerphobia in the workplace

🧠 Mental health challenges in the LGBTQ+ and Black communities

💼 Financial literacy and estate planning for LGBTQ+ families

💬 And why visibility without protection isn't enough

Maya shares from the heart—and doesn’t hold back. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating identity, equity, and legacy in their professional life.

🔗 Connect with Maya and learn more about her work in financial empowerment @ linkedin.com/in/mayagarner.

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About the Podcast

Empowered & Out
The LGBTQ+ Career Coaching Podcast
This is the podcast where LGBTQ+ professionals come to get real about career, confidence, and authenticity at work. Each week, Jonathan shares coaching insights on purpose, confidence, and unmasking at work—PLUS inspiring interviews with LGBTQ+ leaders, authors, and change-makers who are rewriting what success looks like in their industries.

From overcoming workplace discrimination, to unlearning internalized shame, to building a career that actually feels like YOU, these conversations are honest, practical, and rooted in the queer experience.

🌈 Whether it’s a solo coaching deep dive or a guest interview, Empowered & Out is here to help you thrive authentically, without apology.

About your host

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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 Denver, Colorado.