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UnBecoming with Elena Joy

UnBecoming with Elena Joy

By: Elena Joy Thurston
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A liberation manual for queer leaders, code-switching chameleons, and recovering good girls ready to lead without losing themselves.

elenajoyspeaks.substack.comElena Joy Thurston
Career Success Economics Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Gen Z Called Out Again. Now What?
    May 27 2026

    "Why doesn't Gen Z have a work ethic?!"

    We hear that time and time again. It turns out, Gen Z actually does have a work ethic. And they're also one of the first generations to hold a genuine capacity and ability to prioritize their mental well-being. Elena explains that by creating a system based on data, compassion, and accountability rather than blame and frustration, Alex and Brayden were able to solve an issue with most of their employees calling out from their shifts 25% of the time.

    If your organization could use some highly-skilled middle managers, let's talk. You can book a time at https://latitudeleaders.com/contact

    Connect with Elena Joy:
    Substack: https://elenajoyspeaks.substack.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenajoythurston/
    https://LatitudeLeaders.com

    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenajoyspeaks.substack.com
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    7 mins
  • The Bathroom Stall Strategy
    Apr 16 2026

    Free Networking Cheat Sheet: https://latitudeleaders.com/networkingcheatsheet

    49 HR conferences in 2023. Elena takes everything she learned in that year and breaks it down into three ways you can show up more authentically as yourself at your next event.

    Three Words Away: https://latitudeleaders.com/threewordsaway

    Connect with Elena Joy Thurston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenajoythurston/

    UnBecoming with Elena Joy on Substack: https://elenajoyspeaks.substack.com/



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenajoyspeaks.substack.com
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    14 mins
  • The Leadership Skill You Already Have Time to Build
    Mar 17 2026

    The Leadership Skill You Already Have Time to Build

    How to create connection at work without adding a single thing to your calendar

    Content Note: This episode includes a brief mention of miscarriage.

    Episode Summary:

    Connection at work is a skill, and it's one you already have time to practice. In this episode, Elena Joy breaks down why disconnection is the single biggest predictor of burnout, why managers hold more power over employee engagement than compensation or flexibility, and how the ARC framework gives any leader a repeatable, sustainable path to genuine connection without adding a single thing to their calendar.

    What You'll Learn:

    Why your nervous system is wired to need connection at work, and what happens when it doesn't get it

    The three-step ARC framework: Activate, Reinforce, Codify

    What Powerful Presence actually looks like in a meeting you're already running

    Why the best connection systems are the ones light enough to survive a hard week

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38285544/

    https://www.gallup.com/services/182138/state-american-manager.aspx

    https://enboarder.com/blog/how-much-is-human-connection-really-worth/

    Free Resource:

    Grab Elena's five favorite connection questions, the ones she actually uses in meetings, 1:1s, and when she's trying to find someone's spark without making it weird.

    LatitudeLeaders.com/sv-cheat-sheet

    Connect with Elena Joy:

    Substack: https://elenajoyspeaks.substack.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenajoythurston/

    Website: LatitudeLeaders.com



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenajoyspeaks.substack.com
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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