My guest today is Cameron Smoak.

Cameron is an executive coach and a respected trainer and facilitator of leadership workshops around the world for companies in multiple industries.  Cameron has degrees from Yale University, Oxford, and Harvard.  He combines experience from being a manager at McKinsey & Co with his masters in psychology to support his clients in the results they are seeking.

Cameron grew up in rural southeast United States but has lived in Italy for over 2 decades.  He shares pieces of his journey that took him from the farm country of Georgia to being an Italian citizen.

Cameron and I met through Russ Watts who has been on the podcast several times.  I joined a team of coached from around the world that Cameron and his business partner were pulling together for providing leadership coaching and workshops to a global clientele.

Before we delve into Cameron’s story and journey, I want to mention that we recorded this conversation in late November.   Part of his journey that he shares is about coming out as gay with his family.  Cameron comments  that he feels like his story is mundane and not really unique to which I push back because unfortunately far too many in the LGBTQ+ community do not have support from their families when they come out to them.  

Between the recording of this conversation and the release of it today, the tragic shooting occurring in Colorado Springs at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub.  5 people were killed and 25 injured in this tragic and senseless attack.

The world cup is being played in Qatar, a country where same sex relationships are illegal.  While there is progress in some parts of the world, there’s still so many places around the globe that it’s not safe for the LGBTQ+ community.

It is my hope that by sharing stories like Cameron’s hearts and minds would be transformed around the world. Judging others limits and shuts off our connection.  Listening and learning from each other expands our curiosity, builds understanding and connection, and opens the doors for true acceptance. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their coming out journey, here are some resources for support and encouragement.  

Resources:

·       The Trevor Project: 24/7/365 support in the US

·       Trevor Space: International Digital Support Community for LGBTQ+ young people

·       Befrienders Worldwide: Find a helpline by Country

·       Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: PFLAG.org

·       Suicide Hotlines by Country

·       It Gets Better Project:  The It Gets Better Project inspires people across the globe to share their stories and remind the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth that hope is out there, and it will get better.

·       Human Rights Campaign

·        Sage USA: Advocacy for LGBT Elders

·        Matthew Shepard Foundati

Make Life Less Difficult
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