Leadership coach and educator Jon Lovitz joins Forged in Fire to talk about growth, humility, and what it really means to lead over time. From navigating uncertainty to learning when to step back and create space for others, Jon’s perspective challenges traditional ideas of authority and success. He shares lessons on self-awareness, trust, and adaptability, and reminds us that leadership is not about control or titles, but about presence, curiosity, and protecting what matters most. Jon’s journey reinforces that leadership is a practice—and that leading well starts with knowing yourself.

Tech leader, author, and trans advocate Erica Vogel joins Forged in Fire to talk about authenticity, vulnerability, and how a lifetime of solving problems shaped her leadership. From growing up without the language to describe her identity to leading global change initiatives at a Fortune 25 company, Erica’s journey shows that self-acceptance is both personal work and professional superpower. She shares lessons on storytelling, self-awareness, and the balance between openness and self-protection and reminds us that the key to leading well is to protect your peace.

Former Palm Springs mayor Lisa Middleton has spent her life breaking barriers—from working-class roots to the halls of California politics. In this episode, she joins Bree, Liz, and Eduardo to talk about courage, self-acceptance, and the art of listening as a tool for leadership. Lisa shares what it means to stand firm against hate, to build coalitions across difference, and to leave the next generation with a brighter, braver torch to carry forward.

“Our uniqueness isn’t a problem to solve—it’s what makes the world interesting.”

-Lisa Middleton