Authenticity, Mentorship & Belonging in the South — with Holly Allen & Victoria Sexton

Guests:

Holly Allen (she/her) — Career Services Professional & former Casting Director/Acting Coach with 20+ years in film and theatre. MFA in Theatre. Advocate for authentic leadership and mentorship in higher education.

Victoria Sexton (she/her) — Career Advisor and advocate for access to higher education; former case manager on the West Coast; lifelong learner, creative writer, and late-bloomer lesbian building community in the South.

In this conversation:

• The interview that changed everything — when honesty became a bridge to belonging
• Moving from California to the South as an openly queer professional
• Mentorship & allyship — why representation in leadership matters
• Authenticity in every role — wearing the “boss,” “friend,” and “mentor” hats without losing yourself
• “Pleasant tolerance” vs. real acceptance — reading the room with grace and boundaries
• Acting skills as career tools — listening deeply, holding presence, and building confidence
• Late-bloomer love stories and finding community later in life
• Creating safer spaces for identity expression at work and on campus

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity travels — whether you’re a leader, mentor, or colleague, the goal is to stay you in every role.

• Bravery in interviews can be self-protection — ask the questions that clarify fit and safety.

• Allyship is an action — signal safety through language, visuals, and follow-through.

• Acting skills = career skills — presence, eye contact, empathy, and managing nerves.

• Belonging takes boundaries — “pleasant tolerance” can open doors when met with kindness and clarity.

Resources & Links

• Connect with Holly Allen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyallenonline/

• Connect with Victoria Sexton on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-r-sexton/

• Learn more about Empowered & Out Coaching → linktr.ee/empoweredandout

Connect with Jonathan & Support this Podcast

• Subscribe to Empowered & Out: The LGBTQ+ Career Coaching Podcast wherever you listen

• Rate, review, and share this episode with a friend or mentor who values authentic leadership

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Credits

Host: Jonathan Barbe | Production: Empowered & Out

Until next time — stay empowered, stay out, surround yourself with allies who see you, and keep building the life and career that reflects all of who you are.