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We Were Not Always This Version: Leadership, Cost, and Becoming

We Were Not Always This Version: Leadership, Cost, and Becoming

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 Episode Description What does it really cost to lead in systems that were never built with you in mind and why do some leaders choose to stay anyway? In this episode of Do Better with Debra, I'm joined by Rachel Camacho, Ph.D. and Armando Madrid, Ed.D., co-founders of Alchemy Blueprint Collective, for a deeply honest conversation about leadership, becoming, and the quiet emotional labor so many mid-level leaders carry. Rachel and Armando are university leaders, educators, and leadership architects who have spent their careers navigating higher education from the margins, building programs, launching inaugural roles, mentoring emerging leaders, and holding systems accountable to their values. In this conversation, they move beyond titles and accomplishments and speak candidly about what leadership has asked of them over time. We talk about the emotional and psychological toll of leading while being watched, questioned, and expected to represent more than just yourself. They reflect on what they had to unlearn to lead with more tenderness and authenticity, why vulnerability can be both powerful and risky in institutional spaces, and how joy, community, and laughter have become essential leadership practices, not extras. Rachel and Armando share what it means to "bet on yourself," including the courage it takes to leave environments that cause harm, the importance of thought partners and community, and how they now pour into others so emerging leaders don't have to figure everything out alone. Together, they name why leadership development is justice work and why building new tables matters just as much as getting a seat at existing ones. This is a conversation for leaders who are tired, thoughtful, and still hopeful. For those navigating complexity, questioning their next move, or wondering if another way of leading is possible, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and you are not imagining the weight. My hope is that you hear something that helps you feel seen, steadied, and reminded that leadership is not just about endurance, it's about alignment, care, and becoming. Key Takeaways Leadership in systems not built for us carries an emotional and psychological toll that often goes unnamed Vulnerability and tenderness can be leadership strengths when practiced with intention and discernment Betting on yourself sometimes means leaving, pausing, or redefining success altogether Community, thought partners, and mentorship are essential for sustaining leadership over time Pouring into others is a form of justice and a way to change systems from the inside out About Rachel Camacho, Ph.D. Rachel Camacho, Ph.D. (she/her/ella) is a first-generation, system-impacted Latina scholar-practitioner, leadership architect, and equity advocate. Her work centers educational access, leadership development, and justice-informed practice. She holds a BA from Pitzer College and an MA and PhD in Higher Education and Social Justice from Claremont Graduate University. About Armando Madrid, Ed.D. Armando Madrid, Ed.D. (he/him/él) is a first-generation, Latinx and queer educator, researcher, and leadership coach. His work focuses on social justice–centered leadership, self-advocacy, and creating spaces where historically marginalized staff and students can navigate higher education with clarity and purpose. He holds degrees from UCLA, CSU Long Beach, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. About Alchemy Blueprint Collective Founded by Drs. Rachel Camacho and Armando Madrid, Alchemy Blueprint Collective supports emerging, mid-level, and executive leaders, particularly those from BIPOC and marginalized communities, through equity-centered coaching, leadership development, and strategic consulting. Their work helps leaders align purpose, identity, and impact while navigating complex institutions. Learn more about Alchemy Blueprint Collective Connect with Dr. Rachel Camacho on Linkedin and Dr. Madrid on Linkedin About the Host: Debra Y. Griffith, Ed.D. is an executive coach, consultant, and the voice behind the Do Better with Debra podcast. She currently serves as Chief Equity Programs Officer at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools in Los Angeles, where she leads network-wide equity strategy focused on college readiness, belonging, and postsecondary completion across 25 schools. With more than 25 years in education and leadership, Debra supports women of color leaders navigating transition, carrying a lot, and still committed to leading transformative change in their organizations and in their own lives. Through coaching, consulting, and storytelling, she creates spaces for reflection, clarity, and courage. Connect with Debra: Website: www.dobetterexecutivecoaching.com LinkedIn: Debraygriffith Instagram: @dobetterwithdebra Subscribe to Do Better with Debra on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
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