Desiree Goldey - Founder and CEO of Do Better Consulting - #331
Desiree Goldey on Trauma, Self-Awareness, and Why Leadership Is a Daily Practice
Savia Rocks opens Season 7 of the (Us People) Podcast with guest Desiree Goldey, founder/CEO of Do Better Consulting, talent strategist, author, and co-host of the Talentless podcast. Desiree Goldey shares growing up near Philadelphia in a predominantly white environment, experiencing racism and an abusive household, and how trauma shaped her trust, relationships, parenting, and empathy.
She explains her direct, truth-centered consulting style, flexible people-first leadership influenced by pandemic-era remote work, and her belief that leaders must build inclusive teams through self-awareness and consistent reflection. Desiree describes her structured daily routine, defines success as waking up, stability, and meaningful work, and discusses concerns about AI replacing human connection in hiring and creative fields.
She previews her book, "Leadership is a Practice, Not a Personality," publishing October 27, 2026, and shares where to find her online.
00:00 Welcome to Season Seven
02:15 Desiree Origins and Racism
04:19 Trauma and Relationships
08:11 Truth and Authenticity
10:00 Mirror and Self Awareness
14:08 Stuck Moments and Growth
17:35 Building Do Better Consulting
19:16 Flexible Leadership Philosophy
23:23 Wrangling Chaos Calmly
25:06 A Day in Desiree Life
31:25 Defining Success and Greece Dream
35:01 Greece Travel Glow
36:38 Travel Changes You
38:00 AI Versus Human Creativity
43:04 AI In Hiring Fears
45:58 Writing The Leadership Book
48:56 Leadership Practice Mindset
54:09 Nina Simone Soundtrack
57:26 Peace After Quitting
58:55 Podcast And Where To Find Her
01:02:29 Final Thanks And Outro
01:03:50 Closing Song Lyrics
Do Better Consulting: dobetterconsulting.net
Book website: notapersonalitybook.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/desireegoldey
Instagram (personal / recruiting brand): instagram.com/recruiter_gold
Instagram (Do Better Consulting): instagram.com/dobettertalent
Threads: threads.com/@recruiter_gold
Thank you so much Desiree for showing us that we are not defined just by one thing, that we have so many layers to us, that make us the person we are, and what we are becoming - Savia Rocks
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“Thank you so much Desiree for showing us that we are not defined just by one thing, that we have so many layers to us, that make us the person we are, and what we are becoming.”
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