Real with Rocky

Showing Up As Human with Angelee Fortuna

Jul 23, 202500:18:05Tap to summarize

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend, Angelee Fortuna, for a real and candid conversation about leadership, emotions, and the power of showing up as your true self. Over the years, Angelee has been an incredible example of leadership, not just through her achievements, but through her willingness to show vulnerability and authenticity.We’re diving into how she balances being emotionally present and being a leader. We talk about people-pleasing, the struggle with finding your voice, and the power of being memorable without diminishing others. I also challenge Angelee to think about how she shows up fully in her life, both professionally and personally, and how to do that without feeling drained.About AngeleeAngelee is a Dallas local with a deep passion for intentional living, storytelling, and cultivating genuine connections. With a background spanning retail visual merchandising, marketing, and photo production, her career has always been rooted in creativity and collaboration. These days, she works closely with Le Social, a boutique creative and marketing agency, helping brands bring their vision to life through thoughtful strategy, impactful content, and client engagement. A lifelong hustler with a heart for creative communities, Angelee thrives at the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship. Always energized by the opportunity to build something meaningful alongside fellow dreamers and doers.Angelee's Journey: Awareness and ImpactAngelee opens up about a conversation she had with her husband, Eddie, where he helped her realize the impact she has on those around her. Through their 20 years together, she’s learned how her words—both positive and negative—cut deep for people. She struggles with finding the balance between wanting to be understood while also not wanting to overwhelm others with her intensity.Angelee reflects on this realization and how, for her, expressing herself honestly isn’t about being aggressive; it’s about being clear. This part of our conversation reveals how often we don’t realize the weight of our words until someone else brings it to our attention.The Struggle with People PleasingA huge part of Angelee’s journey has been tackling her own people-pleasing tendencies. She admits that while she’s always eager to serve others, she’s also battling with the feeling that it’s often at the cost of sacrificing herself. We dig into the difference between sacrifice—losing yourself to gain approval—and service—giving freely from a place of overflow and love.Angelee admits she struggles with this, and we both share how easy it is to confuse the two. It’s a conversation that’s so valuable because, in the pursuit of serving others, we often lose sight of our own needs.Defining Service vs. SacrificeThis conversation led us to a critical reflection on how we define sacrifice and service. Sacrifice, in this context, isn’t about selflessness—it’s about losing yourself to gain approval. On the other hand, service comes from a place of abundance and a desire to support others without depleting your own energy.This shift in perspective has been an important lesson for both of us. We discuss how we’ve both, at times, sacrificed our own needs for others, and how, with growth, we’ve learned that service should come from a healthier, more sustainable place.The Desire to Be MemorableWe dive deeper into Angelee’s personal desire to be memorable. But what does that truly mean? She recognizes that her instinct is to blend in, to be part of the group, but also feels the pull to stand out in a way that’s uniquely hers. She grapples with the idea of being memorable without taking away from others.I challenge her with a tough question: Can you be memorable without overshadowing others? The answer is a resounding yes, and we talk about how embracing your individuality doesn’t need to be in conflict with others doing the same.The Importance of IndividualityAngelee shares how, as she’s grown older, her circle has gotten smaller and more intentional. She reflects on how important it is for her to be surrounded by people who make her feel safe, accepted, and in control—not in the sense of dominance, but in the sense of emotional security.It’s a beautiful reminder of how essential it is to surround ourselves with those who help us grow, while also allowing us to maintain a sense of safety and belonging.Creating Safe Spaces and BoundariesIn this segment, we explore how creating safe spaces is critical for healthy leadership and personal relationships. We discuss boundaries—how they’re not just about keeping people out, but about creating room for the things we love to thrive.I encourage Angelee to think about the boundaries she’s setting in her life, both personally and professionally, and how they enable her to serve from a place of overflow instead of depletion.The Power of Human ConnectionWe dive into the concept of human connection and how showing up as your true self, with all the messy emotions and imperfections, can create deeper, more meaningful relationships. Angelee reflects on how showing up as “herself” allows others to feel more comfortable doing the same.The vulnerability and authenticity that come with this approach lead to more real conversations, better leadership, and deeper trust.Embracing Emotion in LeadershipAngelee has learned to embrace her emotions in leadership—understanding that they don’t make her weak, but rather make her relatable and human. We explore how allowing ourselves to show emotion as leaders actually strengthens our connection with those we lead, rather than diminishing it.This was such a powerful part of the conversation because it’s often hard for leaders to admit that they are emotional beings, and yet, that’s exactly what makes us great leaders.Show Up FullyAs we wrap up, I encourage Angelee to continue showing up as her full, authentic self. The more we lean into who we really are, the more we can give to others without depleting ourselves. And when we embrace the full range of emotions, we create an environment where others feel safe to do the same.I’m so grateful to have had this conversation with Angelee. Her vulnerability and honesty are inspiring, and I know they’ll resonate with you too.Resources Mentioned Angelee’s website: https://www.his-and-her.com/ Follow Angelee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisandher___ Join my upcoming free LIVE leadership training at rockygarza.com/confidenceKey Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Unmasking Leadership 00:47 – Angelee's Journey: Awareness and Impact 03:12 – The Struggle with People Pleasing 03:41 – Defining Service vs. Sacrifice 06:08 – The Desire to Be Memorable 06:47 – The Importance of Individuality 08:37 – Creating Safe Spaces and Boundaries 10:30 – The Power of Human Connection 14:55 – Embracing Emotion in Leadership 25:12 – Conclusion: Show Up Fully 25:58 – Outro and Call to ActionTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

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The Tension

Jul 16, 202500:10:55Tap to summarize

In today’s episode, I want to talk about one of my favorite concepts around leadership, personal development, and life in general: tension. It’s a concept that I keep coming back to because, for me, it encapsulates so much of what we experience in our personal and professional journeys.I’ve struggled for years with the idea of work-life balance. For some reason, the term “balance” never sat right with me. The idea of splitting life into neat 50/50 parts felt wrong, like I was trying to force something that wasn’t really natural. So, I started thinking, what if work-life balance isn’t the answer? What if it’s more about tension—living in the space where two things pull at each other and, in that space, we find clarity?Exploring Work-Life TensionWhen I think about tension, I realize it’s not just about work versus life, but about any part of our lives that feels like it’s pulling us in different directions. We’re constantly told we have to choose: Are you going to hustle and be successful, or are you going to rest and take care of yourself?Why does it have to be either/or? Why can’t it be both? That’s when I started thinking about how tension might actually be the answer. The reality is that life isn’t a constant “either/or” situation. There’s a lot of gray area in between. It’s uncomfortable, but maybe it’s where the real growth happens.Living in a World of AbsolutesWe’re constantly fed with absolutes. It’s all around us: You’re either a Republican or a Democrat. You’re either a leader or a follower. You’re either successful or you’re not. It’s almost like society wants us to pick a side, and if we don’t, then we don’t belong anywhere.But what if the truth isn’t in picking a side? What if the truth lies in living in that tension between both sides? Maybe it’s not about being right—it’s about being willing to sit in the discomfort of not knowing all the answers and letting both perspectives be true at the same time.Embracing Discomfort and GrowthI’ve found that tension can actually be a great source of growth. I know it’s uncomfortable, but that tight feeling in your chest when you’re pulled in two directions—it’s a sign that something powerful is happening. We’re all used to trying to avoid discomfort, but what if that discomfort is exactly what we need to push ourselves to grow?Life is both hard and beautiful. We can struggle and still find beauty in the struggle. We can experience pain and loss while also embracing joy. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.The Power of Vulnerability and ReconciliationOne of the best examples of this came for me recently with my kids. I lost my patience with them, and in that moment, I felt like I failed. I could have walked away, thinking, I’m a terrible parent, but instead, I chose to go back into their room, apologize, and ask for forgiveness.I could let part of the story be true that I was impatient and frustrated. But what’s also true is that I showed up, took responsibility for my actions, and made amends. Both sides of that experience are valid. The tension doesn’t have to be negative—it’s just part of being human.Balancing Confidence and DoubtThis is where I think the real power of tension comes in: learning how to balance confidence and doubt. We live in a world where we’re told we should either be confident or doubt everything, but in reality, I believe that both can exist simultaneously. It’s okay to be confident in what you believe and still hold space for uncertainty.When I look at my life, I see both confidence and doubt working together, pushing me forward and keeping me grounded at the same time.The Beauty of Holding Both PerspectivesThere’s beauty in holding two perspectives at once. Life can be both difficult and rewarding. Leadership can be both about pushing forward and being vulnerable. Relationships can be both deeply fulfilling and challenging. The beauty lies in finding the balance between both—and allowing yourself to sit in the tension.When we do that, we get a fuller picture of life. We get a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us. And we get the clarity that comes from seeing things from multiple perspectives.Conclusion So, here’s my challenge to you today: Where in your life are you feeling tension? Where could you allow both things to be true at the same time? What if the answer to your current challenge isn’t about picking one side but instead about embracing the discomfort of holding both truths together?I want to encourage you to think about that and explore the tension in your life. What if, by sitting in that tension, you can open up to a fuller, more authentic version of yourself?Resources MentionedJoin me for my upcoming leadership workshop at rockygarza.com/confidenceFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockygarza Key Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the Concept of Tension00:45 – Exploring Work-Life Tension01:24 – Living in a World of Absolutes02:29 – Embracing Discomfort and Growth04:13 – The Power of Vulnerability and Reconciliation06:18 – Balancing Confidence and Doubt07:45 – The Beauty of Holding Both Perspectives08:40 – Conclusion and InvitationTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

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Redefining Leadership with Charla Storey

Jul 9, 202500:48:43Tap to summarize

In this episode, I sit down with Charla Storey, an entrepreneur balancing multiple businesses, motherhood, and self-care. We dive into the raw, unresolved parts of leadership, discussing how to navigate uncertainty and redefine success. If something in this conversation resonates with you, stick around. At the end of the show, I’ll share how you can join our monthly leadership training.Guest IntroductionCharla Storey is the CEO and founder of Charla Storey Photography, a luxury wedding photography team recognized among the top 50 photographers worldwide by Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Over the Moon. As a wife and mother, she's built a global photography business over 13 years, traveling to capture celebrations worldwide while creating "effortlessly editorial photos that will still look damn good in 50 years."What started as a single mom building a career has evolved into a dual-purpose mission. As co-owner and CEO of Develope Academy, Charla channels her passion for mentoring into comprehensive education for photographers. She helps fellow creatives develop both their technical skills and business acumen through practical, no-nonsense courses and a supportive community—proving you can scale expertise while staying grounded in authenticity.Charla's work has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, and Good Morning America. But what she's most proud of? Helping photographers and couples alike feel confident, valued, and heard—whether she's behind the camera or in front of the microphone.Key TakeawaysBalancing Multiple Roles: It’s not about perfection; it’s about navigating the tension of juggling business and motherhood without turning yourself into the villain.Redefining Success: Success markers from the past may cloud your ability to see what a win looks like today.Living in Uncertainty: Real leadership involves living in uncertainty and redefining growth when things aren’t progressing as expected.Changing Connection in Business: The traditional ways of launching and marketing don’t hit the same anymore; connecting in new ways is essential for business growth.Action Over Certainty: You can’t chase certainty — you need to build momentum through action in the present moment to scale your business.The Business That Needs You: Sometimes, the business that needs your attention the most isn’t the one you want the most, and understanding this tension is key to prioritizing effectively.Perception vs. Reality: Leaders must check how they’re showing up in the world — perception rarely matches reality, and managing this discrepancy is crucial for long-term success.Themes We ExploredBalancing RolesRunning multiple businesses while raising toddlers and managing an adult child.The mental loops of feeling like a good parent but struggling as a CEO — or vice versa.Finding peace in knowing that sometimes less growth creates more space for life, which is essential for maintaining sustainable business growth.Redefining SuccessSuccess can’t be solely tied to past benchmarks.The difference between chasing certainty and accepting hopeful action when scaling a business.Writing down today’s wins as a reminder that they count — especially when success is more about progress than perfection.The Reality of Multiple BusinessesThe tug-of-war between businesses, where one often drains attention from another, is common when managing more than one venture.The insight that sometimes your “end game” and your “favorite game” aren’t the same, and recognizing this can help you make more strategic business decisions.Key Quotes“When all of them are struggling, it’s really hard not to look in the mirror and think — well, they have something in common. I wonder what that is.” — Charla Storey“Sometimes how it feels feels true, even when it isn’t.” — Charla Storey“Success right now is peace. It’s the certainty that my effort is building the long game.” — Charla Storey“Certainty is not always possible — belief plus doubt plus action equals results.” — Rocky Garza“You can hydrate to survive, not to perpetually hold more water.” — Rocky GarzaResources MentionedCharla’s websites: www.charlastorey.com and www.developeacademy.com Charla’s social media handles: @charlastorey and @developeacademyJoin my upcoming LIVE Leadership Training: rockygarza.com/confidence To join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

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Catastrophizing the Simple

Jul 2, 202500:09:56Tap to summarize

In today's episode, I want to dive deep into something I find myself talking about with clients almost every week—catastrophizing. As leaders, we often face overwhelming challenges, stress, and uncertainty. And when we’re feeling overwhelmed, our instinct is to catastrophize even the smallest issues. It's natural. It feels like we’re doing everything we can to gain control, but often, we end up turning a molehill into a mountain.I want to talk about this today because it's one of the most common traps I see high-achieving leaders fall into. It’s not just about stress; it’s about how we react to that stress. The stories we tell ourselves. And how often we spiral out of control in our heads, when the reality is far less dramatic than we think.Turning Small Issues Into Major ProblemsI often see leaders take something small, unintentional, or completely out of context, and blow it up. Here’s what I mean. Let's say someone misses a meeting. Immediately, you might think, That's it. They must not respect me. They probably hate me now. This is the end of our relationship.Or how about receiving a vague email from your boss? The type that gives just enough information to feel unsettling. The immediate reaction is, That’s it. I’m getting fired. This is the end of my career. I knew it was all going to fall apart sooner or later.What about receiving tough feedback? Maybe someone gives you constructive criticism, something they truly believe will help you grow. But instead of hearing it for what it is, you immediately think, That’s right. I’m not cut out for this. I knew I was a fake. I’m an imposter.Does this sound familiar? It’s easy to get caught in these spirals of negative thoughts. But what I want you to think about is this: How often do we react to fear, rather than responding to the truth? How often do we create worst-case scenarios in our heads, only to realize that 90+% of the time, those scenarios don’t happen?Reacting to Fear vs. Responding to TruthLet’s be real for a moment. We all react to fear at times. But my question is: How often do we let that reaction dictate our behavior? How often do we find ourselves chasing the chaos, trying to prepare for every worst-case scenario, rather than just responding to what’s true right now?If you’ve ever catastrophized a situation, think about the last time you did. Maybe it was something small that snowballed into a huge mental hurdle. Maybe you made it bigger in your head than it really was. And by doing so, you burned through emotional fuel on imaginary fires. We all do it, and it’s exhausting.What if we could step back in those moments? What if we could pause for just a second and say, Wait, what do I actually know to be true right now? What if we didn’t allow ourselves to jump straight into worst-case thinking and instead, we stayed grounded in what’s real?The Power of Clarity Over ChaosI think a lot of us mistakenly believe that thinking about every potential negative outcome will help us prepare. But in reality, it’s just adding more chaos into our lives. We’re not planning for what we actually want. Instead, we’re planning for what we fear might happen. And that’s not the same thing.What happens when we shift from chaos to clarity? What happens when we start focusing on what we truly want instead of obsessing over what could go wrong? You might be surprised to learn that planning for the worst case scenario can often feel more like self-sabotage than it does preparation.Letting Go of ControlI also want to touch on something I’ve noticed in my own life—this tendency to sabotage success just to maintain control. For years, I’ve moved when things got comfortable. I’d start something new, try something different, just to avoid staying in the same place. But here’s the thing: Just because something could go wrong doesn’t mean that it will. And we’re not doing ourselves any favors by expecting the worst.Instead, we need to ask ourselves: What do I actually know to be true right now? Not in six months, not in a year, but in this moment. That’s the only place where we can begin to respond with intention.The Drama of Self-SabotageThe drama is easier than the honesty. Sometimes, it’s simpler to focus on chaos and the potential for failure than it is to just accept that things are okay in the present. And trust me, I know this because I’ve lived it. As leaders, we want to control everything. But what if letting go of control was the answer?What if the key to truly growing your business, your leadership, and your personal life was simply to stop creating problems that don’t exist? What if you could stop reacting to fear and start responding to what’s real and true?Practical Steps to Move ForwardNext time you feel yourself spiraling, I want you to ask yourself, What do I actually know to be true today? Not tomorrow, not six months from now. What’s real right now?Because we often waste so much energy on hypothetical scenarios that we miss out on the present. We miss out on what’s actually happening today. And that’s where our true power lies.If you’re ready to start shifting from chaos to clarity, I encourage you to join me for my upcoming leadership training. We’ll dive deeper into how to stay grounded in what’s true and how to stop letting fear and self-doubt dictate your leadership. You can sign up at rockygarza.com/confidence.Resources Mentioned:Join my upcoming free LIVE Leadership Workshop: https://rockygarza.com/confidenceKey Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Common Leadership Struggle00:34 Understanding Catastrophizing00:53 Real-Life Examples of Catastrophizing01:32 The Impact of Catastrophizing on Leadership03:04 Shifting from Fear to Truth04:10 Planning vs. Self-Sabotage05:04 Breaking the Cycle of Drama06:11 Practical Steps to Overcome Catastrophizing07:18 Conclusion and InvitationTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

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Words of Affirmation with Adriana Martinez

Jun 25, 202500:50:34Tap to summarize

In today’s episode, I sit down with my incredible friend Adriana Martinez—an entrepreneur and a wife who has built and run successful businesses. What makes Adriana’s story so powerful is not just her business acumen, but the deep, personal transformation she’s gone through in her journey as a leader. She’s someone who leads with both heart and mind, and in this episode, we dive deep into the real struggles, the lessons learned, and the challenges of leadership that don’t often get talked about.About Adriana Adriana is the owner of Revel Workshop, a luxury salon focused on elevating stylists careers through top tier education and mentorship. As a personal and professional budgeting coach, she helps individuals and small business owners take control of their finances and build sustainable success. Passionate about connecting people and fostering growth, Adriana thrives on empowering others to achieve financial freedom and business excellence.The Constant Battle of LeadershipAdriana and I discussed how, in her journey as a business owner, she’s learned the hard way that success is not just about achieving a goal—it’s about navigating relationships. She runs two salons now, but no longer takes clients herself. Instead, she depends on the team she’s built. And as any entrepreneur knows, that reliance on others can be terrifying.Adriana explained that her success is directly tied to the success of those around her. If an employee leaves, it sends a ripple effect through her business, and it’s hard not to take it personally. She wants the best for her team, but at the same time, she can’t help but feel disappointed and question her role as a leader when someone walks away.The Struggle with Loyalty and AbandonmentOne of the most real and raw moments came when Adriana admitted her fear of abandonment—something that I think many business owners can relate to. She’s fiercely loyal, and she wants to offer the same loyalty in return. But when someone leaves, it can feel like a personal betrayal.This led us into a powerful conversation about capacity—both the capacity of those who work with you and the capacity of yourself as a leader. I asked her the tough question: Do you really expect everyone to match your capacity?Her answer was insightful: Not necessarily, but it’s hard to see them leave because it feels like failure.I reminded her that no one else will ever be able to match her level of commitment and capacity, especially if they are not in the same business-owner role. And the difference between what she expects and what others can deliver is where the disappointment lies.The Hard Truth of Leadership: Not Everyone StaysAdriana shared that she knows logically that employees leave because it’s time for them to grow, and that they are not abandoning her. But the emotional side of her—fueled by that deep sense of loyalty—makes it feel like a personal loss.We both agreed that this is an inherent part of business ownership. You pour so much into people, and when they leave, it can feel like everything you’ve built is crumbling. But the reality is, it’s just part of the process. People come, people go. As leaders, we must embrace this as part of the natural flow of growth.The Importance of Words of AffirmationOne of the key moments in our conversation was when Adriana admitted something that she had long avoided—she is, in fact, a words of affirmation person. As much as she resisted it, I could tell that hearing those words of appreciation made a difference for her. She shared how she does everything for people, often with no expectation of recognition, but deep down, she craves acknowledgment.I pointed out that we often mistake confirmation for affirmation. Confirmation simply states that something is true—like a ticket for a flight. It’s factual, impersonal. Affirmation, on the other hand, acknowledges the goodness of what we do and who we are. It’s not about fluff—it’s about recognizing effort, commitment, and value. Adriana hadn’t fully embraced that she needs affirmation too, but the more we unpacked this, the clearer it became.Creating a Safe Space for VulnerabilityOne of the things I admire most about Adriana is her ability to create safety for others. She may not always want or seek affirmation, but she unknowingly creates a space where her team and clients feel safe to share, grow, and even leave when the time is right. That safety comes from trust, and I encouraged her to allow herself to experience the same kind of trust in return.Leaders often think they have to protect themselves from getting hurt, but what if we created spaces where we could allow ourselves to be seen and affirmed too?Letting Go of ControlAdriana also shared her internal battle with letting go of control. For a long time, she thought that to keep things running smoothly, she needed to handle it all herself. She resisted relying on others. But through the years, she’s realized that leadership doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. It means trusting others, and embracing the idea that not everyone will stay forever, and that’s okay.I encouraged her to celebrate the contributions of her team, and to reframe the way she looks at people leaving. Rather than feeling abandoned, what if she saw it as the natural progression of their growth? They are moving on to the next phase of their life, and her role was to help them get there.The Takeaway: Safe Spaces and GrowthThe most powerful lesson in this episode? We need to start seeing ourselves for who we are and what we’re doing. We need to recognize that, as leaders, we are not just responsible for the success of our business—we’re also responsible for creating environments that allow people to thrive, grow, and sometimes move on.Adriana’s story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, clarity, and affirmation. As leaders, we must be open to receiving those things just as much as we offer them.Resources MentionedJoin my free leadership workshop: https://rockygarza.com/confidence Follow Adriana on Instagram: @adrianaymartinezAdriana’s website: https://revelworkshop.com Key Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Unfinished Leadership00:39 Adriana Martinez's Journey and Challenges01:27 The Struggles of Relying on Others02:47 Balancing Personal and Professional Relationships04:34 The Emotional Impact of Employee Turnover09:02 Seeking Affirmation and Appreciation17:24 Creating a Safe and Loyal Work Environment19:01 Navigating Business Challenges20:25 Reframing Employee Departures21:26 Creating a Supportive Culture22:36 Balancing Vulnerability and Strength24:38 The Importance of Affirmation25:36 Building Trust and Safety27:14 Embracing Words of Affirmation34:36 Final Reflections and EncouragementTo join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations

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All episodes

Showing Up As Human with Angelee Fortuna

The Tension

Redefining Leadership with Charla Storey

Catastrophizing the Simple

Words of Affirmation with Adriana Martinez

Real with Rocky

All episodes

Showing Up As Human with Angelee Fortuna

The Tension

Redefining Leadership with Charla Storey

Catastrophizing the Simple

Words of Affirmation with Adriana Martinez