Ripple Effect Leader Spotlight: B.X. Barclay

B.X. Barclay, MA is a speaker, educator, and financial accountability coach who empowers audiences to think about financial wellness, financial planning, and retirement.

They are the founder of Trust Your Rhythm, where they offer services as a Financial Accountability Coach. B.X. creates imaginative and empowering sessions for folks so that they can build a sustainable financial roadmap and thrive in life.

They have served world class institutions and organizations such as UC Riverside, SF State, University of San Francisco, Speaking 4 Profit University, and UC Davis. B.X. earned their MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs.

I was quickly struck by B.X.’s authenticity, kindness and compassion when we first met, and you’ll see that come through in their responses below. I especially appreciate the way they think about authenticity and bringing your whole self to work, a concept that is often thrown around thoughtlessly.

Enjoy!

What would you like our readers to know about you?

With a background in education, I’m an educator at heart. For me, this means advocating for all types of learning both inside and outside the classroom. I believe knowing more allows for more opportunity in all facets of life. 

I also want folks to know me as a Financial Empowerment Coach. I am passionate about financial freedom and financial literacy. I want to support folks in getting in control of their finances and feeling empowered in the journey. Furthering my education and learning translates into the many hats I wear as Dog Dad, Senior Client Success Coach with Speaking 4 Profit, and serving as a Residence Director. Constantly learning allows me to constantly evolve. 

I hope to help folks engage in lifelong learning and help them feel empowered along the way.

What’s important and meaningful to you about your work?

The most valuable part of the work is the rapport I am able to build with folks and supporting them in fulfilling their vision. Both as an educator and coach, this shows up time and time again. I love seeing people achieve what they desired, especially when they thought at one point – it was impossible. It is powerful to bring possibility as an option for folks and to support them along the way. It brings me so much joy to see folks achieve new possibilities and manifest their visions.

What does it mean to “bring your authentic self” to work? How do you practice this?

Bringing my authentic self to work shows up in many ways for me. One it is acknowledging that I am a complex person and all parts of me won’t always be seen. So, for me it is more a question of: “Do I feel I am not bringing any parts of me that should be represented?” More often than not, the answer is no.

I am not giving unlimited access to my multitudes, however I am showing up fully as me in all spaces I move through. Yet how I show up in a personal space vs a professional space will differ and for me, that is totally okay. 

I practice authenticity by creating an environment in which I can show up as my authentic self and welcome others to do the same. Honoring the multitudes we all bring, and creating a brave space for folks to show their most authentic self is always my goal.

What is your definition of leadership?

I believe that leadership consists of the 3 most important features: first requires empathy and identifying the needs of those around you, which can only be done through allowing others the space to advocate for themselves. Then you can work together to identify what resources and support is needed to ensure their success.

I also think it's important to lead by example and to engage in servant leadership when supporting folks. As a leader it is important to create spaces for others to lead and co-author the journey when possible. 

How has your coming out journey and/or identity strengthened who you are as a leader? 

My journey has helped me realize the importance of leading with authenticity, kindness, and compassion. Compassion is the biggest one for me because this journey of life can be difficult and throw twists and turns. However, we all need a little compassion and I model that in everything I do. 

My coming out journey and my identities are my superpower, they help me see and engage in the world in unique and special ways. I am more compassionate, kind, empathetic, and authentic because of my journey. 

What is something you still struggle with as a leader who identifies as LGBTQ+?

The challenge that I have as an LGBTQ+ leader is being seen yet not fully recognized. What I mean by this as a Liberian Black Transmasculine Non-Binary person is that I am often misgendered which causes me to feel mis-seen. This can show in many facets of my life but I grapple with the feeling of knowing folks “respect” me yet do not honor me. This is something that creates frustration and struggle for me as I navigate various spaces in my professional career. However, I continue to affirm myself and my identities while holding compassion for others. 

What resources do you tap into for support?

This is a muscle I am constantly developing. The things I engage in currently are: therapy sessions, weekly journaling, and nature escapes. I love getting out into nature to clear my head and be one with the universe. Journaling and therapy allow me to express myself freely and make sense of the experiences I have in my life journey. These resources help to ground me as well as bring clarity. 

Tell us about something you’re especially proud of - work or non-work related.

Something I am especially proud of is getting top surgery and putting forward my alignment above society’s expectations. I love the comfort and alignment I feel in my body since my top surgery. I am proud to be celebrating 10 months post operation. The joy I feel each and every day just seeing my chest is uncontainable. 

For me, this was the ultimate act of choosing myself and knowing my decisions are worthy for my life. Knowing my life is a journey for me to live, make mistakes, make decisions (good and bad), and continue to grow. 

Choosing myself for each action along the way! Here’s to living and expressing all our multitudes throughout life.

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For more information about the QueeHR community we’re building, you can visit my community page and request to join our LinkedIn group. Each spotlight recipient is someone who embodies the core Ripple Effect Leadership values of vulnerability, kindness, empathy, curiosity and humility.