Decolonizing Power and Finding ALOHA with Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell is a native Hawaiian scholar, wayfinder, oral historian, and founder of Co3, Co-Creating Cohesive Communities. Grounded in ALOHA and guided by purpose, she helps leaders and communities navigate complexity while honoring people, place, culture, and relationships. But behind her accomplishments and years of leadership, Dr. Gerry has also faced isolation, imposter syndrome, burnout, and the painful realization that carrying more does not necessarily mean leading better.This episode of Lonely at the Top is about redefining leadership, finding your way back to who you are, and learning that you don't have to carry everything alone. Dr. Gerry opens up about leaving a position of power that was taking a toll on her, the pressure to constantly prove her value, and the process of decolonizing herself and reconnecting with her Hawaiian identity. She shares how a painful moment with her grandson forced her to confront the impact of her words, leading her to develop a deeper understanding of ALOHA, self-regulation, accountability, and relationship-centered leadership.Episode HighlightsWhat it means to choose yourself when a position of power is no longer sustainableMoving beyond imposter syndrome and the need to constantly prove your worthDr. Gerry's journey of decolonizing herself and reconnecting with her culture and identityHow a powerful moment with her grandson changed the way she thought about her words and leadershipThe meaning of ALOHA and how asking, listening, observing, having heart, and adapting can transform relationshipsWhy self-regulation and embodied leadership matter when navigating difficult conversationsThe difference between leadership that "powers over" people and leadership that empowers peopleWhy taking accountability is an essential part of true leadershipLearning that your capacity to carry something does not mean you're responsible for everythingWhy not every problem is yours to solve, not every person is yours to save, and not every room deserves your energy or your alohaConnect with Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-TunnellWebsite for Co3 Consulting Dr. Gerry's Linkedin Dr. Gerry's Email: gerri@co3consulting.netHave thoughts on this episode or the overall show?Email podcast@rachelalexandria.com (No guest pitches please) Want your own breakthrough?Discounted Magic Breakthrough session for listeners: https://rachelalexandria.as.me/magicbreakthrough100 ★ Support this podcast ★