Episode 23: Inclusion, Community, & Compassion - Alex Ochoa & The Work of Becoming Artwork

UNBOXING OD: Exploring the Work Behind the Work

Unboxing OD is your guide to making sense of Organizational Development - one thoughtful conversation at a time. Hosted by Kenneth Pearson, seasoned OD practitioner and author of The Flow of Five Tiers, this podcast unpacks the complexity of organizational life with clarity, compassion, and a bit of edge.

Whether you're an early-career OD professional, a leader trying to navigate change, or simply someone who believes workplaces can be more human, you'll find grounded insights and actionable takeaways here. While most episodes are solo deep dives into the fieldwork and philosophy behind OD, we also feature voices from the field, bringing in experts, newcomers, and those who challenge the status quo.

No jargon. No endless theory. Just practical wisdom, lived experience, and a steady focus on making organizations better for the people who keep them alive.

Ready to deepen your OD practice? Connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/unboxing-od-podcast or visit the Pearson & Pearson LLC website at www.pearsonpearson.llc.

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UNBOXING OD: Exploring the Work Behind the Work

Episode 23: Inclusion, Community, & Compassion - Alex Ochoa & The Work of Becoming

July 21, 2025 • Kenneth Pearson • Season 2 • Episode 3

0:00 | 47:25

In this special in-person episode of Unboxing OD, Alex Ochoa shares what it means to show up - fully, boldly, and unapologetically - in a profession where you don’t always see yourself reflected. A first-generation Latina college graduate, Learning & Development Specialist, and co-founder of Latinos in I/O Psychology (LIOP), Alex opens up about navigating identity, imposter syndrome, and the quiet power of building space when none was offered.

This episode isn’t about theory. It’s about experience. It’s about learning how to take up space after being told not to. It’s about creating connection where isolation once stood. And it’s about remembering that the most radical thing we can do, especially in the workplace, is to listen - to ourselves, to others, and to the stories we haven’t heard yet.

Alex reminds us that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with compassion, claiming your place, and extending a hand to those still finding theirs.

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: