Episode Seven: When Responsibility Becomes Over-Responsibility with Alyssia Palacios-Woods

In this episode of The Upside Down Leader, Billy Moyer sits down with Alyssia Palacios-Woods, Executive Director of Capital IDEA and a longtime community leader in Central Texas, for a thoughtful conversation about the unique weight of leading in service to others. With more than 15 years in workforce development and nonprofit leadership, Alyssia shares what it means to represent not just an organization, but an entire community.

Together, they explore how pressure can quietly shift responsibility into over-responsibility, leading leaders to internalize decisions, absorb emotional labor, and isolate when the stakes are high. Alyssia reflects on leadership during the pandemic, the mental weight of constant decision-making, and how self-doubt and control can surface even in values-driven leaders.

The conversation also touches on lessons from competitive tennis, parenting teenagers, and the importance of surrounding yourself with trusted advisors who help you stay grounded. Ultimately, Alyssia reminds us that leadership grows over time, and that leading from the light means anchoring decisions in both values and care for people.