Join host Kevin as he sits down with Carmen Palmer, CEO of Women In Product, in this enlightening episode of the Belong Podcast. They discuss the journey and mission of Women In Product, a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 that now has a community of over 30,000 women and non-binary individuals. Carmen shares insights into the organization's growth from small networking dinners to an annual conference and extensive programs. She delves into the challenges and strategies of connecting a global community, the role of volunteers, and the importance of providing structure and support to help women thrive in their careers. Carmen also talks about the tools and platforms used to enhance connections and engagement within the community and the vision for the future of Women In Product. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on community building, leadership, and innovation in the realm of product management.

Links

• Guest: Carmen Palmer, CEO, Women In Product
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi
• Women In Product
• The Women In Product Community

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• (00:00) - Introduction to Women in Product

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Karina Mikhli, Founder of the rapidly growing Fractionals United community. Karina shares her insights on what it means to be a fractional leader, distinguishing it from consulting and interim roles. We explore the founding and growth of the Fractionals United community, from a simple Slack channel to a thriving network of over 13,000 members. Learn how Karina maintained authenticity, engagement, and growth within the community, while balancing her professional commitments. This conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in the rise of fractional roles and the challenges of building and sustaining an impactful online community.

Links:

• Guest: Karina Mikhli
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi
• Fractionals United
• Operations Nation
• BizOps Network
• Rosieland
• Fractional Jobs
• FRAK Conference

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Interview with Karina Mikhli

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.com.

Join us as we reconnect with Genevieve McGillicuddy, VP, Enterprises & Strategic Partnerships at Turner Classic Movies (TCM), to discuss her journey and the evolution of TCM's community engagement. We delve into the early days of TCM's online presence, the growth of message boards, and the impact of social media in building a passionate fan base. Genevieve shares insights on how TCM's fans have shaped the brand, the significance of in-person events like film festivals and cruises, and how the network adapted during the pandemic. We also touch on a remarkable story where legendary directors like Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Steven Spielberg intervened to support the TCM team during layoffs.

Links:

• Guest: Genevieve McGillicuddy
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi
• TCM (Turner Classic Movies)
• The Power of Cult Branding, by BJ Bueno
• The Film Foundation
• 92NY

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Belong - Interview with Genevieve McGillicuddy

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.com.

In this engaging conversation, Kunya Rowley discusses his transition from a corporate job to founding Hued Songs, a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying Black joy, culture, and belonging through diverse artistic experiences. He shares insights into his mission to create inclusive spaces where artists of color can be seen, heard, and paid fairly, and how the arts can build empathy and community. Kunya reveals the challenges and triumphs of producing innovative performances and his vision for expanding Hued Songs beyond Miami. Join us as we explore the transformative power of art in fostering connection and belonging.

Links

• Guest: Kunya Rowley, Founder and Executive Artistic Director, Hued Songs
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi
• Hued Songs
• A Celebration of Black Belonging | Kunya Rowley | TEDxMiami
• Othering and Belonging Institute

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Chapters

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.com.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Man Flow Yoga, a yoga-based fitness program created by Dean Pohlman. Starting from creating YouTube videos for his lacrosse teammates to building a comprehensive online community, Dean shares how he tailored yoga for men who may feel out of place in traditional yoga settings. We discuss the evolution of Man Flow Yoga, the surprising demographic it attracted, and the launch of community-driven projects like the Better Man Podcast and Man Flow Yoga Engage. Dean emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, supportive communities, and the integration of holistic wellness into fitness regimes. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in building a community-focused fitness brand.

Links

• Guest: Dean Pohlman (he/him), CEO & Found, Man Flow Yoga
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi (he/him)
• Man Flow Yoga
• The Better Man Podcast
• Man Flow Yoga YouTube Channel

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Interview with Dean Pohlman

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.com.

In this episode, we explore the concept of belonging in business with Phil Terry, the Founder and CEO of Collaborative Gain, and author of 'Never Search Alone' and ‘Customers Included.’ Phil shares their extensive experience of fostering peer councils professionally and how that work has extended into a number of pro-bono projects. From Phil’s beginnings inspired by their mother's first council initiative to work with senior leaders and job seekers, Phil discusses the power of asking for help, creating structured support systems, and building long-term, meaningful connections. Phil also touches on their work with Slow Art Day, the World of Business Reading Group, and future projects including 'Never Lead Alone' and a potential memoir. Join us for an insightful conversation on the importance of vulnerability, trust, and community in navigating careers and personal growth.

Links

• Guest: Phyl Terry (they/them)
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi (he/him)
• Never Search Alone
• Never Search Alone Volunteer Opportunities
• Collaborative Gain
• World of Business Reading Group (WBRG)
• Slow Art Day
• A Personal History, by Katherine Graham

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Belong-Interview with Phyl Terry

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.com.

In this episode we’re speaking with Jill Konrath, a former sales professional who is now exploring 'What's Really Possible' to create positive changed in our polarized world.  Jill shares her motivation behind quitting sales and her mission to bring people together despite political polarities. She delves into her initiative to foster collaboration and creativity by focusing on creating rather than fixing problems. The conversation covers her experiences with building communities, her approach to meaningful conversations, and her hopes for involving grandmothers in healing the world. Join us as we explore Jill's inspiring journey and her efforts to instigate positive change.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

• Guest: Jill Konrath (she/her)
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi (he/him)
• What’s Really Possible
• The Highest Goal: The Secret That Sustains You In Every Moment, by Michael Ray
• I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times, by Mónica Guzmán
• Sales Wiz - A Business Novel by Jill
• Sales Books by Jill

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Belong-Interview with Jill Konrath

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.

Join us as we speak with Mary Jaron Kelly, a seasoned community advocate with over 20 years of experience in Portland's Office of Community and Civic Life. This episode delves into Mary's transition from landscape architecture to volunteer leadership, exploring her work with neighborhood associations and various impactful community projects. We discuss overcoming challenges, the importance of empathy, collaboration, and humor in community building, and the joy of connecting with and learning from volunteers. Discover practical insights on fostering trust, respect, and empowerment within communities.

Links

• Guest: Mary Jaron Kelley (she/her)
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi (he/him)

Click here to view the episode transcript.

• (00:00) - Interview with Mary Jaron Kelly

Join us on Belong as we chat with Daniel Midgley, linguist, author, science communicator, and host of the Because Language podcast. In this episode, Daniel shares his expertise on creating an inclusive and thriving podcast community. We discuss the importance of diverse guests, minimizing jargon, and using inclusive language to foster a sense of belonging. Daniel highlights the value of interactive components, storytelling, and community contributions, drawing from his experiences with both radio and podcasting. Learn about effective use of platforms like Discord, challenges of transitioning to an independent podcast, and the significance of respect, creativity, and adaptability in producing compelling content. Discover insights and strategies for building a supportive and engaging community.

Links

• Guest: Daniel Midgley (he/him)
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi (he/him)
• Because Language 
• TEDxPerth YouTube Talk
• Other linguistics podcasts: 
  • Lingthusiasm
  • The Vocal Fries
  • Bunny Trails

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Interview with Daniel Midgley, Because Language

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.

Many of us don’t think of data when we think about cultivating belonging. In this conversation with Kim Larson from Luminoso we dig into how data, text analytics, and surveys can transform our community engagement. Kim and I dig into the insights we’ve gained from surveying our communities and we discuss how to balance AI and the human connection.

Links

• Guest: Kim Larson (she/her)
• Host: Kevin Micalizzi (he/him) 
• St Johns 2024 Culture Survey 
• Represented. How to get accurate identity data (ethically) - webinar
• Luminoso 

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Chapters

• (00:00) - 2024-10-07-Interview with Kim Larson

Credits

Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay.