What does it truly mean to feel seen, heard, and valued at work? In today’s world of rapid change, remote teams, and evolving expectations, the need for belonging in the workplace has never been more urgent—or more complex. In this episode of “I Know I Belong When…,” inclusive leadership expert Simone Morris invites listeners into a deeply personal and practical conversation about building belonging at work, one authentic interaction at a time. Simone’s journey—from searching for her name on a keychain as a child to leading global teams and mentoring the next generation—offers a powerful lens on what it takes to create an inclusive culture.

Through stories of vulnerability, resilience, and human-centered innovation, Simone shares how leaders at every level can foster workplace belonging, model authentic leadership, and turn strategic inclusion into everyday practice. Listeners will discover that creating belonging at work isn’t just about grand gestures or policies—it’s about the small moments of listening, the courage to show up as your true self, and the willingness to lift others as you climb. Whether you’re an HR leader, DEI practitioner, team manager, or someone seeking language for belonging, this episode delivers actionable insights and inspiration for building a people experience where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated, and empowered.

Must-Hear Insights & Key Moments 

• Modeling authentic leadership: Meeting leaders wherever they are on their inclusive leadership journey, creating space for trust and honest dialogue.
• The power of being seen: A pivotal moment with a CEO shows how workplace belonging is created when leaders invite authentic voices to the table.
• Navigating microaggressions and mispronunciations: Highlighting how small acts of recognition can foster or fracture a sense of belonging at work.
• Vulnerability as a leadership superpower: Simone encourages leaders to “bumble, stumble, rise”—embracing imperfection and modeling grace for themselves and their teams.
• Creating psychologically safe spaces: Practical strategies for managers to listen deeply, receive feedback, and recognize the diverse ways people experience belonging.

Simone’s Standout Quotes 

• "You do not have to be perfect. As an inclusive leader, you are going to mess up… Give yourself compassion and love, you’re human."
• "If you don’t notice that extroversion continues to win, then you miss out on people who are more thoughtful about their response."
• "Your employees are going to tell you… If there are belonging challenges, it’s not a one-and-done. The Rubik’s Cube is going to consistently change."
• "I know I belong when I feel seen, appreciated, welcomed, and included."
• "It’s exhausting to filter. Anyway, that’s the moment that came up for me."

Why This Episode Matters 

This episode is essential for anyone wanting to create belonging at work—especially HR leaders, DEI practitioners, and managers of remote or hybrid teams. Simone’s narrative offers language for belonging, bridging strategic inclusion and everyday experience. Her insights help organizations go beyond surface-level inclusion to build authentic, human-centered cultures where everyone belongs.

Who Should Listen

• Leaders committed to building belonging in the workplace
• HR and DEI professionals seeking actionable strategies for inclusive culture
• Team managers navigating remote or hybrid environments
• Anyone searching for ‘how to create a sense of belonging at work’ or exploring ‘belonging vs inclusion’
• Listeners looking for language, stories, and practical tools to foster authentic leadership and workplace belonging

An Innovation Unbiased Production

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What does it take to move from intention to action—and truly build belonging in any environment? Season 1 of “I Know I Belong When…” proved that belonging is not just a feeling; it is the outcome of radical inclusion, authentic leadership, and everyday choices that shape an inclusive culture.

Hosted by Christopher Bylone, Principal Strategist at Innovation Unbiased, this special episode revisits the bold voices and transformative stories that defined our first season. Through first-person narratives, you will discover how to create belonging at work, build human-centered innovation, and turn strategic inclusion into lived experience.

Must-Hear Insights & Key Moments:

• Inclusive behaviors are daily choices. From speaking up for yourself to practicing consistent allyship, inclusion is built through intentional acts. 
• Diversity is about power, not just presence. True leadership means opening doors for others and ensuring every layer of influence reflects diversity. 
• Active inclusion celebrates individuality. Belonging happens when values align, stories are heard, and differences are honored—not erased. 
• Multicultural agility is a survival skill. Growth comes from curiosity, humility, and letting others’ experiences reshape your worldview. 
• Purposeful action disrupts bias. Being called in isn’t criticism—it’s care. Accountability and self-awareness are the foundation of equity. 
• Belonging is a radical act. It’s about challenging comfort, demanding accountability, and making space for every voice.

Guest Standout Quotes:

• “If I don’t speak up for my own abilities, nobody really will… I belonged, I mattered. And then, man, this is just fun. Let’s just see what happens.” — Brooklyn Dicent 
• “It’s not a one and done, check the box activity… It has to be these everyday, continual allyship actions.” — Julie Kratz 
• “Whenever I enter those rooms, I figure out a way to make them bigger for others. Who am I lifting behind me?” — John Ferguson 
• “Respect and fairness are the key ingredients… for all these phenomenal abilities to be fully used for the benefit of all.” — Aniela Unguresan 
• “I know I belong when my values are aligned with the leaders’ values as well as the company’s values.” — Marissa Andrada 
• “It literally comes down to one thing, and that’s listen… when you genuinely care, and you come from a place of curiosity, and you listen, now all of a sudden you’re hearing the story.” — Chason Forehand 
• “It’s much better to be a curious leader than a delegating leader… Invite people in.” — Nancy J. Di Dia 
• “He didn't make me feel bad about it came from a genuine place of curiosity. I felt so seen. I felt like I belonged, you know, especially something that it's a visible difference.” — Dr. Victoria Mattingly

Why This Episode Matters:

This recap is your blueprint for building belonging in the workplace, especially for HR leaders, DEI practitioners, and team managers seeking practical strategies for inclusive culture and human-centered innovation. You will gain language for belonging, discover how to create a sense of belonging at work (including in remote teams), and understand the difference between belonging vs inclusion.

By framing belonging as the outcome of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) work—not just another pillar—this episode gives you the tools to move from theory to action.

Who Should Listen:

• Leaders committed to building belonging and authentic leadership 
• HR, DEI, and people experience professionals seeking strategic inclusion 
• Anyone ready to disrupt the status quo and create workplaces where everyone is invited, seen, heard

An Innovation Unbiased Production

https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

What does it truly mean to belong at work—and how do leaders move from intention to impact? In this episode of I Know I Belong When, host Christopher Bylone welcomes expert Julie Kratz to explore building belonging beyond buzzwords. Having navigated male-dominated industries and experienced being “the only one in the room,” Julie shares how exclusion and allies shaped her mission to foster cultures of belonging. Her work with Next Pivot Point guides leaders from performative statements to authentic leadership and allyship, making workplace belonging a reality.

Listeners will learn that inclusive culture is more than policy—it’s a daily practice reflected in how we communicate, hold accountability, and measure success. Julie highlights the difference between “belonging vs inclusion,” emphasizing that belonging results from strategic, human-centered innovation. She provides language and frameworks for leaders—especially in remote and hybrid settings—to turn values into action, so everyone can say, “I know I belong when my voice matters.”

This episode invites HR leaders, DEI practitioners, managers, and those interested in creating belonging at work to reflect, reimagine, and recommit. Julie’s insights offer practical steps and mindset shifts to build workplaces where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.

Must-hear insights & key moments

Allyship is a journey: why intentional, consistent actions—and engaged senior leaders—turn inclusion into workplace belonging.

Names as belonging’s baseline: the “curb-cut effect” of getting names right and practicing daily allyship.

Mentorship & sponsorship: how strategic allies mirror strengths, open doors, and elevate your people experience.

Accountability with empathy: owning mistakes, apologizing, and moving forward without making it about you.

From fatigue to focus: Julie’s tools for sustaining human-centered innovation (values, boundaries, therapy, movement).

Embed + measure: policy, process, and metrics that show ROI—creating belonging at work beyond one-and-done training.

Belonging vs inclusion: framing belonging as the outcome of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) work.

Julie’s standout quotes

“When you're in that psychologically safe place, it is such a fulfilling feeling.”

“It has to be intentional… it has to be consistent.”

“A good first step of allyship is: let’s get people’s names correct.”

“Julie, you’re a great facilitator.”

“Can you take it out? If you can, it’s not embedded.”

“Allies are often too humble for their own good.”

“I know I belong when my voice really matters—when I really feel heard.”

Why this episode matters

Organizations need strategic inclusion reflected in daily behaviors, policies, and decisions, not just statements. Julie’s story offers language for belonging—from allyship roles to practical ways leaders foster belonging and measure progress. It covers creating a sense of belonging for on-site, remote, and hybrid teams by applying IDEA principles to improve retention, performance, and trust.

Who should listen

Senior leaders and managers ready to turn values into inclusive culture.

HR/People, DEI & ERG leaders seeking measurable approaches to workplace belonging.

Team leads of remote/hybrid teams looking for practical ways to strengthen connection.

#BelongingMatters #IKnowIBelongWhen #InclusiveLeadership #PeopleExperience #HumanCentered #WorkplaceBelonging #InnovationUnbiased #InclusiveCulture #AuthenticLeadership #StrategicInclusion #HumanCenteredInnovation #CreatingBelongingAtWork #SenseOfBelongingAtWork #BelongingVsInclusion #DiversityDrivesInnovation #AllyshipInAction #YourVoiceMatte

An Innovation Unbiased Production

https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

What does it really mean to create belonging in the workplace—and how do you build it at scale, without losing your soul?

 

In this episode of I Know I Belong When, we welcome Christina Luconi, former Chief People Officer at Rapid7 and a trailblazer in people strategy, for a conversation that redefines what it means to lead with authenticity, build inclusive cultures, and champion human-centered innovation. Christina’s story is a masterclass in building belonging at work, especially for those who have ever felt like an outsider or questioned their place in the room.

 

Whether you are an HR leader, DEI practitioner, startup founder, or anyone seeking a sense of belonging at work, this episode gives you practical language, real-world strategies, and the emotional fuel to create cultures where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.

 

Must-Hear Insights & Key Moments

• Scaling with Soul: Christina shares how scaling companies can stay exceptional places to work by making culture the foundation—not just a buzzword.
• From HR to People Strategy: Discover why rebranding HR as “people strategy” is not just semantics—it is a strategic move toward workplace belonging and authentic leadership.
• Building Belonging in Remote Teams: Christina and Christopher reflect on the pandemic’s impact, revealing how remote work can level the playing field and foster inclusive cultures.
• Bet Against Me: Learn how being underestimated fueled Christina’s drive to prove her value and bring others along, turning skeptics into culture champions.
• Naming What Matters: Explore how language—titles, labels, and the words we choose—shapes the experience of belonging and inclusion from day one.
• Culture vs. Operations: Christina breaks down the difference between tactical people operations and strategic inclusion, showing why culture must come first.
• Human-Centered Innovation: Real stories of how Christina’s teams navigated crisis, adapted onboarding, and created belonging for new hires—even in the most challenging times.

 

Christina’s Standout Quotes

“If you want to see me thrive, bet against me. Tell me I don’t belong, and I’ll go to the ends of the earth to prove you wrong.”

 

“Culture is the foundation. Everything else gets built from that.”

 

“I don’t do things just to be disruptive. I do them because I think they’re the right thing to do.”

 

“When you can put aside what makes you different and focus on where the commonalities fall, that’s when amazing things happen.”

 

“Names matter. The language we use keeps us grounded and honest about what we’re trying to achieve.”

 

“The pandemic leveled the playing field. Suddenly, everyone was behind a screen—no more boardrooms versus cubicles. It humanized us.”

 

“I know I belong when I have a really big problem to solve and I’m on the precipice of changing people’s minds.”

Why Listen?

This episode is your guide to building belonging in the workplace, creating inclusive cultures, and leading with authenticity. Christina Luconi’s journey—from startup intern to chief people innovator—offers listeners the language and practical tools to foster strategic inclusion, workplace belonging, and human-centered innovation. If you’re searching for “how to create a sense of belonging at work,” “belonging in remote teams,” or “belonging vs inclusion,” you’ll find answers and inspiration here.

 

#BelongingMatters #InclusiveLeadership #PeopleExperience #WorkplaceBelonging #IKnowIBelongWhen #InnovationUnbiased #CultureAtScale

An Innovation Unbiased Production

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What if the fastest path to belonging in the workplace is replacing certainty with curiosity? In this episode of I Know I Belong When, executive coach and longtime DEI/IDEA leader Nancy J. Di Dia invites us into the moments that shaped her leadership—when she stood up in a global town hall, when clinical trial data met human reality, and when a listening culture turned inclusive culture from aspiration into practice. Designed for workplace leaders, HR, DEI teams, and managers, this conversation provides clear, usable language for belonging and practical steps to create belonging at work—in-person and across remote/hybrid teams. We frame belonging as the outcome of inclusive, equitable, human-centered innovation—so you can move beyond buzzwords toward a measurable people experience.

Must‑hear insights & key moments

• Curiosity over certainty as a leadership operating system—why authentic leadership starts with questions that invite participation and workplace belonging.
• The ‘town hall’ pivot: Nancy’s courageous ask about same-sex domestic partner coverage—and the turning point of being invited to the Chairman’s National Diversity Council.
• Strategic inclusion in clinical trials: how patient voice, representation, and social determinants move data from abstract to actionable—linking belonging and outcomes.
• Belonging vs inclusion: inclusion opens the door; belonging ensures people know they’re invited, seen, heard, and needed.
• The menu for a healthy culture: a quick win (listening to be changed), a main dish (bringing allies, not just detractors), and a pairing (behavior + metric for sustainability).
• Navigating non‑belonging: dress codes, unspoken norms, and meeting dynamics—and how graceful disruption creates openings without burning bridges.
• Practical phrases and synonyms of belonging leaders can use in meetings, 1:1s, and ERGs—meeting the surge in searches like ‘another word for belong’ and ‘love and belonging needs.’

Nancy’s Standout Quotes

“When curiosity replaces certainty.”

“It’s much better to be a curious leader than a delegating leader.”

“Catalyst leaders invite people and create that sense of belonging.”

“Listening to understand—to be changed by what you’ve heard.”

“That was the moment of truth where I felt seen and heard.”

“Our role as CDOs was to shine the light… to ensure their reach was much more inclusive.”

“It’s a choice.”

“A forced dress code was the antithesis of belonging.”

Why this episode matters

Leaders are searching for practical language and tools—‘sense of belonging at work,’ ‘how to create a sense of belonging at work,’ ‘belonging in remote teams.’ Nancy’s first‑person story and coaching practice translate those needs into everyday leadership behaviors: build belonging by asking better questions, designing meetings that invite voices, and measuring what sustains (not just what launches). You’ll leave with phrases that turn intent into action, and a clear path to human‑centered innovation that elevates the people experience.

Listen if you’re

• A CHRO, DEI/IDEA leader, or team manager ready to operationalize inclusive culture.
• An ERG lead seeking shared language for workplace belonging and remote/hybrid inclusion.
• A strategist looking to connect love & belonging needs (Maslow) with modern org design.

 

#IKnowIBelongWhen #BelongingInTheWorkplace #BuildingBelonging #InclusiveCulture #AuthenticLeadership #PeopleExperience #StrategicInclusion #WorkplaceBelonging #HumanCenteredInnovation #CreatingBelongingAtWork #BelongingVsInclusion #InnovationUnbiased

An Innovation Unbiased Production

https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

In this energizing episode of I Know I Belong When, host Christopher Bylone and Dr. Victoria Mattingly explore how allyship as a verb turns data-informed people solutions into transformational change. Together, they unpack strategic inclusion, inclusive design, and the Belonging Formula—equity plus diversity, multiplied by inclusion to the power of accessibility—to help forward-thinking organizations build an inclusive culture where diversity sparks innovation and workplace belonging is sustained. Expect a warm, confident, and transparent conversation, along with practical moves any team can use to advance equity and excellence through human-centered innovation and inclusive business practices.

 

Must‑hear insights & key moments

• The origin story & authentic connection: A ferry ride in Savannah becomes the spark for a genuine business relationship rooted in values-driven partnership and sincere connection.
• Allyship is action, not identity: “Never call yourself an ally”—practice it until someone names you theirs. This reframes allyship as an intentional strategy and bias‑free consulting in daily leadership.
• Micro‑affirmations > microaggressions: Positive reinforcement and optimistic workplace culture help teams adopt collaborative workplace habits that build belonging faster.
• Blacks in I‑O Psychology & earned allyship: Dr. V shares what it felt like to hear “You’re our ally,” illustrating authentic leadership and reflective networks in practice.
• Curiosity creates safety: A respectful “Can I ask you a question?” about her head wrap becomes a model for accessible brand design, acknowledgement, and transparent communication that welcomes the whole, bold self.
• The Belonging Formula in the wild: Christopher Bylone shares his formula—equity + diversity × inclusion^accessibility = belonging—and why unbiased innovation requires accessibility at the center.
• Data proves it: Inclusion efforts that intentionally invite allies are three times more effective—make allyship a formal lever in culture change.
• Build Ally Resource Groups (ARGs): Equip allies in comms, training, and executive influence to serve every ERG, reducing lift on marginalized groups while accelerating progress‑driven leadership.
• When allyship misses the mark: A vulnerable NDA story shows how defensiveness blocks genuine business relationships—thick skin, listening, and repair are the work.
• Finish‑line wisdom: “I know I belong when I’m genuinely heard.” Belonging is sustained by curiosity, listening, and intentional strategy made visible in everyday behaviors.

 

Victoria’s standout quotes

“Never call yourself an ally. You know you’re doing allyship right when someone calls you their ally.”

“Inclusion is the action; belonging is the outcome.”

“Invite allies in—when they’re part of the work, initiatives are three times as effective.”

“Asking ‘Can I ask you a question?’ opens the door for vulnerability and authenticity.”

“I know I belong when I’m genuinely heard.”

 

#BelongingMatters #InnovationUnbiased #InclusiveLeadership #DiversityDrivesInnovation #EquityInBusiness #AccessibleDesign #PeopleExperience #HumanCentered #ProgressForAll #StrategicInclusion #AuthenticWorkplace #CollaborateForChange #ForwardThinking #InclusiveCulture #TransformBusiness #BiasFreeZone #EmpowerBelonging #ReflectiveNetworks #ValuesDriven #OptimisticTeams #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #IKnowIBelongWhen #CommittedToDiversity #ActivelyInclusive #MulticulturalAgility #PurposefullyUnbiased #YouBelongHere

An Innovation Unbiased Production

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Discover how organizations can transform lives through human-centered innovation and inclusive practices in "I Know I Belong When.” Host Christopher Bylone welcomes Chason Forehand, founder of HR4U and Transformation Kitchen, for an inspiring talk on building belonging at work and beyond.

Chason shares his journey from abuse, addiction, and homelessness to creating transformational change. Transformation Kitchen offers second chances, mentorship, and authentic leadership—empowering marginalized communities and fostering equity. This episode covers strategic inclusion, accessible brand design, and the Belonging Formula that promote positive workplace culture and genuine relationships.

Ideal for those interested in inclusive design, diversity, and building belonging at work. Listen for insights, leadership, and a hopeful view on belonging and driving change in your organization.

Must-hear insights & key moments

• Breaking cycles, building futures: Learn how intentional strategy and data-informed people solutions help break cycles of disadvantage, creating lasting impact for individuals and organizations alike.
• The power of listening: “It literally comes down to one thing, and that’s listen.” Discover why sincere connection and transparent communication are the foundation of inclusive culture and collaborative workplaces.
• From pain to purpose: Hear how honoring individual stories—without weaponizing pain—creates reflective networks and empowers people to thrive.
• Retention as a measure of belonging: Explore how stay interviews and feedback loops are essential for measuring impact, driving progress-driven leadership, and sustaining values-driven business.
• Leadership lessons: “Remove the ego and the hubris and take our names out of it and focus in on how many people can we realistically impact.” Learn how bias-free consulting and warm, confident brand voice foster authentic workplace belonging.

Chason’s words of wisdom:

“I know I belong when I feel safe to be myself.”

“We do not just flip eggs, we flip lives.”

“How do you care enough about a human being to frame the work to make sure they have what they need?”

“Remove the ego and the hubris and take our names out of it and focus in on how many people can we realistically impact, create a community, keep people in that community and have them thrive long term.”

“I think when you genuinely care, and you come from a place of curiosity, and you listen, now all of a sudden you’re hearing the story. You’re hearing the name. You’re understanding the journey.”

“When we can focus on ourselves to make sure that we are doing and championing all the work, then we can help others and we continuously do that.”

“Retention is a huge factor for saying, are we winning or are we losing? Are people staying with us because they see all the things that we’re doing and are... Are you talking to people and having stay interviews with them? Forget the exit interview. Yeah, an exit interview is an important process, but are you having the stay interviews?”

#BelongingMatters #InnovationUnbiased #InclusiveLeadership #DiversityDrivesInnovation #EquityInBusiness #AccessibleDesign #PeopleExperience #HumanCentered #ProgressForAll #StrategicInclusion #AuthenticWorkplace #CollaborateForChange #ForwardThinking #InclusiveCulture #TransformBusiness #BiasFreeZone #EmpowerBelonging #ReflectiveNetworks #ValuesDriven #OptimisticTeams #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #IKnowIBelongWhen #CommittedToDiversity #ActivelyInclusive #MulticulturalAgility

An Innovation Unbiased Production

https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

Discover why fairness is not just a value: it is a strategic advantage. In this episode of “I Know I Belong When,” host Christopher Bylone sits down with Aniela Unguresan, founder of the EDGE Certified Foundation and CEO of EDGE Strategy, to explore how data-driven inclusion transforms organizations and lives.

 

Overview

What does it truly mean to belong—and how can fairness become a business imperative? Aniela Unguresan shares her journey from international trade to pioneering the world’s leading workplace fairness certification. Together with Christopher Bylone, they unpack why fairness is more than a buzzword: it is a catalyst for innovation, growth, and resilient company culture.

 

Listeners will learn how organizations can move beyond sentiment to embed fairness into their DNA, leveraging data, courage, and purpose to drive real change. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone passionate about equity, inclusion, and authentic impact.

 

Must-Hear Insights & Key Moments

 

• The Heartbeat of Fairness: Aniela reveals her conviction that every individual has a unique ability to contribute to economic value and societal progress—if given respect and opportunity.
• Belonging in Action: Stories of how shared values, open dialogue, and intentional invitations create true belonging at work.
• Overcoming Bias: Practical lessons from Aniela’s experience as a female entrepreneur in tech, including navigating investor skepticism and the power of mentorship.
• Tools for Inclusion: Actionable advice for leaders—how to invite quieter voices, ask “Who is missing from the table?”, and create psychological safety.
• Sustaining Belonging: Why giving people a voice, providing feedback, and ensuring growth opportunities are essential for lasting inclusion.
• Strategy Over Sentiment: How organizations can use data and feedback loops to move from good intentions to measurable progress.

Aniela’s Words of Wisdom

 

“People are grateful for being given the tools they need to succeed. They want to do the right things—they just need the proper guidance and patience.”

“Consistency, performance, and resilience remain the key ingredients of lasting success that we can be proud of.”

“Give people a voice. Listen to how it feels to work for your organization—and never stop doing it.”

“Shared values, shared goals, and shared opportunities for growth—that’s when I know I belong.”

“You always need to have a solid shared and known ground with other people in order to be able to build anything new on it.”

“When traditional investors have non-traditional entrepreneurs in front of them, they tend to kick into the risk management gears rather than the optimizing values type of gear.”

 

#FairnessAtWork #WomenInLeadership #BusinessCaseForFairness #EDGEEmpower #EDGECertifiedFoundation #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #Mentorship #PsychologicalSafety #DataDrivenInclusion #ChristopherBylone #AnielaUnguresan #Podcast #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #CommittedToDiversity #ActivelyInclusive #MulticulturalAgility #PurposefullyUnbiased  #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased #LinkedInVoices

 

Tune in to hear how strategy, not sentiment, is the key to building fair and thriving workplaces. Subscribe, share, and join the movement for authentic belonging!

An Innovation Unbiased Production

https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

Overview

In this powerful episode of I Know I Belong When, host Christopher Bylone welcomes culture visionary and kindness catalyst Marissa Andrada—a transformative leader whose career spans iconic brands like Chipotle, Starbucks, and Kate Spade. Now serving as Chief Culture Officer at WUF World, Marissa is redefining leadership by centering equity, inclusion, and belonging as daily practices—not distant goals.

 

“Kindness is a Strategy” is more than a conversation—it is a masterclass in values-driven leadership. Marissa shares her deeply personal journey from East LA to the C-suite, revealing how her immigrant roots, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to the platinum rule—treating people the way they want to be treated—have shaped her approach to building thriving cultures. This episode explores how kindness, truth-telling, and aligned values create workplaces where everyone can show up as their bold, authentic selves.

 

Must-hear insights and key moments

The power of names: Marissa Reflects on the Significance of Her Name and How Correcting Its Pronunciation in First Grade Was Her Earliest Act of Speaking Truth to Power.

 

Belonging begins with values: A defining moment at Universal Studios, where a leader showed up to help her move house, becomes a metaphor for leadership that sees the whole person.

 

The cost of conformity: Marissa recounts a corporate training for “high potential minorities” that taught assimilation over authenticity—and how she chose to respond with grace and resistance.

 

Kindness as timely truth: She challenges the idea that kindness is merely niceness, arguing instead that it is the courage to be present, honest, and caring in real-time.

 

Culture is a reflection of leadership: Together, Christopher and Marissa unpack how leaders shape culture through their values, behaviors, and willingness to model authenticity.

 

Marissa’s words of wisdom:

“Kindness is being truthful and present in the moment.”
“I know I belong when my values are aligned with the leaders’ values and the company’s values.”
“Culture is a reflection of leadership. Leaders get the culture they deserve.”
“Treat people the way they want to be treated—that is the platinum rule.”
“You can be all about business and still have fun. What you see is what you get.”

“You do not need to change your values if they are at the core of who you are.”

“It is not the stimulus, it is the response. And I choose grace.”

“Being kind is not about being nice. It is about being truthful in a way that shows you care.”

Hashtags

#KindnessIsAStrategy #PlatinumRuleLeadership #CultureCatalyst #BelongingMatters #AuthenticLeadership #InclusiveWorkplaces #BoldVoices #IKnowIBelongWhen #MarissaAndrada #ChristopherBylone #LeadershipWithHeart #EquityAndInclusion
#HumanCenteredWork #WolfWorldCulture #PodcastWisdom #LeadWithKindness
#ValuesDrivenLeadership #DiversityBelongingEquity #TruthToPower

An Innovation Unbiased Production

https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

In this compelling episode of “I Know I Belong When,” host Christopher Bylone welcomes John Ferguson, a strategic business executive, former Chief Human Resources Officer at NASCAR, and recognized leader in people strategy and inclusive culture. Together, they delve deeply into the power of unedited identity, exploring how your name, your story, and your authentic voice shape your sense of belonging at work and in life.

 

This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a movement. John Ferguson shares his journey from “Mom and Dad LLC” to the C-suite, revealing how foundational lessons, family legacy, and intentional leadership have guided his path. The dialogue is rich with actionable insights for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone seeking to foster a culture where every voice is valued and every story matters.

 

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Belonging Starts with Identity: John Ferguson and Christopher Bylone unpack the significance of names as carriers of legacy, meaning, and respect. Getting someone’s name right isn’t just etiquette—it’s a declaration: “You belong here.”

 

• The Power of Story: Listeners are invited into formative moments—family businesses, church announcements, and pivotal career transitions—that shaped John Ferguson’s leadership philosophy.

 

• Voice as a Tool for Inclusion: The episode explores how using your voice can amplify belonging. John Ferguson emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to “make the room bigger for others,” sharing practical strategies for inviting new voices and ensuring everyone is heard. The “W.A.I.T.” rule (“Why Am I Talking? Why Aren’t I Talking?”) offers a memorable framework for inclusive conversations.

 

• Navigating Insider/Outsider Dynamics: John Ferguson candidly discusses moments of exclusion and offers actionable advice for both newcomers and anchors: lead with transparency, seek common ground, and build relationships.

 

• Leadership Lessons for Culture Builders: For HR leaders and executives, the episode delivers a blueprint for creating cultures of belonging. John Ferguson advocates for starting with a “listening tour,” lowering the waterline to foster connection, and being intentional about relationship-building.

 

Standout Quotes

“There are times where people have to learn through making the mistake. There were plenty of times when Mom told me that iron is hot. I didn’t believe it. I had to touch it to realize it was hot. And so sometimes the best lessons in life are the ones that you might have scraped your knees on.” – John Ferguson

 

“Never lose the essence of who you are. But I also think that in being your authentic self, there’s a time and place for certain aspects of who we are to show up as well.” – John Ferguson

 

“The L in leadership stands for listen. And that can be challenging for us extroverts. We’re excited to share about this and that. But I think any time you enter a new environment, you have to ground yourself in a listening tour.” – John Ferguson

 

“If you are an anchor in that space, invite them into that conversation. And if you are someone new to the room, the people that are anchors to that room, I feel like have the same obligation to you, to pull you in.” – John Ferguson

 

Why Listen?

This episode is essential for anyone passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership development, or personal growth. You’ll walk away with practical tips for championing belonging, honoring identity, and using your voice to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

An Innovation Unbiased Production

https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show