In this episode of The Belonging Project Podcast, Fiorenza Rossini deep dives into the impact of motherhood on women’s confidence in the workplace.

She discusses the challenges faced by mothers returning to work, including the mental load, societal perceptions that contribute to a decline in confidence, and the motherhood penalty.Fiorenza offers practical strategies for rebuilding confidence, emphasising the importance of small resets and adapting to new circumstances.

“I am passionate about confidence, not needing big intervention. It can really be about small resets, small little things, small strategies, small tools that you can do on the daily.", explains Fiorenza.

The conversation highlights the need for understanding growth and the evolving definition of success as women navigate their roles as parents alongside professionals.

Tune in for the full episode!

Key topics we explored:

* Confidence Changes After Parenthood (0:33 - 1:30)

* Impact of a change of context and mental load (1:30 - 4:38)

* Practical strategies for Rebuilding Confidence (5:26 - 10:33)

* Growth and Adaptation (9:13 - 11:59)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review!

About your host Fiorenza Rossini

Fiorenza started building her coaching business in 2016 while still working in investment banking. When her first child was born in 2019, she knew something had to give. Like many parents, she realised she couldn’t keep growing her career in the same way while also being the parent she wanted to be. Her priorities became clearer, and she chose to leave corporate life to focus fully on her coaching work. Today, Fiorenza supports driven professionals & leaders who are also parents of young children, who find themselves to be at a pivot point - whether that’s returning to work, stepping into leadership, or rethinking what career growth now looks like.🔗 Fiorenza on Linkedin 🔗 Fiorenza on Instagram 🔗 More about Fiorenza’s work: www.growinnow.com

If you enjoy this episode, make sure to catch our episode with Hannah Douglas, public speaking and voice coach. Here to listen on your platform of choice or on Substack.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

In this episode, Fiorenza Rossini welcomes award-winning actress Hannah Douglas who decided to launch LoudHer Voice Coaching (a public speaking and voice coaching business) after becoming a mum.

“After I became a mum, I was talking to so many mums who were feeling like weren’t heard properly at work or were nervous about going back to work or didn’t quite know what their voices were anymore. And I really felt that kind of sense of identity shift as well”, says Hannah.

Hannah’s work use the breath as foundation and not only she gives us practical tips in this episode but she also guides us through a breathing exercise called the balloon breathing, which works great to instantly ground oneself before speaking or stepping into a room.

Public speaking is a big topic in our working life, sometimes a past event is casting a shadow and holding us back, sometimes we fell in a perfectionism trap.

What if we give ourselves permission and choice to be confident with our own voice?

Tune in for the full conversation!

Key topics we explored:

* Hannah’s transition from acting to voice coaching driven by motherhood and personal experience (00:00 - 02:44)

* The deep connection between breath and confidence (07:14 - 08:05)

* Common challenges women face with their voice in professional and personal settings (09:54 - 10:53)

* How societal expectations and internal permission influence speaking up (39:45 - 41:25)

* Practice with us a breathing exercise, the balloon breathing to manage nerves (13:15 - 14:22)

* The impact of motherhood on self-identity and confidence (32:58 - 39:45)

* Navigating the acting industry’s approach to pregnancy and motherhood (17:43 - 21:36)

* The importance of feeling safe and having permission to express oneself (41:25 - 42:16)

* External vs internal permission and overcoming judgments (42:16 - 43:02)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating & review and hit subscribe!

Connect with Hannah Douglas

🔗 LoudHer Voice Coaching 🔗 Hannah Douglas - LinkedIn 🔗Hannah Douglas - Instagram

About your host Fiorenza Rossini

Fiorenza started building her coaching business in 2016 while still working in investment banking. When her first child was born in 2019, she knew something had to give. Like many parents, she realised she couldn’t keep growing her career in the same way while also being the parent she wanted to be. Her priorities became clearer, and she chose to leave corporate life to focus fully on her coaching work. Today, Fiorenza supports driven professionals & leaders who are also parents of young children, who find themselves to be at a pivot point - whether that’s returning to work, stepping into leadership, or rethinking what career growth now looks like.🔗 Fiorenza on Linkedin 🔗 Fiorenza on Instagram 🔗 More about Fiorenza’s work

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

This season is about working parenthood, the real-life challenges that shape how we show up professionally when life is full, and of course, belonging.

Expect a mix of thoughtful reflection and energising conversation, grounded in the realities of working parenthood, and what sustainable growth can look like in this season of life.🎧 New episodes dropping every other Wednesday!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

In this episode of the Belonging Project Podcast, host Fiorenza Rossini sits down with Tim Yeo, chief introvert of the Quiet Achiever. Tim shares insights on how introverts can have an impact at work without pretending to be extroverts.

“Reframe introversion as a strength”, says Tim Yeo.

In this conversation with Fiorenza, Tim opens up on his journey from Singapore to Australia, the cultural differences he encountered, and how he embraced his identity as a quiet achiever.

Thanks for supporting The Belonging Project Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts!

This episode is also super packed with practical tips for introverts to be seen and heard in the workplace. Such as:

* Introducing ourselves to a group

* Small Talk

* What to do when you’re asked something on the spot in a meeting

* Giving yourself permission to speak up even when your ideas are not fully formed

* Networking

* Public Speaking

* How to make remote working more inclusive (aka spend less time speaking in online meetings!)

And finally, one of my favourite part of the conversation with Tim is when we explore how we can make introverts and extroverts coexist in a team!

Episode’s resources

You can find more about Tim on thequietachievr.com where you can find out about his book, The Quiet Achiever and the Quiet Achiever School (which offers courses on public speaking, networking, and more).

👩🏽‍💻 ✨ This podcast is fully self-funded.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please comment below!Any questions or if you’d love to reach out, DM me here or on [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

We’ve all heard the advice: bring your whole self to work.

But recently, two voices made me stop and rethink that message — Amy Edmondson, who reminds us that authenticity needs accountability, and Jodi-Ann Burey, whose book Authentic: The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work explores how “being yourself” can carry a cost, especially for women and people of colour.

Amy’s post offered a great example: a colleague who interrupts everyone and says, “That’s just how I am.”

Authentic? Maybe.

But not exactly inclusive. Her point: instead of bringing our whole selves, we should bring our best selves — still imperfect, but aware of others.

Then there’s Jodi-Ann’s story: accused of having a “race agenda” two weeks into a new job, even though inclusion was part of her role. It highlights the contradiction so many people face — workplaces say they want authenticity and diversity, but often punish it when it shows up in real life.

For me, authenticity isn’t about exposure, it’s about integrity — showing up in a way that feels aligned and safe. True belonging means both care and accountability, for ourselves and for the spaces we share.

🕰️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Why “whole self” can be both promise and trap01:30 – Amy Edmondson: authenticity with accountability04:00 – Jodi-Ann Burey: when being yourself has a cost09:00 – Gen Z and shifting ideas of success11:30 – My reflections on authenticity and belonging

✨ Key Takeaways

* Authenticity matters, but so does accountability.

* Being yourself shouldn’t come at a personal cost.

* You don’t owe work your whole self — only your best self.

📚 Mentioned

* Amy Edmondson’s post on authenticity (on LinkedIn)

Authentic: The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work by Jodi-Ann Burey

👩🏽‍💻 ✨ This podcast is fully self-funded.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please comment below!Any questions or if you’d love to reach out, DM me!67fdd0481070a3063a748759d71f2f2814fe3a0e

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

In this episode of The Belonging Project podcast, join hosts Fiorenza Rossini and Marie de Champchesnel as they explore the transformative power of curiosity.

Discover how Marie's journey from working in the field of history of art to in the field of coaching was fueled by a relentless pursuit of curiosity, leading to personal growth and a renewed sense of belonging.

Tune in to learn how embracing curiosity can unlock new paths and opportunities in both personal and professional realms.

This episode dives into:

* Exploration of Identity and Belonging: This episode dives into how personal experiences and cultural backgrounds shape our sense of identity and belonging.

* Navigating Career Transitions: Discover insights on how embracing change and curiosity can lead to fulfilling career transformations.

* The Role of Support Systems: Learn about the importance of having a supportive network in personal and professional growth.

* Motherhood and Isolation: Understand the challenges of motherhood, feelings of isolation, and the journey to finding belonging.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

05:00 Marie’s Journey

10:00 Curiosity in Personal Growth

15:00 Navigating Motherhood, feeling of isolation and a search for belonging

20:00 Professional Transformation

25:00 Finding Belonging Through Curiosity

30:00 Key takeaways on the power of curiosity.

🔗 Resources + Links

* Connect with Marie de Champchesnel on LinkedIn.You can find more about her work on her website.

Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

In this episode of The Belonging Project Podcast, host Fiorenza Rossini is joined by Febronia Ruocco — Global Strategic Insights & Analytics Director and Executive Leadership Coach — for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about what it really means for women to advocate for themselves, at work and beyond.

Together, they explore Febronia’s professional journey across industries and cultures, and how self-advocacy has played a pivotal role in shaping her leadership path.

They unpack the often-unspoken generational dynamics that influence how women show up at work, especially when it comes to speaking up, setting boundaries, and owning their voice.

This episode dives into:

* The impact of generational narratives on women’s confidence and communication

* How cultural heritage and upbringing shape our ability to self-advocate

* The connection between self-advocacy and a sense of belonging

* Why creating psychologically safe environments is key to helping women thrive

* Febronia’s personal reflections on leadership, identity, and authenticity

Whether you’re early in your career or navigating leadership as a woman in today’s workplace, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom on how to claim your space — with courage, clarity, and care.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

04:31 The Importance of Self-Advocacy

07:23 Cultural Influences on Self-Advocacy

09:58 Generational Perspectives on Advocacy

13:19 When Self-Advocacy meets Belonging

16:05 Finding Belonging in One's Own Skin

19:22 Creating Supportive Work Environments

21:21 Recognising Signs of Belonging🔗 Resources + Links

* Connect with Febronia Ruocco on LinkedIn

Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

How do you show up, speak up, and get heard?

In this episode, I sit down with Grace Fogarty, pitch expert, to unpack the skill of pitching—and why it matters far beyond sales calls. Whether you're a freelancer, founder, or working in a large organisation, your ability to pitch isn’t just about performance. It’s about showing up.

“Pitching isn’t just for freelancers. It’s how we share our ideas, advocate for ourselves, and belong in the room.” – Fiorenza

We cover:

* How to prep for pitches that actually connect

* Why your mindset shapes your message

* Where confidence really comes from (spoiler: it’s not perfection)

* The link between great networking and great pitching

* How to tailor your pitch for different audiences without faking it

Thanks for reading The Belonging Project Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

🎧 This episode is packed with practical tools for anyone navigating business communication, presentations, or professional visibility.

Sometimes, it might feel overwhelming to speak up in a meeting, and I love this quote from Grace:

When your name gets called, smile, pause, take a breath, and take up space. That moment is yours.

I think it really helps staying grounded during high-pressure pitching situations!

🎧 Episode Highlights

* 01:38 – Grace’s story: burnout, pivot, and finding her voice

* 05:28 – How to start pitching when you hate it

* 09:23 – Why your 60-second pitch can make or break your networking

* 11:47 – Staying authentic when the pressure’s on

* 14:51 – Choosing the right networking groups for your goals

* 19:25 – How pitching works inside organizations too

* 22:06 – What acting taught Grace about pitching—and how she teaches it

🔗 Resources + Links

* Connect with Grace Fogarty on LinkedIn and Instagram (@presentwithgrace)

* Explore her Sell in 60 group program: Learn more →

Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

In this episode of The Belonging Project, I’m joined by Carol Paddison, a people leader with over 20 years of experience, and now co-founder of Fractional Human Resources. Carol shares her journey from in-house HR leadership to co-creating a consultancy that brings senior-level HR expertise to small and scaling businesses—just when they need it, and only as much as they need.

We talk about the evolving landscape of HR, the importance of fostering belonging in organisations, and the unique challenges faced by startups and scale-ups.

Carol shares her insights on the differences between traditional HR roles and modern people-centric approaches (the differences between HR and People & Culture teams), emphasising the need for flexibility and inclusivity in the workplace.

Flexibility is probably my favorite one. We implemented flexible bank holidays, remembers Carol.

The conversation also touches on the role of leadership in creating a culture of belonging and the impact of hybrid work arrangements on employee engagement.

How can leaders foster belonging in SMEs? asks Fiorenza

Vulnerability is really key for leaders, replies Carol

Carol also shares brilliant insights on making people feel safe and seen at work, why performance frameworks shouldn’t be about ticking boxes, and how clear, values-led communication builds trust across teams.

Whether you’re a founder, a people leader, or navigating your own career pivot into the HR space, there’s so much wisdom in this conversation.

Key moments

02:51 Carol's Journey in HR

04:35 HR vs People & Culture terminology

06:54 Characteristics of HR in start-ups and scale-ups

08:25 Tools to foster belonging in start-ups and scale-ups

14:09 The Role of HR in Belonging

16:14 Leadership's Influence on Belonging

18:53 The Impact of Hybrid Work on Belonging

22:30 Integrating Belonging into HR Practices

24:31 Personal Experiences Shaping HR Perspectives

Connect with Carol:🔗 LinkedIn – Carol Pattison🌐 Fractional HR Website

Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:

Thank you for your support!

🎧 Listen now to hear:✔️ What founders get wrong (and right!) about HR✔️ The beauty of designing work around your life and values✔️ How to create a culture of trust and transparency from day one✔️ Why HR should always be more than just processes and policies

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com

In honor of International Women’s Day 2025, I’m thrilled to bring you this episode with my guest, Laura Howard, where we dive into the topic of women in leadership.

How can women overcome barriers?How can women find belonging at the top?How can women thrive in male-denominated spaces?Laura Howard is a psychologist and executive coach. She shares…

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit belongingproject.substack.com