The Belonging Project

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:

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:

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

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…

In this episode of the Belonging Project Podcast, host Fiorenza and psychologist Leila Ainge delve into the concept of imposter phenomenon, reframing it from a syndrome to a more inclusive phenomenon.

They explore how feelings of self-doubt intersect with belonging, the impact of gender and cultural context, and the importance of community.

The conversation emphasises the need for self-acceptance and offers practical tools for navigating imposter feelings, ultimately transforming them into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Imposter phenomenon can lead to self-discovery.

Episode takeaways

* Imposter phenomenon is a common experience, not a syndrome.

* Reframing imposter syndrome as a phenomenon encourages curiosity.

* Gender and context significantly influence experiences of imposter feelings.

* Cultural values can normalize self-doubt and imposter feelings.

* Belonging is a complex interplay of individual and group dynamics.

* Imposter feelings can lead to self-discovery and growth.

* Language plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences of belonging.

* Communities can provide both support and feelings of disconnection.

* Self-acceptance is key to overcoming imposter feelings.

* Practical tools can help individuals navigate their imposter experiences.

Chapters

04:00 Understanding Imposter Phenomenon

05:43 Reframing the Conversation

11:44 The Impact of Gender and Context

17:06 Cultural Influences on Imposter Feelings

23:01 Navigating Belonging and Identity

29:45 Transforming Imposter Feelings into Growth

35:52 Practical Tools for Self-Acceptance

Episode’s resources

You can find Leila’s podcast hereAnd this is her own podcast episode on the imposter phenomenon, if you fancy a deep dive.

You can find more about my guest Leila Ainge on:www.leilaainge.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilajaneainge/

👩🏽‍💻 ✨ 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!

In this episode of The Belonging Project Podcast, host Fiorenza Rossini welcomes Zora Lazarov, a behaviour disruptor and corporate psychologist, to discuss how organisations can thrive by embracing anti-fragility and addressing toxic workplace behaviours.

Together, they explore how to build resilient teams, foster inclusivity, and empower leaders to navigate the challenges of modern organizational dynamics.

 
Zora shares her unique approach to identifying and mitigating toxic behaviours that undermine team morale, and how leaders can shift from reactive to proactive
strategies.

She also explains the concept of anti-fragility—thriving through disruption—and its importance in today’s volatile workplace environments.

Key Topics:

• What is Anti-Fragility? (37:24)

A framework for turning challenges into opportunities for growth

• Recognising and Addressing Toxic Behaviours (15:00)

How to spot and eliminate behaviors that damage workplace culture.

• Leadership Strategies to Build Resilient, Inclusive Teams that foster belonging (18:46)

Practical tips for leading teams through disruption and change. Packed with actionable insights!

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Belonging Project Podcast and share it with your network. Follow Zora
Lazarov on LinkedIn for more insights on anti-fragility, leadership, and organizational psychology.

 
The podcast is supported by InNow.

#thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

In this episode, Fiorenza sits down with Victoria Rennoldson.

 
Victoria shares her expertise on cultural intelligence, strategies for global team dynamics, and her journey transitioning from a corporate role to running her own business. Together with Fiorenza Rossini, they explore creating meaningful connections in culturally diverse hybrid teams, evolving leadership styles, and fostering a sense of belonging in both professional and personal contexts.

This episode is packed with insights, practical tips, and relatable experiences that will resonate with leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to thrive in today’s interconnected world.

Chapters:
00:45 - Introduction

04:17 - Understanding Cultural Intelligence
Victoria explains the importance of cultural awareness and its impact on fostering mutual understanding in diverse teams.

10:26 - Strategies for Diverse Teams
Key tips for creating connection and belonging in culturally diverse teams while addressing common challenges.

16:15 - Observing Team Dynamics
The importance of observation and adapting communication styles to different cultural and individual preferences.

25:19 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
Victoria shares her journey of leaving the corporate world to start her own business, including the challenges and lessons learned.

Resources & Links:

• Victoria Rennoldson on LinkedIn: here

• Our host Fiorenza Rossini on Linkedin: here

• Deep dive on global leadership with Victoria's 7 communication strategies for global leaders

• Find Fiorenza's curated selection of books to navigate and embrace multiple cultures more effectively

The podcast is supported by InNow.

#thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

In this episode, our host Fiorenza Rossini welcomes Tash Bristowe, a Brighton-based freelancer, entrepreneur, and community builder.

Tash shares her personal journey of navigating a career setback and how that led to creating a safe space for job seekers through the Open to Work Connection Community.

When Tash unexpectedly lost her job, she turned a challenging experience into an opportunity to uplift others in similar situations. Through open discussions on LinkedIn, she discovered the power of vulnerability and connection, which led her to establish a supportive (Slack-based!!) community for those navigating job searches in a tough market.

 Fiorenza and Tash discuss the emotional toll of job loss and the strategies that can help maintain mental well-being, including setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. Tash also opens up about the risks of tying identity too closely to
work, and how she’s now redefining her career through freelancing and consulting.

The conversation provides practical advice for job seekers, such as how to stand out in a competitive job market by leveraging LinkedIn, nurturing professional networks, and starting passion projects that showcase your unique strengths. 

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Welcome & Introductions

[08:22] The Open to Work Connection Community

[09:37] Mental Health & Resilience During Job Loss; Finding
Identity Beyond Work

[18:45] Listener Q&A: How can I stand out in a crowded job
market?

[23:08] Freelancing & Finding Identity Beyond Work

Resources & Links

• Tash Bristowe on Linkedin here


• Open to Work Connection Community: If you'd like to join, email [email protected]


• Our host Fiorenza Rossini on Linkedin here


• Download our free Career Handbook to help you land your next role here

The podcast is supported by InNow.

#thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

How can we create Belonging in the workplace?

How could workplaces foster inclusive behaviours?

In this episode, our host Fiorenza talks to Sean Dubberke, Principal & VP of Learning @RW3 Culture Wizard.

They talk about the importance of self-awareness and understanding of what shaped us, ahead of trying to understand others, their cultures and what should change
look like. (14:26).

When organisations have goals around Inclusion and Belonging, it's also important to understand what are common obstacles to Inclusion (15:59) and to find the best Enablers for Belonging in your organisation (25:24).

"Treat others the way they want to be treated, not the way you want to be treated".

Fiorenza and Sean also talk about the power of vulnerability in the inclusion equation, and how leaders can make space for vulnerability in their leadership and how they can do so in a culturally appropriate way. (28:28)

They also explored:

(01:33) - From growing up in a multicultural family to getting a job working across cultures and going up the corporate ladder

(10:40) -  Inclusive workplaces lead to more Belonging

(14:26) - Start with self-awareness: understand what shaped you

 (15:59) - Common obstacles to Belonging

(18:30) - Working in virtual, hybrid teams

(20:20) - Working in satellite offices: top tips to make it work

(25:24)- How to Enable Belonging

(28:28) - The importance of vulnerability

(32:31)- How different cultures look at D&I

(36:15) - Building inclusive collaboration: a client success story

(39:32) - The importance of Inclusive Behaviours during an organisational reorganisation

🔗Connect with your host, Fiorenza Rossini here and your guest Sean Dubberke here.

You can find out more about Sean's work here.

⭐️For free monthly Nudges about Belonging, Leadership and Career Transitions, fill in your name & email on: https://www.growinnow.com/connect/

Thepodcast is supported by InNow.

#thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

In this episode, we talk about starting a business with your spouse, the challenges of all the multiple hats freelancers have to wear, moving abroad multiple times and working across culture.

Our guest is Dominique, co-founder of The Werks and we had so much fun talking!


Do you know that feeling when you start something new? I really loved Dominique's take on this: there are indeed many similarities to how moving abroad feels like, or even speaking a new language. Do you agree?

Let us know in the comments section.

Have you ever considered how a sense of connection is so linked to our sense of belonging? Jump in to (28:37) for Dominique's thoughts and listen to Fiorenza and Dominique discuss how it's easier to belong somewhere when you know who you are (34:45).


Make sure to not miss out Fiorenza's and
Dominique's best tips on changing career at the end of your thirties (35:30).

We also explored:

(01:01) - Moving country, from Austria to the Netherlands with two sons, the grieving process and saying goodbye

(06:24) - A journey towards self-employment, and being in business with your spouse

(12:40) - What has surprised you the most about having your own business

(17:53) - Learning to write content can be a skill that can be learned

(21:18) - Working across cultures that are not your own

(24:08) - What would be your hot tips for people relocating for the first time

(28:37) - Connection, self-knowledge leading to Belonging

(34:45) - When you know who you are,
it's easier to belong somewhere

(35:40) - Questions to ask yourself
ahead of deciding for a career change

If you'd like some support about your next career step, we've compiled our most effective exercises and strategies into a Career Handbook. You can access it here: https://resources.growinnow.com/careerhandbook


🔗Connect with your host, Fiorenza Rossini here
and your guest Dominique here.


⭐️For free monthly Nudges about
Belonging, Leadership and Career Transitions, fill in your name & email on:
https://www.growinnow.com/connect/

The podcast is supported by InNow.


#thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging