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Ever wondered why some teams flourish under certain bosses while others flounder? Corporate relationship expert Tony Chatman joins us to peel back the layers on how value and respect are cornerstones in creating that coveted sense of belonging within teams. Tony shares his invaluable insights on relationship-based leadership, emphasizing its impact in the workplace and how it's not just about hitting diversity quotas. It’s about building genuine connections that go beyond the surface level. Prepare to be enlightened on the nuances of empathy and unconscious bias, and how these elements, when addressed with care and understanding, can either spell success or doom for a company's culture.

As we navigate the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and belonging in the corporate world, Tony and I swap stories that underline the triumphs and trials of carving out a space in the DEI arena. We dive into the concept that true belonging isn't a box-ticking exercise, but the organic result of an inclusive environment where everyone has room to thrive. From personal anecdotes of culture shocks to the challenges of being a minority in a professional realm, this episode isn't just about highlighting the 'leaks' in organizational culture—it's a clarion call for leaders and companies to patch these gaps and create a thriving, diverse workforce that stands the test of time. Join us for a candid, transformative conversation that might just change the way you view your workplace.

You can find Tony on tonychatman.com, or on LinkedIn & Instagram.

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The vibrant streets of Chicago have sculpted a unique narrative for Jim Conti, Talent Partner at Hyde Park Venture Partners, who joins us to weave a tale of personal growth and professional reinvention. From the comfort of familiar neighborhoods to the strategic boardrooms of venture capital, Jim unpacks how his cherished roles as a community advocate, plant and dog parent, shape his worldview. Follow along as we trace Jim's journey, examining the profound impact of our origins on the perspectives we carry forward, and how identities—be they geographical, familial, or based in advocacy—craft the lens through which we see the world.

Ever found yourself recalibrating your social energy to resonate with a friend's vibe? Our latest conversation delves into the delicate dance of friendship dynamics where empathy and respect are the lead performers. A candid anecdote reveals my own evolution in understanding a friend’s need for privacy, casting a light on the art of compromise and the value of deep connections. We navigate the intricacies of extroversion meeting introversion, discovering the harmonious middle ground that fortifies bonds and honors individuality.

In the final act of our discussion, we turn the spotlight on the workplace, a stage where identities converge and the quest for authenticity is a performance unto itself. We share experiences from LGBTQ perspectives, celebrating the strides toward visibility and inclusion, yet acknowledging the complexities that linger. From the courage of revealing one's true self in professional settings to the broader implications of representation and safety in self-expression, we honor the journey toward workplaces that not only accommodate but embrace the full spectrum of individual diversity. Join us on this insightful voyage as we embrace the ebb and flow of personal and professional identities with Jim Conti.

Find Jim on LinkedIn or Hyde Park Ventures.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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Ever felt like the odds were stacked against you? Michael Stein's incredible journey from underdog to entrepreneur extraordinaire will convince you that anything is possible with resilience and humor. In our latest episode, Michael pulls back the curtain on his life, revealing a story that begins with his family's fight against adversity and stretches through his own personal battles with health and learning disabilities. He shares how the movie 'Rocky' served as a catalyst for his transformation, leading him to a path filled with fitness milestones and entrepreneurial ventures. Highlighting the peaks and valleys of his career, including a memorable stint in 'Boogie Nights' and the daring move to finance his own feature film, Michael's narrative is a powerful testament to the strength of self-belief and the significance of finding and capitalizing on niche markets.

Michael doesn't just stop at recounting his victories; he dives into the entrepreneurial spirit inherited from his family, and how it molded his business acumen, contrasting with the uncertainties of pursuing an acting career. He also addresses the role of comedy in his life as a bridge towards social acceptance and a way to confront the growing sensitivities around antisemitism with wit and grace. Furthermore, Michael discusses the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace and how his journey has deepened his empathy and leadership skills. Join us as we explore these rich narratives, and be sure to check out Michael's podcasts and his innovative Bola pack product line, where his creativity continues to shine.

You can find Michael on LinkedIn and his website, michaelsteinmedia.com.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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Discover the art of genuine communication and the essence of belonging with Kim Clark, a communication strategist and author who navigates the complex interplay of identity with a deft touch. As a white, cisgender woman with Native American roots, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a mother to children with disabilities, Kim challenges us to confront our privileges and channel them for the upliftment of others. By sharing her personal journey and professional insights, she urges us to examine the threads of self-awareness that bind us together, even within the rich tapestry of our diverse society.

The workplace is not only a bastion of productivity but a microcosm of society, where representation and inclusivity are paramount. Kim Clark and I dissect the imperative need for diversity and the pitfalls of tokenism, emphasizing how embracing our multifaceted identities enriches business and community alike. As we navigate a world where policies often cast shadows on personal lives, Kim underscores the privilege of neutrality and implores us to engage in the necessary, though sometimes uncomfortable, discourse that shapes our collective reality.

Wrapping up our enlightening discussion, we traverse the poignant realities of finding one's place within conflicting identities, such as the reconciliation of faith with sexual orientation, and the societal landscapes navigated by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Kim's narrative is a testament to the transformative power of self-acceptance and the essential collaborative effort to foster inclusive spaces. This episode is an invitation to reflect, learn, and embrace the full spectrum of who we are, both individually and together.

Find Kim:
Conscious Communicator
Documentary: God & Gays
Kim Clark Communications Website
LinkedIn

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you didn't quite fit in? Imagine that sensation lingering, day in and day out, in your workplace. Geoffrey Roche from Siemens Healthineers joins us to unearth the complex layers of leadership and its profound effect on nurturing a sense of belonging at work. We traverse the landscape of workforce development with Geoffrey, whose first-generation American roots offer a rich viewpoint on creating inclusive environments. Our candid discussion reveals how traditional command-and-control leadership styles fall short, and why embracing a community-focused approach can lead to a more vibrant, cohesive team. Geoffrey shares compelling personal stories, shedding light on how the absence of belonging can ripple through an organization's culture.

As we further our exploration, the notions of allyship and inclusion come to the forefront—as does the responsibility that accompanies the title of 'ally.' Moving beyond lip service, we focus on actionable steps and the use of privilege to enact real change within our spheres of influence. We also unpack the journey of advocacy, including the missteps and the learning curves that are part and parcel of the process. From Pink's bold act of literary resistance to the challenges of overcoming embedded biases, this episode is a masterclass in fostering an environment where everyone's voice holds weight and every team member can flourish. Join us as we navigate the transformative power of leadership, allyship, and the relentless pursuit of a workplace where everyone truly belongs.

You can find Geoffrey on LinkedIn.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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Have you ever found yourself trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, particularly in the workplace? Tami Chapek, an executive leadership coach and the founder of We Inspire We, joins me to unravel the complexities of staying true to oneself amid the pressures of conformity, especially as a woman in the cutthroat marketing and advertising industry. As we navigate the tricky terrain of blending personal identity with professional demands, Tami's revelations highlight the transformative power of authenticity, and how it fosters stronger connections within diverse teams.

Ever wondered about the social repercussions of defying traditional life milestones? Our heartfelt conversation shifts to the deeply personal, as Tami opens up about her experiences as a 45-year-old single woman without children. She sheds light on the societal expectations, implicit judgments, and the nuanced sense of belonging that come with singlehood and childlessness. Through her candid storytelling, listeners who share these experiences will find comfort and solidarity, and perhaps a new lens through which to view their own journeys.

Bringing our chat to a close, we emphasize the ever-growing importance of digital networking as Tami extends an invitation to continue this dialogue through social media platforms, solidifying her commitment to community building and professional camaraderie. It's more than just a discussion; it's an open door to a tribe where every listener can find support, inspiration, and perhaps their own voice in the chorus of leadership and self-discovery. Join us, as we share, learn, and grow together.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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When I stepped into the vibrant world of an NGLCC conference, I didn't just find opportunities—I discovered a family. This episode brings you the voice of Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. We journey through the organization's history, its transformative rebranding, and the ways it propels the economic presence of LGBTQ-owned businesses. You'll hear how a powerful sense of belonging and an ethos of mutual success are at the core of every NGLCC initiative, from affiliate chambers to global expansion and certification programs.

Remember the days when disco balls ruled the night? We do too—and we bring that same energy to a discussion about the importance of participation and presence. Feel the pulse of a community coming together, dressed in their '80s best, at a themed disco party that's more than just a good time—it's an embrace of diversity and inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community. Justin and I dig into the strides taken to support transgender, gender expansive individuals, and communities of color, acknowledging the personal experiences that fuel these efforts and the drive to create spaces where everyone feels valued.

Closing the episode, Justin reflects on the indelible mark of his past in Casper, Wyoming, and the solidarity he found in a group of friends who understood the journey of identity and belonging. Justin graciously shares how you can engage with the NGLCC, whether through their affiliate programs, getting certified, or attending an upcoming conference. If you're looking to connect, find a touchstone in the NGLCC, or simply want to learn more, our conversation is an open invitation to a world where inclusivity isn't just a buzzword—it's a way of life. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of what it means to belong, in business and beyond.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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As we grapple with the intricacies of forging genuinely inclusive spaces, Nancy Lyons, a tech innovator and staunch advocate for workplace diversity, lends her voice to our latest conversation. With Nancy at the helm of Clockwork and Tempo, her journey as a queer woman carving out a progressive company culture is both inspiring and instructive. Her stories, rich with the trials and triumphs of embedding inclusion into the DNA of a business, remind us that the pursuit of a welcoming environment is an ongoing, deliberate process. Nancy's recount of a colleague's struggle to reconcile his faith with a modern workplace ethos sheds light on how even the best-intentioned inclusivity initiatives can inadvertently marginalize, urging us to listen, learn, and adapt.

The dialogue turns deeply personal as Nancy reflects on a transformative exchange with a junior employee, probing the intersection of faith and leadership. It's a testament to the power of empathy in leadership, illustrating that understanding and mentorship can coexist with a multitude of beliefs. By embracing the complexities that each individual brings to the table, Nancy's leadership narrative challenges us to consider love and compassion as the cornerstones of not just personal faith, but of corporate culture. Join us for this thought-provoking episode where we confront the realities of fostering true belonging, navigating differences with grace, and the continuous evolution required to lead with inclusivity at the forefront.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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Have you ever found yourself donning a mask just to blend in with the crowd, suppressing your true self for the sake of acceptance? Our latest episode invites you into the world of Alex Draper, CEO and founder of DX, who shares his transformative voyage from an English village to the bustling streets of Chicago. Alex's tale is not just about geographic relocation but an internal metamorphosis, one that many of us yearn to experience. His candid narrative takes us from the halls of a posh boarding school to the helm of a thriving company, all while grappling with the authenticity of identity and the courage required to live unapologetically.

As we converse with Alex, we uncover the essential pillars of CARE—clarity, autonomy, relationships, and equity—and their profound impact on our journey towards self-realization. This episode isn't just a story; it's a mirror reflecting the societal pressures that shape us and a guidebook on how to dismantle them. Join us for a discussion that is as much about personal growth as it is about the collective consciousness—a place where being genuine isn't just welcomed, it's celebrated. Listen in for an inspiring, heart-to-heart conversation that promises to leave you contemplating the authenticity of your own life narrative and the strength found in embracing the diversity of thought.

Find Alex on LinkedIn or check out the DX Learning website.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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Have you ever stepped into a room and felt like you didn't quite belong? Tre Cabrera, founder of Cabrera Advisory Group LLC, knows that sensation all too well, and she's devoted her career to transforming it. In our latest episode, we peel back the layers of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) with Tre, a black woman who has carved her path through the challenging terrain of urban and regional planning and community development. She not only shares her personal narrative but also delivers powerful insights on creating spaces where underrepresented voices aren't just present but are influential in shaping the culture of organizations.

As we navigate the complex web of power dynamics and organizational culture, Tre brings to light the often-overlooked facets of authenticity and allyship in the workplace. Get ready for a heart-to-heart on the emotional bravery required from leaders to foster an environment of psychological safety—a place where every individual feels valued and heard. Through her strategic positioning within the corporate world and her understanding of cultural pressures, Tre provides us with actionable strategies for advocating for change and ensuring that our organizational values resonate with the expectations of diverse talent pools. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue that will challenge you to rethink how you engage with DEIB in your professional life.

You can find Tre on LinkedIn or on her website.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.

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