Then, Now & Tomorrow

“Power makes us dumber,” says Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano, VP of Equitable Operations at Culture Amp and an advocate for building equitable workplaces. “When we gain power, our empathy goes down, our ability to read rooms goes down.” Drawing from her lived experience as a white-assumed, mixed-race, queer, and disabled leader, Aubrey unpacks how personal growth, accountability, and strategic equity initiatives—like rethinking performance reviews and redistributing organizational resources—can redefine what it means to lead with integrity.

In this episode, Aubrey joins neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy to explore the often-overlooked structural issues in organizations and how addressing them can empower marginalized communities. From navigating identity and trauma to advocating for the redistribution of economic resources, Aubrey shares powerful lessons on why intentionality is key to dismantling white supremacy and creating workplaces where everyone belongs.

Tune in to learn:

• Why power and privilege must be examined and challenged at work
• How to take a closer look at performance reviews and organizational systems
• Practical strategies for redistributing power and resources within your company

This thought-provoking conversation offers actionable insights and a hopeful roadmap for leaders ready to lean into the discomfort of transformative change. It’s a must-listen for anyone committed to creating organizations that reflect the diverse and vibrant world we live in.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong

Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Credits

Produced by Flowship

Creative Director: Annabel Mangold

Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama

Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

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Meet ibelong

At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

How does modern slavery intersect with the workplace, and what role can leaders play in supporting survivors? Human trafficking isn’t just a global issue—it’s happening here in the United States, with nearly 1 million people living in conditions of exploitation.

"Leaders need to have a culture where trauma is accepted and understood," says Wendy Fong, founder of Chief Gigs, a talent and strategy advisory firm dedicated to transforming workplaces into spaces of safety and empowerment. Drawing from her extensive experience in organizational consulting, Wendy sheds light on the invisible ways trafficking impacts communities and businesses alike.

In this episode, Wendy joins neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy to share eye-opening insights on how modern slavery manifests, including startling statistics, and explains the critical role workplaces can play in breaking the cycle. She also discusses practical strategies for leaders to build trauma-informed cultures that support survivors in reclaiming their lives through meaningful employment.

Tune in to learn:

• What human trafficking looks like in the U.S. and how it shows up in everyday settings

• Why trauma-informed leadership is essential for supporting survivors

• Concrete steps organizations can take to create pathways to healing and empowerment

This heartfelt conversation offers a powerful call to action for anyone committed to creating a better, more inclusive workplace—and world.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong

Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_

Credits

Produced by Flowship

Creative Director: Annabel Mangold

Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama

Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_

Meet ibelong

At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

How do cycles of helplessness shape our relationships and workplaces? Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) isn’t just about physical harm—it’s a complex set of behaviors designed to gain power and control.

"Helplessness is the ultimate lack of power or control," explains Dr. Inge Hansen, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, whose groundbreaking research focuses on IPV and its ripple effects in personal and professional settings.

In this episode, Dr. Hansen joins neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy to explore the emotional and cognitive dynamics behind IPV through her Cycle of Helplessness framework. Together, they discuss how patterns of tension, helplessness, and control escalate into cycles of violence, and how these dynamics echo in workplace environments.

Drawing from her research and clinical practice, Dr. Hansen shares practical, simple tips to help anyone become more self-aware and connected, especially in moments of heightened tension and conflict.

Tune in to learn:

• How helplessness drives trauma and cycles of violence
• The hidden connections between IPV and workplace dynamics
• Actionable tools to navigate conflict, foster connection, and reclaim agency

This conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to better understand trauma and create healthier relationships, both at home and at work.

Explore Dr. Hansen’s book, The Ethical Sellout: https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/The-Ethical-Sellout.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong
Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_
Credits
Produced by Flowship
Creative Director: Annabel Mangold
Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama
Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_
Meet ibelong
At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

For Aida Mariam Davis, the opposite of colonization isn’t decolonization—it’s creation. As the Chief People Officer of the Sierra Club, founder of Decolonize Design, and author of the new book Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms for Freedom, Aida brings profound insights on how Black and Indigenous wisdom can guide us toward building systems rooted in dignity, justice, and joy.

In this episode, Aida sits down with Rajkumari Neogy to explore the transformative power of self-determination and self-acceptance in reclaiming belonging. Together, they delve into how ancestral knowledge, embedded in our cellular memory, shapes the way we design workplaces, relationships, and a more inclusive world. Plus, Aida challenges the notion of waiting for acknowledgement from oppressive systems and shares a framework for claiming our place and truly owning our humanity.

Preorder Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762259/kindred-creation-by-aida-mariam-davis/.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong

Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_

Credits

Produced by Flowship

Creative Director: Annabel Mangold

Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama

Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_

Meet ibelong

At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

What does it really mean to face systemic racism with both fierce determination and self-compassion? Neuroscience educator Sarah Peyton is back to share how this powerful mix of anti-racism and self-kindness can break down deep-rooted biases and heal generational trauma. Together with clinical psychologist Dr. Roxy Manning, Sarah co-authored The Anti-Racist Heart, a guide that shows how self-compassion can strengthen our ability to engage in anti-racist work and build genuine connections.

In this episode, Sarah and neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy dive into the epigenetic weight of centuries-old oppression, how self-compassion helps lower implicit bias, and the fascinating science behind what Sarah calls "rage circuits"—our brain's natural pathways for transforming anger into purposeful action. They unpack why learning to understand and care for ourselves is so crucial in dismantling oppressive systems and creating a world where everyone belongs.

Sarah previously joined us on Episode 1: The Power of Language in the Workplace and Episode 10: The Truth About Workplace Burnout.

To learn more about her work, go to https://sarahpeyton.com.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong
Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_

Credits

Produced by Flowship
Creative Director: Annabel Mangold
Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama
Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_

Meet ibelong
At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

When was the last time you paid attention to your body language in a meeting? We often focus so much on what we say that we overlook the signals we send every moment.

“The most powerful theater is when the actors aren’t actually talking,” says Shoshana Simons, a drama therapist by training and former Chair of the Expressive Arts Therapy program at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). With two decades of experience, Shoshana helps individuals master the unspoken dynamics that shape our interactions.

From building rapport and enhancing teamwork to navigating conflict and negotiations, non-verbal communication is key to career success. In this episode, Shoshana joins neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy to explore the power of body language, posture, gestures, and tone in the workplace. Drawing from real-life scenarios, they offer actionable tips you can apply right away—plus what to avoid as you become more aware of how you’re showing up.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong

Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_

Credits

Produced by Flowship

Creative Director: Annabel Mangold

Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama

Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_

Meet ibelong

At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

Mental health disparities continue to affect communities of color, but how can we create spaces for healing and acknowledgment?

"You learn to suppress, and every time you feel, you struggle with how to be in that feeling," says Giorgio Chatelain, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience. As a social worker, Giorgio has dedicated his career to supporting the mental health of immigrants and people of color, addressing the unique challenges they face in seeking care.

In this episode, Giorgio sits down with neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy to explore the pressures of masculinity, the power of acknowledgment, and how isolation wreaks havoc on the nervous system. Together, they discuss ways to break the cycle of emotional suppression, open up conversations around mental health, and create trauma-informed workplaces that can better support communities of color.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong
Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_
Credits
Produced by Flowship
Creative Director: Annabel Mangold
Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama
Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_
Meet ibelong
At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

In a world where workplace dynamics often prioritize efficiency over emotional connection, could love be the missing element that transforms professional relationships?

“The way you do one relationship is how you do all relationships—from the bedroom to the boardroom,” says relationship expert Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh. Her book, "Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love," provides a pathway for couples to deepen their sense of connection and shared understanding.

In this episode, Dr. Nasserzadeh and neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy apply these ideas to the workplace. They break down the core ingredients of love, explore how these principles can profoundly impact the way we work together, and make them accessible for everyone to practice in their daily lives.

To learn more about Dr. Nasserzadeh, visit her website: https://www.sara-nasserzadeh.com.

To order her book, go to: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/dr-sara-nasserzadeh/love-by-design/9781538742914/.

Please note that views expressed by our guests are their own and do not represent the views of their employers.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong
Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_
Credits
Produced by Flowship
Executive Producer: Rajkumari Neogy
Producer: Mike Giordani
Editor: Ramiro Gava
Audio Engineer: Alex Roses
Creative Director: Annabel Mangold
Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama
Production Support: Thiaré Boutet & Pili Melendez
Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_
Meet ibelong
At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

"The body is our doorway to greater wisdom, compassion, and growing a presence that is trustworthy and life-affirming," says Staci K. Haines, an innovator in the Somatics field for over 30 years.

Staci believes that Somatics addresses our deep human yearning for wholeness, connection, and belonging by guiding us back to our bodies. This embodied transformation is not just a concept but a practical approach that helps us reconnect with our purpose and navigate life’s complexities. Through Somatics, we can relearn essential practices like setting boundaries, embracing contradictions, and enhancing our capacity to love and be loved, especially in the wake of trauma or societal conditioning.

She is the author of The Politics of Trauma: Somatics, Healing and Social Justice and Healing Sex: A Mind-Body Approach to Healing Sexual Trauma.

In this episode, Staci and neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy explore the evolution of Somatics, why it is so powerful, especially in today's world, and practical ways to deepen your connection with your body that can transform how you approach life and work.

To learn more about Staci, visit her website: https://www.stacihaines.com.

Please note that views expressed by our guests are their own and do not represent the views of their employers.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong
Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_
Credits
Produced by Flowship
Executive Producer: Rajkumari Neogy
Producer: Mike Giordani
Editor: Ramiro Gava
Audio Engineer: Alex Roses
Creative Director: Annabel Mangold
Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama
Production Support: Thiaré Boutet & Pili Melendez
Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_
Meet ibelong
At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

As a leader, it’s tempting to feel like you need to have all the answers. Being a great problem solver helped you get to where you are, but once you start leading a team, you need to evolve into someone who enables problem-solving. “Performance is a team sport, not a solo act,” says Jon Low, a performance coach and tactical advisor to early-stage founders.

In helping leaders tackle various challenges in growing their businesses, Jon has seen firsthand the power of asking questions that uncover “what’s really going on.” The three main blockers? “Irrational fear, shame, or guilt,” he says.

In this episode, Jon and neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy explore what might be holding you back from unlocking your team’s full potential. They discuss real-world scenarios like how to balance empathy with authority, improve cross-functional collaboration, create a culture of ownership, and communicate effectively as a distributed team.

To learn more about Jon’s coaching services, go to https://www.polarisalpha.io.

Please note that views expressed by our guests are their own and do not represent the views of their employers.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong
Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_
Credits
Produced by Flowship
Original Music by Dario Valderrama
Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_
Meet ibelong
At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.