I Know I Belong When...

Innovation Unbiased
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MANAGEMENT

Bold voices. Curious stories. Authentic Impact.What does it really mean to belong?Not just to be invited... To be seen. Heard. Needed."I Know I Belong When…" is more than a podcast; it’s a movement. A mirror. A megaphone. It’s where raw truth meets radical hope.Each episode brings you unfiltered conversations with people who’ve wrestled with the question of belonging in the spaces that shape our lives: workplaces, schools, communities, and digital worlds. From the boardroom to the breakroom, from the sidewalks to our living rooms, our guests share the exact moment they knew they were in, and the moments they knew they weren’t.______This is not about feel-good soundbites. It’s about radical accountability.We explore:~  Where equity is the foundation, not a divider.~  The steps it takes to build diverse cultures, not only to survive, though to prosper.~  Ensure inclusion is not just a checkbox; it is a commitment.~  Where accessibility is not an afterthought, but the amplification to thrive.______At the heart of our conversation is the Belonging Formula:"Belonging = (Inclusion × (Diversity + Equity)) ^ Accessibility."It’s not just math; it’s a mindset. A blueprint. A challenge to every leader, builder, and changemaker: Are you creating spaces where every identity is not only welcomed, however, is valued and respected?______Here’s how we do it:[ We Say Names ]Names are not nicknames. They carry legacy, identity, and power. Inspired by #AlwaysChristopher #NeverChris, we explore how honoring someone’s name is the first act of belonging.[ The Moment of Belonging ]A defining story. A turning point. The moment our guest knew: I belong here. We unpack how that moment shaped their confidence, creativity, and connection.[ Navigating Non-Belonging ]We don’t shy away from the hard stuff. Guests share what it felt like to be excluded, erased, or underestimated, and how they reclaimed their space and voice.[ Sustaining Belonging ]What does it take to keep that feeling alive? We explore the systems, rituals, and leadership practices that make belonging a daily reality, not a one-time event.______Why it matters:This podcast is for anyone who’s ever asked: Do I really belong here?And for every leader who’s ready to answer: Yes, and here’s how we’ll prove it.Whether you’re building inclusive teams, designing accessible tech, or rethinking your own role in equity work, these stories will challenge you to show up differently. To lead with intention. To listen with humility. To act with courage.Because belonging isn’t a destination, it’s a practice. And it starts with listening.

  1. Joy as protest: How leaders create community & safety with Vernon Wall

    5D AGO

    Joy as protest: How leaders create community & safety with Vernon Wall

    Joy is not a distraction from the work of inclusion; joy is the work. In this energizing conversation, Vernon Wall invites leaders to treat joy as protest, community as strategy, and belonging as a practice. From his decades shaping inclusive culture in higher education to real‑time lessons from Semester at Sea, Vernon offers language for belonging that is honest and actionable. Listeners will hear how authentic leadership transforms people’s experience, why storytelling powers human‑centered innovation, and how to create belonging in the workplace when the climate feels hostile.   Christopher and Vernon translate campus wisdom to teams and organizations, clarifying the difference between belonging vs inclusion and positioning belonging as the outcome of IDEA work, not just another pillar. If you lead people, support remote teams, or are searching for words to name “I know I belong when…,” this episode gives you a practical toolkit for building belonging at work and in life. You will walk away with phrases you can use in meetings, one-on-ones, and town halls, plus field-tested ways to create psychological safety, set community norms, and respond to resistance with clarity and care. Must-hear insights and key moments Joy as protest: why sustaining joy fuels inclusive culture and workplace belonging, especially in crisis.Relationships first: Vernon’s principle that the person in front of me is not my enemy, and how that reframes conflict at work.Ghana, safety, and solidarity: a powerful guide to creating belonging in hostile contexts through practical allyship and clear safety norms.From campus to company: translating residence life lessons into human centered leadership for hybrid and remote teams.Belonging vs inclusion: language leaders can use to explain the difference and measure the people experience that follows.Storytelling as strategy: how first person narratives accelerate strategic inclusion and build community across difference.Movement and resistance: navigating backlash without losing values or voice; how to create a sense of belonging at work in hard seasons.Vernon’s Standout Quotes  “Joy is our form of protest.”“The person in front of me is not my enemy.”“I just want to know people’s stories.”“We do it through storytelling.”“I will never work on a plane.”“I know that I belong when I feel that I can just be.”“You cannot have a movement without resistance.”Why this episode matters Organizations are searching for language to talk about belonging and for tools that move beyond statements to daily practices. Vernon shows leaders how to build belonging in the workplace through rituals of care, clear safety guidance, and relationship centered management. The episode connects love and belonging needs from Maslow’s hierarchy to modern people experience and offers immediate ways to strengthen inclusive culture in meetings, feedback, onboarding, and team rituals—on site and in remote or hybrid teams.  Who should listen  People leaders, HR and DEI practitioners, ERG sponsors, and anyone guiding culture change will find practical language and examples to create belonging at work. New managers seeking authentic leadership tools, senior executives shaping strategic inclusion, and facilitators supporting belonging in remote teams will gain scripts, stories, and next steps. If you have asked for synonyms of belonging, another word for belong, or a primer on belonging vs inclusion, this episode delivers clarity you can use the very next day—grounded in lived experience and designed to help every person say, “I know I belong when…”. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    34 min
  2. Build psychological safety: Humor, trust, and high-performing teams with Chris Courneen

    FEB 2

    Build psychological safety: Humor, trust, and high-performing teams with Chris Courneen

    What if creating belonging in the workplace begins with a laugh—and a promise to learn your name the way you say it? In this episode of "I Know I Belong When...", Global Head of HR Chris Courneen joins host Christopher Bylone to translate a first-person story into leadership practice. From stagecraft to strategy, Chris shows how humor, trust, and authentic leadership unlock voice and performance in an inclusive culture. He reveals how learning every name signals dignity, why “I know I belong when…” gives people language for belonging, and how human-centered innovation turns people’s experience into measurable outcomes. You will hear actionable answers to how to create a sense of belonging at work, practical moves for building belonging across remote and hybrid teams, and a credible way to connect qualitative narrative with quantitative data—so workplace belonging becomes visible and investable. Chris also reframes belonging vs inclusion as the outcome of IDEA work and challenges leaders to evolve: move from anonymous surveys to trusted signals that enable predictive analytics on engagement, attrition, and psychological safety. If you’ve searched synonyms of belonging, another word for belong, or love and belonging needs from Maslow’s hierarchy, this conversation gives you the words and the what-now—for creating belonging at work that lasts. Must-hear insights & key moments Humor as a performance lever: A team without humor is a team that would fail. Laughter diffuses tension and builds psychological safety in high-stakes work.Names as strategic inclusion: Learning—and pronouncing—every person’s name communicates care and belonging in the workplace, especially in global teams.The “pinky” metaphor: Every role is necessary; when any voice is excluded, the team suffers. Practical framing for building belonging in high-performing teams.COVID crucible of trust: Rapid crisis response forged deep trust and clarified the link between belonging, confidence, and business outcomes.Data with heart: Combine stories with metrics to earn leadership credibility and prove ROI for inclusive culture.Next frontier: Shift from anonymous to trusted signals to power predictive analytics on engagement, attrition, and a sense of belonging at work. Chris’s Standout Quotes “A team without humor is a team that would fail.”“How you expect to be addressed is how I want to address you.”“I want you to know me, not my title.”“If you are the pinky, you are still necessary on this team.”“If I can’t describe a way to measure it, I’m not done with the idea.”“We are uniquely positioned to marry these two things together to tell stories that improve our business.”“I know I belong when I don’t have to wear a mask.” Why this episode matters Belonging is the outcome of IDEA work. This episode translates belonging vs inclusion into everyday leadership—learning names, using humor, designing trusted data—and shows how creating belonging at work drives retention, engagement, and performance. It equips leaders with language for belonging and a playbook to connect people and outcomes to measurable business value. Who should listen HR leaders, DEI practitioners, people managers, and remote/hybrid team leads seeking authentic leadership practices and human-centered innovation. If you are exploring belonging in remote teams or building an inclusive culture with credible ROI, Chris’s story-rich, data-grounded guidance will help you design workplace belonging that is felt—and proven. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    41 min
  3. Feedback that feels like care: The feedback playbook with Ama Agyapong

    JAN 26

    Feedback that feels like care: The feedback playbook with Ama Agyapong

    What if feedback felt like care—clear enough to guide, kind enough to grow, and courageous enough to build a sense of belonging at work? In this episode of I Know I Belong When, host Christopher Bylone welcomes Ama Agyapong—the “feedback guru” and “that inclusion lady”—to turn buzzwords into behavior and inclusive culture into daily practice. Through lived experience as an athlete, facilitator, and executive coach, Ama shows how authentic leadership recognizes names, honors stories, and uses feedback as a vehicle for love, accountability, and advancement. Together, they explore belonging vs inclusion, the power of curiosity, and the responsibility leaders carry to land with care—because being “right” is not the same as being effective. You will hear a practical playbook for creating belonging at work: micro-habits like a sincere “good morning,” rituals that strengthen trust, and feedback loops that share information during the process—not only at the end. Whether you are building belonging in hybrid settings or belonging in remote teams, this conversation gives you language and structure to elevate people’s experience and drive human-centered innovation. Rooted in “love & belonging needs,” it is a reminder that workplace belonging is not a destination—it is a practice leaders model, teams feel, and cultures sustain. If you have ever asked, “I know I belong when…?” this episode helps you answer—and scale—the how. Must-hear insights & key moments Feedback as care: Correction signals commitment; feedback builds trust when it is clear, consistent, and compassionate.Names & humility: Belonging begins with pronunciation—and deepens in how we recover from missteps with grace.Right vs. effective: Choose landing well over being “right” to sustain inclusive culture and performance.Curiosity rituals: Ask crafted, open-ended questions; notice the unspoken; document follow-ups to elevate people experience.Share information reliably: Communicate updates during the journey to strengthen psychological safety and trust.Micro-habits that matter: Say “good morning,” mean it, and linger to hear the real answer—on site or across remote teams.Act on feedback: Close the loop visibly; asking without action erodes workplace belonging.Ama’s standout quotes “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be effective?”“If you correct me, you care—and you want to see me get better.”“See me and see my unlimited potential… feedback is a vehicle in which to do that.”“The connection really happens in how you recover from the mistake.”“Include people in the decision-making so they see themselves in the solution.”“Say good morning. Speak—and stick around long enough to hear a response.”“I know I belong when someone is listening to me and we can laugh together.”Why this episode matters Belonging is the outcome of IDEA work—not another pillar. Ama’s story gives leaders practical language and structures for how to create a sense of belonging at work—from curiosity rituals to reliable updates and inclusive decision-making. It is a usable roadmap for strategic inclusion that transforms feedback into care, strengthens trust, and powers cultures where people are invited, seen, heard, and needed. Who should listen HR leaders, DEI/IDEA practitioners, people managers, and executives shaping hybrid or remote teams. Anyone seeking clarity on belonging vs inclusion and ready to apply micro-habits that elevate people experience and workplace belonging. If you design culture, lead projects, or coach talent, this episode equips you to build human-centered systems where feedback fuels growth. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    37 min
  4. The pebble that builds trust: Ripple-Effect Leadership with Chris Rollins

    JAN 19

    The pebble that builds trust: Ripple-Effect Leadership with Chris Rollins

    When do we feel workplace belonging? When a leader chooses a tiny, intentional moment—offering presence, saying your name with care, cleaning up a misstep—and lets trust ripple through a team. In this episode, host Christopher Bylone sits down with Chris Rollins, creator of Ripple Effect Leadership, to explore how small acts of authentic leadership build an inclusive culture where no one must self-edit. Chris brings the 'pebble' metaphor to life, showing how micro-actions transfer energy and strengthen psychological safety. You’ll hear lived stories that humanize strategic inclusion and show how leaders can start building belonging across onsite, hybrid, and remote teams. This conversation gives listeners practical language for belonging—usable phrases and rituals that frame belonging as the outcome of IDEA work (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility). Chris’s human-centered innovation centers everyday behaviors: vulnerability, kindness, curiosity, and empathy. Expect storytelling that equips managers and HR/DEI practitioners to create belonging in the first five minutes, not the next five years—so more people can confidently say, “I know I belong when…” and carry those ripples into their next interaction. Must-hear insights & key moments: The “pebble” metaphor: why leadership is a transfer of energy and how micro-moments create lasting ripples of trust across teams.A father’s response—“I’m so proud of you. That’s awesome.”—as a masterclass in title-free leadership and psychological safety.“Invisible friction”: what happens when we don’t fully see or hear each other—and a simple ritual to clean up the mess.Belonging vs inclusion: how showing up in the first five minutes sets the tone for inclusive culture and workplace belonging.Moving to Tampa, challenging assumptions, and building community as a backbone for strategic inclusion.A live workshop moment: one leader’s vulnerable admission that unlocked safety and scaled trust across an entire room.The qualities behind ripple-effect leadership—vulnerability, kindness, curiosity, empathy—applied to everyday interactions.Chris’ standout quotes: “The real power of leadership is not in a title—it’s in how we show up for people in the small, seemingly insignificant moments.”“One small moment can have a huge impact. I call them ripple-effect moments.”“We have to be willing to come back and clean up our mess.”“I know I belong when I don’t have to edit myself in conversations.”“When we’re not fully seeing and hearing each other, we create invisible friction.”“If we all emit positive ripples, we can scale belonging in this era of distrust and disconnection.”Why this episode matters: Organizations are searching for how to create a sense of belonging, not just definitions. This conversation reframes belonging as the outcome of IDEA work (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility), powered by authentic leadership. You’ll leave with practical language for building belonging, a clearer view of belonging vs inclusion, and steps to strengthen the people experience. It’s a playbook for creating belonging without buzzwords, grounded in stories that HR leaders and managers can immediately apply. Who should listen: Leaders, managers, and HR/DEI practitioners seeking human-centered innovation to build trust quickly. If you’ve been searching for synonyms of belonging, another word for belong, or connecting Maslow’s love and belonging needs to team performance, this episode gives you usable language and micro-actions to start building belonging today—so more people can say, ‘I know I belong when…’ in your workplace. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    34 min
  5. Listening that lifts teams: Inclusive leadership in practice with Simone Morris

    JAN 12

    Listening that lifts teams: Inclusive leadership in practice with Simone Morris

    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 workplaceHR and DEI professionals seeking actionable strategies for inclusive cultureTeam managers navigating remote or hybrid environmentsAnyone 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 belongingAn Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    33 min
  6. Radical inclusion: Turning values into action — a recap of season 1

    JAN 5

    Radical inclusion: Turning values into action — a recap of season 1

    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 MattinglyWhy 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, heardAn Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    22 min
  7. Your Voice Matters: Inclusive Leadership in Action with Julie Kratz

    12/29/2025

    Your Voice Matters: Inclusive Leadership in Action with Julie Kratz

    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

    36 min
  8. Scaling with Soul: Culture as the Foundation with Christina Luconi

    12/22/2025

    Scaling with Soul: Culture as the Foundation with Christina Luconi

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

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Bold voices. Curious stories. Authentic Impact.What does it really mean to belong?Not just to be invited... To be seen. Heard. Needed."I Know I Belong When…" is more than a podcast; it’s a movement. A mirror. A megaphone. It’s where raw truth meets radical hope.Each episode brings you unfiltered conversations with people who’ve wrestled with the question of belonging in the spaces that shape our lives: workplaces, schools, communities, and digital worlds. From the boardroom to the breakroom, from the sidewalks to our living rooms, our guests share the exact moment they knew they were in, and the moments they knew they weren’t.______This is not about feel-good soundbites. It’s about radical accountability.We explore:~  Where equity is the foundation, not a divider.~  The steps it takes to build diverse cultures, not only to survive, though to prosper.~  Ensure inclusion is not just a checkbox; it is a commitment.~  Where accessibility is not an afterthought, but the amplification to thrive.______At the heart of our conversation is the Belonging Formula:"Belonging = (Inclusion × (Diversity + Equity)) ^ Accessibility."It’s not just math; it’s a mindset. A blueprint. A challenge to every leader, builder, and changemaker: Are you creating spaces where every identity is not only welcomed, however, is valued and respected?______Here’s how we do it:[ We Say Names ]Names are not nicknames. They carry legacy, identity, and power. Inspired by #AlwaysChristopher #NeverChris, we explore how honoring someone’s name is the first act of belonging.[ The Moment of Belonging ]A defining story. A turning point. The moment our guest knew: I belong here. We unpack how that moment shaped their confidence, creativity, and connection.[ Navigating Non-Belonging ]We don’t shy away from the hard stuff. Guests share what it felt like to be excluded, erased, or underestimated, and how they reclaimed their space and voice.[ Sustaining Belonging ]What does it take to keep that feeling alive? We explore the systems, rituals, and leadership practices that make belonging a daily reality, not a one-time event.______Why it matters:This podcast is for anyone who’s ever asked: Do I really belong here?And for every leader who’s ready to answer: Yes, and here’s how we’ll prove it.Whether you’re building inclusive teams, designing accessible tech, or rethinking your own role in equity work, these stories will challenge you to show up differently. To lead with intention. To listen with humility. To act with courage.Because belonging isn’t a destination, it’s a practice. And it starts with listening.

Information

  • Creator
    Innovation Unbiased
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 I Know I Belong When...
  • Show Website
    I Know I Belong When...