I Know I Belong When...

Innovation Unbiased
  • 5.0 (8)
  • 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. Everyday Bias, rewritten: AI, attention, and the next generation with Jake Ross

    2D AGO

    Everyday Bias, rewritten: AI, attention, and the next generation with Jake Ross

    Last week, you met the father. This week, meet the son who did not just inherit a mission. He built his own lane inside of it. In this episode of I Know I Belong When, Christopher sits down with Jake Ross, founder and CEO of Belong Together, banjo player, former COO of an AI startup, and co-author of the second edition of Everyday Bias with his father, Howard J. Ross. Jake holds a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley in interdisciplinary studies, a master's in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a thesis called Building Belonging that reads more like a mission statement than an academic paper. In part two of this father-and-son series, Jake brings the next-generation vantage point. His chapters in the new edition of Everyday Bias take on what most belonging conversations still avoid: the attention economy, the algorithms that decide what we see, and the emotional relationships people are quietly forming with artificial intelligence. Jake describes it all honestly, as someone who has sat on both sides of the question. Jake also opens up about the recovery community that first showed him what belonging feels like when you cannot earn it, and the friends who see him so completely that his identity stays steady in any room. If last week's conversation offered a half-century of perspective, this one offers the map forward. Must-hear insights and key moments: How a recovery community in California taught Jake what a real sense of belonging at work and in life actually feels likeWhy the death of the public third place matters more now than it did when Robert Putnam first wrote about itWhat the attention economy is costing us, and how algorithms quietly engineer outrage on every side of the political spectrumThe hidden cost of non-belonging inside tech teams, and why isolated builders tend to create isolating systemsJake's father-to-colleague moment from his side of the table, and why it changed how he shows up professionallyWhy the Lego collection, the banjo, and the fire dancing are not side quests; they are the practice of authentic leadership in full expression Jake's standout quotes: "Belonging is not about being good enough to be in a group. It comes when you and those around you decide that you belong, simply because you do.""When the people building those systems are lonely and not connected to their broader self, the influences of that loneliness get baked into the algorithms.""Who we are paints the glasses.""If I can help one person feel like they really matter, that is my life's work in action.""I know I belong when the world around me celebrates my desire to be in full expression." Why this episode matters: Belonging is not a soft concept, and it is not an HR initiative. It is the infrastructure of how humans show up at work, with each other, and online. Jake offers the next-generation view on what is shifting under our feet: algorithms trained to agree with us, a tech industry building interpersonal products from inside deep isolation, and a culture slowly losing its public third places. His work bridges positive psychology research and practical human-centered innovation. If you lead a remote team, a product team, or an inclusive culture strategy, Jake names what the next five years will actually require. Who should listen: This episode is for founders and product leaders thinking seriously about bias baked into AI systems, people leaders designing inclusive culture for a hybrid and AI-augmented workplace, DEI practitioners looking for fresh language on belonging versus inclusion, positive psychology students and practitioners, HR and people experience strategists navigating belonging in remote teams, and anyone raising, mentoring, or working alongside the next generation of leaders. If last week Howard gave you the long view, this week Jake gives you the fieldwork. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    57 min
  2. Everyday Bias, revisited: A father, a son, and the work of honoring humanity with Howard Ross

    MAY 18

    Everyday Bias, revisited: A father, a son, and the work of honoring humanity with Howard Ross

    What if belonging is not a program or slogan, but the daily discipline of honoring humanity even when the cultural winds shift against it? In this episode of I Know I Belong When, Christopher sits down with Howard J. Ross, writer, facilitator, meditation teacher, musician, and one of the most influential voices on unconscious bias and belonging alive today. Howard is the author of Everyday Bias and Our Search for Belonging, and he is co-writing the second edition of Everyday Bias with his son, Jake Ross, who joins the show next week in part two of this father-and-son series. Howard reflects on the regressive moment the field is facing, the places belonging work has missed the mark, and the patience required to sustain authentic leadership over decades. He shares the story of his grandfather Samuel Bulmash, who escaped the pogroms of Ukraine and helped found the Baltimore NAACP. He revisits the Nancy Neal moment that first taught him what a sense of belonging at work feels like, the day in Jackson, Mississippi, that reshaped how he shows up as a white practitioner, and the father-to-colleague shift with Jake that transformed both their work and relationship. If you have been searching for language for belonging, this episode is a masterclass. Must-hear insights and key moments Why progress in inclusive culture often moves three steps forward and two steps backWhat Howard learned from his grandfather about responsibility, legacy, and honoring humanityThe Nancy Neil moment that first showed Howard what workplace belonging looks like in practiceThe day in Jackson, Mississippi, that changed how Howard approaches belonging workWhy the next edition of Everyday Bias had to address artificial intelligence, social media, and algorithmsHow the father-to-colleague pivot with Jake shows strategic inclusion beginning at homeHoward’s standout quotes “This is going to be a long haul, and it is always going to be three steps forward, two steps back.”“Terrible things can happen, and you have a responsibility to do something about it.”“When we can see the humanity in each other, the difference becomes additive.”“I am not going to relate to you in this project as my son. I am going to relate to you as my colleague.”“Everybody needs a tribe. We have to create that bigger tent if we expect to see the change we are working on.”“I know I belong when I can be fully myself, when I can show up without having to worry that being me is going to exclude me or make my voice not matter.”Why this episode matters Belonging is the outcome of the disciplined work of honoring humanity. In a moment when inclusive culture work faces increasing backlash, Howard offers perspective grounded in history, cognitive science, and more than fifty years of practice. Whether you are rethinking people experience strategy, navigating belonging in remote teams, or wrestling with belonging versus inclusion, this episode offers language, clarity, and direction. Who should listen This episode is for HR and people leaders, DEI practitioners, executives, founders, managers of remote and hybrid teams, educators, and storytellers committed to creating belonging at work through authentic leadership and strategic inclusion. If you have ever wondered what it takes to sustain belonging across a lifetime of practice, Howard Ross offers one of the clearest answers you will hear. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    49 min
  3. Silence is not neutral: Moral courage and inclusive leadership with Mike Davis

    MAY 11

    Silence is not neutral: Moral courage and inclusive leadership with Mike Davis

    What does it really take to create belonging in the workplace when pressure rises, resistance shows up, and silence feels safer than speaking up? In this episode of I Know I Belong When…, host Christopher Bylone sits down with Mike Davis, a global diversity and inclusion executive with nearly three decades of experience navigating the hardest conversations organizations avoid. This is not a surface-level conversation about inclusion. It is an honest exploration of moral courage, authentic leadership, and what it means to build inclusive culture when the stakes are real. Mike brings storytelling, lived experience, and deep credibility to a topic leaders are struggling to name. Through personal reflection and professional insight, this episode gives listeners language for belonging and clarity on why silence in leadership is never neutral. From white male allyship to accountability without shame, from psychological safety to trust repair, this conversation reframes workplace belonging as the outcome of strategic inclusion, not a feel-good initiative. If you are searching for another word for belong, questioning how love and belonging needs show up at work, or wondering how to create a sense of belonging at work in uncertain times, this episode offers both language and direction. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Why silence in leadership reinforces existing power structuresWhat white male allyship requires beyond private supportHow inclusive cultures fail when moral courage disappearsThe difference between performative inclusion and strategic inclusionWhy trust is the real currency of workplace belongingHow leaders can hold people accountable without public harmWhat psychological safety actually looks like in practiceMike’s Standout Quotes “Silence is not neutrality. Silence supports the system that already exists.”“Belonging starts with feeling safe to be who you are and safe to make a mistake.”“If leaders hesitate publicly, they lose the trust of the people who need them most.”“This work is about culture change, not slogans or posters.”“You cannot build trust if people believe leadership will disappear when pressure shows up.”“Accountability without learning is punishment, not leadership.”“Belonging is sustained through engagement, not intention.”Why This Episode Matters Organizations are searching for how to build belonging at work while navigating backlash, fatigue, and fear. This episode reframes workplace belonging as a people experience rooted in trust, courage, and consistency. Mike Davis challenges leaders to move beyond hesitation and shows why inclusive culture requires visible commitment, not quiet agreement. It offers language, clarity, and responsibility at a moment when many organizations are retreating. Who Should Listen This episode is for HR leaders, DEI practitioners, executives, people managers, and team leaders responsible for creating belonging in the workplace. It is especially relevant for those rebuilding trust after organizational harm, sustaining inclusion under pressure, or navigating belonging in remote teams. If you are looking for practical insight on authentic leadership, creating belonging at work, and building a true sense of belonging beyond policies and programs, this conversation will challenge and equip you. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    37 min
  4. Care, share, embrace: Lead with values when the world hands you a tie with Simona Scarpaleggia

    MAY 4

    Care, share, embrace: Lead with values when the world hands you a tie with Simona Scarpaleggia

    What happens when a leader walks onto a stage to accept an award and walks off holding a tie because no one imagined a woman could be leading the company? In this episode of I Know I Belong When…, host Christopher Bylone sits down with Simona Scarpaleggia, former CEO of IKEA Switzerland, United Nations co-chair, author, and a leader whose career has redefined authentic leadership when the room was not built with you in mind. Through first-person storytelling, Simona shares how her grandmother’s words, “if you want to lead, you need to learn, and anything can be learned,” shaped a career spanning boardrooms, global panels, and social enterprises. She introduces her framework of "care, share, and embrace," showing why standing firm on values during backlash is essential. From transforming IKEA Switzerland into a loved brand to empowering women in rural India, she connects belonging to inclusive culture and human-centered innovation. This conversation reframes belonging vs inclusion, positioning workplace belonging as the outcome of strategic inclusion and intentional IDEA work. It offers clarity and language for leaders seeking to create a true sense of belonging at work. Must-hear insights and key moments A grandmother’s ring and the phrase that shaped a global leadership career: “anything can be learned.”Care, share, embrace: a leadership operating system rooted in trust, transparency, and people experience.The tie story: what happens when bias shows up on stage and how Simona responded.How a 500-person store opening, a flood, and a team that said “you go, we have got this” became a defining moment of belongingTransforming a brand from need to loved through values-driven culture, refugee inclusion, and strategic inclusion.Building belonging through social enterprise: how 52 women embroiderers in India grew to over 2,000 through sustainable partnership.Why certification is a foundation, not a finish line.Simona’s standout quotes “If you want to lead, you need to learn, and anything can be learned.”“Care, share, and embrace are the base of my leadership approach.”“They did not even think for a second that a woman could have a leadership position in such a big company.”“I did not have to ask. They told me, you go. We organize everything.”“Standing behind the values gives us strength.”“Those 52 women were proud. A completely different personality came out of them.”“I know I belong whenever I encounter beauty, not only in an aesthetical point of view, but in a meaningful conversation, a spontaneous smile, a little step towards a better world.”Why this episode matters Organizations talk about building belonging, yet struggle to connect values to daily leadership behavior. Simona's story gives leaders practical language and lived examples for creating belonging at work through courage and systems that honor people. It reframes the sense of belonging at work as something leaders build through how they show up, not what they announce. For anyone navigating love and belonging needs in modern organizations, this conversation offers direction rooted in decades of global impact.  Who should listen HR leaders, DEI and IDEA practitioners, executives, and people managers shaping inclusive culture—especially in hybrid or remote environments—and anyone seeking to lead with values and create belonging at work. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    41 min
  5. Beyond performative work: How Hip Hop builds chosen family in inclusive cultures with Manny Faces

    APR 27

    Beyond performative work: How Hip Hop builds chosen family in inclusive cultures with Manny Faces

    What if the clearest blueprint for belonging in the workplace did not come from corporate playbooks, leadership models, or culture decks, but from a global movement rooted in creativity, community, and care? In this episode of I Know I Belong When…, host Christopher Bylone sits down with Manny Faces—award-winning journalist, cultural strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Hip Hop Can Save America! ecosystem—to explore how Hip Hop culture offers leaders practical language for belonging and insight into creating a sense of belonging at work. This conversation reframes belonging vs inclusion, positioning belonging as the outcome of intentional IDEA work rather than a performative gesture. Manny shares how Hip Hop functions as a living framework for inclusive culture, authentic leadership, and human-centered innovation—transcending borders, titles, and institutions. Through first-person storytelling, listeners see how chosen family, psychological safety, and community care show up across spaces—from ciphers and classrooms to workplaces and hospital rooms. This episode is about building belonging, creating people experiences rooted in dignity, and understanding why love and belonging needs are foundational to sustainable culture, especially in remote and hybrid teams. Must-hear insights and key moments Why Hip Hop is culture, not music—and what that teaches leaders about workplace belonging The cipher as a metaphor for psychological safety and belonging at work Why belonging is the outcome of strategic inclusion, not another initiative How chosen family reshapes accountability and community care What tokenism looks like and how leaders can recognize it quickly Lessons from global Hip Hop communities on belonging in remote teams Why lived experience provides language policies alone cannot Manny’s standout quotes “Hip Hop is culture. Culture is how people navigate the world together.”“When you step into the cipher, where you came from does not matter. You belong in that moment.”“If your institution only engages culture during heritage months, the work is not real.”“Belonging feels like family. You know it when you feel it, and you know when you do not.”“We do not need more performative moments. We need people of the culture in positions of power.”“Community care is not theoretical. It shows up in what you are willing to give.”“Belonging crosses borders, languages, and credentials when it is rooted in respect.”Why this episode matters Belonging is not declared; it is experienced through cultures intentionally built on care, trust, and community. This episode provides language for what people feel when they are safe, recognized, and valued, linking workplace belonging to love and belonging needs and showing why symbolic efforts fall short. It reframes belonging as the outcome of inclusive culture and authentic leadership, not performative DEI. Who should listen HR leaders, DEI practitioners, executives, people managers, educators, and anyone seeking to create belonging at work—especially in remote or hybrid environments—and looking for clear, credible language to move from intention to impact. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    41 min
  6. Culture is a system, not a vibe: The accountability leaders cannot skip with Joe Machicote

    APR 20

    Culture is a system, not a vibe: The accountability leaders cannot skip with Joe Machicote

    What if the reason your culture initiatives are stalling has nothing to do with motivation, engagement, or vibes, and everything to do with systems, accountability, and how leaders show up every single day? In this episode of I Know I Belong When…, Christopher Bylone is joined by Joe Machicote, retired CHRO, organizational culture engineer, executive coach, and author of Own Thy Stuff. Joe brings more than three decades of leadership experience into a deeply human conversation about belonging in the workplace, building belonging, and why culture only becomes inclusive when it is designed, practiced, and owned. Through powerful first-person stories, Joe shares what it feels like to be told you do not belong before you even understand the language for exclusion, how mispronouncing a name can quietly erode a sense of belonging at work, and why accountability is not punitive. Accountability is relational, connective, and essential to creating belonging at work. This episode gives leaders, HR professionals, and DEI practitioners the language they have been searching for. It explores belonging vs inclusion, the difference between intent and impact, and how authentic leadership requires the courage to look again at how we show up. Joe reframes workplace belonging as the outcome of strategic inclusion, human-centered innovation, and everyday behaviors that either build trust or dismantle it. If you are searching for another word for belong, or looking to understand the deeper meaning behind love and belonging needs at work, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a blueprint for action. Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments Why culture fails when leaders treat it as a feeling instead of a systemHow accountability creates psychological safety and a stronger people experienceWhat mispronouncing names teaches us about belonging in the workplaceThe difference between intent and impact, and why leaders must own bothHow early experiences of exclusion shape confidence, leadership, and voiceWhat it means to engineer culture through self-mastery, communication, and trustWhy belonging in remote teams still depends on accountability and relationshipsJoe’s Standout Quotes “Culture is not a vibe problem. It is a systems problem.”“We do not know who our authentic selves are without feedback.”“You cannot control others, however you can always control your own behavior.”“Accountability is attractive because it builds trust.”“Respect means to look again.”“Belonging grows when people are accepted for how they contribute, not how they conform.”“Leave everything and everyone a little better than you found them.”Why This Episode Matters Organizations talk often about inclusion, engagement, and values. This episode goes deeper by showing how sense of belonging at work is built through accountability, trust, and systems that reinforce human dignity. Joe’s story gives listeners language for belonging, especially those navigating imposter thoughts, exclusion, or leadership pressure. It reframes belonging as the outcome of IDEA work, not just another initiative. Who Should Listen This episode is for HR leaders, DEI practitioners, people managers, executives, and anyone asking how to create a sense of belonging at work. It is especially relevant for leaders shaping inclusive culture, supporting remote or hybrid teams, and seeking practical ways to move from intention to impact. If you care about people experience, strategic inclusion, and human-centered innovation, this conversation belongs in your ears. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    41 min
  7. When you are valued: Small moments that change culture with Dr. Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander

    APR 13

    When you are valued: Small moments that change culture with Dr. Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander

    What does it actually mean to feel valued at work, not in theory, not in policy language, but in lived experience? In this deeply human episode of I Know I Belong When…, host Christopher Bylone sits down with Dr. Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander, a pioneering legal scholar, educator, and culture shaper whose life’s work helped define how organizations understand fairness, dignity, and people’s experiences. From creating the first employment law course in colleges of business to shaping global DEI standards, Dr. Bennett-Alexander has spent decades translating justice into everyday practice. This conversation explores how workplace belonging is built through small moments, human choices, and leadership behaviors that signal value. Through stories of quilting, gardening, teaching, and standing up when something does not sit right, listeners gain language for belonging and clarity about how inclusive culture is created in real time. Must-Hear Insights & Key Moments Belonging is built through everyday interactions, not mission statements.Why small leadership moments shape inclusive culture more than large initiatives.How quilting and gardening offer powerful metaphors for workplace belonging.The difference between being invited and being valued at work.Why value-add thinking matters more than culture fit.How leaders unknowingly allow bias to live between intention and action.Standout Quotes from Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander I try to always walk the walk, that it is all about love.Quilting teaches me the importance of pieces that do not seem to fit together, that do.There was a gap between what I was teaching and what was in their heads.You put something small in the ground and out comes something extraordinary.I know I belong when I can be in a space and feel valued for what I bring to the table.Nobody may know who picked up that trash, but the world is better because someone did.Why This Episode Matters Many organizations say they want to build belonging, yet struggle to define what that means in practice. This episode reframes belonging as the lived outcome of strategic inclusion and authentic leadership. Dr. Bennett-Alexander offers language, perspective, and lived wisdom that help leaders move beyond compliance toward cultures where people feel seen, respected, and valued in everyday moments. Who Should Listen This episode is for HR leaders, DEI practitioners, executives, managers, educators, and team leaders who want to create a sense of belonging at work. It is especially relevant for leaders navigating remote and hybrid teams, where small signals of value matter more than ever. Anyone seeking language for belonging and practical examples of inclusive leadership will find this conversation meaningful. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    41 min

  8. TRAILER

    The belonging movement starts here: Bold voices, curious stories, and the future of inclusive culture

    The belonging movement starts here: Bold voices, curious stories, and the future of inclusive culture Tune into "I Know I Belong When..." Season 3, and be a part of the movement. An Innovation Unbiased Production https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/about-the-show

    1 min
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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.

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  • Creator
    Innovation Unbiased
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 I Know I Belong When...
  • Show Website
    I Know I Belong When...