The Belonging Shift

Mantej Singh
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  • Society & Culture

The Belonging Shift podcast has conversations about the leadership, community, place and the future of belonging. This is a podcast by Belonging Co – a social and cultural inclusion consultancy established and founded by Mantej Singh in 2025.  He brings 20+ years’ experience in community engagement, placemaking and inclusion, focused on systemic change and community led outcomes. Belonging Co helps executive leaders and organisations to strengthen inclusion, engagement and participation outcomes across workplaces and communities — grounded in a unique belonging approach and a community perspective. Building a society, communities, public spaces, and institutions where everyone feels included and has a sense of belonging - is a critical need in today’s world. Belonging Co is committed to helping achieve this outcome. The Belonging Shift podcast is a key tool in driving this conversation forward in our communities, workplaces and societies. The belonging shift podcast, we'll explore belonging, across place, community, and leadership with real practitioners, real stories, and practical shifts you can all apply. I look forward to all of you being there. If any episode sparked a new idea or gave you language for something you've been carrying, share it with someone who needs it, a colleague, a leader, a friend.   That's how this conversation grows.

  1. Sep 23

    Belonging, agile placemaking, citizen model and inventors mindset

    In this episode of The Belonging Shift, host Mantej Singh speaks with David Engwight about why belonging cannot be delivered as a product and what changes when communities are trusted to create it together. We explore agile placemaking, the shift from a customer model to a citizen model, the value of spontaneous encounters, and why leaders need to replace endless planning with honest evaluation, clear permissions and small radical experiments. David’s message is both simple: work with what you have, invite people to contribute, and start creating visible change now. Chapter 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest 00:47 The societal shift towards meaningful community experiences 01:40 What is placemaking and why it matters 04:13 Creative Communities and the social inventors approach 07:31 Defining belonging and its personal significance 11:34 Belonging as the opposite of loneliness 14:41 The power of small actions and resourcefulness 19:53 Shifts in placemaking practices and community empowerment 26:55 Common misunderstandings by leaders about belonging 28:23 Advice for leaders to foster belonging and community David’s advice for leaders and practitioners for making the #BelongingShift Shift 1: Empower communities to create belonging rather than delivering it as a product. Shift 2: Replace restrictive regulation with clear permissions and room for creativity and invention Shift 3: Work with what you have now, not what you wish you had Shift 4: Move from master planning mindset, unaffordable wishlists, and endless talk to agile implementation, small trials and visible action Shift 5: Move away from a customer model to a citizen model of contribution and shared ownership Guest Bio David has over 35 years experience in place making. He is a passionate designer, artist, author, communicator, and social inventor, best known as the creator of the Walking School Bus and the 7 Day Makeover. Nothing gives David greater joy than working with communities to breathe new life into dead spaces. He is author of books on urban design, community development, revitalisation of town centres and creativity. He’s a TEDx presenter and popular speaker at international conferences. David is the creator of Civosity Park, a practical demonstration of how private land can be used for public good. Host Bio Mantej Singh is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Belonging Co, a social and cultural inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with a belonging lens. Belonging Co helps leaders drive participation, trust and engagement. The consultancy delivers strategies, engagement, and programs for organisations and leaders wanting genuine impact across cultural inclusion, community participation and social cohesion. Mantej has over 20 years of experience across community engagement, placemaking, and inclusion. For more information on Belonging Co visit www.belongingco.com.au and www.linkedin.com/in/mantejs Make the #Belonging Shift Lets grow the conversation If this episode sparked a new idea, challenge, or possibility, share it with someone who’ll benefit. Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift podcast, for more such conversations. Podcast link The Belonging Shift – Conversations about community, place, leadership and the future of belonging — Belonging Co

    Belonging, agile placemaking, citizen model and inventors mindset

  2. Aug 20

    Belonging, Universal Design and welcoming

    In this episode, host Mantej Singh speaks with Jane Bringolf, a long-time advocate, writer, and leader in universal design and inclusive practice, and a Churchill Fellow. They explore why universal design is not just about ramps, access standards, or compliance but about designing places, services, policies, and cultures where people are welcomed, considered, and able to belong without having to ask for special treatment. And why does a ramp not say "you belong"? Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Belonging and Inclusion 01:25 The Journey of Universal Design 04:47 Understanding Belonging vs. Fitting In 07:03 The Role of the Center for Universal Design 09:32 Universal Design: More Than Just Accessibility 12:28 The Essence of Belonging in Universal Design 16:21 Shifts in Inclusion and Belonging 20:24 What Leaders Get Wrong About Belonging 21:51 Key Shifts for Leaders Towards Belonging Jane’s advice for leaders and practitioners for making the #BelongingShift Shift 1: Move from access and compliance to welcome, dignity, and belonging Shift 2: Design for everyone, everywhere, every time Shift 3: Replace separate policies with one universal intersectional approach Shift 4: Go where people are. Listen and engage in everyday places Shift 5: Share power with people as contributors, not problems to be fixed Guest Bio Jane Bringolf has worked in the ageing and disability sectors for more than 40 years and has a strong interest in universal design and inclusive practice. She was a founding director of Centre for Universal Design Australia which is now managed by the Melbourne Disability Institute. She writes regularly on universal design and inclusive practice and wants to see a world where designers and policy makers automatically consider the diversity of the population and create inclusive built environments, products, policies and digital services. Connect on LinkedIn: Jane Bringolf | LinkedIn Host Bio Mantej Singh is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Belonging Co, a social and cultural inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with a belonging lens.   Belonging Co helps leaders drive participation, trust and engagement. The consultancy delivers strategies, engagement, and programs for organisations and leaders wanting genuine impact across cultural inclusion, community participation and social cohesion.   He founded Belonging Co in 2025 to enhance the capability, confidence, and understanding of leaders and organisations regarding inclusion and community participation. Mantej has over 20 years of experience across community engagement, placemaking, and inclusion, emphasizing that belonging is foundational to thriving communities and effective institutions. For more information on Belonging Co visit www.belongingco.com.au and www.linkedin.com/in/mantejs   Make the #Belonging Shift   Lets grow the conversation If this episode sparked a new idea, challenge, or possibility, share it with someone who’ll benefit. Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift podcast, for more such conversations. Podcast link The Belonging Shift – Conversations about community, place, leadership and the future of belonging — Belonging Co

    Belonging, Universal Design and welcoming

  3. Aug 6

    Belonging, placemaking and healthy people, places and planet

    In this episode of The Belonging Shift, host Mantej Singh speaks with Gilbert Rochecouste, CEO and Founder of Village Well – a placemaking consultancy on belonging and healthy people, places and planet. Gilbert talks about a world facing a polycrisis of climate, economic, and social challenges and how shifting our approach to place, culture, and storytelling can transform societies. Gilbert dives into how our old stories of growth and consumption are breaking down and how a ‘new local’ movement is surfacing that emphasizes the importance of community-led, place-based initiatives that embrace diversity and foster belonging. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Belonging Shift Podcast 00:55 Understanding Placemaking and Belonging 01:50 Gilbert's Journey and the Concept of Belonging 06:31 Personal Definition of Belonging 08:23 Shifts in Placemaking and Community Engagement 13:03 Cultural Diversity and Community Spaces 16:10 Embracing Diversity in Placemaking 17:23 Defining Placemaking and Its Importance 20:06 Shifts Needed in Government and Development 24:01 Empowering Communities for Change 25:56 Messages for Developers and Government Leaders Gilbert’s advice for leaders and practitioners for making the #BelongingShift Shift 1: Create power with communities, not power over them. Shift 2: Become place-led and people-led, not planning-led, design-led or finance-led Shift 3: Create places where people can live, work, gather and connect Shift 4: Move beyond sustainability towards regeneration. Shift 5: Make the personal shift to belonging, self-organising and being community-led Guest Bio Gilbert is a globally recognised placemaking expert, known for creating vibrant and resilient places. Over the past 35 years, he has collaborated with more than 2,500 cities and communities worldwide. A sought-after speaker and master facilitator, he is skilled at unlocking potential and engaging stakeholders. Previously, the General Manager of Chadstone Shopping Centre - he pioneered the application of shopping centre management principles to main streets and went on to found Village Well, Australia’s first placemaking consultancy, and now its first Regenerative Placemaking consultancy.   Host Bio Mantej Singh is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Belonging Co, a social and cultural inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with a belonging lens.   Belonging Co helps leaders drive participation, trust and engagement. The consultancy delivers strategies, engagement, and programs for organisations and leaders wanting genuine impact across cultural inclusion, community participation and social cohesion.   He founded Belonging Co in 2025 to enhance the capability, confidence, and understanding of leaders and organisations regarding inclusion and community participation. Mantej has over 20 years of experience across community engagement, placemaking, and inclusion, emphasizing that belonging is foundational to thriving communities and effective institutions. For more information on Belonging Co visit www.belongingco.com.au and www.linkedin.com/in/mantejs   Make the #Belonging Shift   Lets grow the conversation If this episode sparked a new idea, challenge, or possibility, share it with someone who’ll benefit. Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift podcast, for more such conversations. Podcast link.

    Belonging, placemaking and healthy people, places and planet

  4. Jul 23

    Belonging, Placemaking and doing

    In this episode of The Belonging Shift, host Mantej Singh speaks with Dean Cracknell, Co-Founder of Doing Co and Creator of Placemaking Education, about community-led placemaking, belonging and the leadership shifts needed to create places where people feel connected, welcome and able to contribute. Dean shares why placemaking is more than murals, events or physical design. At its best, it is a mindset and process that helps people connect, contribute, lead and feel proud of the places they call home. The conversation explores how leaders can move from doing things for communities to working with communities, why trust and collaboration matter, and how reframing risk can help institutions become braver in involving people. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Belonging and Doing Co 02:04 Defining Belonging: A Personal Journey 04:11 Shifts in Placemaking: From Design to Connection 06:10 Understanding Community Engagement in Placemaking 09:00 Successful Community-Led Projects: A Case Study 12:24 Barriers to Progress: Misunderstandings in Placemaking 15:16 Practical Steps for Leaders in Community-Led Placemaking 17:40 The Broader Vision of Placemaking 21:14 Key Shifts for Leaders in Placemaking Dean’s advice for leaders and practitioners for #BelongingShift Shift 1: Start small, but start Shift 2: Collaborate instead of trying to do it all yourself Shift 3: Trust communities to contribute, shape and lead Shift 4: See placemaking as a journey of learning, not a fixed destination Shift 5: Build cultures where more leaders can emerge Guest Bio Dean Cracknell is Co-Founder of Doing Co and Creator of Placemaking Education. Dean loves helping people to create positive civic, social, economic, environmental or organisational change. He shifted from being an urban planner working in local government and local doer volunteering in my local neighbourhood to being a Doer, Dreamer, Enabler and Connector of people and ideas. He works in the gaps in between: people and places, local governments and local communities, community organising and action, social, economic and environmental improvement and top-down and bottom-up. Host Bio Mantej Singh is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Belonging Co, a social and cultural inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with a belonging lens. Belonging Co helps leaders drive participation, trust and engagement. The consultancy delivers strategies, engagement, and programs for organisations and leaders wanting genuine impact across cultural inclusion, community participation and social cohesion.   He founded Belonging Co in 2025 to enhance the capability, confidence, and understanding of leaders and organisations regarding inclusion and community participation. Mantej has over 20 years of experience across community engagement, placemaking, and inclusion, emphasizing that belonging is foundational to thriving communities and effective institutions. For more information on Belonging Co visit www.belongingco.com.au and www.linkedin.com/in/mantejs   Make the #Belonging Shift Lets grow the conversation If this episode sparked a new idea, challenge, or possibility, share it with someone who’ll benefit. Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift podcast, for more such conversations. Podcast link The Belonging Shift – Conversations about community, place, leadership and the future of belonging — Belonging Co

    Belonging, Placemaking and doing

  5. Jul 12

    Belonging, Social cohesion, local action and starting with a smile

    In this episode of The Belonging Shift, host Mantej Singh speaks with Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, about how Australia can strengthen belonging and social cohesion through trust, dignity, reciprocity and everyday local action. Anthea explains why belonging is not a single destination, why labels can limit people’s agency, and why leaders should avoid patronising, paternalism and pity. The conversation moves from research and public debate to very practical actions: listen respectfully, focus on the real issue, activate neighbourhood connections, support local participation and start with a smile. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Belonging and Community Leadership 02:55 Understanding Personal Belonging 05:57 Defining Belonging Beyond the Term 07:38 Economic Pressures and Belonging 09:10 Cultural Inclusion and Terminology 12:50 Avoiding Labels and Fostering Agency 13:59 Addressing Deficit Models in Organizations 15:49 Community Engagement and Local Action 20:50 Navigating Cultural Debates 23:44 Shifts for Leaders in Promoting Belonging 26:34 Encouraging Community Action for Belonging   Anthea Hancocks’ advice for leaders and practitioners for making the #BelongingShift Shift 1: Move from labels to the real issue people are experiencing. Shift 2: Move from deficit thinking to dignity, agency and contribution. Shift 3: Move from pity, paternalism and patronising behaviour to respectful peer-to-peer listening. Shift 4: Move from national debate alone to practical neighbourhood connection and local participation. Shift 5: Move from waiting for belonging to be created for us to starting with small everyday gestures — even a smile.   Guest Bio Anthea Hancocks is the CEO of the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute. The Institute is dedicated to making research into social cohesion accessible and understandable while maintaining the highest levels of research expertise and integrity. She has a background in leadership positions in government, professional services, academia, philanthropy and not for profit organisations.   Host Bio Mantej Singh is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Belonging Co, a social and cultural inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with a belonging lens.   Belonging Co helps leaders drive participation, trust and engagement. The consultancy delivers strategies, engagement, and programs for organisations and leaders wanting genuine impact across cultural inclusion, community participation and social cohesion.   He founded Belonging Co in 2025 to enhance the capability, confidence, and understanding of leaders and organisations regarding inclusion and community participation. Mantej has over 20 years of experience across community engagement, placemaking, and inclusion, emphasizing that belonging is foundational to thriving communities and effective institutions. For more information on Belonging Co visit www.belongingco.com.au and www.linkedin.com/in/mantejs   Make the #Belonging Shift   Lets grow the conversation If this episode sparked a new idea, challenge, or possibility, share it with someone who’ll benefit. Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift podcast, for more such conversations. Podcast link The Belonging Shift – Conversations about community, place, leadership and the future of belonging — Belonging Co

    Belonging, Social cohesion, local action and starting with a smile

  6. Jun 28

    Belonging, worklace inclusion and systems thinking

    In this episode of The Belonging Shift, host Mantej Singh speaks with Dr Varina Michaels, CEO and Founder of Paisley Group about the importance of focusing on systems and structural work across policies, processes, strategies, and leadership rather than performative and tokenistic diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work in order to improve the conditions that are essential for performance to occur. Dr Varina says this structural shift is more than just advocacy. DEI shouldn't even be a thing that we have to actively seek and advocate for. It should be something that's embedded in the core way that the business functions, in the core strategy of the organization and in the culture of the organization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Belonging and Inclusion 02:30 Personal Insights on Belonging 05:15 Current Shifts in Diversity and Inclusion 08:32 Understanding Systems Work vs. Performative Inclusion 13:53 Misconceptions About Belonging and Inclusion 17:04 Barriers to Championing Inclusion 17:57 Successful Approaches in Inclusion Practices 21:25 Final Thoughts on Building an Inclusive Infrastructure Dr Varina’s advice for leaders and practitioners for making the #BelongingShiftShift 1: Move from performative diversity and inclusion (D&I) to systems and structural work Shift 2: Don’t rely on marginalized people to carry the change; leaders and systems must take responsibility. Shift 3: Simplify overlapping policies and build one coherent approach Shift 4: Replace assumption with consultation and genuine and regular listening Shift 5: Treat belonging and inclusion as infrastructure, not atmosphere Guest Bio Dr Varina Michaels is a globally recognised expert in intersectional DEI, culture, leadership, and ethical community engagement. Dr Michaels holds a Ph.D. in Intersectional Identities at Work, is Founder and CEO of Paisley Group, Director of the Women of Colour Safety and Work (WoCSAW) Research Institute and Head of Programs and Impact at Women of Colour Australia. Host Bio Mantej Singh is the Founder and Principal Consultant for Belonging Co, a social and cultural inclusion consultancy based in Sydney with a belonging lens. He founded Belonging Co in 2025 to enhance the capability, confidence, and understanding of leaders and organisations regarding inclusion and community participation. Mantej has over 20 years of experience in community engagement, placemaking, and inclusion, emphasizing that belonging is foundational to thriving communities and effective institutions. For more information on Belonging Co visit www.belongingco.com.au and www.linkedin.com/in/mantejs . Lets grow the conversation If this episode sparked a new idea, challenge, or possibility, share it with someone who’ll benefit. Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift podcast, for more such conversations. Podcast link The Belonging Shift – Conversations about community, place, leadership and the future of belonging — Belonging Co

    Belonging, worklace inclusion and systems thinking

  7. Jun 22

    Belonging, inclusion and business impact

    In this episode of The Belonging Shift, host Mantej Singh speaks with Joseph Santana, Chairman, CDO Powercircle from the United States. Joseph shares his journey from a business executive to a diversity and inclusion advocate, emphasizing the importance of aligning diversity and inclusion initiatives with business impact. Mantej and Joseph discuss that leaders must modernise policies, embrace flexibility, listen intently, and translate inclusion into tangible organisational gains, making impact sustainable and meaningful. Joseph talks about aligning inclusion initiatives with the first principles approach of any organisation - and the first principle can be revenue, customer service, event operations. Listen to the podcast to discover practical strategies for leaders to embed belonging into organizational systems, overcome misconceptions, and drive meaningful change. Connect with Belonging Co Belonging Co is a social and cultural inclusion consultancy helping executive leaders and organisations to strengthen inclusion, engagement, and participation outcomes across workplaces and communities — grounded in a unique belonging approach and a community perspective. Chapter list 00:00 Introduction to the Belonging Shift Podcast 01:57 The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion 06:12 Understanding Belonging: Perspectives and Definitions 11:38 Shifts in Diversity and Inclusion Practices 17:05 Common Misunderstandings in Leadership 21:06 Barriers in Organizational Structures 24:31 Advice for Leaders on Inclusion and Belonging Key points The critical importance of framing diversity and inclusion as a business impactHow to shift from talking about moral correctness to embedding D&I into organizational strategiesThe intersection of belonging, perception, and organizational networksSystemic barriers rooted in outdated policies, and how to modernize themThe role of leadership mindset in fostering flexible, inclusive structuresPractical steps leaders can take to support diverse workforce needsBalancing organizational values with real-world business benefitsHow to communicate intentionally and close the trust gap with teamsThe importance of listening, acting, and closing the loop with inclusion initiatives For more information, see links below ·  Belonging Co - www.belongingco.com.au ·  Book a discovery call to discuss your needs - www.belongingco.com.au/contact ·  Follow and connect Mantej on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/mantejs ·  Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift Podcast - www.belongingco.com.au/belongingshift

    Belonging, inclusion and business impact

  8. Jun 16

    Belonging, workplace inclusion and daring to reimagine it

    In this episode of The Belonging Shift, host Mantej Singh explores a daring approach to transforming workplace inclusion by shifting from conventional models to a systemic, belonging-centred design. He presents five innovative shifts that actively embed belonging into organisational culture, decision-making, and community engagement. Mantej challenges leaders and organisations to move beyond surface-level diversity efforts and embrace systemic, belonging-centric reforms that influence societal cohesion and belonging. Rethink how you assess, embed, and report on belonging—because the future of inclusive workplaces depends on it. He asks the podcast listeners to think about what would we change or shift if we had the power to redesign workplace inclusion from scratch and were asked to be daring. What would we stop? What would we start? And what would we do differently? That is where the real belonging shift begins. Chapters list 00:00 Reimagining workplace inclusion from a belonging lens 01:17 Who decides what is fair? 04:26 Belonging interview round for leaders 09:10 Belonging section in executive briefings 10:46 Belonging community days for all employees 13:02 Belonging risk register 15:04 Belonging section in every annual report 17:54 How would you reimagine workplace inclusion if you are allowed to be daring Connect with Belonging Co Belonging Co is a social and cultural inclusion consultancy helping executive leaders and organisations to strengthen inclusion, engagement, and participation outcomes across workplaces and communities — grounded in a unique belonging approach and a community perspective.   For more information, see links below ·       Belonging Co services and approach ·       Book a FREE discovery call to discuss your needs. ·       Follow and connect with Mantej on LinkedIn ·       Follow and subscribe to The Belonging Shift Podcast

    Belonging, workplace inclusion and daring to reimagine it
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About

The Belonging Shift podcast has conversations about the leadership, community, place and the future of belonging. This is a podcast by Belonging Co – a social and cultural inclusion consultancy established and founded by Mantej Singh in 2025.  He brings 20+ years’ experience in community engagement, placemaking and inclusion, focused on systemic change and community led outcomes. Belonging Co helps executive leaders and organisations to strengthen inclusion, engagement and participation outcomes across workplaces and communities — grounded in a unique belonging approach and a community perspective. Building a society, communities, public spaces, and institutions where everyone feels included and has a sense of belonging - is a critical need in today’s world. Belonging Co is committed to helping achieve this outcome. The Belonging Shift podcast is a key tool in driving this conversation forward in our communities, workplaces and societies. The belonging shift podcast, we'll explore belonging, across place, community, and leadership with real practitioners, real stories, and practical shifts you can all apply. I look forward to all of you being there. If any episode sparked a new idea or gave you language for something you've been carrying, share it with someone who needs it, a colleague, a leader, a friend.   That's how this conversation grows.

Information

  • Creator
    Mantej Singh
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mantej Singh