In this episode, our host Fiorenza Rossini welcomes Tash Bristowe, a Brighton-based freelancer, entrepreneur, and community builder. Tash shares her personal journey of navigating a career setback and how that led to creating a safe space for job seekers through the Open to Work Connection Community.    When Tash unexpectedly lost her job, she turned a challenging experience into an opportunity to uplift others in similar situations. Through open discussions on LinkedIn, she discovered the power of vulnerability and connection, which led her to establish a supportive (Slack-based!!) community for those navigating job searches in a tough market.  Fiorenza and Tash discuss the emotional toll of job loss and the strategies that can help maintain mental well-being, including setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. Tash also opens up about the risks of tying identity too closely to work, and how she’s now redefining her career through freelancing and consulting.   The conversation provides practical advice for job seekers, such as how to stand out in a competitive job market by leveraging LinkedIn, nurturing professional networks, and starting passion projects that showcase your unique strengths.  Episode Highlights: [00:00] Welcome & Introductions [08:22] The Open to Work Connection Community [09:37] Mental Health & Resilience During Job Loss; Finding Identity Beyond Work [18:45] Listener Q&A: How can I stand out in a crowded job market? [23:08] Freelancing & Finding Identity Beyond Work Resources & Links Tash Bristowe on Linkedin here Open to Work Connection Community: If you'd like to join, email tashbristowe23@gmail.com Our host Fiorenza Rossini on Linkedin here Download our free Career Handbook to help you land your next role here The podcast is supported by InNow. #thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

How can we create Belonging in the workplace? How could workplaces foster inclusive behaviours?   In this episode, our host Fiorenza talks to Sean Dubberke, Principal & VP of Learning @RW3 Culture Wizard.   They talk about the importance of self-awareness and understanding of what shaped us, ahead of trying to understand others, their cultures and what should change look like. (14:26).   When organisations have goals around Inclusion and Belonging, it's also important to understand what are common obstacles to Inclusion (15:59) and to find the best Enablers for Belonging in your organisation (25:24).   "Treat others the way they want to be treated, not the way you want to be treated". Fiorenza and Sean also talk about the power of vulnerability in the inclusion equation, and how leaders can make space for vulnerability in their leadership and how they can do so in a culturally appropriate way. (28:28)   They also explored: (01:33) - From growing up in a multicultural family to getting a job working across cultures and going up the corporate ladder (10:40) -  Inclusive workplaces lead to more Belonging (14:26) - Start with self-awareness: understand what shaped you  (15:59) - Common obstacles to Belonging (18:30) - Working in virtual, hybrid teams (20:20) - Working in satellite offices: top tips to make it work (25:24)- How to Enable Belonging (28:28) - The importance of vulnerability (32:31)- How different cultures look at D&I (36:15) - Building inclusive collaboration: a client success story (39:32) - The importance of Inclusive Behaviours during an organisational reorganisation   🔗Connect with your host, Fiorenza Rossini here and your guest Sean Dubberke here. You can find out more about Sean's work here. ⭐️For free monthly Nudges about Belonging, Leadership and Career Transitions, fill in your name & email on: https://www.growinnow.com/connect/ Thepodcast is supported by InNow. #thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

In this episode, we talk about starting a business with your spouse, the challenges of all the multiple hats freelancers have to wear, moving abroad multiple times and working across culture. Our guest is Dominique, co-founder of The Werks and we had so much fun talking! Do you know that feeling when you start something new? I really loved Dominique's take on this: there are indeed many similarities to how moving abroad feels like, or even speaking a new language. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments section. Have you ever considered how a sense of connection is so linked to our sense of belonging? Jump in to (28:37) for Dominique's thoughts and listen to Fiorenza and Dominique discuss how it's easier to belong somewhere when you know who you are (34:45). Make sure to not miss out Fiorenza's and Dominique's best tips on changing career at the end of your thirties (35:30).   We also explored: (01:01) - Moving country, from Austria to the Netherlands with two sons, the grieving process and saying goodbye (06:24) - A journey towards self-employment, and being in business with your spouse (12:40) - What has surprised you the most about having your own business (17:53) - Learning to write content can be a skill that can be learned (21:18) - Working across cultures that are not your own (24:08) - What would be your hot tips for people relocating for the first time (28:37) - Connection, self-knowledge leading to Belonging (34:45) - When you know who you are, it's easier to belong somewhere (35:40) - Questions to ask yourself ahead of deciding for a career change If you'd like some support about your next career step, we've compiled our most effective exercises and strategies into a Career Handbook. You can access it here: https://resources.growinnow.com/careerhandbook 🔗Connect with your host, Fiorenza Rossini here and your guest Dominique here. ⭐️For free monthly Nudges about Belonging, Leadership and Career Transitions, fill in your name & email on: https://www.growinnow.com/connect/ The podcast is supported by InNow. #thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

I'm dedicating this episode of the Belonging Project podcast to all the amazing fathers out there. I really enjoyed talking with Tomasso Maggio about fatherhood, parenthood and increasing representation of fathers as the main caregiver, especially online.   As you know, recently out of my second mat leave, I have attended many baby groups and activities and not only it's mostly mums, when dads attend they are clearly off the norm and get not only kind smiles but also inquisitive ones. And I know some dads on pat leave (still a minority) feeling intimidated to joint baby groups as they don't want to be the 'only dad'.   We also talk about Tommaso hot and current tips on parenthood and also his community building project for kids with an Italian heritage in South East Asia.   Hope you enjoy the episode! -- Chapters (04:30) The podcasting Journey (10:00) Italian community building in South east Asia (25:00) Current challenges and lessons from being a father -- Connect with Tomasso here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommasomaggio⁠ and listen to his podcast the Fatherly Edition: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2ENscRJXGHOr8ZoDA42KVm?si=P5Cz6CL1Sv-xKdopvuR8hQ⁠ or on your usual podcast platform!   ❤️Podcast is proudly sponsored by InNow and hosted by Fiorenza Rossini.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiorenza-rossini

In celebration of the Pride Month, we are delighted to share an episode with Jamie Love - a heartfelt conversation on themes of authenticity, inclusivity, and belonging. Jamie is the visionary founder and CEO of Monumental, a digital marketing and PR agency. Growing up in a conservative environment and struggling to be yourself is something many can relate to, but few can tell the story as Jamie does. Jamie’s story is captivating, from the early days as a child model in Italy to creating an agency that’s all about inclusivity - Monumental works on empowering diverse communities, with a strong focus on supporting sexual and gender minorities. We also talked about Jamie’s experiences growing up gay in the Middle East, overcoming burnout, human connection, the fluid nature of belonging and the universal human need to find our place in the world. We explore: (02:32) - From Child Model to Founder of his PR Agency (04:56) - Professional and Personal Growth Journey (07:57) - Impact of Experience on Belonging (12:52) - Hiring Based on Passion in Agency (18:48) - Client Relationships Through Shared Values (22:17) - Navigating Vulnerability in Relationships (26:55) - Defining the Ever-Evolving Concept of Belonging You can connect with Jamie Love here and with your host, Fiorenza Rossini here. The podcast is supported by InNow. #thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

As we hear about some personal stories and societal landscapes of nursing, in this episode, we confronted the gamut of reactions to breastfeeding in different context: at work, in public, beyond a certain time period and within different cultural contexts. From acceptance to negativity, the dialogue serves as a reminder of the need for visibility and community. The surprising shifts in breastfeeding rates during lockdowns and the discussion about nursing older children further reveal the intricate societal tapestry surrounding this natural aspect of motherhood.   Join me as I sit down with Lea Henry, co-founder of Cocorio, for a heartfelt conversation about the triumphs and tribulations of breastfeeding. Lea opens up about her personal struggles and the societal scrutiny that accompanies a mother's decision to breastfeed or formula feed. We tackle the stigma surrounding public breastfeeding and the importance of supporting mothers in their choices without judgment.   Later, I sit down with Katie Muir, a health visitor with the NHS Scotland, to explore her personal breastfeeding experiences with her two children. Despite facing a range of challenges, including faltering growth and latch difficulties, Katie's resilience shines through. We delve into the crucial role of support from partners and healthcare professionals. Katie's insights reveal the complexities of breastfeeding and underscore the importance of a robust support system for new mothers.   Our discussion is a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in the journey of new motherhood. We explore: (11:22) - Breastfeeding Norms and Challenges (23:22) - Normalizing Conversations Around Breastfeeding (27:45) - Empowerment and Belonging in Breastfeeding (34:39) - Breastfeeding Experiences and Support (45:51) - Supportive Workplace for Breastfeeding Mothers (51:48) - Transitioning Away From Breastfeeding (56:16) - Breastfeeding Challenges and Belonging   ** Selected Resources from the episode: Breastfeeding or Formula-Feeding support in the UK: National Breastfeeding Helpline (open 365 days a year): 0300 100 0212, here to support you and listen, including any grief around not being able to breastfeed if you wanted to <3. IBCLC are certified lactation consultants providing professional infant feeding support. First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity. Articles written by Lea Henry: Feed your bubba proudly A stranger called me unhygienic for breastfeeding in a GP waiting room Article with input from Katie Muir: Continuing Breastfeeding when you return to work (including UK legal rights)   ** Connect withLea: Linkedin | Instagram | Website

I really enjoyed diving into Justin Reinert's model of Belonging, following up on his book Creating Belonging, a Practical Guide to Accelerate Belonging in Organisations and Communities. Justin's work poses a model where belonging is created at the intersection of authenticity and acceptance. I really wanted to explore with him strategies to help us navigate toxic work environments. The unpacking we did together was brilliant: from setting intentions, values mining, implementing behaviours that match our intentions. Gold nuggets have been dropped, people! Justin also provides poignant examples of how we could expand our world views and perspectives through life. We had such a great conversation, I can't wait for you to tune in! ** Links from the episode: Book Creating Belonging, a Practical Guide to Accelerate Belonging in Organisations and Communities.: https://amzn.to/3NVSUez Justin's podcast Creating Belonging Connect with Justin's here and with Fiorenza here.

Our host Fiorenza sits down with Tim Mart, CEO and co-founder of the socially driven coaching platform Know You More. They talk about transitioning from corporate career into entrepreneurship and Tim's personal journey since he was diagnosed with ADHD a few months earlier. Entrepreneurship: we get to learn about what prompted Tim's decision, how his family adapted, and why the projects his company are involved in matter, such as coaching for young adults. ADHD diagnostic: Tim's decision to get the diagnostic, how he's been processing it, how's he's been talking to his children about ADHD and ways he's finding to feel seen and belong. Links from the episode: - Learn more about Know You More and their project of coaching young adults - Connect with Tim here and Fiorenza here.

Women make on average 15% less than men across countries. As I was pregnant with my second baby and ahead of my mat leave, Allison Venditti and I got to talk on the Belonging Project Podcast. Allison is the founder of Moms at Work, a Canada-based organisation providing community, resources and advocacy for working mothers. In this podcast episode, we talk about: - the Motherhood Penalty - the impact of the pandemic on working mums - what can help prevent gender discrimination in the workplace: universal daycare, pay transparency, actively promoting & supporting men taking parental leave. I also loved learning about Allison's own journey and how her organisation grew from a Facebook Group to meeting with the Canadian PM and passing legislation. What a great conversation!!! If you're a working mother, father, or if you have a working mom in your organisation, I urge you to listen to this episode. ** Links from the episode: Learn more about Moms at work and Allison's work here: https://thisismomsatwork.com/ Access expert resources on Parental leave for your teams: https://myparentalleave.ca/about/ (Canada specific) Connect with Allison here and with Fiorenza here.

More than a decade ago, Kerstin Graebner moved across the globe from Germany to India - interestingly enough she was not the first in her family to do so. It's a journey that her grandparents had also taken.   Reflecting on this cultural and life journey with my dear friend Kerstin brought up many shared experiences: arriving in a new place, being in culture shock, stepping out of the expat circle, finding roots in a new professional path, finding a sense of real arriving many years after.   We had such a great conversation, I can’t wait for you to tune in this episode! 🎧   Connect with Kerstin Graebner and with your host Fiorenza Rossini.

What’s a hidden disability? A hidden disability is a disability that may not visible or immediately obvious when looking or talking to someone but can have a significant impact on a person’s life. 'Hidden disabilities' is an umbrella term that captures a spectrum of disabilities, and can include: Sensory Disabilities Mental Health Conditions Specific learning differences Autism Long-term and physical health conditions *not and exhaustive list For The Belonging Project Podcast, I talked with Serena Savini. Serena has experienced a life changing event a few years ago, for which she had to undergo several surgeries and face chronic pain. In our conversation we talk about the emotional impact this had for her generally and for her career within HR.   More recently, Serena has started her own podcast I’m Back!, a platform for many to share about their life changing events and how they came back to work after that. 🎙️ We had such a great conversation, I can’t wait for you to tune in this episode!   ***Resources from the episode: - Serena's podcast Im Back!: https://www.serenheart.com/   Connect with Serena Savini and with your host Fiorenza Rossini.

Isaac Harvey was born and raised in East London with a disability called limb pelvic hypo aplasia, which in short means no arms and short legs. Even with this disability it has not stopped him from achieving things such skiing, skydiving, tall ship sailing and much more. For the past ten years he has used his feet to use the computer to edit videos, answer emails and communicate to the wider world. He is now a prominent disability advocate in the community, public speaker, president of Wheels and Wheelchairs.   I wanted to know more about Isaac’s life and the projects he’s currently involved in, so I invited him on the podcast! 🎙️ We talk about his engagement in adaptive fashion, or in Seated Perspectives which showcases accessible venues to a wider audience.   We had such a great conversation, I can’t wait for you to tune in this episode!   ***Resources from the episode:   - https://www.wheelsandwheelchairs.co.uk/ - Seated Perspectives: https://seatedperspectives.ldn.gtl.mybluehost.me/   Connect with Isaac Harvey and with your host Fiorenza Rossini.

Kemo Camara is the founder of OMEK, the home of the global bicultural community. OMEK’s mission is to amplify the talent, voices, and energy of bicultural of African descent.   I know first hand how meaningful it can be to meet people that have a shared cultural identity, especially for biculturals (or TCKs). I wanted to know more about how Kemo came up with the idea of creating this community space, so I invited him on the podcast! 🎙️ We had such a great conversation, I can’t wait for you to tune in!   ***Resources from the episode: Join the Omek community here. It’s open to all - biculturals of African descent and their allies. Connect with Kemo Camara and with your host Fiorenza Rossini.

Growing up as a a child of immigrant parents, Mehdi Tounsi did not feel like he belonged - neither in the country he lived in, nor in the country his parents were from. He always felt “different”.   This really resonated with me, so I invited him on the podcast! 🎙️   We had such a great conversation about being an immigrant across cultures, trying to “belong” in various times of life (childhood, school, work), and learning to accept yourself to find a true sense of belonging.   Tune in to get actionable tips and learn what’s needed in ANY situation to feel youbelong. There are also some fun cultural references if you are French-British! 😜   Connect with Mehdi over here. Connect with Fiorenza, your host, over here.

In this episode, we explore all about psychological safety with Anna Gibson, Clinical Psychologist and Organizational Consultant. Psychological safety matters in any relational system of any kind (e.g. families, friendship, workplace) We explore the common behaviours that characterize psychologically safe environments or psychologically safe relationships: behaviours that promote curiosity, that promote deep listening, that promote a sense that it's okay to make mistakes. (and you'll hear more about this in the episode!) We discuss what psychological safety facilitates. At the top of the list we find: ✅ Inclusion ✅ Belonging ✅ Getting closer to achieving DEIB goals ✅ Innovation ✅ Healthier relationships Tune in for a deep dive on psychological safety, in the workplace and beyond! Resources from the episode: Make sure to bookmark the work done by Amy Edmonson on Psychological Safety and her book The Fearless Organization Connect with Anna Gibson here and make sure to follow Fiorenza Rossini on Linkedin

Abda has been a lawyer for over 30 years and a writer of fiction and historical novels, passionate to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in books. In this episode, Abda talks to us about her books (I cannot wait to read her latest fiction which will address gaslighting as a form of emotional abuse) and her work to raise awareness around culturally-sensitive writing. Abda shares her journey to Law and then writing. She recalls a dialogue with her career counsellor when she was 15. “Girls like you don't go to university, do they?”, the career counsellor said. How can we get a sense of belonging unless we are encouraged to belong? Abda shares with us how she found determination and strength to go against expectations. Tune in for more! ** Links from the episode: Abda's books are listed here and make sure to follow her to be the first to know about her new novel and first historical novel to be out! Follow Abda on Linkedin or on Twitter Click here to connect with Fiorenza!

Parents, this episode is for you! In this episode, we talk with Dr Sharon Lo, Licensed Child Clinical Psychologist. We explore the different shapes that Belonging can take from early childhood, to adolescent and then adulthood; what factors are important (people, cultural context, environment and groups we are exposed to). We also debunk what's usual to experience at key developmental stages. I loved the strategies that Dr Sharon Lo shared for parents that may be facing challenging behaviours with their children. My top takeaway strategy is to differentiate the child from, for example, the worry bully voice. By the way, I am obsessed with the Pixar Movie Inside Out: as Dr Sharon Lo mentioned, it does offer a visualisation of our inner voices and different parts of ourselves + it’s super accessible for kids! I've also loved hearing more about Sharon’s professional journey and the importance of having a community that supports you, understands you and validate you, within the workplace and beyond. Give this episode a listen and share it with all your parent friends please! Links from the episode: Child      Development Model by Uri Bronfenbrenner Dr.      José Causadias work on integrating culture in socioecological theories and      child development Internal Family systems: visit      this blog post to learn more + visit      the Institute Using      “Inside Out” movie to discuss emotions with children in therapy

In this episode, our returning guest is Helene Bejjani, Global Learning and Development Leader. We explore how we can leverage our awareness, both of self and of a corporate culture, as a tool to experience a stronger sense of belonging at work. We provide practical steps on: How to increase your self-awareness, including how to get clear on what you’re looking for in a workplace environment. How to cultivate a sense of belonging in high turnover contexts We reflect on: What and who influences our workplace culture The impact of culture in the workplace We also provide real-life examples of steps taken by successful leaders and teams to create an environment and culture in which people feel themselves, making them feel like they belong. Links from the episode: Explore your Core Values with this activity Follow Helene Click here to connect with Fiorenza !

In this episode, we talk with Human Performance Optimization Subject-Matter Expert, Dr. Ford Dyke. We explore his journey from psychology, exercise science to mind-body connection and human performance optimisation. We truly stand with the impact of Dr. Dyke’s work, dedicated to making information and education available outside of the academic classroom and we get to know more about it in our conversation. We also talk about: The human experience Music and movement as a      universal language, leading to connection and belonging. Follow Dr. Ford Dyke’s work here: https://www.forddyke.com Click here to connect with Fiorenza!

In this episode, we talk with Niti Nadarajah, DEI advocate and freelance general counsel. We talk about: Her career transition: out of her successful law career for a big corporation into entrepreneurship Growing up in a multicultural setting and the impact on the sense of Belonging Leaning into other people, being inclusively curious, meeting people where they are, compassion, empathy and psychological safety: the key ingredients to Belonging Intrusive vs Inclusive curiosity Follow Niti’s work on Linkedin Click here to connect with Fiorenza!