The Creating Belonging Podcast

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How did the challenges of a tumultuous childhood lead to a journey of healing, finding purpose, and creating a sense of belonging? Join us as we pick back up our conversation with Britt Andreatta about her inspiring story, exploring the power of resilience and overcoming adversity through the comfort of her cats, academic success, and connecting with others who have faced similar struggles.
Discover the fascinating neuroscience behind exclusion and its impact on our well-being, including how even mild exclusion can activate the pain center of the brain and contribute to the opioid epidemic. Britt shares the importance of embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and creating authentic communities of belonging to combat these negative effects. Don't miss this eye-opening and inspiring conversation that delves into the journey of healing and finding purpose, with insights from Britt's own book, Wired to Become.
You can access a free chapter of Britt's new book, Wired to Become, here: https://www.brittandreatta.com/books/wired-to-become/
Find Britt on LinkedIn

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.
Music:
Wave by Helkimer | https://soundcloud.com/helkimer
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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Ever wondered what it truly means to belong and be authentic at work? Let's unpack this together! In our season finale, we bring back Veronica Rivero, Lauren Glazin, and Britt Andreatta where we uncovered the nuances of the Creating Belonging model and its four different areas. Veronica shared her perspective on how authenticity can change and evolve in the workplace, depending on the environment and people around us.
From there, we turned our attention to the Crown Act, unraveling how it’s dismantling discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyle, and its significance in affirming identity. We pondered over the power of representation and how it allows us to channel our authenticity unapologetically. We even heard a powerful anecdote about reclaiming an identity as a widow, illustrating the importance and complexities of individual identities.
In dissecting the relationship between representation and authenticity, we acknowledged the media's critical role in shaping this dynamic and our perceptions. We discussed societal expectations, the struggles we face in trying to conform to them, and the importance of confronting our own battles to truly discover our desires. Stay tuned as we redefine what authenticity and belonging at the workplace mean and continue this incredible journey of discovery and understanding.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.
Music:
Wave by Helkimer | https://soundcloud.com/helkimer
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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Have you ever felt like an outsider in your own life, hiding behind a mask for fear of not fitting in? Our guest, Rick Clemens, knows this struggle all too well, but he's turned his quest for belonging into a beacon of hope for others. Join us as Rick, a gay dad and entrepreneur, shares his poignant journey from concealing his true self to becoming a guiding light for individuals navigating their own paths to authenticity. This episode isn't just about coming out; it's about coming into your own and the remarkable transformation that follows when you start living life on your own terms.
This conversation goes beyond personal anecdotes, as we touch upon the broader societal landscape of Orange County, California, where the veneer of perfection often overshadows the need for genuine connection. We unravel the complexities of relationships, identity, and the courage it takes to remove the masks we wear. Whether it's the story of his late-in-life coming out, or Rick's experiences with clients who are learning to embrace their true selves, this episode is an invitation to join us in creating a world where authenticity isn't just celebrated—it's the norm. Listen in for a heartening exploration of what it means to find your tribe and why the journey to self-acceptance is the most rewarding one of all.
You can find Rick on LinkedIn, Instagram, or his Website.

You can also check out is podcasts: 40 Plus Gay Men Gay Talk and Life (Un)Closeted

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.
Music:
Wave by Helkimer | https://soundcloud.com/helkimer
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Let us know what you think of this podcast!

Have you ever found yourself donning a mask just to blend in with the crowd, suppressing your true self for the sake of acceptance? Our latest episode invites you into the world of Alex Draper, CEO and founder of DX, who shares his transformative voyage from an English village to the bustling streets of Chicago. Alex's tale is not just about geographic relocation but an internal metamorphosis, one that many of us yearn to experience. His candid narrative takes us from the halls of a posh boarding school to the helm of a thriving company, all while grappling with the authenticity of identity and the courage required to live unapologetically.
As we converse with Alex, we uncover the essential pillars of CARE—clarity, autonomy, relationships, and equity—and their profound impact on our journey towards self-realization. This episode isn't just a story; it's a mirror reflecting the societal pressures that shape us and a guidebook on how to dismantle them. Join us for a discussion that is as much about personal growth as it is about the collective consciousness—a place where being genuine isn't just welcomed, it's celebrated. Listen in for an inspiring, heart-to-heart conversation that promises to leave you contemplating the authenticity of your own life narrative and the strength found in embracing the diversity of thought.
Find Alex on LinkedIn or check out the DX Learning website.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.
Music:
Wave by Helkimer | https://soundcloud.com/helkimer
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Let us know what you think of this podcast!

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you didn't quite fit in? Imagine that sensation lingering, day in and day out, in your workplace. Geoffrey Roche from Siemens Healthineers joins us to unearth the complex layers of leadership and its profound effect on nurturing a sense of belonging at work. We traverse the landscape of workforce development with Geoffrey, whose first-generation American roots offer a rich viewpoint on creating inclusive environments. Our candid discussion reveals how traditional command-and-control leadership styles fall short, and why embracing a community-focused approach can lead to a more vibrant, cohesive team. Geoffrey shares compelling personal stories, shedding light on how the absence of belonging can ripple through an organization's culture.
As we further our exploration, the notions of allyship and inclusion come to the forefront—as does the responsibility that accompanies the title of 'ally.' Moving beyond lip service, we focus on actionable steps and the use of privilege to enact real change within our spheres of influence. We also unpack the journey of advocacy, including the missteps and the learning curves that are part and parcel of the process. From Pink's bold act of literary resistance to the challenges of overcoming embedded biases, this episode is a masterclass in fostering an environment where everyone's voice holds weight and every team member can flourish. Join us as we navigate the transformative power of leadership, allyship, and the relentless pursuit of a workplace where everyone truly belongs.
You can find Geoffrey on LinkedIn.

You can order your copy of Creating Belonging on Amazon.
Music:
Wave by Helkimer | https://soundcloud.com/helkimer
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US