The Path to Freedom According to Ancestral Wisdom

11/22/24 • 41 min

For Aida Mariam Davis, the opposite of colonization isn’t decolonization—it’s creation. As the Chief People Officer of the Sierra Club, founder of Decolonize Design, and author of the new book Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms for Freedom, Aida brings profound insights on how Black and Indigenous wisdom can guide us toward building systems rooted in dignity, justice, and joy.

In this episode, Aida sits down with Rajkumari Neogy to explore the transformative power of self-determination and self-acceptance in reclaiming belonging. Together, they delve into how ancestral knowledge, embedded in our cellular memory, shapes the way we design workplaces, relationships, and a more inclusive world. Plus, Aida challenges the notion of waiting for acknowledgement from oppressive systems and shares a framework for claiming our place and truly owning our humanity.

Preorder Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762259/kindred-creation-by-aida-mariam-davis/.

Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong

Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Credits

Produced by Flowship

Creative Director: Annabel Mangold

Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama

Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

Meet ibelong

At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

Preorder Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762259/kindred-creation-by-aida-mariam-davis/.

Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Credits

Produced by Flowship

Creative Director: Annabel Mangold

Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama

Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

Meet ibelong

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

Previous Episode

To End Racism, Take This First Step

What does it really mean to face systemic racism with both fierce determination and self-compassion? Neuroscience educator Sarah Peyton is back to share how this powerful mix of anti-racism and self-kindness can break down deep-rooted biases and heal generational trauma. Together with clinical psychologist Dr. Roxy Manning, Sarah co-authored The Anti-Racist Heart, a guide that shows how self-compassion can strengthen our ability to engage in anti-racist work and build genuine connections.

In this episode, Sarah and neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy dive into the epigenetic weight of centuries-old oppression, how self-compassion helps lower implicit bias, and the fascinating science behind what Sarah calls "rage circuits"—our brain's natural pathways for transforming anger into purposeful action. They unpack why learning to understand and care for ourselves is so crucial in dismantling oppressive systems and creating a world where everyone belongs.

Sarah previously joined us on Episode 1: The Power of Language in the Workplace and Episode 10: The Truth About Workplace Burnout.

To learn more about her work, go to https://sarahpeyton.com.

Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong
Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Credits

Produced by Flowship
Creative Director: Annabel Mangold
Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama
Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

Meet ibelong
At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.

Next Episode

A Therapist's Guide to Safe Relationships

How do cycles of helplessness shape our relationships and workplaces? Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) isn’t just about physical harm—it’s a complex set of behaviors designed to gain power and control.

"Helplessness is the ultimate lack of power or control," explains Dr. Inge Hansen, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, whose groundbreaking research focuses on IPV and its ripple effects in personal and professional settings.

In this episode, Dr. Hansen joins neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy to explore the emotional and cognitive dynamics behind IPV through her Cycle of Helplessness framework. Together, they discuss how patterns of tension, helplessness, and control escalate into cycles of violence, and how these dynamics echo in workplace environments.

Drawing from her research and clinical practice, Dr. Hansen shares practical, simple tips to help anyone become more self-aware and connected, especially in moments of heightened tension and conflict.

Tune in to learn:

• How helplessness drives trauma and cycles of violence
• The hidden connections between IPV and workplace dynamics
• Actionable tools to navigate conflict, foster connection, and reclaim agency

This conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to better understand trauma and create healthier relationships, both at home and at work.

Explore Dr. Hansen’s book, The Ethical Sellout: https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/The-Ethical-Sellout.

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Then, Now & Tomorrow, an original podcast series by ibelong
Is it possible to feel safe at work? Neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy absolutely thinks so. Join us for conversations that will blow your mind as we explore what it takes to foster inclusive leadership and cultivate resonant cultures in the workplace.

Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

_
Credits
Produced by Flowship
Creative Director: Annabel Mangold
Original Music Composer: Dario Valderrama
Rajkumari's wardrobe styling courtesy of Gene Hiller (http://www.genehiller.com)

_
Meet ibelong
At ibelong, we've developed a neurochemical approach that solves for workplace exclusion and conflict. We study workplace scenarios that lead to dissatisfaction and have built a framework to understand why people are feeling undervalued, and how to change it.

Learn more at http://www.ibelong.com.