How to Spot Human Trafficking at Work

01/11/25 • 38 min

How does modern slavery intersect with the workplace, and what role can leaders play in supporting survivors? Human trafficking isn’t just a global issue—it’s happening here in the United States, with nearly 1 million people living in conditions of exploitation.

"Leaders need to have a culture where trauma is accepted and understood," says Wendy Fong, founder of Chief Gigs, a talent and strategy advisory firm dedicated to transforming workplaces into spaces of safety and empowerment. Drawing from her extensive experience in organizational consulting, Wendy sheds light on the invisible ways trafficking impacts communities and businesses alike.

In this episode, Wendy joins neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy to share eye-opening insights on how modern slavery manifests, including startling statistics, and explains the critical role workplaces can play in breaking the cycle. She also discusses practical strategies for leaders to build trauma-informed cultures that support survivors in reclaiming their lives through meaningful employment.

Tune in to learn:

• What human trafficking looks like in the U.S. and how it shows up in everyday settings

• Why trauma-informed leadership is essential for supporting survivors

• Concrete steps organizations can take to create pathways to healing and empowerment

This heartfelt conversation offers a powerful call to action for anyone committed to creating a better, more inclusive workplace—and world.

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.

Tune in to learn:

• What human trafficking looks like in the U.S. and how it shows up in everyday settings

• Why trauma-informed leadership is essential for supporting survivors

• Concrete steps organizations can take to create pathways to healing and empowerment

This heartfelt conversation offers a powerful call to action for anyone committed to creating a better, more inclusive workplace—and world.

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

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.

Next Episode

Why Power Makes Us Dumber

“Power makes us dumber,” says Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano, VP of Equitable Operations at Culture Amp and an advocate for building equitable workplaces. “When we gain power, our empathy goes down, our ability to read rooms goes down.” Drawing from her lived experience as a white-assumed, mixed-race, queer, and disabled leader, Aubrey unpacks how personal growth, accountability, and strategic equity initiatives—like rethinking performance reviews and redistributing organizational resources—can redefine what it means to lead with integrity.

In this episode, Aubrey joins neurobiology expert Rajkumari Neogy to explore the often-overlooked structural issues in organizations and how addressing them can empower marginalized communities. From navigating identity and trauma to advocating for the redistribution of economic resources, Aubrey shares powerful lessons on why intentionality is key to dismantling white supremacy and creating workplaces where everyone belongs.

Tune in to learn:

• Why power and privilege must be examined and challenged at work
• How to take a closer look at performance reviews and organizational systems
• Practical strategies for redistributing power and resources within your company

This thought-provoking conversation offers actionable insights and a hopeful roadmap for leaders ready to lean into the discomfort of transformative change. It’s a must-listen for anyone committed to creating organizations that reflect the diverse and vibrant world we live in.

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.