• Overcommitting (01:40)

• How much to prepare for meetings (02:39 )

• Saying yes too quickly (03:20)

• Trying to prove your worth constantly (04:13)

• Holding yourself to a pre-parenthood pace (04:42)

Tune in for the full conversation!

Key topics explored:

• Impact of parenthood on work habits

• Strategies for better work-life balance

• Building mindfulness and intentionality

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review!

About your host Fiorenza Rossini

Fiorenza started building her coaching business in 2016 while still working in investment banking. When her first child was born in 2019, she knew something had to give. Like many parents, she realised she couldn’t keep growing her career in the same way while also being the parent she wanted to be. Her priorities became clearer, and she chose to leave corporate life to focus fully on her coaching work. Today, Fiorenza supports driven professionals & leaders who are also parents of young children, who find themselves to be at a pivot point - whether that’s returning to work, stepping into leadership, or rethinking what career growth now looks like.

🔗 Fiorenza on Linkedin 🔗 Fiorenza on Instagram 🔗 More about Fiorenza’s work

We dive deep into the disconnect of identity that can happen and be fuelled as we move through big life chapters (health challenges for our parents, health challenges for our own children). After 20 years as a high-profile PR expert in London, Lucy moved to rural France and found that her professional armour (of which her command of language was a big piece) didn't translate. She shares the humbling reality of going from an excellent communicator to something that at times felt like a different version of herself.

Lucy’s story is a masterclass in resilience.

We also discuss how to create a career that actually supports your life, the patience required and why sometimes the most resilient act is to simply go dark and find your own pace.

“I didn't have the mental capacity to be on the grind in the same way as I was when I had the agency”, says Lucy Werner.

Tune in for the full conversation!

Key Takeaways on Resilience

• Major life events [07:34]—including a parent’s stroke and a child born with rare heart malformations—acted as the shake-up that forced a shift away from the grind.

• Navigating the transition from a confident London communicator to a rural introvert who felt she couldn’t speak perfectly. [09:20]

• Moving from a high-overhead agency model (PR land) [06:40] to a flexible micropreneur life that can accommodate unexpected events including childcare.

• The lemon tree philosophy (I loved this metaphor!): redefining resilience as planting seeds for later and being gentle with yourself when growth isn’t accelerating as planned or as you’d like it to be. [14:24]

• Using tools like a physical digital brick to protect her nothing time, which Lucy identifies as the true source of her best creative work.[16:30].

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review!

Connect with Lucy Werner

🔗 Find more about Lucy’s work here 🔗 Connect with Lucy on Instagram 🔗 Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn

About your host Fiorenza Rossini

Fiorenza started building her coaching business in 2016 while still working in investment banking. When her first child was born in 2019, she knew something had to give. Like many parents, she realised she couldn’t keep growing her career in the same way while also being the parent she wanted to be. Her priorities became clearer, and she chose to leave corporate life to focus fully on her coaching work. Today, Fiorenza supports driven professionals & leaders who are also parents of young children, who find themselves to be at a pivot point - whether that’s returning to work, stepping into leadership, or rethinking what career growth now looks like.

🔗 More about Fiorenza’s work 🔗 Fiorenza on Linkedin 🔗 Fiorenza on Instagram

Studies show women spend an average of 4.5 hours per day on unpaid work compared to 2.5 hours for men, leading to stress and burnout.

"A mother's brain makes over 1000 micro decision daily. There is no job in the world harder on the human brain, not a surgeon, not a politician, not a lawyer. Mothering is the only job where the brain never clocks out, even when asleep." shares Fiorenza.

Fiorenza explores practical strategies to help you reduce this burden, establish boundaries, and create vital space for self-care and creativity.

Key topics explored:

• Defining Mental Load (02:15): It’s the invisible burden of planning, organising, and remembering tasks (from school bags to household chores). It includes the constant thinking and worrying, on top of the execution of the tasks.

• The Mother’s Brain: Fiorenza shares a powerful post from Anna Whitehouse (Mother Puka) (03:42), citing UCL research that a mother’s brain makes over 1000 micro-decisions daily, making it a 24/7 job that never clocks out.

• Sharing the Load - The Big 3 Activity (06:06): A quick exercise inviting you to list the 3 tasks that weigh most heavily on your mind and brainstorm ways to share those responsibilities with your partner or family.

• Practical Strategies for Mental Load Reduction (07:00):

  • Communication & Systems: Surfacing invisible tasks and having open conversations with your partner.

  • Fair Play Card System: A playful, powerful tool to make the mental load visible and decide who holds which responsibilities. This is a topic from a previous podcast episode with Sam Kennedy Christian.

  • Scheduled Check-ins: Conversations should not be a one-off; schedule check-ins to ensure responsibilities remain evenly distributed.

• Establishing Boundaries (08:07):

  • Workday Buffer: Create a small buffer (10-15 minutes) at the start and end of your workday to transition smoothly between home mode and work mode.

  • Communicate & Prioritise: Be clear about your availability, communicate your time commitments, and practice saying no to tasks that don’t align with your priorities.

• Self-Care & Creative Activities (11:51):

  • Separate Self-Care from Creativity: Self-care is about looking after your body and mind (e.g., nutritious food, physical activity like yoga/pilates). Creative activities (e.g., sewing, which Fiorenza enjoys) are for engaging in flow states that boost mental health and often generate ideas for other areas of life/work.

  • Prioritise Time: Acknowledge that finding time for creative activities often involves a trade-off, especially on weekends, but keep it on your radar and don’t be afraid to try something new.

• Societal influences, Gender Roles and Expression:

  • A study on ScienceDirect suggests that the expression of traditional gender roles (identifying as femme) can influence who takes on more of the mental load at home: not surprisingly, cultural norms often position mothers as the default caregiver.

  • Advocacy for policies like shared parental leave helps reduce the gender gap in unpaid work.

• Fostering Belonging: Celebrate small wins, practice self-compassion, and connect with other mums to feel less alone. Community plays a crucial role.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review!

About your host Fiorenza Rossini

Fiorenza started building her coaching business in 2016 while still working in investment banking. When her first child was born in 2019, she knew something had to give. Like many parents, she realised she couldn’t keep growing her career in the same way while also being the parent she wanted to be. Her priorities became clearer, and she chose to leave corporate life to focus fully on her coaching work. Today, Fiorenza supports driven professionals & leaders who are also parents of young children, who find themselves to be at a pivot point - whether that’s returning to work, stepping into leadership, or rethinking what career growth now looks like.

🔗 Fiorenza on LinkedIn 🔗 Fiorenza on Instagram 🔗 More about Fiorenza’s work

Together, they explore the often invisible but overwhelming mental load carried by working mothers.

“Sharing the mental load or even just distributing the mental responsibilities can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health. It’s about surfacing those invisible tasks and having open conversations about them.”, says Sam.

From understanding how societal expectations shape household responsibilities to practical tools for reducing stress, this conversation offers actionable insights to foster balance, belonging, and well-being.

Whether you're juggling work, family, or both, you'll find strategies to make space for self-care, creativity, and shared responsibilities in this episode!

In particular, I really enjoyed getting to know more about the Fair Play method!
It’s a game-changing approach developed by Eve Rodsky. It's designed to help couples divide household responsibilities more equitably. The method uses a deck of cards, each representing a task, to make the invisible mental load visible and manageable. It's not just about who does what, but about having clear ownership of tasks from start to finish.

Tune in for the full conversation 🎧

Key topics explored:

• (02:15) The concept of mental load and its impact on mental health

• (06:30) Using the Fair Play Card System to Share Household Responsibilities

• (09:45) Setting Boundaries Around Work and Transitions

• (13:20) Introducing the Concept of “Unicorn Space” and Creative Hobbies

• (17:50) How Gender Expression Influences Household Responsibilities

• (21:05) The Role of Community and Small Wins in Fostering Belonging

• (26:40) Recognition of the Mental Load as a Never-Off System and Its Brain Impact

• (30:00) How Mental Load Affects Confidence and Practical Conversation Starters

• (35:15) Protecting Time for Self-Care and Hobbies Like Sewing

• (40:00) Reflections on Community Building and Societal Expectations

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review!

Connect with Sam Kennedy Christian

🔗 The Float Space 🔗 Sam Kennedy Christian - LinkedIn 🔗 Sam Kennedy Christian - Instagram

About your host Fiorenza Rossini

Fiorenza started building her coaching business in 2016 while still working in investment banking. When her first child was born in 2019, she knew something had to give. Like many parents, she realised she couldn’t keep growing her career in the same way while also being the parent she wanted to be. Her priorities became clearer, and she chose to leave corporate life to focus fully on her coaching work. Today, Fiorenza supports driven professionals & leaders who are also parents of young children, who find themselves to be at a pivot point - whether that’s returning to work, stepping into leadership, or rethinking what career growth now looks like.

🔗 Fiorenza on LinkedIn 🔗 Fiorenza on Instagram 🔗 More about Fiorenza’s work

She discusses the challenges faced by mothers returning to work, including the mental load, societal perceptions that contribute to a decline in confidence, and the motherhood penalty.

Fiorenza offers practical strategies for rebuilding confidence, emphasising the importance of small resets and adapting to new circumstances.

“I am passionate about confidence, not needing big intervention. It can really be about small resets, small little things, small strategies, small tools that you can do on the daily.", explains Fiorenza.

The conversation highlights the need for understanding growth and the evolving definition of success as women navigate their roles as parents alongside professionals.

Tune in for the full episode!

Key topics we explored:

• Confidence Changes After Parenthood (0:33 - 1:30)

• Impact of a change of context and mental load (1:30 - 4:38)

• Practical strategies for Rebuilding Confidence (5:26 - 10:33)

• Growth and Adaptation (9:13 - 11:59)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review!

About your host Fiorenza Rossini

Fiorenza started building her coaching business in 2016 while still working in investment banking. When her first child was born in 2019, she knew something had to give. Like many parents, she realised she couldn’t keep growing her career in the same way while also being the parent she wanted to be. Her priorities became clearer, and she chose to leave corporate life to focus fully on her coaching work. Today, Fiorenza supports driven professionals & leaders who are also parents of young children, who find themselves to be at a pivot point - whether that’s returning to work, stepping into leadership, or rethinking what career growth now looks like.

🔗 Fiorenza on Linkedin 🔗 Fiorenza on Instagram 🔗 More about Fiorenza’s work: www.growinnow.com

If you enjoy this episode, make sure to catch our episode with Hannah Douglas, public speaking and voice coach. Here to listen on your platform of choice or on Substack.

“After I became a mum, I was talking to so many mums who were feeling like weren’t heard properly at work or were nervous about going back to work or didn’t quite know what their voices were anymore. And I really felt that kind of sense of identity shift as well”, says Hannah.

Hannah’s work use the breath as foundation and not only she gives us practical tips in this episode but she also guides us through a breathing exercise called the balloon breathing, which works great to instantly ground oneself before speaking or stepping into a room.

Public speaking is a big topic in our working life, sometimes a past event is casting a shadow and holding us back, sometimes we fell in a perfectionism trap.

What if we give ourselves permission and choice to be confident with our own voice?

Tune in for the full conversation!

Key topics we explored:

• Hannah’s transition from acting to voice coaching driven by motherhood and personal experience (00:00 - 02:44)

• The deep connection between breath and confidence (07:14 - 08:05)

• Common challenges women face with their voice in professional and personal settings (09:54 - 10:53)

• How societal expectations and internal permission influence speaking up (39:45 - 41:25)

• Practice with us a breathing exercise, the balloon breathing to manage nerves (13:15 - 14:22)

• The impact of motherhood on self-identity and confidence (32:58 - 39:45)

• Navigating the acting industry’s approach to pregnancy and motherhood (17:43 - 21:36)

• The importance of feeling safe and having permission to express oneself (41:25 - 42:16)

• External vs internal permission and overcoming judgments (42:16 - 43:02)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review!

Connect with Hannah Douglas

🔗 LoudHer Voice Coaching 🔗 Hannah Douglas - LinkedIn 🔗Hannah Douglas - Instagram

About your host Fiorenza Rossini

Fiorenza started building her coaching business in 2016 while still working in investment banking. When her first child was born in 2019, she knew something had to give. Like many parents, she realised she couldn’t keep growing her career in the same way while also being the parent she wanted to be. Her priorities became clearer, and she chose to leave corporate life to focus fully on her coaching work. Today, Fiorenza supports driven professionals & leaders who are also parents of young children, who find themselves to be at a pivot point - whether that’s returning to work, stepping into leadership, or rethinking what career growth now looks like.

🔗 Fiorenza on Linkedin 🔗 Fiorenza on Instagram 🔗 More about Fiorenza’s work

I work with parents of young children who still care deeply about their careers, but are navigating a season where capacity, confidence, and identity have shifted.

That’s why I’m launching a new season of The Belonging Project Podcast this February.

This season is about working parenthood, the real-life challenges that shape how we show up professionally when life is full, and of course, belonging.

Expect a mix of thoughtful reflection and energising conversation, grounded in the realities of working parenthood, and what sustainable growth can look like in this season of life.

🎧 New episodes dropping every other Wednesday!

“Reframe introversion as a strength”, says Tim Yeo.

In this conversation with Fiorenza, Tim opens up on his journey from Singapore to Australia, the cultural differences he encountered, and how he embraced his identity as a quiet achiever.

This episode is also super packed with practical tips for introverts to be seen and heard in the workplace. Such as:

• Introducing ourselves to a group

• Small Talk

• What to do when you’re asked something on the spot in a meeting

• Giving yourself permission to speak up even when your ideas are not fully formed

• Networking

• Public Speaking

• How to make remote working more inclusive (aka spend less time speaking in online meetings!)

And finally, one of my favourite part of the conversation with Tim is when we explore how we can make introverts and extroverts coexist in a team!

Episode’s resources

You can find more about Tim on thequietachievr.com where you can find out about his book, The Quiet Achiever and the Quiet Achiever School (which offers courses on public speaking, networking, and more).

👩🏽‍💻 ✨ This podcast is fully self-funded.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please comment below!

Any questions or if you’d love to reach out, DM me here or on fiorenza@growinnow.com

But recently, two voices made me stop and rethink that message — Amy Edmondson, who reminds us that authenticity needs accountability, and Jodi-Ann Burey, whose book Authentic: The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work explores how “being yourself” can carry a cost, especially for women and people of colour.

Amy’s post offered a great example: a colleague who interrupts everyone and says, “That’s just how I am.”

Authentic? Maybe.

But not exactly inclusive. Her point: instead of bringing our whole selves, we should bring our best selves — still imperfect, but aware of others.

Then there’s Jodi-Ann’s story: accused of having a “race agenda” two weeks into a new job, even though inclusion was part of her role. It highlights the contradiction so many people face — workplaces say they want authenticity and diversity, but often punish it when it shows up in real life.

For me, authenticity isn’t about exposure, it’s about integrity — showing up in a way that feels aligned and safe. True belonging means both care and accountability, for ourselves and for the spaces we share.

Share

🕰️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Why “whole self” can be both promise and trap
01:30 – Amy Edmondson: authenticity with accountability
04:00 – Jodi-Ann Burey: when being yourself has a cost
09:00 – Gen Z and shifting ideas of success
11:30 – My reflections on authenticity and belonging

✨ Key Takeaways

• Authenticity matters, but so does accountability.

• Being yourself shouldn’t come at a personal cost.

• You don’t owe work your whole self — only your best self.

📚 Mentioned

• Amy Edmondson’s post on authenticity (on LinkedIn)

Authentic: The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work by Jodi-Ann Burey

👩🏽‍💻 ✨ This podcast is fully self-funded.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please comment below!

Any questions or if you’d love to reach out, DM me!

Subscribe now

Discover how Marie's journey from working in the field of history of art to in the field of coaching was fueled by a relentless pursuit of curiosity, leading to personal growth and a renewed sense of belonging.

Tune in to learn how embracing curiosity can unlock new paths and opportunities in both personal and professional realms.

Share

This episode dives into:

• Exploration of Identity and Belonging: This episode dives into how personal experiences and cultural backgrounds shape our sense of identity and belonging.

• Navigating Career Transitions: Discover insights on how embracing change and curiosity can lead to fulfilling career transformations.

• The Role of Support Systems: Learn about the importance of having a supportive network in personal and professional growth.

• Motherhood and Isolation: Understand the challenges of motherhood, feelings of isolation, and the journey to finding belonging.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

05:00 Marie’s Journey

10:00 Curiosity in Personal Growth

15:00 Navigating Motherhood, feeling of isolation and a search for belonging

20:00 Professional Transformation

25:00 Finding Belonging Through Curiosity

30:00 Key takeaways on the power of curiosity.

🔗 Resources + Links

• Connect with Marie de Champchesnel on LinkedIn.
  You can find more about her work on her website.

Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:

Subscribe now

Together, they explore Febronia’s professional journey across industries and cultures, and how self-advocacy has played a pivotal role in shaping her leadership path.

They unpack the often-unspoken generational dynamics that influence how women show up at work, especially when it comes to speaking up, setting boundaries, and owning their voice.

Wow. It’s such a deep conversation.

Subscribe now

This episode dives into:

• The impact of generational narratives on women’s confidence and communication

• How cultural heritage and upbringing shape our ability to self-advocate

• The connection between self-advocacy and a sense of belonging

• Why creating psychologically safe environments is key to helping women thrive

• Febronia’s personal reflections on leadership, identity, and authenticity

Whether you’re early in your career or navigating leadership as a woman in today’s workplace, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom on how to claim your space — with courage, clarity, and care.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

04:31 The Importance of Self-Advocacy

07:23 Cultural Influences on Self-Advocacy

09:58 Generational Perspectives on Advocacy

13:19 When Self-Advocacy meets Belonging

16:05 Finding Belonging in One's Own Skin

19:22 Creating Supportive Work Environments

21:21 Recognising Signs of Belonging

🔗 Resources + Links

• Connect with Febronia Ruocco on LinkedIn

Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:

In this episode, I sit down with Grace Fogarty, pitch expert, to unpack the skill of pitching—and why it matters far beyond sales calls. Whether you're a freelancer, founder, or working in a large organisation, your ability to pitch isn’t just about performance. It’s about showing up.

“Pitching isn’t just for freelancers. It’s how we share our ideas, advocate for ourselves, and belong in the room.” – Fiorenza

We cover:

• How to prep for pitches that actually connect

• Why your mindset shapes your message

• Where confidence really comes from (spoiler: it’s not perfection)

• The link between great networking and great pitching

• How to tailor your pitch for different audiences without faking it

🎧 This episode is packed with practical tools for anyone navigating business communication, presentations, or professional visibility.

Sometimes, it might feel overwhelming to speak up in a meeting, and I love this quote from Grace:

When your name gets called, smile, pause, take a breath, and take up space. That moment is yours.

I think it really helps staying grounded during high-pressure pitching situations!

🎧 Episode Highlights

• 01:38 – Grace’s story: burnout, pivot, and finding her voice

• 05:28 – How to start pitching when you hate it

• 09:23 – Why your 60-second pitch can make or break your networking

• 11:47 – Staying authentic when the pressure’s on

• 14:51 – Choosing the right networking groups for your goals

• 19:25 – How pitching works inside organizations too

• 22:06 – What acting taught Grace about pitching—and how she teaches it

🔗 Resources + Links

• Connect with Grace Fogarty on LinkedIn and Instagram (@presentwithgrace)

• Explore her Sell in 60 group program: Learn more →

  ---

  Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:
  

  Subscribe now

  
  

We talk about the evolving landscape of HR, the importance of fostering belonging in organisations, and the unique challenges faced by startups and scale-ups.

Carol shares her insights on the differences between traditional HR roles and modern people-centric approaches (the differences between HR and People & Culture teams), emphasising the need for flexibility and inclusivity in the workplace.

Flexibility is probably my favorite one. We implemented flexible bank holidays, remembers Carol.

The conversation also touches on the role of leadership in creating a culture of belonging and the impact of hybrid work arrangements on employee engagement.

How can leaders foster belonging in SMEs? asks Fiorenza

Vulnerability is really key for leaders, replies Carol

Carol also shares brilliant insights on making people feel safe and seen at work, why performance frameworks shouldn’t be about ticking boxes, and how clear, values-led communication builds trust across teams.

Whether you’re a founder, a people leader, or navigating your own career pivot into the HR space, there’s so much wisdom in this conversation.

Key moments

02:51 Carol's Journey in HR

04:35 HR vs People & Culture terminology

06:54 Characteristics of HR in start-ups and scale-ups

08:25 Tools to foster belonging in start-ups and scale-ups

14:09 The Role of HR in Belonging

16:14 Leadership's Influence on Belonging

18:53 The Impact of Hybrid Work on Belonging

22:30 Integrating Belonging into HR Practices

24:31 Personal Experiences Shaping HR Perspectives

Connect with Carol:
🔗 LinkedIn – Carol Pattison
🌐 Fractional HR Website

Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:

Subscribe now

Thank you for your support!

🎧 Listen now to hear:
✔️ What founders get wrong (and right!) about HR
✔️ The beauty of designing work around your life and values
✔️ How to create a culture of trust and transparency from day one
✔️ Why HR should always be more than just processes and policies

How can women overcome barriers?
How can women find belonging at the top?
How can women thrive in male-denominated spaces?

Laura Howard is a psychologist and executive coach. She shares her professional journey going from a successful career in professional services to becoming a specialist in female leadership and organisational psychology.

The conversation explores the challenges women face in leadership roles, the importance of confidence, and the impact of motherhood on careers. Laura and Fiorenza emphasise the need for supportive workplace cultures, visible role models, and mentorship to empower women in their professional journeys.

“Motherhood and a successful career are not mutually exclusive”, says Fiorenza.

The discussion also highlights the historical context of gender roles and the ongoing struggle for gender equity in the workplace.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to Female Leadership and Belonging
02:11 Laura Howard's Professional Journey to Female Leadership Coaching
05:43 Confidence and Its Impact on Female Leaders
06:43 Research Insights on Female Leadership
10:19 The Gender Standards in Leadership
13:20 Cultural Shifts and Organisational Equity
15:01 Motherhood and career progression
18:58 Creating a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace
22:43 Role Models and Authentic Leadership
26:33 Success Stories in Coaching
28:49 The Importance of External Support in Leadership

🔗 To know more about Laura’s work, you can connect on Linkedin or through her website.
🔗 This is Laura’s study mentioned in the episode, on Authenticity and woman’s leadership.
📚 The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart is the book mentioned in the episode. A great read!

Enjoyed this episode? Help more people discover The Belonging Project Podcast! ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more insights on belonging:

Subscribe now

Thank you for your support!

They explore how feelings of self-doubt intersect with belonging, the impact of gender and cultural context, and the importance of community.

The conversation emphasises the need for self-acceptance and offers practical tools for navigating imposter feelings, ultimately transforming them into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Imposter phenomenon can lead to self-discovery.

Episode takeaways

• Imposter phenomenon is a common experience, not a syndrome.

• Reframing imposter syndrome as a phenomenon encourages curiosity.

• Gender and context significantly influence experiences of imposter feelings.

• Cultural values can normalize self-doubt and imposter feelings.

• Belonging is a complex interplay of individual and group dynamics.

• Imposter feelings can lead to self-discovery and growth.

• Language plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences of belonging.

• Communities can provide both support and feelings of disconnection.

• Self-acceptance is key to overcoming imposter feelings.

• Practical tools can help individuals navigate their imposter experiences.

Chapters

04:00 Understanding Imposter Phenomenon

05:43 Reframing the Conversation

11:44 The Impact of Gender and Context

17:06 Cultural Influences on Imposter Feelings

23:01 Navigating Belonging and Identity

29:45 Transforming Imposter Feelings into Growth

35:52 Practical Tools for Self-Acceptance

Episode’s resources

You can find Leila’s podcast here
And this is her own podcast episode on the imposter phenomenon, if you fancy a deep dive.

You can find more about my guest Leila Ainge on:
www.leilaainge.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilajaneainge/

👩🏽‍💻 ✨ This podcast is fully self-funded.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please comment below!

Any questions or if you’d love to reach out, DM me!

Together, they explore how to build resilient teams, foster inclusivity, and empower leaders to navigate the challenges of modern organizational dynamics.

  Zora shares her unique approach to identifying and mitigating toxic behaviours that undermine team morale, and how leaders can shift from reactive to proactive strategies.

She also explains the concept of anti-fragility—thriving through disruption—and its importance in today’s volatile workplace environments.

Key Topics:

• What is Anti-Fragility? (37:24)

A framework for turning challenges into opportunities for growth

• Recognising and Addressing Toxic Behaviours (15:00)

How to spot and eliminate behaviors that damage workplace culture.

• Leadership Strategies to Build Resilient, Inclusive Teams that foster belonging (18:46)

Practical tips for leading teams through disruption and change. Packed with actionable insights!

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Belonging Project Podcast and share it with your network. Follow Zora Lazarov on LinkedIn for more insights on anti-fragility, leadership, and organizational psychology.

  The podcast is supported by InNow.
#thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

  Victoria shares her expertise on cultural intelligence, strategies for global team dynamics, and her journey transitioning from a corporate role to running her own business. Together with Fiorenza Rossini, they explore creating meaningful connections in culturally diverse hybrid teams, evolving leadership styles, and fostering a sense of belonging in both professional and personal contexts.

This episode is packed with insights, practical tips, and relatable experiences that will resonate with leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to thrive in today’s interconnected world.

Chapters: 00:45 - Introduction

04:17 - Understanding Cultural Intelligence
Victoria explains the importance of cultural awareness and its impact on fostering mutual understanding in diverse teams.

10:26 - Strategies for Diverse Teams
Key tips for creating connection and belonging in culturally diverse teams while addressing common challenges.

16:15 - Observing Team Dynamics
The importance of observation and adapting communication styles to different cultural and individual preferences.

25:19 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
Victoria shares her journey of leaving the corporate world to start her own business, including the challenges and lessons learned.

Resources & Links: • Victoria Rennoldson on LinkedIn: here

• Our host Fiorenza Rossini on Linkedin: here

• Deep dive on global leadership with Victoria's 7 communication strategies for global leaders

• Find Fiorenza's curated selection of books to navigate and embrace multiple cultures more effectively

The podcast is supported by InNow.

#thebelongingprojectpodcast #belonging

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

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

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