In this debut, host Christopher Bylone welcomes Brooklyn Dicent, transformational speaker, comedian, and workplace happiness expert, whose work combines positive psychology, neuroscience, and energy leadership into a mix of science, soul, and laughter. They discuss what true belonging looks like when you show up as your authentic self. Brooklyn shares her journey of changing her name and embracing her identity, while introducing the Positive Energy Effect and her Main Character Energy movement. This isn’t about ego; it’s about romanticizing daily moments, making brave choices, curating joy, and building a personal brand based on consistency and courage, not perfection. With insights and humor, they give practical ways to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and loved. It’s part pep talk, part power-up, and all heart; a call to foster belonging at work and in life.
Must-hear insights and key moments
Belonging is a birthright, not a buzzword: Brooklyn emphasizes that true belonging means being welcomed and valued for your authentic self, not just fitting in.
The power of names and identity: The episode explores how names carry legacy, meaning, and energy.
Breaking barriers and owning your space: Brooklyn shares how she often was the only person with her identity in a room, learning to speak up and claim her space, turning curiosity and courage into career-defining moments.
Humor as a superpower: Brooklyn discusses how humor can be both a strength and a challenge, and how developing timing and audience awareness is key to using it effectively in professional settings.
Leadership and culture of belonging: The episode shows organizations succeed when leaders demonstrate compassion, transparency, and joy. Belonging starts at the top, and discretionary energy—going above and beyond—comes from feeling accepted.
Rituals of respect: Brooklyn shares her practice of learning and pronouncing names correctly, recognizing their profound personal and cultural significance.
Defining belonging: The episode closes with Brooklyn’s powerful reflection: “I know I belong when I feel truly relaxed being who I am,” underscoring that belonging is about comfort in one’s own skin.
Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes
“You matter. You are here on purpose, for purpose, and with a purpose. There’s a specific reason why you’re here.” “Putting yourself first isn’t selfish; it is the spark that lights up your team, your results, and your life." “Learning to accept who you are first. Everything else comes after. But it’s who are you? And love yourself for that.” “Names matter. The sound is significant to the soul. When your name is pronounced correctly and you hear it, that automatically says, ‘I belong here.’” “I know that I belong when I feel truly relaxed being who I am. I don’t have to put up any errors, put up a front, decide who I have to be, or what costume I will wear. I feel like I belong when I can be fully relaxed in my own skin.” “We have the responsibility of making sure that we are not putting up our own barriers, so that people get to know who we are as humans as well.”
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#IKnowIBelongWhen Authenticity is not one-dimensional—it is dynamic.
In this clip from an upcoming episode of the “I Know I Belong When…” podcast, John shares what belonging means to him:
“I know I belong when I can show up as my authentic self. But let me be clear—your authentic self has various versions. John as a dad, John as a fraternity brother, John as a co-worker… different hats, same essence.”
His message is a reminder: authenticity does not mean being the same in every setting—it means never losing the core of who you are, even as you adapt to different roles.
How do you stay true to your authentic self while navigating different environments? Share your thoughts below!
Scribe now through your podcast player of choice, so you can listen to this whole episode (and the others) for more inspiring stories: www.IKnowIBelongWhen.com
#Belonging #Authenticity #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #IKnowIBelongWhen #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #DiversityAndInclusion #DEI #HumanResources #LeadershipDevelopment #RepresentationMatters #CultureMatters #SocialImpact #ChangeMakers #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #IKnowIBelongWhen #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased #LinkedInVoices
#IKnowIBelongWhen Your name tells a story—own it proudly.
In this clip of an upcoming episode of the “I Know I Belong When…” podcast, Marissa Andrada shares why her name is more than just letters:
“My full name is Marissa Jane Andrada… Marissa is very much a Spanish Filipino name. Jane represents Joan of Arc, which I grew up Catholic. Andrada is my dad’s name. Even when I got married, I kept my last name because I am so proud of who I am and where I came from.”
Her story reminds us that names carry history, culture, and identity. Choosing to keep her name wasn’t just a personal decision—it was a declaration of belonging and pride.
What does your name mean to you? Have you ever felt pressure to change or “Americanize” it? Share your thoughts below!
Scribe now through your podcast player of choice, so you can listen to this whole episode (and the others) for more inspiring stories: www.IKnowIBelongWhen.com
#Belonging #Identity #Culture #DiversityAndInclusion #RepresentationMatters #IKnowIBelongWhen #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #DEI #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanResources #Authenticity #PersonalBrand #SocialImpact #ChangeMakers#BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #IKnowIBelongWhen #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased #LinkedInVoices
#IKnowIBelongWhen Smart is not the flex; belonging is the flex
Being the smartest in the room is an ego flex. It signals control, not collaboration.
Being the catalyst in the room? That is the leadership flex that actually moves the needle.
Nancy Di Dia nails it in this clip: leadership is not about showcasing what you know; it is about creating space for what others can contribute.
Curiosity creates belonging. When leaders ask “What else could we do?” or “How will we get there?” instead of “Why did you not…”, they flip the script:
~ Ideas multiply.
~ Ownership grows.
~ Teams stop performing for approval and start building for impact.
The smartest person in the room might win the argument.
The catalyst leader wins the future.
How are you being a catalyst for belonging? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Scribe now through your podcast player of choice, so you can listen to this whole episode (and the others) for more inspiring stories: www.IKnowIBelongWhen.com
#WorkCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachApproach #CatalystLeader #BelongingAtWork #TeamPsychSafety #AskBetterQuestions #LeaderArchetypes #HighTrustTeams #Leadership #InclusiveLeadership #CultureChange #CuriosityAtWork #PeopleFirst #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #IKnowIBelongWhen #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased #LinkedInVoices
#IKnowIBelongWhen Privilege is not a dirty word—it is a powerful tool for change.
In this clip from an upcoming episode of the “I Know I Belong When…” podcast, Dr. V reminds us:
“People believe the P-word is a big, bad word and something to be ashamed of. But in reality, if you hold a privileged identity, you can promote inclusion and belonging through your actions as an ally. This must be in partnership with the individual or group you're trying to serve.”
Christopher Bylone adds:
“Yeah, that’s really important, I think, for folks listening, watching. Privilege is not bad.”
This conversation flips the narrative: privilege is not about guilt—it is about responsibility and opportunity. When used intentionally, it can open doors, amplify voices, and create spaces where everyone knows they belong.
How do you use your privilege to create belonging? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Scribe now through your podcast player of choice, so you can listen to this whole episode (and the others) for more inspiring stories: www.IKnowIBelongWhen.com
#Belonging #Inclusion #Allyship #Leadership #IKnowIBelongWhen #DiversityAndInclusion #Equity #SocialImpact #InclusiveLeadership #CultureMatters #EmployeeEngagement #DEI #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #HumanResources #ChangeMakers #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #IKnowIBelongWhen #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased #LinkedInVoices
#IKnowIBelongWhen Breaking Out of the Shadow to Build Your Own Light
When you’re starting out, it’s easy to feel defined by someone else’s legacy—especially in tight-knit ecosystems. In this powerful moment from the I Know I Belong When podcast (episode 8), Christina Luconi shares what it felt like to be known as “Fred’s kid” in the Boston tech scene and her determination to carve her own path:
“I wanted to build my own name… I don’t wanna be known as his kid as much as I respect him.”
Years later, the tables turned. Someone met her father and said: “Oh, you’re Christina Luconi’s father.”
That was the moment she knew: I did it. I made it.
This story is a reminder that belonging often comes when we own our narrative and create impact on our terms.
Share your own breakthrough moment, when you knew you arrived and belonged!
#IKnowIBelongWhen #BreakingOutOfTheShadow #BuildYourOwnLight #OwnYourNarrative #BelongingMatters #LeadershipJourney #CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #StartupCulture #ScaleWithSoul #InnovationUnbiased #DisruptBuildAct #PersonalBranding #TechLeadership #CultureAsStrategy #PodcastClip #ChristinaLuconi #BostonTech #LegacyRedefined #CareerMilestones
#IKnowIBelongWhen When leaders foster belonging, they unlock something powerful: discretionary energy.
As Brooklyn Dicent shares, in an upcoming episode, on the I Know I Belong When podcast, this energy is not in the job description—it is the extra effort, creativity, and care people give when they feel safe, valued, and empowered.
Want more productivity? Start with psychological safety.
When people feel they can:
~ Learn and grow
~ Make meaningful contributions
~ Challenge the status quo
~ Make mistakes without fear
…they do not just show up—they shine.
Let us build workplaces where belonging is not a buzzword; it is the baseline.
Listen to the clip. Reflect. Share.
#BelongingAtWork #PsychologicalSafety #InclusiveLeadership #DiscretionaryEnergy #EmployeeEngagement #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanCenteredLeadership #DiversityEquityInclusion #PeopleFirst #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased #LinkedInVoices
#IKnowIBelongWhen White guys: be part of the solution!
Privilege is not a choice; though using it for good is.
In this candid clip from the I Know I Belong When podcast (episode 9), Christopher Bylone shares a powerful truth:
“Those who look like me need to lean into this conversation. You cannot stand on the sidelines anymore—you have to be part of the solution.”
Systems of privilege were not created by many of alive today; however, they persist when we stay silent. Allyship and advocacy start with acknowledging privilege and using it to dismantle barriers: not reinforce them.
This is not about blame. It is about responsibility. It is about showing up, having the hard conversations, and creating spaces where belonging is not optional: it is inevitable.
Watch the clip and share: How are you using your voice and privilege to drive inclusion?
#PrivilegeWithPurpose #InclusiveLeadership #BelongingAtWork #CultureOfBelonging #LeadWithEmpathy #EquityInAction #InclusionEveryDay #RepresentationMatters #WorkplaceInclusion #FutureOfWork #LeadershipForChange #EmpowerVoices #InclusiveCulture #SocialImpact #TransformWorkplaces #HumanCenteredLeadership #DiversityDrivesInnovation #AccessibilityAmplifies #AllyshipInAction #ChangeMakers #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased
#IKnowIBelongWhen Mentorship + Accountability = Growth.
In this insightful clip from the I Know I Belong When podcast, Aniela Unguresan shares two powerful truths for navigating challenging moments:
Find your mentors. Surround yourself with people who know your motivations, understand your aspirations, and offer objective guidance when the path gets tough. Their experience and perspective are invaluable.
Deliver on your promises. Intentions matter, though actions define trust. Consistency and follow-through are what turn aspirations into impact.
Mentorship is not just advice; it is partnership. And accountability is not just a word; it is the foundation of credibility.
Watch the clip and share: Who has been a mentor that helped you navigate a pivotal moment?
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#MentorshipMatters #LeadershipInAction #AccountabilityCounts #InclusiveLeadership #BelongingAtWork #CultureOfBelonging #LeadWithEmpathy #EquityInAction #InclusionEveryDay #RepresentationMatters #WorkplaceInclusion #FutureOfWork #LeadershipForChange #EmpowerVoices #InclusiveCulture #SocialImpact #TransformWorkplaces #HumanCenteredLeadership #DiversityDrivesInnovation #AccessibilityAmplifies #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased
#IKnowIBelongWhen Allyship isn’t a title—it’s a journey.
In this thought-provoking clip from the I Know I Belong When podcast, Julie Kratz reminds us:
“I will always be aspiring, striving, hoping to be an ally. It’s not a self-proclamation—it’s in the eye of the beholder.”
True allyship is:
~ Intentional – woven into who we are and how we lead.
~ Consistent – not a one-and-done checkbox or bold statement.
~ Actionable – everyday, continual acts that often go unseen but create a domino effect of impact.
People are watching not just your words, though your actions. Let us move beyond statements and make allyship a lived experience in our workplaces and communities.
Watch the clip and share: What is one intentional allyship action you commit to today?
#AllyshipInAction #AllyshipJourney #IntentionalLeadership #InclusiveLeadership #BelongingAtWork #CultureOfBelonging #LeadWithEmpathy #EquityInAction #InclusionEveryDay #RepresentationMatters #WorkplaceInclusion #FutureOfWork #LeadershipForChange #EmpowerVoices #InclusiveCulture #SocialImpact #TransformWorkplaces #HumanCenteredLeadership #DiversityDrivesInnovation #AccessibilityAmplifies #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased #LinkedInVoices
#IKnowIBelongWhen Belonging starts with listening.
In this powerful moment from an upcoming episode of I Know I Belong When, Chason Forehand reminds us:
“It literally comes down to one thing, and that’s listen… When you genuinely care and come from a place of curiosity, you hear the story, the name, the journey. That has to be the beginning.”
And as Christopher Bylone points out:
“Belonging starts with listening. If we truly want to welcome people into the space, we have to listen with the intent to learn—not react.”
Listening is not a checkbox. It is a commitment. It is the foundation for creating spaces where every voice matters and every story is honored.
Watch the clip and reflect: How are you practicing active listening in your leadership and your life?
#BelongingStartsWithListening #ActiveListening #CultureOfBelonging #LeadWithEmpathy #WorkplaceCulture #HumanCenteredLeadership #FutureOfWork #TransformWorkplaces #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased
““I Know I Belong When” is a podcast by Innovation Unbiased, hosted by Christopher Bylone. It explores belonging in communities, workplaces, and society through deep conversations with diverse guests. The show introduces the “Belonging Formula,” blending equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, focusing on systems, rituals, and accountability that foster belonging. Covering joy, pain, and courage, it highlights breakthroughs and setbacks in community-building, emphasizing honoring names as a key act of belonging. Guests and listeners share stories and complete the phrase, “I know I belong when...”
With weekly episodes, it's more than a series—it’s a movement for inspiration, tools, and community. Subscribe to join a network fostering belonging everywhere.
Must-Hear Insights & Key Moments
#BelongingPodcast #RadicalHope #RawTruth #InclusionMatters #EquityAndDiversity #AccessibilityAmplifies #CultureChange #Allyship #LeadershipForBelonging #IdentityAndCommunity #PodcastOnBelonging #BelongingFormula #TheBigIDEA #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility #AlwaysChristopher #BoldVoices #AuthenticImpact #CuriousStories #IKnowIBelongWhen #YouBelongHere #InnovationUnbiased