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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