What does it truly mean to feel seen, heard, and valued at work? In today’s world of rapid change, remote teams, and evolving expectations, the need for belonging in the workplace has never been more urgent—or more complex. In this episode of “I Know I Belong When…,” inclusive leadership expert Simone Morris invites listeners into a deeply personal and practical conversation about building belonging at work, one authentic interaction at a time. Simone’s journey—from searching for her name on a keychain as a child to leading global teams and mentoring the next generation—offers a powerful lens on what it takes to create an inclusive culture.

Through stories of vulnerability, resilience, and human-centered innovation, Simone shares how leaders at every level can foster workplace belonging, model authentic leadership, and turn strategic inclusion into everyday practice. Listeners will discover that creating belonging at work isn’t just about grand gestures or policies—it’s about the small moments of listening, the courage to show up as your true self, and the willingness to lift others as you climb. Whether you’re an HR leader, DEI practitioner, team manager, or someone seeking language for belonging, this episode delivers actionable insights and inspiration for building a people experience where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated, and empowered.

Must-Hear Insights & Key Moments

Modeling authentic leadership: Meeting leaders wherever they are on their inclusive leadership journey, creating space for trust and honest dialogue.

The power of being seen: A pivotal moment with a CEO shows how workplace belonging is created when leaders invite authentic voices to the table.

Navigating microaggressions and mispronunciations: Highlighting how small acts of recognition can foster or fracture a sense of belonging at work.

Vulnerability as a leadership superpower: Simone encourages leaders to “bumble, stumble, rise”—embracing imperfection and modeling grace for themselves and their teams.

Creating psychologically safe spaces: Practical strategies for managers to listen deeply, receive feedback, and recognize the diverse ways people experience belonging.

Simone’s Standout Quotes

You do not have to be perfect. As an inclusive leader, you are going to mess up… Give yourself compassion and love, you’re human.

If you don’t notice that extroversion continues to win, then you miss out on people who are more thoughtful about their response.

Your employees are going to tell you… If there are belonging challenges, it’s not a one-and-done. The Rubik’s Cube is going to consistently change.

I know I belong when I feel seen, appreciated, welcomed, and included.

It’s exhausting to filter. Anyway, that’s the moment that came up for me.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode is essential for anyone wanting to create belonging at work—especially HR leaders, DEI practitioners, and managers of remote or hybrid teams. Simone’s narrative offers language for belonging, bridging strategic inclusion and everyday experience. Her insights help organizations go beyond surface-level inclusion to build authentic, human-centered cultures where everyone belongs.

Who Should Listen

Leaders committed to building belonging in the workplace

HR and DEI professionals seeking actionable strategies for inclusive culture

Team managers navigating remote or hybrid environments

Anyone searching for ‘how to create a sense of belonging at work’ or exploring ‘belonging vs inclusion’

Listeners looking for language, stories, and practical tools to foster authentic leadership and workplace belonging

An Innovation Unbiased Production

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