In this powerful episode, Dr. Beth Kaplan returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point. She opens with her personal journey through workplace trauma. Beth reveals the critical distinction between inclusion and belonging—explaining that while others determine inclusion, belonging is an internal decision that requires staying true to yourself without compromising your values.

You’ll be moved by Beth’s compelling message about the dangers of self-sacrifice in toxic work environments and the crucial role managers play in fostering genuine belonging. She offers practical strategies for recognizing workplace trauma, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing self-care before company loyalty. Whether you’re struggling in a challenging workplace or leading a team and want to create a culture of authentic belonging, this episode offers specific strategies you can start using today.

Beth is a visionary thought leader, researcher, and keynote speaker who has redefined how we look at belonging and how to be our best selves. She works with companies to enhance employee engagement and retention while significantly lowering turnover costs. Beth is currently pioneering a groundbreaking belonging tool with the University of Pennsylvania, designed to measure belonging and predict the propensity to thrive.

You’ll discover:

• Why belonging is an internal decision rather than something granted by others
• The warning signs of workplace trauma
• How managers can become the number one factor in creating environments where people truly belong through empathy and “stay interviews”
• Practical strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing your wellbeing without sacrificing your authentic self for a job
• The dangerous impact of using “family” language in workplace settings

Watch the episode:

Connect with Dr. Beth Kaplan

Dr. Beth Kaplan’s Resources

Website

Dr. Beth Kaplan

Book page

Book

Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point

Related Podcast Episodes

181: A Strong Sense of Belonging at Work

If you were dealing with personal challenges, such as a special needs child or being caretaker of an aging parent, would you feel comfortable sharing them with your boss? Andrea Grant had both situations, and her answer was a resounding NO. In this conversation, you’ll find out why and how her life experiences led to the work she’s doing today.

Andrea leads the growth and expansion efforts for the Human Capital division of FutureSense. She partners with organizations to design and execute critical business and HR programs that identify and leverage talent within underrepresented groups.

Andrea is also a devoted special needs parent and was the caregiver to her disabled veteran father. Giving back to others is at the core of her being.

You’ll discover:

• Why Andrea didn’t share with anyone in her workplace the personal challenges she was going through
• What leaders can do to encourage someone to open up about difficult situations they may be dealing with in their personal lives
• 5 areas that FutureSense’s Inclusion Services can add value to clients
• Specific, practical actions organizations can take to implement DEIB practices
• The practical reasons why organizations should care about DEIB

Watch the episode:

Connect with Andrea

Andrea’s Resources

Website

FutureSense

Get your FREE 15 minute consultation with Andrea!

Imagine if your manager said this to you at your annual performance review: “I just don’t think you belong here.” Dr. Beth Kaplan heard those words, and that one sentence shattered her confidence in the moment. It also led her to pursue deep work in the area of belonging in the workplace. This conversation will give you a greater appreciation for the need that each of us have to belong, and what leaders can do to create that environment.

Beth is currently the global head of leader development and enablement at Dassault Systemes. 

You’ll discover:

• Beth’s unique definition of belonging
• The person who has the greatest impact on a person’s sense of belonging at work
• The #1 thing people have told Beth they want at work
• Why Beth recommends organizations focus on POLICIES first before designing and implementing PROGRAMS related to DEI and belonging
• What leaders can do to minimize or eliminate workplace trauma

Watch the episode:

Connect with Dr. Beth

Dr. Beth’s Resources

Website

Belonging at Work | Rebel Research Group

Did you know that 91% of employees report that their manager doesn’t listen to them? Janine Hamner Holman shares this startling statistic along with many others in a conversation that will convince you why listening should be the #1 skill that’s taught, practiced, and mastered in the workplace.

Janine is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and expert on conscious leadership, DE&I, organizational development, neurobiology, and what it takes to attract and retain world-class talent. As CEO of the J&J Consulting Group, she brings more than 30 years’ experience to her work with purpose driven CEOs and executive teams to help them create courageous, high-performance organizations. Janine is also the host of an outstanding podcast, The Cost of Not Paying Attention.

You’ll discover:

• How Janine helps clients integrate DEI into their culture so it’s not viewed or experienced as a “program”
• The shared challenges that all organizations face, no matter what the size
• What Janine has learned about brain science…and ways she applies that knowledge in her work with clients
• The top 3 reasons people give for leaving their employer
• Advice for attracting and retaining superior talent

Watch the episode:

Connect with Janine

Janine’s Websites

Janine Hamner Holman

J&J Consulting Group, LLC

What does it take to create a workplace where civility is a core value that’s lived every day? Sejal Thakkar tackles this topic head-on with clients, based on her experience as a former employment law attorney for corporations and as a human being who’s been on the receiving end of uncivil behavior.

Sejal is on a mission to educate and empower people to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. She’s a 2x TEDx speaker shedding light on two vital topics: “The Pain, Power, and Paradox of Bias” and “How to Harness the Power of Exclusion and Go from Longing to Belonging.”

Sejal is the Founder and Chief Civility Officer at TrainXtra, where she helps leaders create positive, safe, and respectful workplaces through customized training and coaching.

She’s also responsible for cultivating a people-first culture at Nobody Studios.

You’ll discover:

• The distinction Sejal makes between “civility” and “respect”
• How a company can make civility a core value and bring it to life
• Why it’s important to become aware of your own unconscious biases
• The HAT strategy that encourages people to examine their biases
• Subtle micro-aggression words and behaviors that undermine inclusion

Watch the episode:

Connect with Sejal

Sejal’s Resources

Websites

TrainXtra

Nobody Studios

TEDx Talk

The Pain, Power, and Paradox of Bias 

Other

Implicit Association Test (Harvard University)

Recommended book:

Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions by Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran

What role can science play in organizational outcomes and personal well-being? My guest Sharon Strauss provides the answer to this question—and so much more—in this interview. Sharon is Founder of The Human Insight Group, an Executive Coaching and Leadership Advisory firm that serves clients globally. As the creator of HumanSight®, she uses insights from the latest neuroscience research to help her clients approach situations in new ways. Before becoming a coach, Sharon spent 15 years in her own technology consulting practice providing Fortune 500 companies with technical experts in internet networking and project leadership.

You’ll discover:

• Why Sharon believes now is the time for a human revolution in the culture of organizations
• What makes self-awareness and emotional regulation critical for all leaders
• The science behind our brains and bodies
• Why a sense of belonging and trust are essential for effective team interactions and results
• The benefits of learning to pay attention to signals from your body

Watch the episode:

Connect with Sharon

Sharon’s Website

Human Insight Group