I Know I Belong When...

Overview In this powerful episode of I Know I Belong When, host Christopher Bylone welcomes culture visionary and kindness catalyst Marissa Andrada—a transformative leader whose career spans iconic brands like Chipotle, Starbucks, and Kate Spade. Now serving as Chief Culture Officer at WUF World, Marissa is redefining leadership by centering equity, inclusion, and belonging as daily practices—not...

In this compelling episode of “I Know I Belong When,” host Christopher Bylone welcomes John Ferguson, a strategic business executive, former Chief Human Resources Officer at NASCAR, and recognized leader in people strategy and inclusive culture. Together, they delve deeply into the power of unedited identity, exploring how your name, your story, and your authentic voice shape your sense of belongi...

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...

#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 e...

#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 m...

#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.   Curios...

#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...

#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:...

#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.   Whe...

#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...

#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...

#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 b...

#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:   “Belongin...

“ “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...