In this episode of the Imagine Belonging Podcast, Rhodes Perry reflects on the creation and impact of his first book, 'Belonging at Work,' published on World Kindness Day in 2018. He discusses the evolution of workplace belonging and previews his upcoming book, 'Roads Less Traveled,' a memoir and methodology guide for real transformation.

Rhodes shares his writing process through automatic writing, celebrates the milestone of 10 years growing the belonging movement, and offers various opportunities for listeners to celebrate and engage with his work, including special promotions for his books, coaching offers, and a new group coaching program.

Join Rhodes in exploring the essential skills needed to build cultures of safety, trust, and belonging in these transformative times.

• [1:15] Celebrating World Kindness Day and the 7-year anniversary of Belonging at Work.

• [2:55] Why the message of belonging resonates more profoundly now than ever before.

• [5:45] Reflecting on the book's journey as a "budding tween" that shows up for leaders.

• [8:55] The writing practice of Automatic Writing—silencing the internal editor.

• [14:15] The initial concern that "belonging" might be "too abstract" or "too woo."

• [16:05] Recognizing that workplace belonging is the number one prerequisite for success.

• [17:20] The difference between culture change and transformation (the focus of Imagine Belonging).

• [20:15] Announcing the newest book: Roads Less Traveled—a memoir and methodology guide for transformation.

• [23:30] Transformation is a path of growth, often found in moments when things are collapsing or challenging.

Gain the skills to become the person you need to be to meet this moment: someone capable and willing to build spaces of safety, trust, and belonging!

• 📚 Read the Belonging Books (Digital Sale!): From November 17th through December 8th, the e-book versions of Belonging at Work and Imagine Belonging are part of a special 99-cent flash sale!

• ✍️ 25% Off Signed Paperbacks & Digital Products: Visit Rhodes's website and use code BELONG25 at checkout for a discount on signed paperback copies and other digital products: https://www.rhodesperry.com/courses

• 🏆 Belonging Coaching Offer (1:1 Support): Rhodes is accepting 10 new clients for his final winter Belonging Coaching Offer at its current price point. Clarify your vision and set up a complimentary call today! Complete this intake

• 🗓️ Roads Less Traveled Group Coaching Info Session: Save the Date! Join a complimentary info session on Wednesday, December 17th, at 10:00 am PT to learn about the new exclusive group coaching program launching in February, where participants will co-create and test content from the upcoming book!

• 📧 Sign up for the Newsletter: Be the first to receive the registration link and details for the group coaching info session: Join the Belonging Movement Newsletter

Are you a CEO struggling to protect your brand's values in today's political climate? In this essential episode of the Imagine Belonging Podcast, host Rhodes Perry interviews MMG Earth CEO, Mckenzie Mack, and former Reddit CEO, Ellen Pao, about their groundbreaking report, "DEI Now: Leading with Integrity and Inclusion."

Discover why setting clear "red lines," or boundaries rooted in your values, is a strategic necessity, not just an ethical choice. Learn how to avoid the "wrong side of history" by applying lessons from the past, and learn how to apply them to mitigate risk while preserving your brand's reputation. This episode shows leaders they are not powerless, offering insights on the critical role of customers, employees, and shareholders in upholding integrity and building trust.

Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

• [4:50] The three groups of companies navigating the political difficulty.

• [6:45] Defining "Red Lines": Boundaries leaders refuse to compromise on.

• [9:15] Aligning business actions with company values (e.g., avoiding conflicting contracts).

• [11:15] Historical lessons: Avoiding the "wrong side of history" (The "frog in the hot water pot" analogy).

• [18:30] The role of employees: How to advocate for values without taking on too much labor.

• [22:15] The role of shareholders: How public votes are forcing companies to define their commitment.

Grow the Belonging Movement!

• 📖Read the report, DEI Now, here: https://projectinclude.org/assets/pdf/Project-Include-DEI-Now.pdf

• 🎧Listen to our DEI New Era podcast minisode here: https://www.rhodesperry.com/newera

• 📝Sign up for the Belonging Movement Newsletter: http://www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe

• 📚Get a copy of Imagine Belonging: http://www.rhodesonamazon.com/

🏆Book a 1:1 coaching session with Rhodes: https://tinyurl.com/5n6f47pz

Are you struggling with how to talk about your organization's DEI commitments in today's volatile climate? In this episode of the "Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's New Reality" mini-series, host Rhodes Perry offers message-tested communication strategies to fortify the heart of your work.

Discover how to take a "Goldilocks approach," balancing what you say to different audiences to avoid legal risks while protecting your brand's reputation. Learn why the full phrase "diversity, equity, and inclusion" is more powerful than the acronym "DEI" and how to frame your initiatives around universal values like fairness, respect, and belonging.

This episode gives you the practical tools to navigate challenging conversations, counter divisive narratives, and ensure your message resonates with everyone.

• [2:00] The "Goldilocks approach" to DEI messaging.

• [4:30] Organizational development best practices for communications.

• [7:00] Winning messages that resonate across audiences.

• [10:15] The power of using full words over the "DEI" acronym.

• [12:00] Using "targeted universalism" to fortify your work.

• [14:30] Practices to avoid when communicating about DEI.

• 📝Sign up for the Belonging Movement Newsletter: http://www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe

• 📚Get a copy of Imagine Belonging: http://www.rhodesonamazon.com/

🏆Book a 1:1 coaching session with Rhodes: https://tinyurl.com/5n6f47pz