--- title: "The Power of Belonging: A Paradigm Shift in DEI" description: Belonging is not just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of fostering truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures within organizations. image: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/hubfs/Episode%2004%20-%20Thumbnail.png --- ![The Power of Belonging: A Paradigm Shift in DEI](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/hubfs/Episode%2004%20-%20Thumbnail.png) Belonging is not just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of fostering truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures within organizations. In our latest episode of the Uplifting Impact podcast, Justin Ponder engages in an enlightening conversation with Jarrod Harden, also known as the Belonging Guy. Together, they explore the crucial role of belonging in fostering truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures within organizations. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking discussion that will challenge conventional notions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and unveil the hidden potential of employee resource groups (ERGs) in driving belonging. ## **TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:** - How belonging plays a role in creating inclusive cultures - How belonging differs from diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the elements that makeup belonging - The relationship between employee resource groups (ERGs) and a sense of belonging and how ERGs can create opportunities for connection and networking - The necessity of structure in resource groups, setting expectations, and the role of ERGs in welcoming and supporting diverse talent - Common pitfalls of ERGs like having no clear charter or strategy - The importance of value and outreach, and the misconception that ERGs are not business-critical - Categories of activities in ERGs, such as educating the enterprise, building community, and philanthropy - Finding connections with others and the potential setbacks when trying to establish professional relationships - Common resistance and pushback faced by ERGs in organizations, including the disconnect between expectations and the purpose of ERGs - Strategies for overcoming resistance from decision-makers and maintaining enthusiasm and participation within ERGs, including setting clear expectations and understanding the needs of the members - The value of having separate distinct groups around identity and how they can create a sense of belonging within organizations - The idea that identity-focused spaces should invite people from different backgrounds to foster collaboration and partnership ## **RESOURCES:** The Belonging Guy - [https://thebelongingguy.com/](https://thebelongingguy.com/) Connect with Jarrod on LinkedIn - [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrodharden](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrodharden) DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right: [https://www.amazon.com/DEI-Deconstructed-No-Nonsense-Guide-Doing/dp/1523002778](https://www.amazon.com/DEI-Deconstructed-No-Nonsense-Guide-Doing/dp/1523002778) Reconstructing DEI: A Practitioner's Workbook: [https://www.amazon.com/Reconstructing-DEI-Practitioners-Lily-Zheng/dp/1523006064](https://www.amazon.com/Reconstructing-DEI-Practitioners-Lily-Zheng/dp/1523006064) Deanna’s Linkedin: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/)  Justin Linkedin: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-po%E2%80%A6](https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-po%E2%80%A6)  Uplifting Impact Linkedin: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/upliftingimpact/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/upliftingimpact/)  Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal](https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal)  Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/?hl=en)  Uplifting Impact YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNs1RS6JqrU7BHeOc5W6SbQ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNs1RS6JqrU7BHeOc5W6SbQ)  Uplifting Impact Website: [https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en)    ### Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed - [DEI: Employee Resource Groups](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/uplifting_impact/dei-awareness-employee-resource-groups?hs_preview=NAIoDVKe-80260536586)   ## Related Articles [![](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/hubfs/Episode%2006%20-%20Thumbnail.png) ](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/how-to-stay-motivated) ### [Keeping Your DEI Mojo Alive: How to Stay Motivated](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/how-to-stay-motivated) ![Deanna Singh](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flying%20Elephant%20Brand%20Photos-18.jpg?width=45&name=Flying%20Elephant%20Brand%20Photos-18.jpg) [Deanna Singh](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/author/deanna-singh) [Read More](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/how-to-stay-motivated) [![](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Grady%20Crosby_Announcement%20Image_WEBv-3.png) ](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/uplifting-impact/lets-link-arms-to-bridge-the-gap-and-transform-ourselves) ### [Bridge the Gap and Change Together: Insights from Grady Crosby](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/uplifting-impact/lets-link-arms-to-bridge-the-gap-and-transform-ourselves) Grady Crosby is a dynamic senior-level executive leader and corporate officer for Johnson Controls, which was honored to be called one of the world’s most ethical... ![Deanna Singh](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flying%20Elephant%20Brand%20Photos-18.jpg?width=45&name=Flying%20Elephant%20Brand%20Photos-18.jpg) [Deanna Singh](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/author/deanna-singh) [Read More](https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/uplifting-impact/lets-link-arms-to-bridge-the-gap-and-transform-ourselves) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=3856324&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Deanna Singh", "url" : "https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/author/deanna-singh" }, "dateModified" : "2023-11-21T09:00:00.751Z", "datePublished" : "2023-11-21T09:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "The Power of Belonging: A Paradigm Shift in DEI", "image" : [ "https://www.upliftingimpact.com/hubfs/Episode%2004%20-%20Thumbnail.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.upliftingimpact.com/podcast/the-power-of-belonging", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.upliftingimpact.com/hubfs/2023%20Uplifting%20Impact%20Logo%20(60%20%C3%97%2060%20px).png" }, "name" : "Flying Elephant" } } ```