S5E20 Belonging at work: The hidden key to thriving teams
“Braving the workplace is being yourself every day in a world that tells you to be something different.” — Dr. Beth Kaplan
This week on Her Leadership Coach, Rochelle is joined by Dr. Beth Kaplan, belonging researcher and author of Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point. Together, they dive deep into one of the most misunderstood — yet deeply human — needs in the workplace: belonging.
Dr. Kaplan shares not only her research but also her lived experience of workplace trauma and healing, offering powerful insights into why belonging matters, how it’s different from inclusion, and what leaders can do to foster it — both for their teams and themselves.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Why the opposite of belonging isn’t exclusion — it’s fitting in.
- The four types of belonging in the workplace (and why only one of them is healthy).
- Practical ways to help yourself feel like you belong — especially after workplace trauma.
- The most powerful thing you can do as a leader to help your team feel seen, heard, and valued.
Whether you’re quietly determined to become a better leader, struggling with a team that’s disengaged, or wondering why work just doesn’t feel good anymore… this episode is one you don’t want to miss.
Connect with Dr Beth Kaplan:
- Get your copy of the Braving the Workplace book: https://a.co/d/48B4Gys
- Website: https://drbethkaplan.com/
- Linkedin Newsletter: Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6965730873996406784
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/beth-kaplan
Connect with Rochelle:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-marie-hlw/
Ready to take your leadership journey to the next level? Join the Women in Leadership Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/hlwactiongoup today to connect with like-minded professionals and continue the conversation about building meaningful networks and advancing your career.
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