In this episode of the Imagine Belonging Podcast, Rhodes Perry invites listeners into the "liminal space"—that unique, quiet week between the holidays and the New Year. Using the metaphor of the "monkey bars," Rhodes explores the terrifying but necessary moment of suspension where we must let go of the past (2025) before we can firmly grasp the future (2026).

Rather than rushing to fill this silence with strategic plans and checklists, Rhodes challenges leaders to stop "white-knuckling" clinging to the old tools of leadership and instead learn how to swing with the chaos. This episode features a 10-minute guided somatic visioning practice to help you regulate your nervous system, release the tension of the past year, and embody the wise, grounded leader your team needs. Rhodes also officially introduces his new Roads Less Traveled Coaching Cohort, an intimate, 6-week incubator for deep transformation.

Key Reflections & Timestamps:

• [0:00] Entering the "Liminal Space": Navigating the quiet week between years.

• [1:15] The "Monkey Bar" Metaphor: Why we feel suspended between letting go and grabbing hold.

• [2:45] The trap of "White-Knuckling": Why old checklists and strategies are failing to hold the weight of the moment.

• [4:10] Introducing the Roads Less Traveled Coaching Cohort: Moving from doing the work to being the leader your team needs you to be.

• [6:30] Guided Visioning Practice Begins: shifting attention inward and finding ground.

• [7:30] Visioning 2026: A somatic inquiry into who you want to become next December.

• [10:15] The Somatic Marker: Teaching your nervous system that it is safe to let go.

• [14:00] Integration: Two invitations to continue this work in the New Year.

🎉 Own Your Power in 2026 Ready to stop reacting to the storm and start becoming the strong, wise, ground leader your team needs?

• 🚀 The Roads Less Traveled Cohort (Apply Now): Applications are officially open for the inaugural 6-week incubator launching in February 2026. This high-touch program is designed for leaders ready to build the somatic muscle memory required to lead through complexity. Special Alumni & Early bonuses expire Dec 31! [Apply Here: https://forms.gle/nagESmTUNyWvUVzt5]

• 📚 Get the Books: Dive deeper into the methodology by picking up Rhodes' bestselling books, Belonging at Work and Imagine Belonging. [Shop Here: https://www.rhodesperry.com/book]

• 📧 Stay Connected: Be the first to receive updates on the new book and future cohorts by joining the community: [Join the Belonging Movement Newsletter: https://www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe]

Thank You for Growing the Belonging Movement!

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