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

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

In this special bonus episode of the "Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's New Reality" mini-series, we reflect on the material consequences of inflammatory rhetoric and dangerous policies that impact protected employee groups. Host Rhodes Perry identifies the groups disproportionately impacted and outlines the strategy behind Project 2025, which aims to unravel decades of civil rights gains.

This episode offers a critical examination of how threats to civil rights enforcement, mass deportations, and healthcare restrictions can impact your workforce and business outcomes. You'll learn essential best practices for conducting impact assessments and delivering targeted support to help your organization gain a competitive edge by protecting and retaining the next generation of talent.

Don't miss this crucial conversation about how to support employees, acknowledge their unique needs, and build a culture of belonging for all.

• [2:00] Identifying employee groups disproportionately impacted by anti-DEI attacks.

• [4:30] A look at Project 2025 and its material consequences.

• [7:00] Best practices for conducting impact assessments and delivering employee support.

• [10:15] Why investing in trauma-informed leadership is crucial.

• [13:00] Practices to avoid, including adopting a universal approach and overlooking intersectionality

• 📝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

In the face of growing opposition, what proactive actions can leaders take to fortify their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments? This final episode of the mini-series "Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's New Reality" is your guide to moving from a defensive stance to one of proactive leadership.

Host Rhodes Perry shares essential strategies for building a powerful "champions coalition" beyond traditional teams, and a roadmap for reimagining your DEI framework to ensure success for everyone. You'll learn to clarify outcomes, design scaled behavior change, and embrace "leveling strategies" that de-bias workplace systems.

Discover how to avoid common pitfalls like performative activities and working in a silo. Listen now to learn how to lead with clarity and courage, mobilizing your organization to build a true culture of belonging.

• [2:00] The importance of moving from a defensive to a proactive stance.

• [4:30] Building a champions coalition and reimagining your DEI framework.

• [7:00] How to clarify outcomes with the "for the sake of what?" question.

• [9:15] Embracing leveling strategies and scaled behavioral change.

• [12:00] Why mobilizing the field and coaching people leaders is crucial.

• [15:00] Key practices to avoid: performative activities, working in a silo, and more.

• 📝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

In this episode of the Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's New Reality mini-series, we're talking about something every leader needs to be aware of: the profound impact of collective trauma and grief on your workforce. Host Rhodes Perry shares how the current climate amplifies fear and anxiety, disrupting the very fabric of trust and psychological safety in the workplace.

This episode provides actionable, trauma-informed strategies to support your employees. You'll learn how to:

• Provide psychological safety first aid.

• Acknowledge and validate employees' grief.

• Model collective care by giving support and requesting it.

By implementing these best practices, you can help your team cope with the ongoing challenges and build an enduring culture of creativity, connection, and belonging. Don't ignore the hidden impacts on your workforce—listen now to learn how to lead with empathy and clarity.

• [2:00] Defining collective trauma and its impact on the workforce.

• [4:30] Best practices for bolstering psychological safety.

• [7:00] How to practice collective care and cope with trauma.

• [9:45] Best practices for acknowledging and validating employee grief.

• [12:15] Practices to avoid when addressing collective trauma.'

• 📝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 confident your organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are legally sound? In this episode of the Imagine Belonging Podcast mini-series, "Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's New Reality," we explore the shifting legal landscape and what it means for your workplace. Host Rhodes Perry provides a clear-eyed analysis of the legal attacks on workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including recent court rulings, executive actions, and congressional proposals.

This episode gives you the essential legal context to fortify your diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Rhodes will demystify recent judicial decisions like the U.S. Supreme Court's Students for Fair Admissions ruling and explain the three-pronged legal test (aka, "the three p's") to determine if your programming is at risk. You'll learn best practices for conducting legal audits and how to build a strategic advisory team to protect your organization.

Tune in to discover how to mitigate legal and reputational risks while strengthening your commitment to advancing your organization's belonging strategy.

• [2:15] Overview of the legal landscape impacting DEI

• [4:00] Analysis of the SFFA and Muldrow v. City of St. Louis Supreme Court decisions

• [6:30] Impact of Executive and Congressional actions

• [9:00] Best practices for fortifying your DEI work

• [11:00] The "three p's" legal test for discrimination claims

• [14:20] Practices to avoid to mitigate risk

• 📝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