Enhancing Workplace Culture with Andrea Carter at Belonging First

In this episode, Andrea Carter from Belonging First discusses the power of building strong workplace cultures that prioritize connection, trust, and collaboration. She shares strategies for fostering inclusive environments where employees feel engaged, valued, and motivated to contribute to organizational success. 

Click the links below to listen to the episode on your preferred platform:

Web

YouTube

Host, Jen Knox Shanahan:

"...when we talk about creating a culture of belonging, it often seems like a lofty goal. But what does it really look like in a day-to-day, practical sense?"

Guest, Andrea Carter:

"...What we’ve learned over time is that when people feel they belong, they're more likely to perform at their best. They’re more likely to engage with their work, share their ideas, and collaborate in ways that drive innovation. This isn’t just about creating a nice, friendly workplace—it’s about fostering an environment where people can be themselves, and feel truly accepted and valued for their unique contributions." 

Host, Jen Knox Shanahan:

"That sounds so critical, especially in high-performing teams. How can organizations begin to shift their focus toward creating that culture of belonging?" 

Guest, Andrea Carter:

"Start with listening—genuinely listening to your people. What are their challenges? What are the small things that might be impacting their ability to feel fully included? It’s the day-to-day moments that build up to a bigger picture of belonging. Also, leaders need to model inclusive behaviors. If leadership isn't walking the talk, it’s really hard for employees to trust that the culture is authentic."

Host, Jen Knox Shanahan:

"That's so true. It’s not just about putting policies in place but actively practicing the behaviors we want to see across the organization. And it sounds like creating that openness is a step toward trust and transparency, which are vital in high-performance environments."

Andrea Carter:

"Exactly. Trust isn’t just built through words—it’s demonstrated through actions. When employees see their leaders openly engaging, being vulnerable, and taking responsibility for fostering an inclusive environment, that’s when they feel more confident to do the same. It’s a cycle of trust and support that elevates the entire team."

Click here to learn more about Andrea Carter and Belonging First.