What does it really mean to belong when belonging isn’t about fitting in, but about being seen, heard, and valued?
To explore this question, this episode features Kim Dabbs, author of You Belong Here, in a powerful conversation about identity, belonging, and what it truly means to matter.
Kim reflects on growing up with a deep sense of otherness, navigating adolescence, homelessness, and invisibility, and how those experiences shaped her work today. Drawing from her framework of Lived, Learned, Lingering, and Loved identities, we explore how people can reclaim their power, move beyond survival-based identities, and define belonging on their own terms.
We also examine the difference between being included and being wanted—and why leaders play a critical role in creating spaces where people are seen, heard, and valued.