The Inner Game of Workplace Belonging: Transforming organizations from the inside out
Transformative experiences that turn belonging from buzzword to breakthrough
WATCH DENISE IN ACTION
MAGIC & IMPOSSIBLE
SPEAKER'S REEL
SPEAKERS REEL
Magic happens when you have a culture of self-aware team members who are committed to interdependent success. Yet, why does that seem like a nice idea, but realistically impossible?
Well…here’s what what we know is statistically true of your organization
Imagine what's possible when everyone in your organization feels safe to be their full self.
To understand BELONGING, we need to talk about two words...
Over 90% of the world grows up in a group focused environment.
Individual focused
When we say “be your full self at work,” we overlook that millions of our employees don’t see themselves reflected in the work culture they experience everyday.
Group focused
Yet, 99% of U.S.-based organizations operate in a "individual centered" work culture.
EVERYTHING CHANGES when we create work environments of interdependent individuals being successful as a collective whole.
Hi! I’m Denise and I'm so happy you're here.
Ni de aquí. Ni de allá is Spanish for….
Helping you to create belonging in your life and work is not only my joy, it’s my life’s work.
Not from here. Not from there.
This was my experience growing up as a first-gen Latina in the suburbs of New York CIty.
I never felt Puerto Rican enough and I never felt American enough. In short, I never felt like I belonged.
This is why I made my award-winning documentary being eñye. I wanted people like me to know..."You are not alone."
WATCH my FILM
The BIG surprise for me was my movie about Latino culture connected with people from EVERY walk of life.
The reason why is simple...
The movie like my keynote is about one emotionally compelling human need...
Belonging.
The universal human truth here is that everyone, has or has had their own version of
“Ni de aquí Ni de allá.”
Their own version of not feeling like they belong.
Today, I work with organizations throughout the country, from manufacturing companies with global products, to agencies whose clients want to reach the Latino market, all the way to Fortune 500 companies who want to transform how we think and speak about cultural identity and what it means to belong.
Through keynotes and strategic consulting, we partner together to build organizations where employees and customers alike feel welcome, valued, and an intrinsic part of the whole.
TAKE A LOOK BACK
Being someone who books speakers for a living, it was fun to be in the audience and know this is someone I'll want to book again.
Channing Moreland
Co-Founder, EVA
I now believe that belonging means that I am the puzzle piece, and I'll fit where I fit.
Shelby Easom
Summit Materials
Women on the rise
The emotion that was in the room and with the group really hit home for me.
Sarah Grunow
2023-24 President
Colorado school Nutritionists association (CSNA)
Vice President DE&I, L'oreal
Professional Products Division
This was my second time hearing Denise speak and each time her message of belonging and how to create it is fresh, her delivery is authentic and her impact lasts long after she gets off stage.
Erica Roberson-Peters
Words
Kind
THANK YOU, ERICA
Testimonial
More testimonials
Beyond Belonging: The truth about innovation and leadership
What if everything you thought you knew about belonging was missing the most crucial piece?
Organizations invest countless resources trying to create cultures of belonging, yet still struggle with disengagement, missed innovation, and talent walking out the door. Why? Because they're solving the wrong problem.
The real challenge isn't about making people feel like they belong - it's about understanding why they don't. It's about breaking the silence around the universal experience that's holding your organization back: The internal dialogue that convinces your brightest minds they're not ready, your emerging leaders they're not qualified, and your most innovative thinkers they might be found out.
Through compelling stories and unexpected discoveries, audiences learn:
• Why the "messy transformative middle" - that space where we feel most uncertain - is actually where breakthrough leadership emerges
• How understanding your own belonging journey transforms how you lead others
• Why waiting to feel "ready" is costing your organization its next breakthrough
• The surprising reason imposter syndrome comes up after every keynote I give - and what it reveals about employee retention
DEnise's Keynote
Learning Objectives: Your leaders will learn:
• How to turn self-doubt from a leadership liability into a catalyst for authentic connection
• Why acknowledging the "messy middle" actually accelerates both personal and team development
• The unexpected way belonging to yourself transforms how others contribute and engage
• How to create environments where innovation flows because people stop hiding and start leading
Ben Nauman
Senior Director of Purchasing
National Co+op Grocers
"Hands down the best keynote we have ever had."
Customized virtual keynotes and workshops that will engage your audience and inspire collaboration.
Virtual Events:
Customized consulting, training and workshops to provide a deeper understanding of how cultural dynamics show up in the way you communicate with your customer that will drive sales and a strong sense of belonging to your brand.
Consulting and Workshops:
Which Option Will Create The Best Results For Your Organization?
Nine years of filming, traveling and speaking with tens of thousands of people has led to a profoundly fresh perspective on how to think about creating authentic belonging so your organization can create meaningful conversations that spark change and growth.
Keynotes:
Compensation Partner
Unidos ERG Communication Pillar Lead
Best Buy
I know Denise says she accidentally fell into being a “Belonging Expert”; however, I think this is her calling. Nobody does this better than Denise. Thank you, Denise, for the important work that you do, for continuing to share your story, and for inspiring many along the way.
Patrcia Hyack
PATRICIA HYACK SAID:
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What you can expect from working together:
The results
Understanding how to build an organization where people feel, seen, heard, and safe.
Greater engagement, self-expression, and new ideas from your diverse work environment.
A broader reach and increased sales to global demographics.
Leadership awareness for harnessing the full potential from your teams
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FOLLOW ALONG FOLLOW ALONG
WRITING A BOOK WRITING A BOOK
SECRET IS OUT SECRET IS OUT
Denise is writing
a book...
Don't miss this
After years of traveling and speaking with tens of thousands of people, I've learned there's one question causing us to suppress who we really are and steal our courage to live the life we really want.
I invite you to follow along with me as I begin the process of writing a book that answers this question.
The secret is out
Deeply meaningful message
Powerful delivery
Authenticity in spades
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