Bold Moves, Confident Choices: Claim the room & invite others in with Courtney Turich
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You are not alone if you have searched for another word for belong or for synonyms of belonging. You are trying to name the feeling that drives workplace belonging. In this episode of I Know I Belong When, host Christopher Bylone welcomes Courtney Turich, med tech executive, certified coach, and the voice behind “be bold, be confident, be you,” to give you language for belonging you can use immediately.
Courtney Turich shares bold moves from solo backpacking across Australia to leading in a male-dominated medical device world, including her Shark Tank pitch for the Monkey Mat and what it taught her about authentic leadership. Today, she is Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Cooler Heads Care, supporting people undergoing chemotherapy with dignity-centered, human-centered innovation.
This conversation connects workplace belonging to strategic inclusion and a healthier people experience, especially during change and uncertainty. For leaders doing IDEA work, the stories offer practical ways of building belonging and creating belonging at work, plus a mindset that helps you claim the room and invite others in.
Think of this as a belonging dictionary in motion: a storytelling platform where first-person narratives give teams shared words for repair, trust, and invitation. You will also hear the facilitation cue Christopher Bylone uses: “Wait, why am I talking?” to create space for more voices.
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Must-hear insights & key moments
A morning routine that strengthens self-belonging before the day begins.
How “be bold, be confident, be you” became a tool for presence and workplace belonging.
“Team Texas” and the power of naming strengths to create belonging at work.
Mentors who created a real runway for her voice in high-stakes rooms.
A boardroom moment of being underestimated, and the recovery ritual: write down your wins.
Leadership without ego: titles as titles, shared work, shared ownership.
Courtney’s standout quotes:
“Reminding myself that I am strong, reminding myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
“I was finally being bold with my questions.”
“I was showing my true colors. People instantly started to trust me.”
“When you raise your voice, you help so many others along the way.”
“Roll your shoulders back and lift your head up, and you naturally exude confidence.”
“There is no room for ego as a leader.”
“I know I belong when I can be my true authentic self.”
Why this episode matters
If you have ever wondered how to create a sense of belonging at work, this episode offers a lived example, not theory. It also clarifies belonging vs inclusion: inclusion is the practice, belonging is the felt outcome. You will gain words you can use in meetings, feedback, and inclusive culture work, grounded in love and belonging needs without losing leadership credibility.
Who should listen
People leaders, HR partners, DEI and IDEA practitioners, sales leaders, and startup builders shaping an inclusive culture will benefit. Anyone navigating belonging in remote teams, recovering after being minimized, or seeking authentic leadership practices that build belonging will feel seen, heard, and needed. Finish the sentence with us and share your story: I know I belong when…