Recognize & resist gaslighting: Turning rebellion into systems change with Dr. Jade Singleton
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What if the most radical act of leadership is learning how to trust yourself again? In this powerful episode of I Know I Belong When…, host Christopher Bylone sits with Dr. Jade Singleton, culture strategist, researcher, and systems-change architect, to explore how belonging in the workplace is shaped not only by policies and practices, though also by our inner world.
This conversation moves beyond surface-level inclusion to name what many experience and struggle to describe: workplace gaslighting, the erosion of self-trust, and the quiet pressure to perform rather than belong. Dr. Singleton brings language, clarity, and grounded leadership insight to help listeners recognize harmful patterns, reclaim their reality, and turn personal rebellion into sustainable systems change.
Through first-person storytelling, this episode gives listeners language for belonging. It connects love and belonging needs to authentic leadership, human-centered innovation, and strategic inclusion. Whether you are navigating belonging in remote teams, building an inclusive culture, or searching for another word for belong that actually fits your lived experience, this episode offers both validation and direction.
This is an essential listen for anyone asking how to create a sense of belonging at work without losing themselves in the process. Belonging is not a slogan here. It is an outcome of intentional IDEA work, grounded in truth, trust, and systems change.
Watch the full episode :
Must-hear insights & key moments
How rebellion becomes self-sovereignty and fuels systems change
What workplace gaslighting sounds like, feels like, and why confusion is a warning sign
Why belonging in the workplace starts with belonging to yourself
The difference between belonging vs inclusion and why the distinction matters
Practical ways leaders can document reality and protect psychological safety
Why DEI work is about changing systems, not managing individual pain
How nervous system awareness reveals a true sense of belonging at work
Dr Singleton’s Standout Quotes:
“If the battle is not won from the inside, it is very difficult to affect systems on the outside.”
“The point of gaslighting is to abandon yourself and rely on someone else for your reality.”
“There is a feeling of confusion that comes after gaslighting. That confusion is a symptom.”
“Authenticity has to be a true reflection and a true embrace of who you really are.”
“When I realized I did not have to perform and there was no fallout, I knew I belonged.”
“Your role is not to change hearts and minds. Your role is to change systems.”
“I know I belong when my nervous system tells me I belong.”
Why this episode matters
Many organizations talk about inclusive culture, yet struggle to create a true sense of belonging at work. This episode names why. Dr. Singleton reframes belonging as the outcome of strategic inclusion and authentic leadership, not a standalone initiative. By connecting personal experience to systems change, this conversation equips leaders, practitioners, and employees with language to recognize harm, resist distortion, and build belonging that lasts. It is a guide for anyone navigating belonging in the workplace during uncertainty and change.
Who should listen
This episode guides leaders seeking real workplace belonging through actionable system changes. It’s ideal for HR, DEI, and team managers—including those with remote teams—who shape employee experience. If you face trust or confusion at work, you'll find affirming language here. The discussion covers belonging versus inclusion, practical strategies, and ways to meet love and belonging needs credibly. Anyone aiming to lead authentically and build an inclusive culture will benefit.