E503 | Belonging Science: The Metrics That Make Inclusion Real

Host Anusha welcomes Aaisha Hamid, VP of Belonging & Engagement at Alliant Insurance Services, for a clear, practical tour of belonging science. Aaisha defines belonging as the fit between a person and a setting—and explains why simple survey questions miss the mark. She maps seven core dimensions (from psychological safety and authenticity to recognition, wellness, and professional investment) and shares how precise measurement links belonging to outcomes like productivity and the employee Net Promoter Score over the long term. Drawing on her own journey—from feeling she had to “shrink” in meetings to finding respect and voice at Alliant—Aaisha shows how manager behavior is the hinge that turns strategy into culture. The pair dig into courage as a leadership necessity (interrupting exclusion in the moment), and agency & trust as antidotes to micromanagement, with practical ways to delegate, cross-train, and de-risk mistakes. Aaisha also spotlights the Alliant Insurance Foundation’s work creating pathways into the industry. A crisp, research-backed blueprint for leaders ready to operationalize inclusion.

Thank you to Alliant for sponsoring this podcast.

Want to be considered for the podcast? Send an email to [email protected] with your topic focus and a short bio.

To learn more about Ellevate Network and how we’re building a community that supports women+ at every stage of their careers, visit ellevatenetwork.com or reach out to [email protected].