Ping pong tables don’t create connection. Perks don’t replace feeling seen. And “culture” doesn’t happen by accident—especially in a hybrid workforce.

In this episode of The Leader’s Mindset, Jason LeDuc sits down with Rosalind Cohen (Dr. Roz) — Founder & President of Socius Strategies, Chief People Officer at LNU Advisors, and author of The Engagement Dilemma — to break down what belonging and connection actually mean at work, why they’re often misunderstood, and what leaders can do to build engagement that lasts.

Roz explains why belonging and connection aren’t separate from inclusion—they’re an evolution of it. People want to feel good walking into work. They want to contribute in a way that’s genuine to who they are. And they want to feel connected to the mission and the people around them.

💡 A conversation for leaders at every level

Jason and Roz get practical about what leaders can do when “water cooler talk” disappears, why hybrid work makes connection harder, and how managers can create space for genuine relationships without turning work into therapy.

This episode is great for:

- Founders and executives trying to scale culture without losing people

- Managers leading in hybrid/remote environments

- HR and people leaders who want engagement tied to business outcomes

- Leaders tired of performative “culture perks” and ready to build real connection

🤔 What you will learn:

- What “belonging” and “connection” really mean (and why they’re about feelings + mission)

- How belonging and connection relate to DEI—without getting lost in the politics

- The simple leadership move that creates connection: making space for people to share who they are

- Why stereotypes fall away when people find genuine common ground (Roz’s “knitting” example)

- Why hybrid work requires intentional connection—because it won’t happen organically

- The 3 levels of engagement: I feel, I belong, I think

- What managers can influence directly—and what organizations must systematize

- Why organizations should “pause” when someone quits (before reposting the same job)

- Why onboarding should be a year, not a week—and how to close the loop on expectations

- Why perks (beer, ping pong tables) don’t replace appreciation and being valued

- How to start culture change: executive sponsorship + employee ownership

- The real resistance to change: fear—and why leaders must be honest about what people will lose

💬 Question for you:

What’s one small, intentional habit you can build this week to help your team feel more connected—without adding more meetings?

If you got value from this episode, subscribe for more conversations with leaders making an impact in business and our communities—and share this episode with a leader who wants real engagement, not performative culture.

Onward and Upward! 🚀

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How to reach Dr. Roz Cohen:

Website: http://drrozcohen.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalindfcohen/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chethirani/

How to reach Jason LeDuc:

Email: info@leducleadership.com

Website: https://www.leducleadership.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership