I Hate It Here S10 E6: How is Belonging SUPPOSED to Feel at Work? with Erica Lydell
Dec 1, 2025
Join Erica Lydell, a seasoned People and Culture leader passionate about neurodiversity and inclusion, as she unpacks the complex nature of belonging at work. She shares her personal journey, emphasizing that true belonging isn’t automatic and often requires navigating identity tensions. Erica critiques the concept of professionalism, advocates for the unique culture at Fluevog, and highlights the importance of understanding neurodiverse perspectives. She argues that leaders must build trust to foster genuine inclusion, making belonging a dynamic, evolving experience.
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Belonging Found In A Minecraft Club
- Erica describes finding instant belonging at a Minecraft club for autistic kids where her son could be himself.
- The moment showed belonging isn't a paper or title but being allowed to participate authentically.
Redefining Professionalism Through Culture
- Fluvog's brand ethos of "weird" attracts people who feel comfortable showing their true selves at work.
- That culture demonstrates professionalism can be redefined to include nonconventional expression.
Retail's Structure Helps Neurodivergent Employees
- Erica initially assumed autistic people would struggle in retail but learned many thrive due to structured social scripts.
- A sales associate explained retail provides predictable interactions that match autistic strengths.
