181 - How to Build a Workplace Where Everyone Knows They Belong with Christopher Bylone

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Christopher Bylone—founder of Innovation Unbiased and host of the I Know I Belong When podcast—for a powerful conversation about moving beyond inclusion to true belonging. Christopher shares his journey from agriculture to Chief Diversity Officer and explains why belonging is the outcome organizations should be solving for. He unpacks his “Belonging Formula,” challenges leaders to move past basic ADA compliance, and calls for purposeful unbiased behavior. From parental leave policies to accessibility gaps, this episode offers practical insights to help leaders build cultures where everyone knows they belong.

Key Takeaways:

Belonging Outcome – Inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and justice must work together to create true belonging.

Belonging Formula – Equity plus diversity times inclusion to the power of accessibility—divided by justice—creates measurable belonging.

Policy Over Preference – Inclusive values must be embedded in policy, not left to individual managers.

Beyond Compliance – ADA compliance is the floor, not the ceiling, for accessibility.

Purposeful Unbias – Don’t just recognize bias—actively ensure it doesn’t harm others.

Christopher Bylone’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is just one component of creating a culture where everybody knows that they belong.

Christopher Bylone’s Bio:

Christopher Bylone is the visionary leader and founder of Innovation Unbiased, a platform that blends data and storytelling to build cultures of belonging.

As host of the podcast “I Know I Belong When…”, he amplifies bold voices and curious stories that explore identity, inclusion, and impact.

A cancer survivor and lifelong advocate, Christopher has led global belonging strategies at Krispy Kreme and IFF, transforming workplace culture through inclusive policies, ERGs, and multimillion-dollar DE&I initiatives. His journey—from founding a Gay-Straight Alliance in college to shaping corporate ESG strategies—is rooted in resilience and authenticity.

Living in the Charlotte Metro area, he is a proud father to Derek, a freshman at the Darla Moore School of Business, and Jacob, an eighth grader who plays football and lacrosse.

Christopher leads with heart, strategy, and conviction—proving that belonging is not just a value, it is a movement.

Connect with Christopher Bylone:

Website: https://www.innovationunbiased.com/

Podcast Website: https://www.iknowibelongwhen.com/

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

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

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 81

No - 98

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