We’re building the Big Blend Media House pixel by pixel, room by room, and we’re reintroducing our Big Blend Radio experts so you can get to know your friends and family. In this "Getting to Know You" interview, organizational coach and author Rita Sever joins Lisa D. Smith for seven fun questions.

Rita is the author of "Supervision Matters," the book Big Blend first met her through about ten years ago, and "Leading for Justice." She hosts Big Blend Radio’s "Supervision Matters" Podcast every third Friday. She begins by explaining why she believes the heart of supervision is partnering with people to help them succeed. Then the questions begin. Rita’s spirit animal is the otter, which leads to Lisa’s story about visiting the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural Center in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. Rita talks about why play and connection matter so much to her, shares the life lesson she’d pass to the next generation, and names the place she wants to visit next: the San Juan Islands.

We also ask what theme song she’d pick for her own TV talk show, what she hopes a dinner host doesn’t serve (creamed corn is a hard no), and what she wants in the Big Blend Media House game room.

MORE: - Rita’s website: https://supervisionmatters.com - Supervision Matters Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/supervision-matters-podcast-with-rita-sever - Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/supervision-matters-magazine - Visit the Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/

New episodes of Big Blend Radio’s Supervision Matters Podcast air every third Friday.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s SUPERVISION MATTERS Podcast, organizational coach and author Rita Sever exploreS what it really means to create an inclusive workplace culture — and why building a real team is healthier than thinking of coworkers as a “work family.”

Rita explains why employees who feel included and connected are more engaged, committed, and likely to stay, while organizations that foster community are better positioned for innovation, teamwork, and change. She and Lisa discuss the warning signs of exclusion, from workplace cliques and isolated employees to meetings where certain voices never get heard.

The conversation also explores how leaders and HR professionals can create a culture where everyone has an opportunity to contribute, including introverts, neurodivergent employees, new hires, and people whose experiences or perspectives may differ from the majority.

Rita emphasizes that inclusion isn't just about having policies in an employee handbook. Leadership has to put those policies into action. She shares practical ideas for more inclusive meetings, communicating expectations, recognizing hidden workplace rules, watching retention patterns, supporting employees through individual supervision, and creating an environment where people feel safe speaking up.

Rita also compares workplace teams to sports teams — where different people bring different skills, support one another, take ownership of both wins and losses, and work toward a shared goal.

Because a strong workplace community doesn't just improve the employee experience. It can ripple outward to customers, clients, retention, innovation, teamwork, and the overall success of an organization.

📌 Resources & Links 🔹 Rita Sever / Supervision Matters: https://supervisionmatters.com/

🔹 Supervision Matters Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/supervision-matters-magazine

🔹 Listen to all Supervision Matters episodes: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/supervision-matters-podcast-with-rita-sever