How do we create workplaces where every individual feels a deep sense of belonging, and why does it matter for transformation?

In this episode of Transformation 2.0®, Chamara sits down with Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon, PhD, Associate Professor of Human Resources Management at Mount Royal University and Belongify Certified Coach. Together, they explore how "Right to Disconnect" and belonging impacts performance, innovation, and retention, and why leaders must move beyond diversity checkboxes to cultivate true connection and contribution in their teams.

From hybrid teams to in-person environments, Uthpala shares practical, research-backed strategies for fostering cultures where people feel safe to contribute their best work, and how that sense of belonging directly fuels organisational transformation.

If you’re a leader, HR professional, or transformation consultant looking to unlock the full potential of your people, while balancing the legal implications of the ‘right to disconnect’ legislation that will be effective for small businesses from August 26, 2025, this episode will give you the frameworks, stories, and actions to make belonging a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The ‘Right to Disconnect’ is no longer a luxury; it’s the law, even for small businesses

✅ Inclusion means designing environments where people can contribute meaningfully

✅ Belonging is a key driver of performance, not just a “nice to have”

✅ Hybrid and remote work require intentional belonging strategies

✅ Leaders must address systemic barriers in hiring and promotion to create equity

✅ Belonging is measurable - and measurable improvements lead to business impact

✅ Psychological safety is the foundation for innovation and change

Resources & Links:

🔗 Learn more about the work we do at Anthosa: https://www.anthosa.com

🔗 Connect with Uthpala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uthpala-stennakoon/

About the Guest

Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon, PhD is an Associate Professor of Human Resources Management at the Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada.

She has a rich background encompassing engineering, finance, and organisational dynamics. Her extensive academic and professional expertise positions her uniquely to guide leaders through complex workplace transformations, particularly in aligning strategic business outcomes with human-centric management practices. Uthpala also serves as a coach, leadership mentor and advocate for inclusive, thriving workplace cultures that enhance employee engagement, productivity, and overall well-being.

Her work focuses on turning diversity and inclusion into real connection, contribution, and performance - whether in hybrid, remote, or in-person teams. In addition to her academic role, Uthpala serves as Associate Editor of the South Asian Journal of Human Resources Management and brings two decades of experience across academia, business analysis, and financial services.

What can human services organisations learn from asset-heavy industries about using technology to drive change?

In this episode of Transformation 2.0®, we sit down with Ian Robinson, CIO at Life Without Barriers, to explore the unique opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in the not-for-profit sector.

Ian’s career has spanned rail, utilities, water, and now human services, giving him a rare lens on how culture, process, and technology intersect. We unpack how the lessons learned in engineering-led environments translate into a people-first sector – and why the cultural readiness of an organisation is just as critical as the systems it invests in.

If you’re a digital leader, CIO, or transformation consultant navigating change in complex environments, you’ll find inspiration and practical insights on how to create impact at scale while keeping the human at the centre of transformation.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The surprising parallels between asset-intensive industries and human services

✅ Why cultural readiness and stakeholder alignment are crucial for digital transformation

✅ The challenge of balancing efficiency with personalised care in a not-for-profit context

✅ How AI and automation can reduce admin burden and free up frontline workers

✅ The importance of human-centric design and co-creation in driving adoption

✅ Future-proofing organisations: how to stay agile while scaling

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-robinsoncio/

🔗 Learn more about the work we do at Anthosa: https://www.anthosa.com

About the Guest

Ian Robinson is the Chief Information Officer at Life Without Barriers. With a career that began in electrical engineering and telecommunications, Ian has held senior technology leadership roles across rail, utilities, water, and now the not-for-profit sector. His experience spans managing complex asset environments, leading large-scale digital transformations, and embedding human-centric approaches to technology. At Life Without Barriers, Ian is focused on using technology to create better outcomes for people and communities.

In this episode of Transformation 2.0®, we explore how modern learning design is unlocking transformation in organisations. Our hosts Taural Rhoden and Chamara Somaratne, discuss why traditional education models are falling short - and what change leaders can do to rethink learning as a strategic driver of innovation, adaptability, and growth.

From cognitive overload and box-ticking courses to AI-powered personalisation, this episode dives into the future of workforce learning and why curiosity, experimentation, and continuous adaptation are the new must-have capabilities.

Whether you’re a transformation leader, L&D professional, or business strategist, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and spark new ideas on how learning really works in fast-paced, high-change environments.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Traditional corporate learning fails when it's standardised, passive, and disconnected from real work

✅ Sports teams spend most of their time training, business teams should too

✅ Box-ticking compliance programs rarely produce behaviour change

✅ Curiosity, growth mindset, and psychological safety are critical for learning cultures

✅ AI and microlearning are game-changers for personalised, in-the-flow development

✅ One-size-fits-all methodologies don’t work, transformation requires adaptive learning

✅ Leaders must “walk the talk” by modeling curiosity and experimentation themselves

Resources & Links:

🔗 Learn more about the work we do at Anthosa: https://www.anthosa.com

🔗 Connect with Taural Rhoden on LinkedIn

🔗 Connect with Chamara Somaratne on LinkedIn

About Our Co-Host:

Taural Rhoden is the Principal of Rhoden Consulting, where he helps experts think commercially and build resilient, profitable service businesses. Over the last 20 years, he’s worked at the sharp end of international consulting, advisory, and transformation with IBM, DXC, Mercedes-Benz, and the US Army.

He’s built independent businesses, returned to corporate leadership, and led high-impact digital transformations across industries. Today, he helps solopreneurs and small consultancies craft premium offers, build scalable delivery models, grow authority, and create sustainable revenue without burnout.

His mission: Equip experts to think commercially – so they can act with clarity, grow with confidence, and build businesses that last.

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