In this episode of The Belonging Project Podcast, host Fiorenza Rossini is joined by Febronia Ruocco — Global Strategic Insights & Analytics Director and Executive Leadership Coach — for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about what it really means for women to advocate for themselves, at work and beyond.

Together, they explore Febronia’s professional journey across industries and cultures, and how self-advocacy has played a pivotal role in shaping her leadership path.

They unpack the often-unspoken generational dynamics that influence how women show up at work, especially when it comes to speaking up, setting boundaries, and owning their voice.

This episode dives into:

* The impact of generational narratives on women’s confidence and communication

* How cultural heritage and upbringing shape our ability to self-advocate

* The connection between self-advocacy and a sense of belonging

* Why creating psychologically safe environments is key to helping women thrive

* Febronia’s personal reflections on leadership, identity, and authenticity

Whether you’re early in your career or navigating leadership as a woman in today’s workplace, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom on how to claim your space — with courage, clarity, and care.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

04:31 The Importance of Self-Advocacy

07:23 Cultural Influences on Self-Advocacy

09:58 Generational Perspectives on Advocacy

13:19 When Self-Advocacy meets Belonging

16:05 Finding Belonging in One's Own Skin

19:22 Creating Supportive Work Environments

21:21 Recognising Signs of Belonging🔗 Resources + Links

* Connect with Febronia Ruocco on LinkedIn

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