That feeling when someone calls your workplace a “family”? It’s feels uncomfortable for a reason. Real workplace community is something entirely different—and much more valuable for your team’s success.

In today’s workplace, building genuine connections is more important than ever. Despite being surrounded by people at work, many middle managers struggle to create meaningful relationships within their teams. Today’s guest, DeMario Bell shares practical strategies for building authentic workplace communities that drive both personal growth and business results.

DeMario D. Bell is an award-winning community builder and first-generation college graduate who knows firsthand that when people feel truly seen and heard, extraordinary things happen. As founder of Gatherful and former Head of Community at Culture Amp and Mentor Collective, he built something special – global communities that connected over 100,000 HR and people leaders and 200,000 members in ways that actually matter.

In this candid conversation we discuss how the term “work family” creates unrealistic expectations and why focusing on authentic connection serves teams better. DeMario explains that workplace communities differ from personal ones due to power dynamics and business objectives, but they can still be transformative when psychological safety is prioritized.

Throughout the discussion, DeMario emphasizes that building community doesn’t require grand gestures—it happens through consistent small interactions like meaningful one-on-ones and brief check-ins during team meetings. He shares how middle managers can start building trust through vulnerability, active listening, and by amplifying team members’ voices. The most successful workplace communities foster psychological safety, highlight the contributions of all members, and evolve to meet changing needs.

For middle managers looking to build stronger teams, this episode provides a practical roadmap to creating authentic workplace communities that support both individual growth and business success—proving that meaningful connection at work is both possible and necessary in today’s workplace.

Key Highlights

• Community is “the group of people who will pick you up when you stumble, and they’re the same group who will cheer you on when you have your wildest, most ambitious goals”
• Why calling your workplace a “family” creates problematic expectations and one-sided emotional obligations
• The trust equation by David Maister: credibility + reliability + intimacy/self-orientation 
• Simple ways to build community include consistent one-on-ones, shared vulnerability, and prioritizing relationship-building in meetings
• Rewarding behaviors you want to see rather than forcing participation or focusing on forced connection activities like happy hours
• Start small and consistent—community building doesn’t happen through one-off events or offsites

Links mentioned

The Trust Equation by David Maister

Culture Amp’s belonging badges

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demario-bell-7a510994/

DeMario’s Company:  https://www.gatherfulconsulting.com/

Guest Bio

DeMario D. Bell is an award-winning community builder and first-generation college graduate who knows firsthand that when people feel truly seen and heard, extraordinary things happen. As founder of Gatherful and former Head of Community at Culture Amp and Mentor Collective, he built something special – global communities that connected over 100,000 HR and people leaders and 200,000 members in ways that actually matter.

Named LinkedIn’s Top Community Voice and a CMX award winner for B2B community excellence, DeMario combines strategic expertise with lived experience to help organizations build communities that drive real impact. He shares real stories and battle-tested approaches that turn community from a buzzword into a force for genuine growth and lasting change.