Authenticity Over Optics: Creating Inclusive EVP with Heart

In this episode, the team from Employer Branding Australia sits down with Belinda Leon, Employer Brand Specialist at Bendigo Bank, to explore the deeply personal and strategic layers of employer branding. From falling into talent acquisition by chance to leading one of the sector’s most thoughtful EVP projects, Belinda shares the realities of building inclusive workplaces—without the gloss.   Together with David Concannon and Hannah Brink, they unpack the power of listening to employees, championing diversity through storytelling, and how a values-driven EVP can act as both a beacon and a filter for future talent. Key Topics and Themes Falling into employer branding: Belinda’s unconventional entry into the field. The importance of lived experience in shaping DEI narratives. Avoiding tokenism in storytelling and employer brand campaigns. Why inclusive employer branding is a business imperative, not a “nice to have”. Navigating internal barriers, managing stakeholders, and partnering effectively. The real power of authenticity and honesty in EVP. Storytelling strategies that humanise rather than homogenise. Emotional, practical, and strategic advice for both EB professionals and business leaders. About Our Guest Belinda Leon is an experienced Employer Brand Specialist currently shaping the EVP and talent narrative at Bendigo Bank. With a background spanning IT, publishing, government, and financial services, Belinda brings a uniquely strategic and human-centred lens to employer branding. A passionate advocate for neurodivergence and inclusion, her work champions authenticity and business-aligned storytelling. Takeaways You can’t fake inclusion: Real stories from real people create real trust. Listen to understand, not to reply: Discovery is where the magic happens. Don’t just market the glossy stuff: A strong EVP helps people opt out as much as in. Lived experience is not one-size-fits-all: Respect nuance, avoid assumptions. Employer branding is a change agent: It’s about connection, culture, and business transformation—not just recruitment. Links and Resources Bendigo Bank Careers: bendigobank.com.au/careers Employer Branding Australia: employerbrandingaustralia.com Neurodiversity in the workplace (article): Harvard Business Review – Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage Produced by The Podcast Boss