Community insights worth sharing

Want to know what got me fired up about community building in the first place? These conversations tell the story. Before Gatherful, I was out there testing, learning, and sharing what actually works in community building. (And yes, sometimes learning what definitely doesn't!)

Here's a peek at some of my favorite conversations that shaped how I think about community today.

CMX Summit 2024

Topic: Sustainably Scaling Ambassador and Chapter Programs


This flagship industry event highlighted innovative strategies for sustaining community growth through advocacy, rooted in real-world leadership.

Community Therapy

Topic: Building Lasting Relationships with Members


A thoughtful conversation on how to nurture meaningful connections and foster lasting member relationships within communities.

The Made Leader Podcast

Topic: How Leaders Build Community with their Teams

In this candid conversation we discuss how the term “work family” creates unrealistic expectations and why focusing on authentic connection serves teams better

I Hate It Here Podcast

Topic: How to Shift HR Toward More Connection & Curiosity


Discussed the future of HR and the role of community in fostering meaningful workplace relationships and driving engagement.

Fueling Growth Through Community and Advocacy: Strategies for Top-of-Funnel Success

Topic: Community-Led Growth and Customer Advocacy


Exploring how customer communities can fuel advocacy, retention, and revenue growth through authentic engagement.

New World of Work Podcast - OysterHR

Topic: Mentorship That Matters

From his infectious energy to his deep passion for community building, DeMario shares thoughtful insights into how People leaders can build a rock-solid mentorship program.

Community thinking on paper

Khoros Ebook: Online communities unfiltered: 2025 trends, challenges, and opportunities

Online communities unfiltered: 2025 trends, challenges, and opportunities

Download here >

Discourse White Paper: How to Calculate the ROI of Your Community.

A comprehensive guide to measuring the business impact of community programs.

Download here >

Led by Community Blog Interview: DeMario Bell - Senior Community Manager, Culture Amp

Learn more about my community story and my insights on community building and fostering advocacy.

Read more here >

Culture Amp Blog: Juneteenth in the Workplace


Exploring the importance of honoring Juneteenth and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Read more here >

Culture Amp Blog: Real Voices: The Black Experience


Highlighting authentic stories and insights to amplify the Black experience in the workplace.

Read more here >

Here's what I love talking about

  • Line drawing of a dollar bill with a plant growing out of it.

    Building revenue-generating communities

    How community directly impacts business results and drives measurable ROI

  • Line drawing of a smiling face with closed eyes, surrounded by small decorative shapes.

    Creating genuine engagement

    Moving beyond vanity metrics to build communities people actually want to participate in

  • Outline icon of three people with stars above their heads, representing recognition or achievement.

    Bridging internal and customer connection

    How principles of community work across both employee and customer contexts

Also Featured In

University of Michigan Alumni Association logo with a large yellow block M and blue text.
The TEDx logo in red and white.
Logo of NAMI California with a yellow and black emblem and blue text.
Facebook logo with chat bubbles and the text "Led by Community" in purple and orange
A smiling man with glasses and a beard giving two thumbs up against a blue background.

Want to bring these insights to your audience?

I enjoy sharing practical community-building strategies with audiences who care about creating genuine connection. From podcasts to keynotes, I focus on delivering actionable takeaways (not just theoretical frameworks).