Culture First with Damon Klotz

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, host Damon Klotz speaks with Bob Sutton, an organizational psychologist, Stanford management professor, and New York Times best-selling author. They discuss the negative impacts of power differences within organizations, the concept of destructive and constructive friction, and the critical role of leadership in mitigating such friction. The episode delves into Bob Sutton's latest work on 'The Friction Project' and explores how effective leaders can navigate cultural challenges. Additionally, they discuss Bob's famous 'No Asshole Rule,' exploring the detrimental effects of toxic behaviors in the workplace and the importance of building supportive and psychologically safe work environments. The conversation is enriched with real-life examples from companies like Google, Microsoft, and Pixar, along with valuable insights and actionable advice for transforming workplace culture.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, host Damon Klotz, along with co-hosts Fresia Jackson, Director of People Science at Culture Amp, and Justin Angsuwat, Chief People Officer at Culture Amp, delve into the trends shaping the future of work in 2025. They discuss the implications of AI on job roles, the evolving dynamics between employees and employers, and the declining favorability of do-it-all leadership. The episode is packed with research data, including insights from over 1.3 billion data points and input from thousands of employees, shedding light on the current workplace landscape. Key trends like team-focused performance reviews, decision intelligence, and leadership strategies are explored, offering listeners valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, our host Damon Klotz invited Didier Elzinga, the CEO of Culture Amp, to step into the interview seat and speak with Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist and pioneering voice in understanding modern relationships and workplace dynamics. Together, Didier and Esther discuss the importance of relational dynamics and the power of storytelling in solving conflicts and creating meaningful connections. The conversation touches on the complexities of today’s workplace cultures, such as how to bridge cultural differences, build trust in remote work environments, and find the right balance between empathy and accountability in leadership roles. Some of the key takeaways from this episode include managing expectations, fostering psychological safety, and responding to the changing values of different generations. Listen to this insightful discussion to gain practical strategies for enhancing leadership skills and boosting organizational potential by focusing on building quality relationships and practising compassionate communication. Show notes: Esther's original Culture First Podcast Episode with Damon KlotzEsther’s websiteWhere Should We Begin? The gameEsther’s podcast, Where Should We Begin?Key Takeaways: Effective leaders balance empathy and accountability:Leaders need to be empathic and care about their employees' personal challenges and emotions, but they must also hold them accountable for their responsibilities. This balance ensures that employees feel supported yet understand the importance of meeting expectations and fulfilling their roles within the organization.The importance of in-person interactions:Although remote work offers convenience, it lacks the richness of in-person interactions essential for building relationships, trust, and effective collaboration. Leaders should treat in-person interactions as valuable resources and use them for activities that significantly benefit from face-to-face engagement, such as brainstorming sessions, mentorship, and fostering team cohesion.Explicit communication of expectations is key:Unstated expectations often lead to resentment and misunderstandings. By clearly articulating what they expect from their team members, leaders can ensure that team members understand their roles and responsibilities. This approach promotes accountability and reduces the potential for conflicts arising from unmet, unspoken expectations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Dr. Marcus Collins, professor and best-selling author of For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be. Together, they discuss the profound impact of culture on brand and organizational success. They delve into the definitions and misconceptions surrounding culture. They explore how brands like Patagonia and e.l.f. Beauty authentically maintain consistency between their external and internal cultures. They also touch upon how culture can be leveraged as a competitive advantage and the role of storytelling in creating authentic connections. A highlighted conversation stems from Collins' insights into pragmatic cultural transformation and maintaining authenticity within brands.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Shane Battier. Shane is a two-time NBA champion and former player for the Miami Heat. He was recognized as a scholar-athlete at Duke University, earning accolades such as the National Player of the Year before being drafted sixth overall in the 2001 NBA Draft. Beyond basketball, Battier is committed to philanthropy through his foundation, which focuses on educational resources for underserved youth. In this episode, Damon talks with Shane about the role data plays in decision making and the importance of teammate-ship over leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Amy Gallo, an esteemed author and workplace expert. Damon and Amy have an in-depth discussion on conflict resolution, feedback, and workplace culture. Amy shares her experiences and professional insights, addressing the perils of 'artificial harmony', the importance of establishing norms for healthy disagreements, and the role of empathy in feedback. The conversation explores managing conflicts both in-person and remotely, emphasizing psychological safety, clear communication, and the value of difficult yet necessary conversations. Featuring personal anecdotes, professional strategies, and cultural references from shows like 'Succession', this episode provides valuable advice for fostering high-performance and healthy workplace environments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Vincent Stanley, Patagonia’s Director of Philosophy. They discuss Patagonia’s unconventional approach to business, emphasizing cultural confidence and the importance of storytelling in building a responsible company. Vincent shares insights on Patagonia's foundational values, decision-making processes, and the importance of focusing on both environmental and societal responsibilities. The discussion highlights Patagonia's unique practices such as their transition to organic cotton and commitment to feedback culture, offering valuable lessons for other mission-driven organizations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In what ways are today’s workplace expectations shifting, and what does it mean for the future of professional growth? In this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz sits down with Isabel Berwick, the Working Careers Editor at the Financial Times and author of the bestseller 'The Future Proofed Career,' to tackle these very questions. Isabel and Damon discuss key themes around adapting to uncertainty, the role of AI in the workplace, the significance of curiosity, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They also touch on the importance of career development, building relationships and networks, practical advice for self-advocacy, and specific tips for engaging with senior leadership. Show notes: Isabel’s book The Future Proof CareerIsabel’s articles on the Financial TimesWorking It podcastKey Takeaways: Embracing change and uncertainty: It’s important to be comfortable with uncertainty, particularly around career development. Today’s rapidly changing landscape requires us to not only accept change but actively engage with it to better understand and navigate new norms.The value of human skills: As AI and automation become more prevalent, human elements like creativity, empathy, and interpersonal skills become crucial. These skills are what differentiate us from machines and add unique value to our work.Importance of visibility and self-advocacy: Practicing self-advocacy and visibility can help you stay top-of-mind in your organization. Ways to do so include being present in meetings (both physically and virtually), promoting others' work alongside your own, and using clear communication during meaningful interactions, like speaking with a CEO. Download Culture Amp's ROI Calculator Template here: https://www.cultureamp.com/quantitative-benefits-deck See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Seth Godin, renowned author, marketer, and entrepreneur. They delve into the essence of company culture and explore the significance of defining workplace culture by setting expectations and not tolerating disruptive behaviors. The conversation also highlights the importance of storytelling, enrollment, and the distinction between productive and busy work. Seth emphasizes the role of strategy in embodying a company's vision and explains how leaders can foster environments where significant work thrives. The episode offers insights on the challenges of balancing short-term results with long-term strategy and how to make impactful changes within organizations.Key Takeaways: Value of Time: We won't get a second chance at today, so it's essential to make the most of it.Choice of Workplace: You've chosen to work in a particular place; this decision shouldn't be taken for granted.Pride in Work: Use your current platform to perform work that makes you genuinely proud.Show notes: Seth’s newest book This is StrategySeth’s blogIf you've enjoyed this episode please rate, review and subscribe to Culture First on Apple and Spotify.You can watch the full video version of this podcast episode here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Amy Lavoie, VP of People Science at Culture Amp, about the role of people science and people analytics in the modern workplace. They discuss practical examples of using data to make decisions, the importance of combining science and technology, and the future of people analytics. The conversation highlights the need for people scientists who can analyze data, provide insights, and consult with leaders to drive meaningful change. They also emphasize the importance of democratizing data and connecting people analytics with business performance metrics.Learn more about the latest in people analytics here. https://www.cultureamp.com/people-analytics See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the second part of a two-part series on layoffs and their impact on the employee experience. The episode focuses on the long-term impact of layoffs, based on research conducted by Culture Amp. The study analyzed data from layoffs in the tech sector between March 2020 and December 2023, including over 3,300 layoff events by 2,400 companies.Chapters03:30 - Rebounding After a Layoff07:00 - How Long It Takes to Rebound11:46 - Determinants and Drivers of Engagement Post Layoff18:50 - The Impact of Second Layoffs22:01 - Main Takeaways and ConclusionDuring this episode, we discussed the health impacts of layoffs on individuals. You can read more about that below. Medical studies have shown that the trauma of unemployment causes disease. One study found that being laid off ranked seventh among the most stressful life experiences — more stressful than divorce, a sudden and serious impairment of hearing or vision, or the death of a close friend.Experts say that it takes, on average, two years to recover from the psychological trauma of losing a job.Source: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-01-17/tech-layoffs-stress-trauma-unemployment-economy#:~:text=One%20study%20found%20that%20being,trauma%20of%20losing%20a%20job. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or follow and hit five stars on Spotify.Learn more about Culture Amp at www.cultureamp.com Follow Damon on LinkedIn to get his latest leadership insights, and follow him on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes footage from the podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the first part of a two-part series on layoffs and their impact on the employee experience. The episode focuses on the immediate impact of layoffs, based on research conducted by Culture Amp. The research analyzed data from layoffs in the tech sector between March 2020 and December 2023, including over 3,300 layoff events by 2,400 companies.The conversation explores the impact of layoffs on employee engagement and the employee experience. It discusses the decline in engagement levels after layoffs, particularly in trust, pride, and commitment. It also highlights the importance of leadership communication and development opportunities in mitigating the negative effects of layoffs. The conversation debunks the myth that doing one large layoff is better than multiple smaller layoffs and emphasizes the role of managers in supporting employees during this challenging time.The episode concludes by discussing alternative strategies to layoffs and the importance of treating employees with decency and humanity throughout the process.Chapters03:40 - Research Methodology and Data Set07:08 - Immediate Impact on Employee Engagement13:55 - Decline in Commitment and Confidence20:34 - Importance of Transparent Communication23:22 - The Role of Leadership Communication and Development Opportunities27:45 - Debunking the Myth of One Large Layoff Being Better33:46 - The Importance of Managers in Supporting Employees38:24 - Exploring Alternative Strategies to LayoffsArticles mentioned in this episode: Business Insider - A better way to handle layoffsAxios - Employers are "afraid" to conduct layoffs in viral video eraIf you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or follow and hit five stars on Spotify.Learn more about Culture Amp at www.cultureamp.com Follow Damon on LinkedIn to get his latest leadership insights & follow on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes footage from the podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Culture First Podcast, we take you on the road with us to give you a front-row seat to an incredible conversation that took place at SXSW Austin this year.In this episode, Didier Elzinga, CEO and Co-founder of Culture Amp, will moderate a discussion on achieving and sustaining a high-performance culture by drawing upon lessons learned from the world of high-performance sports.He was joined by Lindsay Verstegen, Chief People & Diversity Officer at the Detroit Lions, John Ferguson, Chief HR Officer at NASCAR, and Ben Crowe, former global Nike executive and one of the world’s most in-demand professional mentors and mindset coaches, working with CEO’s, teams, executive teams and athletes.They discuss the importance of intentional pauses, building relationships, and the need to fix the environment rather than the individual. The conversation provides valuable perspectives on leadership, team dynamics, and the power of data in understanding and supporting employees.Show notes and timestamps: 03:21 - Creating a Culture of Belonging and Inclusion12:20 - Navigating Uncertainty: From 'Me' to 'We' Mindset32:29 - Fixing the Environment, Not the Individual33:51- Data-Driven Insights for Organizational Improvement34:09 - The Power of Vulnerability and Trust in Leadership36:31 - Connecting with Intrinsic Motivations for Success41:18 - Feedback as a Catalyst for Growth and Development49:48 - Bridging the Gap in Multi-Generational TeamsClick here to download the State of the Manager Report mentioned during this interview. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review.Learn more about Culture Amp at www.cultureamp.com or @cultureamp on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Damon Klotz and Chip Conley explore what it means to be a modern elder, ponder the notion of our identity being wrapped up in our work, and what role the manager can play in creating the environment and culture to do the best work of your life.If you'd like to listen to the full episode with Chip click here: https://www.cultureamp.com/podcast/how-to-learn-unlearn-stay-curious-at-work-with-chip-conleyLearn more about Culture Amp by heading to www.cultureamp.comWe believe in creating a better world of work, if that’s important to you too, please subscribe and leave us a review to make sure you don’t miss an episode.If you missed Culture First Virtual 2024, you can now watch all of the sessions on demand from people like Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe, and Ben Crowe. Click this link to download your favourite session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Damon at Culture First Virtual 2024 to hear from Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe and Ben Crowe. Register here to get your free ticket & a thank you for being a Podcast listener. Register now.This May, people leaders and culture creators from all over the world will gather to share innovative ideas and insights on improving organizational culture.Join us at Culture First Global 2024, a free virtual conference where leaders connect on culture at work, to hear from Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe, and an outstanding lineup of thought leaders and industry experts.Join Damon at Culture First Virtual 2024 to hear from Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe and Ben Crowe. Register here to get your free ticket & a thank you for being a Podcast listener. Register now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DeRay McKesson is a civil rights activist, community organiser, and host of Pod Save the People. He started his career as an educator & human capital leader and is the co-founder of Campaign Zero. Many of the marches DeRay has helped organize contributed to the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement.DeRay has become a key player in the workplace when it comes to confronting the systems and structures that have led to mass incarceration and police killings of black and other minority populations. He is a board member of Rock The Vote, was named one of the World’s Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine in 2015, and one of the 30 Most Influential People On The Internet by Time Magazine. You might also know DeRay for famously wearing a blue Patagonia vest. Show notes:Damon's full interview with DeRay can be found here. In the full episode you’ll also hear from Culture Amp CEO Didier Elzinga and his thoughts on role of the organization in actively creating a better world and how leaders can best support their employees to be activists in their community.Learn more about DeRay McKesson at www.deray.comLearn more about Culture Amp by heading to www.cultureamp.com  We believe in creating a better world of work, if that’s important to you too, please subscribe and leave us a review to make sure you don’t miss an episode.If you missed Culture First Virtual 2024, you can now watch all of the sessions on demand from people like Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe, and Ben Crowe. Click this link to download your favourite session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do we lose access to curiosity as we age? Or is it like a muscle that's always there, but just needs to be activated and strengthened?Scott Keoni Shigeoka is an internationally recognized curiosity expert, speaker and author and he's known for translating research into strategies that promote positive wellbeing and connected relationships around the globe including at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and through his popular courses at the University of Texas in Austin.In this vibrant and very human conversation with Damon Klotz, Scott helps us remember that we have the capacity to explore and explains just how to use exploration to connect better with others. He tells us how curiosity can boost morale, increase collaboration, and how it can ease conflict and tension in the workplace and everywhere else.Scott also encourages us all to start being an 'admitter', explaining how understanding the limits of your knowledge will always help people believe that you’re not completely out of touch.Show notes:If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review.Learn more about Culture Amp at www.cultureamp.com or @cultureamp on InstagramIf you missed Culture First Virtual 2024, you can now watch all of the sessions on demand from people like Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe, and Ben Crowe. Click this link to download your favourite session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you feel like trust works both ways in your workplace?With the sustained rise in remote or semi-remote roles, the importance of trust in the workplace is top of mind. But trust needs to work both ways, right? The question isn’t only "can employers trust their employees", it also needs to be "can employees trust their employers?"Rachel Botsman is a trust expert, author and lecturer at Oxford University. She's passionate about challenging ideas around trust and humility and has been recognised as one of the world's 30 most influential management thinkers. Honoured as a young global leader by the World Economic Forum, Rachel’s TED Talks have garnered more than 5 million views.Rachel defines trust as a confident relationship with the unknown and in this short snippet of a longer conversation she really helps us understand how we can cultivate it in our workplaces.Show notes:This conversation is full of laughter and warmth. The full episode is the same and can be found here.Learn more about Rachel Botsman by heading to www.rachelbotsman.comLearn more about Culture Amp by heading to www.cultureamp.com  We believe in creating a better world of work, if that’s important to you too, please subscribe and leave us a review to make sure you don’t miss an episode.If you missed Culture First Virtual 2024, you can now watch all of the sessions on demand from people like Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe, and Ben Crowe. Click this link to download your favourite session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cleo Wade describes herself as a friend and a community builder. She's the author of bestselling books - Heart Talk, poetic Wisdom for a Better Life and Where to Begin, a small book about your power to create big change. Cleo’s also got a new book coming out in May this year - pre-order it here!From the data we collect here at Culture Amp, we know how important it is to give employees a chance to be heard, give feedback and share stories about their experience at work. Creating space for these conversations is important in the workplace and society at large. When we create space to come together and learn from each other, truly amazing things can happen. One of the 2024 workplace trends we identified in our first episode of the year is the idea of commute-worthy experiences. Basically, we're asking companies to truly think about what type of experience they want people to have in the office.If we can hear what Cleo has to say, we’ve got a much better chance of creating workplaces that justify their employee’s commute.Show notes:If this conversation has left you wanting more, the link to Damon's full conversation with Cleo is here.Learn more about Cleo Wade by heading to www.cleowade.comLearn more about Culture Amp by heading to www.cultureamp.com  We believe in creating a better world of work, if that’s important to you too, please subscribe and leave us a review to make sure you don’t miss an episode.If you missed Culture First Virtual 2024, you can now watch all of the sessions on demand from people like Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe, and Ben Crowe. Click this link to download your favourite session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We can't think of a better way to mark International Women's Day than with a crystal clear call to action to all employers, laying out exactly what is needed to improve the world of work for women. Jamila is Deputy Managing Director of Future Women, where she supports governments and employer organisations working towards gender equality.Listen to Jamila dictate the email that she would like us to send to CEO’s around the world who are ready to improve the world of work for women. Jamila's email is not only a conversation starter, but a shareable resource brimful of practical advice on what we can all do to create real change. Show notes:To hear Damon and Jamila's full conversation head here.To read or copy Jamila's complete email head here.Learn more about Jamila at jamilarizvi.com.au and Future Women at futurewomen.comLearn more about Culture Amp at www.cultureamp.com or @cultureamp on InstagramIf you missed Culture First Virtual 2024, you can now watch all of the sessions on demand from people like Esther Perel, Megan Rapinoe, and Ben Crowe. Click this link to download your favourite session.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.