Culture Crush

In episode 60 of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman sits down with emotional intelligence expert Justin Bariso to discuss leadership challenges and building effective cultures. Sponsored by Anthem, this milestone episode touches on overcoming personality differences in the workplace, leveraging emotional intelligence, and fostering meaningful conversations. Justin also shares insights from his work with EQ Applied and his experiences as a columnist for Inc. Magazine. Practical frameworks and tools, such as the ‘Three Question Rule’ and ‘Disagree and Commit,’ are highlighted to help listeners manage their emotions and improve team dynamics. Culture Crush: 🧡 Starbucks ➡️ For historically investing in the wholeness of your people through education and healthcare. Whilst things might have changed in the last few years, this employee focus remains a beautiful template for others to follow. We’ll be paying close attention to the next chapter… 🧡 (…and speaking of the next chapter) Brian Niccol ➡️ For your clear and actionable intentions about Starbucks’ future, and for actually spending one-on-one time with your baristas where they work in their home neighbourhoods. Key Takeaways: ✅ Emotional intelligence is a lifelong journey; it’s essential to keep practising and learning from experiences. ✅ Understanding personality differences can enhance collaboration and reduce friction within teams. ✅ Utilising frameworks like “disagree and commit” can help build trust and improve decision-making processes. ✅ Practising self-reflection after challenging interactions leads to personal growth and better emotional management. ✅ Small, intentional conversations can pave the way for improved workplace relationships. Sound Bites: 📢 “Good things come to those who ask.” 📢 “The key is learning from those mistakes and doing what I like to call an emotional post-mortem.” 📢 “Emotional intelligence is the ability to make emotions work for you instead of against you.” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:25 Meet Justin Bariso 02:14 Emotional Intelligence Explained 05:25 The Model of Collective Fluency 11:52 Justin’s Career Journey 18:34 The Power of Showing Up 23:33 Culture Crush: Starbucks’ New Leadership 30:14 Leadership and Wholeness 38:02 Practical Tools for Emotional Intelligence 43:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman sits down with Steve Chalke, a true pioneer in social justice and community transformation across the UK and around the world. They dive into Steve’s journey from his early days in South London to founding Oasis, an organisation that now runs over 50 schools and community hubs across the country. The conversation covers everything from authentic leadership and transformative education to the vital role of holistic care in building stronger communities. Steve opens up about his own path, including a defining moment in his teenage years that led him to community work, as well as groundbreaking initiatives like Oasis Restore for youth justice. This episode is packed with real-world insights on building trust, engaging communities, and creating a genuine sense of belonging in leadership. Culture Crush 🧡 Oasis (Oasis UK, Oasis Community Learning, and globally) ➡️ For your relentless pursuit of inclusion and your transformative approach to social justice. Key Takeaways ✅ Building trust takes time, but a genuine commitment to community can bridge gaps and foster belonging. ✅ Authenticity in leadership is crucial; what’s inside a leader will come out under pressure. ✅ The journey of transformation often starts with individual stories and personal connections. ✅ Education is not just about academic achievement; it’s about nurturing the whole person and addressing community needs. ✅ Creating opportunities and being present in conversations can lead to impactful partnerships and initiatives. Sound Bites 📢 “You can’t harm someone to heal them. You can’t punish them into a better life.” 📢 “What’s inside you leaks out. People have a completely different impression of us than the ones we’re trying to give because they see us.” 📢 “Trust takes time to build, but people will judge you when you walk through the door within 30 seconds.” Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Culture Crush 01:30 The Origins of Oasis 07:40 A Journey of Purpose 14:00 The Power of Opportunity. 21:45 Building Schools and Community 29:15 Healing Through Understanding 31:56 Oasis Saint Martin’s: A New Beginning 36:36 Building Trust in Communities 40:46 Fostering a Sense of Belonging 44:34 Authenticity in Leadership

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman is joined by Kate Sotsenko, Founder of thegoodbusy.com, to explore the complex relationship between productivity and well-being in the workplace. Kate shares her journey from luxury brand management to creating a culture that values intentionality over mere busyness. Together, they discuss how societal programming drives the hustle mentality, the importance of asking the right questions, and how to redefine productivity to nurture a more fulfilling work experience. Culture Crush: 🧡 Levi’s ➡️ For your outstanding approach to onboarding and for creating leaders who ask, ‘What can I do for you?’ instead of ‘What can you do for me?’ 🧡 Soneva Resorts ➡️ For making your ‘SLOW LIFE’ philosophy real for guests and through the Soneva Foundation. Key Takeaways: ✅ The hustle mentality often stems from societal programming that equates busyness with productivity. ✅ Productivity should focus on what to eliminate, not just what to do more of. ✅ A simple framework can transform your to-do list into a must-do list, prioritising high-impact tasks. ✅ Open conversations and asking the right questions can clarify priorities and reduce unnecessary pressure. ✅ Embracing a slower pace at work can enhance creativity and overall satisfaction. Sound Bites: 📢 “Productivity is not about doing more. It’s about knowing what and when to stop doing.” 📢 “Questions help us to say yes more slowly.” 📢 “The real challenge is that mindset of doing more and more and more.” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:24 Meet Kate Sotsenko01:23 Kate's Career Journey 03:33 The Philosophy of thegoodbusy.com 07:19 Leadership and Productivity Insights 19:25 Culture Crush: Levi’s 24:04 Culture Crush: Soneva Resorts 26:36 Leadership Challenges and Solutions 30:50 Practical Framework for Productivity 34:32 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 36:03 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman welcomes Andy Goram, Founder of Bizjuicer, for a soulful discussion on the importance of understanding purpose and connection in leadership. Andy shares his journey from corporate marketing to establishing his own consultancy, emphasising the role of genuine hospitality in fostering meaningful workplace cultures. They delve into the lessons from the acclaimed restaurant Eleven Madison Park, exploring how empathy and trust can transform not only customer experiences but also employee engagement and satisfaction. Culture Crush 🧡 Will Guidara ➡️ For your groundbreaking work, Unreasonable Hospitality, and your transformational mindset, prioritising both customer satisfaction and employee well-being. Key Takeaways ✅ Understanding your own story and purpose is essential for effective leadership. ✅ Creating an environment of unreasonable hospitality benefits both customers and employees. ✅ Trust and empowerment are crucial in building a resilient team culture. ✅ Small acts of kindness can lead to significant transformations in workplace dynamics. ✅ Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for personal and professional growth. Sound Bites 📢 “When you can connect what people do to a larger purpose, amazing things start to happen.” 📢 “The essence of servant leadership is about setting a clear vision and allowing others to grow.” 📢 “If you’re not energised by what you’re doing, then it feels mundane, and that’s not the path to take.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:20 Meet Andy Goram 02:30 The Journey of Bizjuicer 08:15 The Power of Story in Leadership 12:50 Culture Crush: Will Guidara 17:00 Lessons from Eleven Madison Park 22:45 The Importance of Trust and Empowerment 28:00 The Connection Between Purpose and Performance 35:15 Embracing Continuous Learning 40:30 Final Thoughts: Finding Your Own Unreasonable Hospitality Links 🔗Sparketype Assessment: https://sparketype.com/sparketest/

In this episode, host Dan Dowman is joined by psychologist and culture shaper Danny Wareham. They dive deep into the power of language, leadership dynamics, and the role of organisational culture in driving success. Danny introduces his innovative "Constellation Leadership" framework, where leadership is fluid, based on context and expertise rather than rigid hierarchies. Together, they discuss how language shapes thought, the limitations of traditional values, and the practical steps leaders can take to cultivate a dynamic and adaptive work environment. Culture Crush 🧡 Automattic ➡️ For your innovative recruitment process that aligns perfectly with your mission. 🧡 SF Recruitment ➡️ For your mastery of ‘job crafting’ and creating bespoke roles that enhance employee performance. Takeaways ✅ Leadership doesn’t have to be hierarchical. In the right context, culture can lead teams autonomously. ✅ Values can become restrictive and weaponised; focusing on behaviours that align with organisational goals is more impactful. ✅ Language shapes how we see and navigate the world—changing the words we use in leadership can unlock new ways of thinking. ✅ Organisational complexity slows decision-making and agility; simplifying structures and empowering teams can drive innovation. ✅ Culture is a strategic tool—leaders must intentionally shape it to guide behaviours towards success. Soundbites 📢 "Culture is like the wind—it can either push you forward or make everything harder." 📢 "Values aren't virtues. They’re subjective and miss context. What matters is the behaviour you want to see." 📢 "When you know the goal and the rules of engagement, you don’t always need a person to lead—culture can lead." 📢 "We are what we do, not what we say. Focus on behaviours, not slogans." 📢 "Leadership is fluid. The right person for the right task at the right time." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 01:33 The Power of Language 04:52 Personality Types and Labels 14:30 Values vs. Virtues 24:08 Culture Crush: Automattic and SF Recruitment 30:24 Leadership Challenges and Organisational Complexity 34:05 Introducing Constellation Leadership 44:22 Practical Tips for Leaders 49:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman welcomes Paula Brockwell, Founder of The Employee Experience Project. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between leadership dynamics and organisational culture. Paula shares her journey from the edges of burnout to building a methodology aimed at transforming employee experiences, emphasising the need for leaders to empower their teams rather than merely enforce control.  They discuss the importance of psychological safety, the role of HR in cultural change, and practical steps leaders can take to foster an environment where everyone feels responsible for culture. Culture Crush 🧡 Danny Wareham: ➡️ For your groundbreaking research on Constellation Leadership, shining a light on the crucial environmental cues and collective habits that shape effective leadership. Key Takeaways ✅ Leaders must recognise their role in shaping culture and understand that their behavior influences employee engagement. ✅ The transition from control to empowerment requires clear communication and structured support for teams. ✅ A culture driver map can help leaders visualise the connection between their actions and organisational behaviour. ✅ Small, sustainable steps in culture change can yield significant long-term improvements. ✅ HR should be seen as enablers of culture rather than the sole owners, encouraging broader participation in cultural transformation. Sound Bites 📢 “You don’t see IT giving you your laptop and then typing your emails for you; HR needs to provide the tools, but not do the work for you.” 📢 “Often you don't have the infrastructure, the support, and the capability that you need below you.” 📢 “Small sustainable steps that are concentrated on tangible outcomes will get you much more progress than doing big tick list things.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:30 Meet Paula Brockwell 02:45 The Journey to the Employee Experience Project 10:00 Understanding Leadership and Culture 15:20 Culture Crush: Danny Wareham 18:50 The Role of HR in Cultural Change 23:30 Leadership Challenges: From Control to Empowerment 30:15 Building a Culture Driver Map 35:00 Practical Steps for Sustainable Change 40:20 Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Impact Links 🔗 Culture Drivers Map: https://social.anthem.ooo/QGWR

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman welcomes Angie Callen, Founder of Career Benders, to discuss the importance of intention and sacrifice in shaping a fulfilling future. Angie shares her personal story, from civil engineering to coaching, and emphasises the value of taking risks and choosing openness when it comes to taking opportunities. The conversation highlights how leaders need to pursue authenticity, especially in the context of an ever-evolving workforce hungry for human connection. Culture Crush: 🧡 Marie Forleo: ➡️ For being a trailblazer in the coaching industry who has lead by example and inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions. Key Takeaways ✅ Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. ✅ Intention is key in both personal and professional development. ✅ Vulnerability with trusted allies can reveal the path forward. ✅ Recognising the signs of change is crucial for making impactful career decisions. ✅ Establishing core values is fundamental to creating a fulfilling career path. Sound Bites 📢 “Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone; it’s in the challenges that we find our true potential.” 📢 “You can always go back to what you were doing before if you take a leap and it doesn’t work out.” 📢 “Being intentional about who you are as a leader is the foundation of building a strong culture.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:20 Meet Angie Callen 02:24 The Journey from Engineering to Career Coaching 09:15 The Importance of Intention 15:53 Culture Crush: Marie Forleo 19:19 Navigating Change and Career Decisions 22:33 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership 30:31 Embracing AI and Human Connection in the Workplace 38:02 Final Thoughts: Establishing Core Values for Success Links 🔗 Core Values Worksheet: https://careerbenders.ac-page.com/core-values-worksheet

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman sits down with Rachel Collar, founder of Haus of HR, to explore the profound connection between authenticity and leadership effectiveness. Rachel shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, driven by personal experiences that shaped her understanding of psychological safety in the workplace.  Together, they discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership, practical steps for fostering an inclusive culture, and how organisations can create environments where employees feel safe to express their true selves. Culture Crush: 🧡 Patagonia: This outdoor apparel company is renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and authentic leadership. Their policies encourage employees to align their personal values with their professional lives, creating a culture where well-being and employee engagement are prioritised. Key Takeaways: ✅ Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and encourages employees to be their true selves at work. ✅ Organisations must actively listen to employee feedback to create a culture of psychological safety. ✅ Implementing inclusive policies is crucial, but they must be lived and breathed throughout the organisation. ✅ Open conversations about diversity and inclusion can help bridge the gap between intention and reality. ✅ Small acts of vulnerability from leaders can significantly enhance team dynamics and workplace culture. Sound Bites: 📢 “How different could my career have been if I’d been that authentic self?” 📢 “We have to live and breathe our policies; what we say we do.” 📢 “Authenticity fosters that sense of belonging and can transform the workplace into a much more engaging and innovative one.” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:20 Meet Rachel Collar 01:30 Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneur 06:50 Culture Crush: Patagonia 10:00 Importance of Authentic Leadership 15:30 Leadership Challenges in Today’s Workplace 22:45 The Role of Psychological Safety 28:15 Feedback Mechanisms for Inclusion 35:00 Practical Tips for Fostering Authenticity 40:00 Final Thoughts on Vulnerability in Leadership

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman sits down with Alice ter Haar, founder of Badass Unicorn, to talk about the powerful connection between personal growth and professional success. They dive deep into how vulnerability can transform leadership and company culture. Alice opens up about her own experiences navigating parenthood and career changes, highlighting the crucial role psychological safety plays in the workplace. Together, they discuss practical steps leaders can take to create an environment where employees feel confident expressing themselves and learning from their mistakes. Culture Crush 🧡 Publicis ➡️ This global media agency stands out for its commitment to learning and development, fostering a culture that encourages growth and innovation across their teams. Key Takeaways ✅ Psychological safety is key for creating high-performing teams that embrace openness and learn from failures. ✅ Leaders who show their own vulnerabilities help build a culture of trust. ✅ The FIB framework (Frame, Inquiry, Bridge) offers leaders a simple yet effective way to cultivate psychological safety within their teams. ✅ ‘Bridging’ enhances team dynamics and supports open, honest communication. ✅ Small acts of vulnerability can have a big impact on culture, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce. Sound Bites 📢 “When you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” 📢 “The best day to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The next best day is today.” 📢 “Demonstrating personal fallibility creates an environment where people feel safe to share their ideas and concerns.” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:20 Meet Alice ter Haar 02:24 Championing Parenthood 09:15 The Birth of Badass Unicorn 14:29 Career Trials and Triumphs 15:53 Culture Crush: Publicis 19:19 The Importance of Culture 22:33 Leadership Challenges and Psychological Safety 30:31 The FIB Framework for Psychological Safety 38:02 Final Thought: Demonstrating Personal Fallibility Links 🔗 Amy Edmondson, TEDx: https://social.anthem.ooo/Pwb7 🔗 Psychological Safety Summary Sheet: https://social.anthem.ooo/PwbD 🔗 F.I.B Pyramid: https://social.anthem.ooo/PwdT

Host Dan Dowman is joined by Tahira Jamani, an expert in emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Together, they delve into Tahira’s transformative journey from burnout to becoming a coach dedicated to helping others break through their internal barriers. The conversation explores the importance of self-awareness, the power of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how mindfulness practices can nurture a more engaged and productive team. Culture Crushes 🧡 Google: For its pioneering Search Inside Yourself program that blends mindfulness with emotional intelligence, showcasing a bold approach to leadership development and employee well-being. Takeaways  ✅ Emotional intelligence is a hard skill that requires courage and accountability to develop.  ✅ Awareness is the first step in recognizing how our feelings impact our decision-making and interactions.  ✅ Mindfulness practices can significantly improve workplace dynamics and personal well-being.  ✅ Leaders often struggle with decision-making due to stress and emotional overwhelm, which can be mitigated through self-awareness and intentional practices.  ✅ Compassion in leadership can empower difficult decisions and promote a healthier work environment. Sound Bites 📢 “I want to help people get out of their own way so they can do epic shit.” 📢 “Burnout doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone at any age.” 📢 “Compassion brings courage because it makes us do that hard thing.” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:00 Tahira’s Journey to Emotional Intelligence 05:20 The Impact of Burnout on Decision-Making 09:15 Mindfulness: A Path to Self-Awareness 14:30 The Role of Compassion in Leadership 20:05 Practical Steps for Leaders to Cultivate Emotional Intelligence 28:45 The Three A’s: Awareness, Action, Amplify 35:00 Overcoming Decision Distress in Leadership 42:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations 45:30 Farewell and Call to Action

In this milestone episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman welcomes back Justin Foster, co-founder of Massive and fXO.  They discuss the revolutionary XO model, which aims to bring modern cultural dynamics to business by addressing the flaws of traditional hierarchical structures. Justin explains how the XO model, inspired by military executive officers, can replace outdated command models with collaborative environments.  They explore the importance of combating ego-based decisions and fostering a collaborative stance to adapt to the evolving business landscape. Justin emphasises the need for leaders to critically examine their motivations and to foster equity-based, conscious leadership. Featuring insights on how to identify and challenge cultural entropy, this episode is a deep dive into creating resilient and dynamic cultures. Culture Crushes 🧡 We got sucked into the convo and forgot this bit 😬 Takeaways ✅ Traditional organisational structures and command and control models are relics of the industrial age and hinder collaboration and innovation. ✅ The XO model, borrowed from the military, places a fractional XO in organisations to execute strategic plans and free up CEOs to focus on culture and relationships. ✅ Cultural entropy is normal, but denial of the need for change is the problem. Leaders must examine their intentions and challenge their own biases. ✅ Leaders should practice critical thinking, challenge the status quo, and contribute to a more dynamic and collaborative culture. ✅ Little acts of defiance can help reveal and address cultural entropy, leading to a more equitable and collaborative organisation. Sound Bites 📢 "The org chart is a velocity killer unto itself." 📢 “They're nice to the cows because when they're nice to the cows, the cows produce more milk, it's not because they are liberating the cows to be more collaborative”. 📢 “The whole point of culture is to allow a business to be what it was all along, which is a complex adaptive system”. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:51 The Fractional XO Model 03:16 Challenges of Traditional Org Structures 05:22 The Role of the XO in Modern Business 09:50 Cultural Transformation and Leadership 12:51 Ego and Power Dynamics in Business 20:01 The Importance of Collaboration 28:57 Adapting to Cultural Shifts 37:51 Practical Steps for Leaders 42:31 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman converses with Bryn Rees, a marketing veteran with experience at major brands like Amex, Adidas, and IKEA.  The episode explores the evolution of storytelling, the growing importance of authenticity and transparency, and how brands need to adapt to stay relevant to a new generation of consumers.  Bryn unpacks the concepts of knowledge domain modelling and content engineering as strategies to create a more consumer-centric approach to storytelling.  Culture Crushes 🧡 Lush: For a whole host of reasons! Ethical products, cool collabs, supply chain transparency, advocacy, a counter-cultural approach to product positioning, smelling great - it’s all here! Takeaways ✅ The next generation of consumers values authenticity, transparency, and trust in their interactions with brands. ✅ Businesses need to shift their storytelling approach to be more consumer-centric and focus on meeting the needs and desires of consumers. ✅ Knowledge domain modelling and content engineering are strategies that can help businesses create a more personalised and relevant storytelling experience. ✅ Embracing change and being willing to disrupt traditional approaches is essential for businesses to stay relevant and engage with consumers effectively. Sound Bites 📢 "80% of Gen Z would trust companies more if they were using real consumers. They don't want to see celebrities, they don't want to see actors" 📢 "It's okay to be different. It's okay to do things differently and break tradition. Be a rule breaker, be divergent, be disruptive." 📢 "Things are changing and solutions like knowledge domain modelling and being more structured in your content, even away from your own website, is a solution that I can highly recommend." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:16 Meet Bryn Rees 01:09 Bryn’s Career Journey 05:10 Advice for Career Pivots 09:42 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling 15:19 Culture Crush: Lush Cosmetics 21:15 Leadership Challenges and Solutions 31:35 Embracing Change in Business 34:04 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Janine Jakob, Founder, culture shaper, and entrepreneur, shares her career journey and the importance of happiness and positive culture in the workplace. She discusses the challenges of implementing happiness consulting and the need to reframe it as peak performance consulting.  Janine highlights the role of leadership in creating a positive culture and the importance of aligning values and purpose. She emphasises the need for leaders to be role models and actively live the company's values.  Practical advice includes defining and actively living the company's vision, mission, and values, and fostering intrinsic motivation in employees. Culture Crushes 🧡 HP for going beyond the employee value prop and creating a culture of open communication and feedback.  Takeaways ✅ Leaders need to align their personal values with the company's values and actively live them. ✅ Hiring the right employees who align with the company's values is crucial. ✅ Leaders should create a culture of trust and open communication, where employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges and concerns. ✅ Leaders should prioritise intrinsic motivation and create an environment where employees feel valued and supported. ✅ Translating the company's values into actionable behaviours and being a role model is essential for creating a positive culture. Sound Bites 📢 "I can make a global impact by planting one seed." 📢 "You have to be a role model and actively start living it." 📢 "People don't come to work for me or with me because I'm paying the high salaries. They come because of the purpose." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:21 Defining Success and Goals 05:07 Starting with Leadership and Team Development 09:17 The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation 13:26 Leadership Challenges in Chinese Business Culture 20:34 Janine's Culture Crush: HP 32:35 Leadership Challenges and Solutions 38:51 Practical Advice for Creating a Positive Culture 45:23 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman sits down with Mhairi Ramsay, founder of Tomrom, to discuss the challenges and nuances of cultivating a positive workplace culture.  Mhairi shares her journey from being a trainee manager at Sainsbury's to leading her own team coaching company. The conversation delves into the importance of embedding values in small businesses, and her transformative experience at Zappos' Culture Camp.  The episode also tackles the critical issue of trust in leadership, and Mhairi offers practical advice on developing trust through open communication and genuine engagement with employees. Culture Crushes 🧡 Zappos: For their transformative approach to customer service and giving their employees room for self-expression. Takeaways ✅ Building and maintaining a strong company culture is crucial as businesses grow. ✅ Zappos is a culture crush for Mari Ramsey due to their focus on customer service and core values. ✅ The challenge is the growing sense of distrust in the world, and leaders can address this by fostering trust and open communication. ✅ The key takeaway is to have open conversations with employees about the purpose of the business and what they want from their workplace. Sound Bites 📢 "Building a culture is crucial as soon as you add one person to the team." 📢 "Zappos is a culture-led business that allows people to embrace who they are." 📢 "The challenge is the growing sense of distrust in the world." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:15 Meet Mhairi Ramsay 01:13 Mhairi’s Journey and Connection with Hannah Brady 03:40 Building and Maintaining Company Culture 05:14 Mhairi’s Career Path and Launching Tomrom 11:01 The Philosophy Behind Tomrom 13:39 Culture Crush: Zappos 22:45 Addressing the Growing Sense of Distrust 35:06 The Importance of Open Conversations 37:41 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman interviews culture-shaper and entrepreneur, Christopher Nguyen. Chris unpacks his non-traditional journey into UX design, his ventures including UX Playbook and Backlog, and the importance of experimentation in starting and running successful projects. They talk about how to tackle leadership challenges like team cohesion in remote work and how to embrace failure. Chris highlights the significance of both celebrating wins and extracting learnings from failures to foster a supportive and adaptive culture. Culture Crushes 🧡 Jason Fried and 37signals: For your contrarian outlook, building lean, and not bending to traditional start-up paradigms. Takeaways ✅ Take action and start something rather than getting caught up in planning and learning. ✅ Balance creativity with sticking to a path and finishing projects. ✅ Celebrate wins and learn from failures to build a positive and learning-oriented culture. ✅ Experiment and try new approaches to leadership challenges, involving the team in the process. ✅ Don’t focus on the business outcomes, bring your team’s personal wins and worries into the conversation. Sound Bites 📢 "I'm okay starting things if I know… I can outlast it, right?" 📢 “Psychological safety-wise, it’s fine to admit that you [messed] up.” 📢 "Set goals that are attainable and focus on the process rather than the outcome." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:22 Meet Christopher Nguyen: Serial Entrepreneur 00:53 Christopher’s Journey: From Tech to UX Playbook 02:24 Balancing Creativity and Focus 06:17 The Importance of Starting and Iterating 10:20 Challenges of Scaling and Leadership 15:58 Democratizing Design: Chris's Mission 23:25 Discussing Culture and Leadership 24:01 Culture Crush: Jason Fried and 37signals 28:04 Leadership Challenges in Remote Work 30:02 Wins and Failures: A Weekly Ritual 39:59 The Importance of Experimentation in Leadership 42:50 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Takeaways Links 🔗 UX Playbook: http://uxplaybook.org/ 🔗 Community: http://backlog.design/

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman interviews Zoë Regent about her journey in the field of innovation and leadership, from her early career at Sky TV to her current role at &Us. They discuss the challenges and strategies for fostering innovation and strong organisational culture in a hybrid work environment. Zoë shares insights on building trust, maintaining team cohesion, and the importance of social connections in promoting a learning culture. The episode also delves into practical tips for leaders on asking questions and avoiding assumptions to enhance team dynamics and drive innovation. Culture Crushes 🧡 &Us: For its shared sense of community, freedom, and possibility. Takeaways ✅ Building trust and strong relationships is essential in a remote or hybrid working environment. ✅ Experiment with different ways of working together and be clear about the results. ✅ Encourage random conversations at work to foster innovation and learning. ✅ Consider the impact of social connections on the overall culture and success of the organization. ✅ Move from making assumptions to asking questions to gain new insights and perspectives. Sound Bites 📢 “I think that's a good proxy for culture because if you can see some really incredible original work, then you know that there's challenge going on in that organisation.” 📢 “People have to be in their learning zone and that's when you get that beautiful sweet spot between challenge and safety.” 📢 “There's something to be said about encouraging more random conversations at work." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:16 Meet Zoë Regent 04:05 The &Us Mission 08:01 Challenges of Growing a Team 11:30 Zoë’s Culture Crush: &Us 15:44 Hybrid Working Challenges 18:52 Practical Solutions for Hybrid Work 24:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 29:08 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman interviews Ashley Faus, the Head of Lifestyle Marketing at Atlassian.  Ashley unpacks her career journey and delves into the power of values, revealing how critical they have been in helping Atlassian maintain its outstanding culture as the organisation has rapidly expanded.  Ashley shares some practical tips for addressing culture and leadership challenges, such as using the Atlassian Team Playbook and implementing the Health Monitor with a brilliant way to describe team misalignment.  Culture Crushes 🧡 Atlassian: For its practical and balanced values that unite the team in service of the customer.  Takeaways ✅ Values are not just fluffy concepts; they have a real impact on business outcomes. ✅ Organizational practices, such as the Atlassian Team Playbook and the Health Monitor, can help improve team collaboration and address culture and leadership challenges. ✅ Implementing values from the start and aligning hiring practices with those values can contribute to a strong company culture. ✅ Continuous feedback and open dialogue are essential for employee growth and development. ✅ As companies grow, it becomes more important to have visibility, shared goals, and effective collaboration across teams. Sound Bites 📢 “We have had to be very intentional about talking about how do we keep those values at the forefront." 📢 "We are all trying to solve the problem. We all ultimately want an excellent outcome for the customer." 📢 “They don't understand that it [values] has an actual business output." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Ashley Foss's Career Journey 04:47 The Power of Values in Company Culture 09:29 Founders Sleeping on Values 13:50 Product and Service Alignment with Internal Organisation 16:43 Culture Crush: Atlassian 24:55 Implementing Organisational Practices 31:37 Practical Tips for Addressing Culture and Leadership Challenges Links: 🔗 Atlassian Team Playbook

In this episode of Culture Crush, host Dan Dowman interviews David Manser, Market Manager at IKEA. David unpacks his leadership journey and reflects on his experience of starting as a trainee manager and gradually moving up the ranks within the organisation. He also discusses the importance of putting culture first and how he has learned to lead through empathy and authenticity. David also addresses the challenge of high staff turnover and shares his approach to tackling the issue, including focusing on resource allocation and empowering leaders. Culture Crushes 🧡 Samaritans: For their unwavering commitment to being non-judgemental. Takeaways ✅ Leadership is about leading through empathy and authenticity.. ✅ Leaders should focus on helping their people understand the why behind their decisions and actions. ✅ Leading with empathy and authenticity builds trust and allows for honest dialogue. ✅ Leaders should strive for both equity and clarity in their decision-making, treating people fairly and consistently. ✅ Addressing high staff turnover requires a multi-faceted approach, including resource allocation, empowering leaders, and creating a culture of understanding and equity Sound Bites 📢 "Never underestimate anyone's intelligence, never overestimate their knowledge." 📢 "Lead with empathy and authenticity to build trust and have an honest dialogue with people." 📢 "People want to be involved. Help them understand what we're doing and why we're doing it." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:23 David Manser's Journey with IKEA 07:01 Leadership at Scale 10:58 Culture Crush: Samaritans 20:03 Leading with Equity and Authenticity 40:06 Practical Takeaways for Leaders 42:20 Conclusion and Wrap-Up Links: Follow David on LinkedIn Follow Dan on LinkedIn

Lottie Unwin, founder of Up World, shares her journey of building a community for startup marketers and the importance of creating an authentic and supportive work culture. The episode focuses on the need for a strong feedback culture and the power of vulnerability in building genuine human connections. Lottie also discusses the challenges of remote work and the importance of transparency and open communication in organisations. Culture Crushes 🧡 Netflix for its employment transparency policies.  🧡 Pip Murray from Pip & Nut for her authentic and open leadership approach. Takeaways ✅ Building an authentic and supportive work culture is crucial for employee well-being and productivity. ✅ Creating a strong feedback culture allows for continuous improvement and development. ✅ Transparency and open communication are essential in remote work environments. ✅ Practising vulnerability can lead to genuine human connections and empathy. ✅ Being open to feedback and actively seeking it can drive cultural change and improve organisational performance. Sound Bites 📢 “Practice a bit of vulnerability." 📢 “When it works well, it is a live stream of insight as to how you can make your business operate better" 📢 “Culturally we've got it a bit wrong and that is reflected in business culture that creates a whole load of problems” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:40 Building a Community for Startup Marketers 32:19 Culture Crush: Netflix and Pippin Nut Butter 37:38 The Challenge of Feedback Culture 44:42 Practicing Vulnerability and Taking Action 47:09 Conclusion and Call to Action Links Follow Lottie on LinkedIn Follow Dan on LinkedIn

Join host Dan Dowman on Culture Crush as he sits down with Shelia Matthews, a seasoned culture expert turned entrepreneur with a rich career at UPS, MetLife, and Acquisition.com. Shelia shares her journey and insights on cultural leadership, emphasising the importance of strategic hiring and onboarding processes. Don't miss this deep dive into leadership challenges and practical solutions for burgeoning businesses. Learn how to create an effective company onboarding program and a 30-60-90 day plan to ensure new employees are engaged and aligned with your company's values, and discover how to build a sustainable culture that fosters growth and innovation. Takeaways ▪︎ Invest in company-level onboarding to shape culture and ensure new employees feel seen and supported. ▪︎ Create a company onboarding program that includes information about the business, its mission, values, and benefits. ▪︎ Develop a 30-60-90 day plan for new hires, focusing on learning, improvement, and measurement. ▪︎ Use the onboarding process as an opportunity to demonstrate care and establish a strong sense of identity and camaraderie among employees. Sound Bites 📢 "In order to scale, you have to have a couple of things lined up. Number one, you have to use a process. You have to use a process for hiring." 📢 "Make the investment in your company-specific or company-level onboarding. It has the highest reach and impact." 📢 "If you have that already and they're like, 'Oh, well that was great. I've got that already,' then make sure that you're consistently doing your 30, 60, 90 day plans for your people." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Culture Crush 00:17 Meet Shelia Matthews 00:31 Shelia's Career Journey 03:24 The Leap to Entrepreneurship 06:16 Discussing Culture Crushes: Adam Grant & UPS 12:19 Challenges in Leadership and Culture 23:01 The Importance of Onboarding 28:25 Practical Tips for Onboarding38:08 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 40:09 Conclusion and Wrap-Up