Culture Leaders

What does it take to lead the people strategy for one of the most iconic and scrutinized sporting brands in the world? Toni Grimshaw, Chief People, Safety, and Wellbeing Officer at New Zealand Rugby, joins us to go behind the curtains of the All Blacks and Black Ferns. She reveals the "Operator’s Playbook" for building a culture that thrives under the weight of a nation’s expectations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does a global phenomenon like Canva scale a "family feeling" across 5,500 people in eight countries while maintaining its soul? Jennie Rogerson, Global Head of People at Canva, joins host Justin Angsuwat to discuss her unconventional journey from hospitality and executive support to the C-suite in under three years.In this episode of Culture Leaders, Jennie pulls back the curtain on the operator's playbook that keeps Canva agile. She reveals how "crazy big goals," radical transparency, and treating kindness as a competitive advantage fuel a culture where every employee is an active contributor, not just an observer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

97%. That's the percentage of e.l.f. Beauty employees who say they feel passionate about the people they work with. For most leaders, that number stops them cold.In an industry defined by fierce competition and constant reinvention, e.l.f. has built something rare: a company that moves at its own category of speed without sacrificing the human connections that fuel it. So what's actually behind that?In the debut episode of Culture Leaders, host Justin Angsuwat sits down with Kerry Preston, VP of People Development at e.l.f. Beauty, to pull back the curtain on how one of the world's fastest-growing beauty brands is built to last. Kerry makes the case that boldness and kindness aren't in tension, they're the same engine running at full speed.From a CEO who writes over 600 personalized notes a year to an equity program that has generated more than $220 million in employee wealth, this episode is a masterclass in what intentional culture actually looks like in practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Sutton, an organizational psychologist and best-selling author, joins to discuss workplace dynamics and leadership. He shares insights on the detrimental effects of power imbalances and toxic behaviors, emphasizing the need for dignity in organizational cultures. Sutton explores the concept of 'healthy friction' and how constructive conflict can enhance creativity. Drawing from examples at Google and Pixar, he highlights the importance of open communication and empathy in fostering a supportive work environment. Transforming corporate culture starts with strong leadership and accountability.

Fresia Jackson, Director of People Science at Culture Amp, and Justin Angsuwat, Chief People Officer at Culture Amp, discuss transformative trends shaping the workplace by 2025. They explore AI's impact on job roles and decision-making, emphasizing the need for human-centered approaches. The conversation highlights the shift towards team-focused performance reviews, evolving leadership styles, and employee dynamics, including the rise of movements reflecting workplace frustrations. Listeners gain insights into navigating the complexities of modern work.

Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist specializing in modern relationships and workplace dynamics, sits down for a fascinating conversation. She emphasizes the necessity of relational intelligence for effective leadership, particularly amid technological advancements. The discussion explores how storytelling can foster connection and resolve conflicts, balancing empathy with accountability. Esther delves into the evolving expectations of younger generations in the workplace and the importance of emotional engagement, urging leaders to embrace difficult conversations for growth.

Dr. Marcus Collins, a professor and best-selling author known for his insights into cultural impact, discusses the power of culture in branding and organizational success. He shares how brands like Patagonia and e.l.f. Beauty maintain authentic internal and external cultures. The conversation dives into the importance of storytelling and cultural alignment as a competitive advantage. Collins argues that culture can be a transformative tool, highlighting the intricate balance between collective identity and individual narratives for deeper connections.

Shane Battier, a two-time NBA champion, discusses his impactful career and unique insights into teamwork. He highlights how language shapes team culture and the critical role of trust and mission focus in achieving success. Battier emphasizes the value of data analysis in basketball, contrasting traditional methods with analytics to improve performance. He also explores the importance of resilience and 'teammanship,' advocating for collective vision over individual accolades, drawing parallels between sports and corporate culture.

Amy Gallo, author of "Getting Along" and Harvard Business Review editor, dives into the challenges of workplace dynamics. She discusses the dangers of 'artificial harmony' and the critical role of healthy conflict, emphasizing psychological safety. Gallo shares insights on providing specific feedback and managing different personality archetypes, drawing parallels to characters from 'Succession'. The conversation offers practical strategies for fostering open dialogue, transforming toxic environments, and navigating difficult conversations to enhance workplace relationships.

Vincent Stanley, Patagonia’s Director of Philosophy and co-author of "The Responsible Company," shares insights on building a purpose-driven work culture. He discusses Patagonia’s unique approach to sustainability, emphasizing cultural confidence and effective storytelling. Vincent highlights the company's commitment to organic cotton and employee well-being, showcasing how these practices enhance business success. The conversation also addresses the importance of aligning core values with corporate growth, offering valuable lessons for mission-driven organizations.