On November 26th, I had the pleasure of being interviewed on The International Business Podcast, hosted by Leonardo Marra, alongside Maria Pastorelli and Denis Niedringhaus.
We had an engaging discussion about the role of corporate culture in leadership, navigating times of change, and building stronger manager-employee relationships.
This episode is filled with practical insights for corporate leaders and HR professionals looking to foster a positive and high-performing organizational culture.
How a Strong Corporate Culture Fuels Success
During the podcast, I was asked to explain how a strong corporate culture looks and why it’s essential for success.
A strong culture is one where employees are aligned with the organization’s values, feel a sense of belonging, and are motivated to contribute to a common mission.
When a culture is built on trust, open communication, and shared goals, it helps attract top talent, boost engagement, and enhance performance.
I emphasized that a strong corporate culture is the bedrock of organizational success. It provides the foundation for collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation, especially in challenging times.
When employees feel they are part of something bigger than just a job, they become more committed, productive, and loyal.
Leading and Reinforcing Culture During Times of Change
One key question I addressed was how leaders can actively shape and reinforce corporate culture, particularly during periods of change.
Leadership is critical during transitions, as employees look to their leaders for guidance and reassurance. I discussed the importance of clear communication, leading by example, and involving employees in the change process. This transparency builds trust and fosters an environment where change can be embraced rather than feared.
Leaders who actively reinforce culture during times of change create a sense of continuity and stability.
By embodying the values they want to see across the organization, leaders can guide their teams through uncertainty while keeping morale high and productivity strong.
Navigating the Manager-Employee Dynamic: Building the Right Relationship
One of the most common challenges in corporate environments is the dynamic between managers and their employees, especially with younger generations, like Gen-Z.
I shared my favorite exercise by Gallup, which can be used by both managers and employees to open up transparent and meaningful conversations. This exercise is designed to help both parties better understand each other’s expectations and needs, laying the foundation for a healthier working relationship.
I’ve seen firsthand how this exercise helps employees and managers move from surface-level conversations to deeper, more productive interactions that drive growth and success.
Leadership is critical during transitions, as employees look to their leaders for guidance and reassurance. I discussed the importance of clear communication, leading by example, and involving employees in the change process. This transparency builds trust and fosters an environment where change can be embraced rather than feared.
Leaders who actively reinforce culture during times of change create a sense of continuity and stability.
By embodying the values they want to see across the organization, leaders can guide their teams through uncertainty while keeping morale high and productivity strong.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you’re interested in hearing more about these topics, be sure to listen to the full episode of The International Business Podcast. We dive deeper into the role of culture in leadership, how to integrate multicultural teams, and the best practices for providing effective feedback.
Listen here:
Other Podcast Appearances
In addition to The International Business Podcast, I’ve had the opportunity to share my thoughts on leadership, culture, and team dynamics on several other platforms. If you’re interested in exploring these themes further, I encourage you to check out these episodes:
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