Culture First Leadership

Ever notice how certain groups at work feel like “cliques”? Every team has subcultures. At Nuun Hydration, we had a vibrant cycling crew that I often joined. But as CEO, it created a perception: “Kevin’s favorites.” I get it—when people share a specific passion, it can look exclusive from the outside. The truth? It wasn’t about exclusivity. It was about connecting over a shared love of cycling, learning from each other, and building relationships. In my latest podcast with Cody Royle, we talk about a new way to view subcultures ... ... not as cliques, but as ... ==> HIDDEN ASSETS ,== Here’s how: 1️⃣ Engage with Their Passion:   Instead of feeling left out, dive in. Ask the “cricket fans” to show you why they love the game. 👉 Meet people where they are. 2️⃣ Channel Subcultures into Innovation:    These groups bring fresh perspectives. 👉 Subcultures are often incubators for creativity—tap into that! 3️⃣ Shift the Mindset:    Subcultures aren’t barriers; they’re bridges. 👉 They’re pockets of positive energy that can drive the whole team forward. Next time you notice a subculture, try engaging with it. You might just find the spark for your next big idea. 🎥 Video snippet attached | Full podcast link in comments. 👉 How have subcultures shown up in your workplace? Have they sparked innovation? #CultureFirstLeadership #ChiefEternalOptimistPodcast

Do you have self limiting beliefs on stage of life to chase your dreams? This podcast episode might get you to rethink all of it. 👇

Follow your passion? Sure but not so fast. Use the intersection of the Venn Diagram - what you are good at AND your passion. Let's go!

AI: Fear it or Embrace it? The Choice is Yours. I’ve heard a lot of concern lately from people in the marketplace about AI’s impact on their career potential. The reality is, if we don’t adapt, we’ll be left behind. So, yes there is merit with the rising concerns. ......... But here’s the thing: If you take the time to master AI and learn how to connect the dots between technology and human skills, you’ll come out ahead. ........ This shift is real and happening fast. Adriana Peon, CEO for Decathlon - Americas, said during our recent conversation ... ... while AI is changing the game, people—and teams— will flourish if we are intentional about where human value is needed. The question isn’t whether AI will replace us— it’s how we’ll use it to amplify our potential. ........ Adapt and grow, or risk falling behind. The choice is ours. ........ Full pod chat with Adriana 👇 👉 Apple: https://lnkd.in/gg-A--B5 👉 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gjYu55uW 👉 Amazon: https://lnkd.in/gVMaXf-S #cultureFIRSTleadership #FutureOfWork

Shape the future leaders of tomorrow by getting them involved in sports today. Let's go! #cultureFIRSTleadership

Focus on Your Lane, Master Your Role—That’s How Your Team Wins. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Michael Phelps and Chad le Clos went head-to-head in the 200m butterfly. The world was watching as le Clos made a point to taunt Phelps before the race, trying to get into his head. But here’s the thing ... While le Clos was focused outward, Phelps was focused inward. He never took his eyes off his lane, his form, or his strategy. And we all know how the race ended ... Phelps won! The lesson? Always compete outwardly, but master your role inwardly. I recall many competitors trash talking our brand and team at Nuun Hydration. We channeled our 'always compete' energy against the competition to drive us to the next level internally. Virtually all of those hydration competitors don't exist today. It’s about staying laser-focused on what you bring to the team, no matter what’s happening around you. Three actions to build a winning team culture: 1️⃣ Compete, but don’t compare: Your team should strive for excellence, but don’t get distracted by what others are doing. Stay focused on your team’s unique strengths.    2️⃣ Accountability breeds mastery: Everyone on the team has a role. Own it. Master it. Accountability builds trust, and trust fuels high performance.    3️⃣ Focus on progress, not noise: Ignore the noise and external distractions. The real battle is in getting better every single day, together. Great teams win by staying in their lane and playing their game. What’s your team’s lane? #cultureFIRSTleadership

Do hard things. Build strong bonds. This morning, I watched the Notorious Alki Swimmers take a plunge into the frigid Puget Sound—flag flying, as they swam proudly off Alki Beach. I was struck by the sense of belonging this crew has built. They’ve created a community around doing something hard, something few would dare to try. Some quick facts: • The water temp in Puget Sound averages around 50°F, making it a real challenge, even for seasoned swimmers. • The club swims year-round, embracing the chill to strengthen both their bodies and their sense of camaraderie. • Alki Beach is an iconic spot in Seattle, and this group has turned it into their own place of pride and resilience. Why does this matter? Because doing hard things, like jumping into freezing water, bonds people. It creates a culture where everyone knows they’re a part of something bigger. And this my friends, is a lesson for teams everywhere. So, today’s takeaway: • Find your ‘cold water.’ Push through it. • Build your tribe. There’s strength in shared experiences. • Take pride in the challenge. It’s what brings you together. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Let’s go! #cultureFIRSTleadership #yeswecan

Think Your Strategy Is Frame Breaking? That’s Just 5% of the Solution. You’ve hired the best consultants to craft a world-changing strategy. Great. But here’s the truth: 👇 That’s 5% of the solution. The other 95%? It’s all about EXECUTION and CULTURE. The biggest competitive advantage you can build isn’t the strategy itself—it’s a thriving, resilient team culture that powers it forward. Because, let’s face it, NOBODY WINS ALONE. ( 🙏 Mark Messier & Michael Gervais) In business, sports, or life, it’s your TEAM that determines whether you truly SUCCEED. "People serving people serving people. PERIOD." - Tom Peters Join Mike Fata and me for a conversation on why culture matters far more than anything else and how you can build a world-class team that executes flawlessly and lifts everyone up. This talk could change the way you lead your team—don’t miss it! 👉 https://lnkd.in/gzdZcarw Ready to go the extra 95% and unlock your company’s full potential? Let’s get to work. #CultureFIRSTleadership #GrowTalk

Leaders set the tone. How do you want to lead your team to the next level? #cultureFIRSTleadership 👇

We often hear that time is our most valuable resource. But if there is actually one other resource that is more important? That resource = ENERGY This episode is really powerful. 👇