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There are few things more powerful than the culture of an organization. Culture has the power to enhance a leader’s vision, or it can be a powerful roadblock. The good news is that leaders have a strong influence on organizational culture, and in this episode GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft shares what he has learned about why culture matters and a few ways that leaders can begin to establish, maintain or correct their own team cultures.
IN THIS EPISODE:
0:00 Intro
2:10 How David adjusted from the culture of Texas to that of Pennsylvania.
5:00 How baking cookies built a culture of hospitality.
9:00 Some ways that David has practically established boundaries of organizational culture.
9:50 What process did David use to learn to establish culture?
11:30 What actions should a newer leader focus on?
16:00 What did David observe in GLN culture that he felt needed to shift?
19:30 The tension between a culture of candor and a culture of safety.
22:15 Outro
LISTEN
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
STANDOUTS AND TAKEAWAYS
- Culture is partially built by the things you do, repeatedly, and partly by the things you do not do, or say “no” to.
- The leader’s role is to say what’s important and then model that for the organization.
- In 2 ½ to 3 years, an organization will begin to assume the personality of its leader.
- At some point, instead of talking about what your culture is, you should just start doing it. (Or, depending on the situation, you should STOP doing it.)
- People in an organization are always watching the leader.
LINKS MENTIONED
- Website: Leader365 and Team365
- Website: 2026 Global Leadership Summit
- Book: Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect (Will Guidara)
- Website: Global Leadership Network
Related
Ep 210: What Leaders Miss About Motivation, Purpose and Progress
In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Chris McChesney, author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution, about the difference between employee satisfaction and true engagement. Chris explains why people can have what looks like an ideal job and still feel disconnected from the work, while others can serve in demanding environments and remain deeply motivated. The difference often comes down to progress and purpose.
Ep 209: Communication, Candor and Trust
In this episode, Whitney Putnam and GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talk about one of the most common leadership challenges: how to communicate with clarity, candor and care when the stakes are high. They unpack a real moment from a recent GLN all-staff meeting, where a public challenge created tension, required follow-up and ultimately helped sharpen strategy. Whitney and David explore why leaders often think they are being clear when others are hearing something different, how trust makes hard conversations possible, and why “keeping short accounts” can prevent tension from becoming toxic.
Ep 208: Leading When the Plan Falls Apart with Craig Groeschel
In this episode, David Ashcraft talks with Craig Groeschel, founder and senior pastor of Life.Church, about how leaders can respond when leadership does not go as planned. Craig reflects on failed ideas, organizational pivots, team conflict, and the ongoing discipline of letting go as leadership expands. He also shares how humility, preparation, prayerfulness, candor and trust have shaped the way he leads through uncertainty.
Leadership That Lasts
Team365 isn’t just a platform. It’s a commitment to grow, lead and live with purpose — every single day. Whether you’re here for content, community or clarity, you’re in the right place. Your leadership matters. Let’s keep going.
