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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
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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.
