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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 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.
Ep 207: Leading Through Leadership Hijacks with Edgar Sandoval
In this episode, GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft talks with Edgar Sandoval, President and CEO of World Vision, about navigating what David calls “leadership hijacks”: unexpected events that reshape both leadership and life.
Ep 205: Our Favorite Moments, Winter 2026 — Lessons on Resilience, Presence, and Perspective (with Whitney Putnam and Eric Case)
This episode highlights key moments from recent conversations to help you stay grounded in those seasons. You’ll hear insights on perseverance from Walker Hayes, practical wisdom on resilience from David Ashcraft, and a timely reminder from John Maxwell about embracing the season you’re in. Whitney and Eric also share personal leadership challenges and what helped them keep going.
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.
