Over the past few weeks, I've shared my thoughts on scaling, decision-making, and leadership challenges. Yet beneath all those topics lies an unseen force—our culture. Not the culture written in a mission statement, but the everyday values and beliefs that shape our choices.
At the core of these leadership and scaling challenges is something deeper: the cultural forces at play. Edgar Schein, a pioneer in the study of organizational culture, describes culture as a multi-layered phenomenon that operates beneath the surface of an organization. In his seminal work, Coming to a New Awareness of Organizational Culture (1984), he explains that culture exists on three levels: artifacts (the visible structures and processes), espoused values (the stated strategies and philosophies), and basic underlying assumptions (the deeply held, often unconscious beliefs that truly drive behavior). While many organizations attempt change by modifying structures or introducing new processes, real transformation happens only when we shift those underlying assumptions. If we want to build a culture that fosters innovation and adaptability, we must go beyond playbooks and policies—we must challenge and reshape the deeply ingrained narratives that influence how we think, decide, and lead.
We often lean on frameworks and playbooks. While they provide structure, they overlook the most crucial element: mindset. True progress isn't just about adopting the latest process—it's about uncovering the stories we tell ourselves and reshaping them to create a space where bold ideas can thrive.
I work with founders, business leaders, and those at pivotal transitions—people with dreams who sometimes feel stuck at the starting line. I've seen how a small shift in perspective can turn uncertainty into opportunity, and how reframing our priorities can open up new paths.
In an upcoming series of posts titled, "Cultural Alchemy," I invite you to explore with me the art of building an intentional culture. We'll dive into the hidden truths behind our decisions and discover how adaptive capacity—our ability to pivot, learn, and reimagine—can drive lasting change.
This isn't just theory—it's about practical shifts that create lasting impact. If you've ever felt constrained by unspoken norms, this series will help you break free.
Join me on this journey as we peel back the layers of everyday habits and uncover what truly matters. Let's reshape our narratives and build a future that feels both meaningful and true.