Podcast
Culture Leaders
Hosted by Culture Amp · EN
What separates the world's most iconic organizations from everyone else? From hyper-growth tech companies to legendary professional sports franchises, the answer keeps coming back to culture.
Culture Leaders, hosted by Justin Angsuwat, Chief People Officer at Culture Amp, is an executive-level operating manual for building high-performance organizations. Each episode goes behind the scenes with the visionary leaders who treat culture not as a perk or a talking point, but as a disciplined, core operating system.
We sit down with people from brands like e.l.f. Beauty, Patagonia, and Canva to unpack the leadership milestones, hard-won lessons, and high-stakes decisions that shaped who they are. The throughline: culture isn't a byproduct of success. It's what creates it.
For more info, episodes or contact: www.culturefirstpodcast.com
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How NZ Rugby is intentional about high performance, on and off the field
Apr 2800:36:33Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to lead the people strategy for one of the most iconic and scrutinized sporting brands in the world? Toni Grimshaw, Chief People, Safety, and Wellbeing Officer at New Zealand Rugby, joins us to go behind the curtains of the All Blacks and Black Ferns. She reveals the "Operator’s Playbook" for building a culture that thrives under the weight of a nation’s expectations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Design for belonging: How Canva scales culture through 'crazy big goals' and connection
Apr 1400:36:21Tap to summarizeHow does a global phenomenon like Canva scale a "family feeling" across 5,500 people in eight countries while maintaining its soul? Jennie Rogerson, Global Head of People at Canva, joins host Justin Angsuwat to discuss her unconventional journey from hospitality and executive support to the C-suite in under three years.In this episode of Culture Leaders, Jennie pulls back the curtain on the operator's playbook that keeps Canva agile. She reveals how "crazy big goals," radical transparency, and treating kindness as a competitive advantage fuel a culture where every employee is an active contributor, not just an observer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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A bold disruptor with a kind heart: Lessons from e.l.f. Beauty on values-led performance at scale
Mar 3100:34:12Tap to summarize97%. That's the percentage of e.l.f. Beauty employees who say they feel passionate about the people they work with. For most leaders, that number stops them cold.In an industry defined by fierce competition and constant reinvention, e.l.f. has built something rare: a company that moves at its own category of speed without sacrificing the human connections that fuel it. So what's actually behind that?In the debut episode of Culture Leaders, host Justin Angsuwat sits down with Kerry Preston, VP of People Development at e.l.f. Beauty, to pull back the curtain on how one of the world's fastest-growing beauty brands is built to last. Kerry makes the case that boldness and kindness aren't in tension, they're the same engine running at full speed.From a CEO who writes over 600 personalized notes a year to an equity program that has generated more than $220 million in employee wealth, this episode is a masterclass in what intentional culture actually looks like in practice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Bob Sutton on building a workplace with healthy friction and no assholes
Jan 27, 202501:05:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Culture First podcast, host Damon Klotz speaks with Bob Sutton, an organizational psychologist, Stanford management professor, and New York Times best-selling author. They discuss the negative impacts of power differences within organizations, the concept of destructive and constructive friction, and the critical role of leadership in mitigating such friction. The episode delves into Bob Sutton's latest work on 'The Friction Project' and explores how effective leaders can navigate cultural challenges. Additionally, they discuss Bob's famous 'No Asshole Rule,' exploring the detrimental effects of toxic behaviors in the workplace and the importance of building supportive and psychologically safe work environments. The conversation is enriched with real-life examples from companies like Google, Microsoft, and Pixar, along with valuable insights and actionable advice for transforming workplace culture.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Fresia Jackson & Justin Angsuwat on the trends impacting the world of work in 2025
Jan 15, 202500:43:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Culture First podcast, host Damon Klotz, along with co-hosts Fresia Jackson, Director of People Science at Culture Amp, and Justin Angsuwat, Chief People Officer at Culture Amp, delve into the trends shaping the future of work in 2025. They discuss the implications of AI on job roles, the evolving dynamics between employees and employers, and the declining favorability of do-it-all leadership. The episode is packed with research data, including insights from over 1.3 billion data points and input from thousands of employees, shedding light on the current workplace landscape. Key trends like team-focused performance reviews, decision intelligence, and leadership strategies are explored, offering listeners valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Esther Perel on the power of relationally intelligent leaders
Dec 17, 202401:16:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Culture First podcast, our host Damon Klotz invited Didier Elzinga, the CEO of Culture Amp, to step into the interview seat and speak with Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist and pioneering voice in understanding modern relationships and workplace dynamics. Together, Didier and Esther discuss the importance of relational dynamics and the power of storytelling in solving conflicts and creating meaningful connections. The conversation touches on the complexities of today’s workplace cultures, such as how to bridge cultural differences, build trust in remote work environments, and find the right balance between empathy and accountability in leadership roles. Some of the key takeaways from this episode include managing expectations, fostering psychological safety, and responding to the changing values of different generations. Listen to this insightful discussion to gain practical strategies for enhancing leadership skills and boosting organizational potential by focusing on building quality relationships and practising compassionate communication. Show notes: Esther's original Culture First Podcast Episode with Damon KlotzEsther’s websiteWhere Should We Begin? The gameEsther’s podcast, Where Should We Begin?Key Takeaways: Effective leaders balance empathy and accountability:Leaders need to be empathic and care about their employees' personal challenges and emotions, but they must also hold them accountable for their responsibilities. This balance ensures that employees feel supported yet understand the importance of meeting expectations and fulfilling their roles within the organization.The importance of in-person interactions:Although remote work offers convenience, it lacks the richness of in-person interactions essential for building relationships, trust, and effective collaboration. Leaders should treat in-person interactions as valuable resources and use them for activities that significantly benefit from face-to-face engagement, such as brainstorming sessions, mentorship, and fostering team cohesion.Explicit communication of expectations is key:Unstated expectations often lead to resentment and misunderstandings. By clearly articulating what they expect from their team members, leaders can ensure that team members understand their roles and responsibilities. This approach promotes accountability and reduces the potential for conflicts arising from unmet, unspoken expectations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Dr. Marcus Collins on why culture is a cheat code for success
Dec 3, 202400:55:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Dr. Marcus Collins, professor and best-selling author of For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be. Together, they discuss the profound impact of culture on brand and organizational success. They delve into the definitions and misconceptions surrounding culture. They explore how brands like Patagonia and e.l.f. Beauty authentically maintain consistency between their external and internal cultures. They also touch upon how culture can be leveraged as a competitive advantage and the role of storytelling in creating authentic connections. A highlighted conversation stems from Collins' insights into pragmatic cultural transformation and maintaining authenticity within brands.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →NBA Champion Shane Battier on why data and culture are the secret to success
Nov 19, 202400:57:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Shane Battier. Shane is a two-time NBA champion and former player for the Miami Heat. He was recognized as a scholar-athlete at Duke University, earning accolades such as the National Player of the Year before being drafted sixth overall in the 2001 NBA Draft. Beyond basketball, Battier is committed to philanthropy through his foundation, which focuses on educational resources for underserved youth. In this episode, Damon talks with Shane about the role data plays in decision making and the importance of teammate-ship over leadership. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Amy Gallo's Guide to working with difficult people
Nov 5, 202401:01:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Amy Gallo, an esteemed author and workplace expert. Damon and Amy have an in-depth discussion on conflict resolution, feedback, and workplace culture. Amy shares her experiences and professional insights, addressing the perils of 'artificial harmony', the importance of establishing norms for healthy disagreements, and the role of empathy in feedback. The conversation explores managing conflicts both in-person and remotely, emphasizing psychological safety, clear communication, and the value of difficult yet necessary conversations. Featuring personal anecdotes, professional strategies, and cultural references from shows like 'Succession', this episode provides valuable advice for fostering high-performance and healthy workplace environments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →Patagonia's Vincent Stanley on creating a purpose-driven work culture
Oct 22, 202400:52:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Culture First podcast, Damon Klotz interviews Vincent Stanley, Patagonia’s Director of Philosophy. They discuss Patagonia’s unconventional approach to business, emphasizing cultural confidence and the importance of storytelling in building a responsible company. Vincent shares insights on Patagonia's foundational values, decision-making processes, and the importance of focusing on both environmental and societal responsibilities. The discussion highlights Patagonia's unique practices such as their transition to organic cotton and commitment to feedback culture, offering valuable lessons for other mission-driven organizations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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