A few months ago, I met a friend for dinner and experienced something surprisingly frustrating. We weren't upset because the food was slow. We were frustrated because no one seemed to know we were there.

That experience sparked a bigger leadership lesson.

Whether you're leading a team, serving customers, communicating during a crisis, or managing change, people don't expect you to have all the answers immediately. They do expect to know someone is paying attention.

In this episode, I share a simple restaurant story and the five communication habits that help leaders build trust before people have to ask what's going on.

Key Takeaways

•  Why acknowledgment matters more than immediate answers 
•  How silence creates uncertainty and erodes trust 
•  The importance of sharing what you know, even when you don't know everything 
•  Why people need to understand next steps 
•  How proactive communication strengthens relationships 
•  The connection between feeling seen and feeling valued

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

I wasn't looking for Umbrella Alley.

In fact, I didn't even know it existed.

While on a haunted history tour in Chattanooga, I stumbled across a vibrant alley filled with colorful umbrellas suspended overhead. What had once been an ordinary, overlooked space had been transformed into something people stopped to admire, photograph, and remember.

It got me thinking.

How often do we walk past opportunities because we've seen them so many times we stop noticing them? How many ideas, people, and possibilities are hiding in plain sight?

In this episode, I share five ways leaders can turn ordinary into memorable by seeing potential where others see routine.

Key Takeaways

•  Why great leaders notice what others overlook 
•  How innovation often comes from rethinking what already exists 
•  The importance of recognizing the unique gifts people bring 
•  Why taking thoughtful risks creates memorable experiences 
•  How culture is built through intentional moments, not grand gestures 
•  The connection between creativity and engagement

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

This week marks the anniversary of the premiere of The Breakfast Club — and it still holds one of the most powerful leadership lessons we often overlook.

In this episode of 5 for 55, Chellie explores what happens when leaders stop sharing only their wins and start sharing the full story — including the doubt, the mistakes, and the lessons learned the hard way.

Because people don’t connect to perfection.
 They connect to growth.

Through the lens of this iconic film, Chellie unpacks:

• Why assumptions erode workplace culture
 • How honest conversation strengthens trust
 • The leadership power of vulnerability
 • What label you may need to delete

Most workplaces aren’t broken — they’re unheard.

Grab your coffee and join the reflection.

☕ Continue your leadership growth through Culture, Coffee & Common Sense:
 https://chelliephillips.com/culture-coffee-commonsense/

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Turning 55 isn’t a slowdown—it’s a launch point.

In this kickoff episode of Five at 55, Chellie Phillips introduces a year-long series of short, real-world reflections built around lessons learned through leadership, growth, missteps, and reinvention.

This isn’t polished theory or highlight-reel leadership. It’s honest insight, lived experience, and stories that make you think, laugh, and reflect. Some episodes will be fun. Some will be serious. All will be real.

Welcome to Five at 55.
There’s no speed limit on growth.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

What if you could intentionally design the culture you want—not just hope it takes shape on its own?

This week on The Culture Secrets Podcast, Chellie sits down with Adam Schwartz, founder of The Cooperative Way and one of the nation’s leading voices on cooperative leadership and workplace culture. Adam has spent decades helping electric co-ops, credit unions, ag co-ops, and other member-owned businesses strengthen their identity, improve employee experience, and align leadership practices with the values that make co-ops different.

In this deep and practical conversation, Adam shares:

• How a national safety initiative revealed the blueprint for building culture with intention
• Why culture is to an organization what water is to a fish—and what leaders miss when they’re too close to see the truth
• The balance between empathy and accountability that defines strong servant leadership
• Why keeping low-performing employees is not compassion—it’s a “culture suck”
• How surveys, data, and listening help leaders diagnose what’s really happening inside their workplace
• Brilliant hiring practices (from co-ops and beyond) that prioritize cultural fit over résumé credentials
• How co-ops can remain attractive to younger, mission-driven talent without losing their history or identity
• Why you can influence culture even if you’re not in the CEO chair

Whether you work in a cooperative, lead a team of any kind, or care about building workplaces where people can thrive, Adam’s insights will give you clear steps to strengthen your culture—and a renewed appreciation for the power of values-driven leadership.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

What does a strong workplace culture actually look like in action—not on paper, but in real life?

In this episode of Culture Secrets, Chellie Phillips sits down with Bob Brown of Yamaha Motor Manufacturing to explore how culture is built, sustained, and strengthened inside a large, growing organization. From leadership visibility and trust to employee engagement, community involvement, and continuous improvement, this conversation goes beyond theory and into practical, people-first leadership.

You’ll hear how culture “bubbles up” from employees, why accountability belongs to everyone—not just leadership—and how organizations can create environments where people feel valued, connected, and motivated to stay and grow.

Whether you’re a leader, manager, or culture champion, this episode offers real-world insights you can apply immediately—no buzzwords required.

To learn more about building a people-first culture, visit www.chelliephillips.com
or pick up a copy of Culture Secrets wherever books are sold.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

What really changes a workplace culture—and what’s just surface-level noise? In this powerful conversation, Chellie Phillips sits down with Stephen Childs, Chief HR Officer at Panasonic, to uncover the real strategies that transformed Panasonic from a single-location operation into a multi-billion-dollar, award-winning Best Place to Work.

Stephen takes us behind the scenes of their culture journey—from visiting top innovation companies to implementing behaviors-based leadership, enforcing a “no asshole policy,” and aligning every executive around a shared culture model. He shares why ping-pong tables and casual dress codes don’t move the needle, how accountability truly works, and why transparency during crises (including COVID shutdowns) earned Panasonic its best employee opinion scores in the toughest year on record.

We explore:

• Why culture must be treated as a business process—not an HR initiative
• How to get executive buy-in for real, lasting change
• What accountability looks like at every level
• How to align a growing organization around shared values and behaviors
• Why leaders must hear the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable
• How Panasonic cut turnover in half and built deep leadership trust

If you're leading a team, building a culture, or trying to create meaningful organizational change, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply today.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Leaders set the tone—whether they realize it or not.

In this episode of Culture Secrets, Chellie Phillips explores the hidden leadership power of rest and renewal. When leaders are constantly overworked, overstretched, and overwhelmed, it sends a powerful message to their teams: burnout is the norm.

But what if we flipped that script?

You'll learn:

• Why intentional rest is a leadership strategy, not a luxury
• How modeling healthy habits can improve team morale and retention
• Signs you're leading from burnout instead of balance
• Small shifts you can make today to create a culture of sustainability

Want to keep your team energized, engaged, and motivated?
 Start by recharging yourself first.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how to model leadership that lasts.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

What does it take to create a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and truly valued — not just as employees, but as human beings?

In this episode, we sit down with Harry Hynekamp, former Vice President of Guest Experience at AMB Sports & Entertainment, part of the Arthur M. Blank Family of Companies — home to the Atlanta Falcons, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Arthur M. Blank Foundation.

Harry shares powerful behind-the-scenes insights into how one of America’s most respected business leaders, Arthur Blank, has intentionally built values-driven cultures that last — whether on the field, in the office, or in the community.

From shifting the language from “hire” to “select” to placing storytelling and recognition at the heart of their employee experience, you’ll discover how real culture is created and sustained. Plus, you’ll learn about the “Walk In My Shoes” initiative, where leaders experience frontline roles firsthand to better understand and serve their teams.

This episode is a masterclass in activating values, building trust, and leading with empathy.

If you care about leadership, team engagement, and creating environments where people love to work — don’t miss this one.

🔑 Topics we cover:

• Why they say “select” instead of “hire” — and why it matters
• The role of recognition and storytelling in shaping behavior
• How executive leaders stay connected through the “Walk In My Shoes” program
• What it really means to build a V.A.L.U.E. Culture
• Why people may forget the event or building — but never how they were treated

✨ This episode is packed with real-world lessons any leader can use to elevate their culture from good to unforgettable.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

DEI is facing growing scrutiny—and not just in boardrooms or courtrooms. Many companies are realizing that traditional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives often fall short of creating real culture change.

In this episode of Culture Secrets, host Chellie Phillips introduces a bold alternative: the V.A.L.U.E. Culture Framework.

Instead of chasing compliance or one-size-fits-all strategies, V.A.L.U.E. invites leaders to build workplace cultures grounded in Vision, Accountability, Leadership, Uniqueness, and Engagement. You'll hear how this people-first approach fosters real belonging, boosts performance, and drives trust from the inside out.

🔑 What we’ll explore:

• Why DEI policies are falling short in today’s environment
• How the V.A.L.U.E. formula redefines inclusion and respect
• Real-life examples of workplaces that thrive through culture—not checklists
• How to start embedding V.A.L.U.E. into your team’s everyday behavior

If you're ready to move from performative to purposeful, this episode is your roadmap.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to build a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Welcome to Season 2 of Culture Secrets! We’re kicking things off with a conversation that goes beyond strategy and into the soul of leadership.

In this episode, Chellie Phillips sits down with Amy Lynn Durham—founder of Create Magic At Work and a trailblazer in workplace emotional and spiritual intelligence. Together, they explore how EQ (Emotional Intelligence) and SQ (Spiritual Intelligence) are essential tools for leaders who want to create cultures of connection, meaning, and purpose.

You’ll discover:

• How self-awareness and self-talk shape your leadership impact
• The difference between managing people and leading with presence
• Simple ways to cultivate EQ and SQ in your leadership journey
• Why tapping into intuition and empathy matters more than ever in today’s workplace

Whether you lead a team of 2 or 200, this episode will inspire you to lead from the inside out.

🔗 Learn more about Amy’s work at createmagicatwork.net

🎧 Hit play—and let’s build a more connected, conscious workplace together.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Culture Secret podcast! In this thought-provoking edition, we dive deep into the heart of workplace culture, shining a spotlight on a fundamental aspect that holds the key to success: accountability.

Join me as we uncover the transformative power of accountability in cultivating a thriving workplace environment. From small startups to large corporations, fostering a culture of responsibility and ownership is the driving force behind innovation, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

Discover how accountability not only bolsters individual performance but also enhances team dynamics, promoting collaboration and synergy. Unravel the connection between clear communication, goal alignment, and accountability, and unlock the untapped potential of your workforce.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode equips you with actionable takeaways to implement accountability strategies from the ground up. Unleash the true potential of your workplace, fueling an upward spiral of excellence, and future-proofing your organization.

Join me on this enlightening journey towards building a workplace culture that inspires, motivates, and embraces accountability as the beating heart of success. Tune in now to gain invaluable insights and make your mark in the world of thriving workplaces.

**Key Topics:**
- Understanding the essence of accountability in workplace culture
- Nurturing responsibility and ownership among employees
- Communication, goal setting, and accountability: A symbiotic relationship
- Fostering collaboration and synergy through shared accountability

Don't miss this illuminating episode filled with wisdom and actionable advice that will transform your workplace culture for the better. Subscribe to the Culture Secret podcast now and be part of the journey towards building a thriving and accountable work environment. Together, let's unlock the true potential of your organization!

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

This week on Culture Secrets, Chellie Phillips takes a step away from guest interviews for a personal reflection inspired by two very different experiences: a panel of journalists-turned-authors at LitFest and a headline-making news story that sparked a national conversation about trust.

Drawing on her own background as a newspaper reporter, Chellie shares a memorable (and slightly humorous) story about covering a fast-food restaurant opening that taught her an important lesson about perception, competing interests, and how trust is built.

In a world where social media, transparency, and constant visibility have changed the way we view leaders and institutions, one thing has become clear:

Trust isn't automatically granted anymore. It's earned through consistency, accountability, and the signals we send every day.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• Why trust has changed over the past few decades
• The difference between intent and perception
• What journalism, leadership, and workplace culture have in common
• How organizations build—or break—credibility
• Why trust is less about titles and more about experiences

Whether you're leading a team, building a culture, serving customers, or simply trying to strengthen relationships, this episode will challenge you to think differently about what it takes to earn trust today.

Because trust isn't given anymore.

It's proven.

Connect with Chellie:
Website: www.chelliephillips.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chelliephillips
Culture Secrets Podcast: Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Valuing you employees and demonstrating leadership are two key components to building a strong people centered culture in the workplace. There’s been a lot of talk about how not to treat your employees thanks to reports detailing President Biden's fits of anger and profanity laced tirades after earlier announcing he would “fire on the spot” anyone who treated staffers with disrespect. 

The  point is it doesn’t matter if you are Commander-in-Chief or a CEO or the leader of a production line,  your title doesn't make you a leader. There's a big difference between being a boss and a leader. Employees have big expectation of leadership, especially if you are working to build a human-centered culture in the workplace. People believe behavior over words. Titles mean crap if your behavior doesn’t line up. 

The question we're asking this week is: Are you a boss or a leader?

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

In this episode of the Culture Secrets Podcast, host Chellie Phillips explores the connection between independence and workplace culture. She highlights the importance of allowing employees to have independence and decision-making abilities, as it demonstrates trust and values their uniqueness. Phillips presents seven reasons why fostering employee independence is beneficial for culture building:

1. Increased Employee Engagement: Granting independence gives employees a sense of ownership and autonomy, leading to higher levels of engagement and contribution to the company's culture.

2. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Independence encourages employees to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and take risks, fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.

3. Improved Job Satisfaction: Allowing independence shows that employees' contributions are valued, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and fulfillment.

4. Strengthened Problem-Solving Skills: Independent work requires critical thinking and finding solutions, cultivating a culture of problem-solving and self-reliance within the organization.

5. Fostered Collaboration and Teamwork: Surprisingly, granting independence can actually promote stronger collaboration, as employees are more likely to take initiative and contribute their perspectives to team projects.

6. Increased Trust and Loyalty: Granting independence demonstrates trust in employees' abilities, leading to increased trust and loyalty toward the organization.

7. Encouraging Personal Growth and Development: Independence provides employees with opportunities to expand their skill sets, pursue professional growth, and contribute to a positive and dynamic work environment.

By allowing employees independence in their work, organizations create a positive work environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered. This positive culture attracts like-minded individuals and contributes to the overall success and growth of the organization.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Joining me on this episode of the Culture Secrets podcast is Jennifer McClure. She has experience in various HR roles, including leadership and executive positions. She also spent about four years in executive search. Since 2010, she has had her own business as a professional speaker, focusing on people strategies and talent acquisition.

In the current landscape, talent is scarce, and people are changing jobs more frequently. This makes it challenging to recruit and retain talent, as candidates often demand higher salaries and have shorter career tenures. The way people approach work has shifted, and organizations need to adapt to these changes.

Culture has become a significant factor for individuals considering job opportunities. Even before 2020, culture was already a top consideration for job seekers. However, defining culture can be challenging as it varies based on individual perspectives and experiences within the organization. Companies need to ensure their stated values align with the actions and behaviors of their leaders and employees.

To evaluate the culture of an organization, job seekers should first determine what is important to them. They should then research companies and ask relevant questions during interviews to gauge whether the organization aligns with their values and preferences. Platforms like Glassdoor can provide aggregate employee reviews, although it's essential to consider the overall picture and not rely solely on disgruntled employees' comments.

Overall, understanding and assessing culture is crucial for both job seekers and organizations. A strong culture that aligns with employees' values can attract and retain top talent.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Join host Chellie Phillips in this episode of Culture Secrets as she explores the pivotal role of internal communications in fostering a thriving workplace culture. Discover the significance of transparent leadership, psychological safety, employee engagement, and effective collaboration. Gain valuable insights into creating a value culture through a multifaceted approach to internal communications. Don't miss this episode to uncover actionable strategies that will help you build a strong and successful organizational culture. Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to spread the secrets of culture transformation. Visit www.chelliephillips.com for more information.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Are you an entrepreneur or business owner looking to craft a culture for your employees? In this episode of the Culture Secrets Podcast, I chat with Steven Carse about how to turn your vision into a meaningful culture that doesn't get lost in the hustle. We discuss elements such as creating measurable goals and providing opportunities for meaningful connections. Tune in now and learn more about building a value culture at work! 

Steven shares that he and his team  didn't intentionally create a culture, but it's something to keep in mind when starting a business. He suggests building in time for people to connect and make meaningful relationships as well as incorporating elements from both the objective and subjective sides. Additionally, it's important to remember why you started your business – have fun and do something that you enjoy! 

Check out these highlights:
1. At 25:50, Steven advises entrepreneurs to craft a culture for their employees that incorporates both objective and subjective elements. He suggests a 10 year vision with measurable goals, as well as providing opportunities for meaningful connections in order to keep the vision from getting lost in the hustle of starting a business. 

2. At 26:23, Steven emphasizes the importance of building in time for people to connect, noting that even extroverts need this connection and feeling less lonely at work. 

3. At 28:31, Steven provides an important piece of advice for entrepreneurs- to focus on creating an environment that everyone can enjoy and benefit from, even if it takes some inefficient time management.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

On this episode, I talk culture with Jana Adams. She's the executive director of Touchstone Energy. She says culture is at the top of mind of today's cooperative CEOs. I've worked in the co-op world for over 25 years and happen to believe that co-ops are uniquely positioned to create great cultures and use that to attract some of the best and brightest of this next generation entering the workplace. 

Few takeaways to listen for: 

• Strategy doesn't matter if you don't have the culture in place to implement it. You need a culture in place that makes employees feel safe embracing new ideas and processes. 
• Jana says flexible work schedules can positively impact culture when you focus on collaboration and connection. She also shares tools you can use to do just that. 
• Associations should play a role in fostering cultures inside their industry.
• Don't be afraid if everyone doesn't get behind your culture change. It's called self-selections. Some people will leave because they aren't in alignment and that's ok.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

In this episode, you'll meet Mark Allred. He's the Director of Talent Development and Growth for Reveal Global Intelligence and oversees all aspects of the Reveal Talent Community which provides coaching and career support for professionals. He's also the host of the Career PROgression Podcast (https://revealtalent.com/resources/). 

Want to make sure recruiters can't coax your best employees away? Check out what Mark has to say. Here's a few tidbits....
1:30     Gen Z in the workplace
8:46     COVID is the unsung hero for American workers
11:17   Culture wants from employees
16:39   Workplace Drivers
20:27   Flexibility in work
22:30   Re-recruiting employees

You can learn more from Mark, an numerous other business leaders, in my book Culture Secrets (link below). 

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Welcome to the latest episode of my podcast, where we dive deep into the nitty-gritty of workplace culture with the one and only Richard Sheridan! He's the co-founder and CEO of Menlo Innovations, a software company that's famous for its unique and quirky approach to work culture. If you've ever wondered how to make your workplace more productive, fun, and downright delightful, you won't want to miss this episode. So sit back, relax, and get ready to hear Richard's insights on everything from team building to office design, all with his signature wit and charm. This is one podcast you won't want to miss!

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

I'm excited to introduce you to Garry Ridge. Garry has 25 years of experience as the Chairman and CEO of WD 40 company. Garry's philosophy on company culture is based on Aristotle's quote, pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. turning that into action. He believes that all leaders can create a workplace where you go to work each day, contribute to something bigger than yourself, learn something new, feel safe, are protected and provided freedom by a set of values and go home happy. He is passionate about the learning and empowering organizational culture he has helped established at the WD 40 company.

Check out these highlights: 
2:30  What is WD-40 Company Culture?
3:28 Imagine if work was about something bigger than you? It's about people, purpose and value. 
5:33  Importance of Trust and the Culture Petri Dish
10:12 Importance of leadership
13;35 Hire for values
19:34 Expressions of appreciation
22:06 Purpose in life it to make people happy
25:58 Accountability
28:46 Companies have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. 

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Tom Keesling is the Chief Marketing Officer for CUE Streaming and the international president of CUE International. CUE stands for communication unites everyone. I love that! Many of you know my background is in journalism and PR, so communication is a big deal to me. It's also an important feature in building a strong people-centered culture in the workplace. The company provides around 5000 channels, and is the largest streaming service in the world. They have a fundraising arm for churches, and nonprofits as well. I feel one of the most important things a leader can communicate is their vision. In fact, the first question I asked Tom was, as a leader, or someone developing a business, it's easy to get hung up on raising capital, hiring people creating products and getting all of your services ready to go. So how do you, yourself, get a clearer vision for the environment of the organization and what you want it to be like for the people that work for you? And once you get that vision, how do you create it in reality? 

What’s your vision for the future?   1:29

How important is it to get out of the office?  2:54

Hiring for skill vs. skill.  5:51

How important is culture to your business?   6:54

Integrating people into society.   8:04

Paying people for their hearts.   11:00

Cultural Committee and how it grows.   12:16

What is culture and mission?

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about habits.

In this episode of Five at 55, Chellie Phillips shares five leadership habits that consistently move teams forward: communicating clearly, practicing accountability, truly listening, trusting your people, and doing what you say you’ll do.

These habits aren’t flashy, complicated, or new—but they do require intention. And while most leaders would say these principles matter, the real challenge is practicing them consistently in the middle of busy schedules, competing priorities, and everyday workplace pressures.

Through honest reflection, Chellie reminds us that leadership doesn’t happen in the gaps of our calendars—it happens in the moments when we slow down, show up, and choose to be present with the people we lead.

Leadership isn’t about position—it’s about practice.

No speed limit on growth.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Gallup is the go to for research, especially when it comes to all things workplace. However, I think they got their latest message wrong. At least partly. I do agree that culture is one of the biggest leadership issue of our time. I don't believe that the workplace as we know it is dead. I think it's a great time to focus on creating a culture where employees feel valued and feel like they belong. When we do that, we'll create thriving workplaces where both employees and business succeed.  


The importance of building a human centered culture.
1:22

When an employee feels they belong.
2:43

Culture is hard to create, but it does take an intentional effort.
3:44

How to help employees feel purpose in their work?
4:50

Building a strong people-centered workplace culture using value culture. 6:28

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

In this episode,  I’m excited to introduce you to Daniel Lawrence. He and his business partner, Christian, created a tech company called Bots For That and are located in London, England. 

When I began writing the Culture Secrets book,  (join the waitlist for the book at https://www.cheIliephillips.com/waitlist) I wanted to showcase great cultures from a multitude of industries and business types as well as offer a global perspective on the workplace. When a friend offered to introduce me to Daniel, I jumped at the chance, because not only did it open the doors to an insider look at the tech world, but it also gave me a look into how culture is different in a start-up operation and how the workplace differs in other countries. 

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Quiet quitting and the Great Resignation are taking their toll on the workplace. Learn how a people-centered culture can help you stop both and create a workplace where employees and the company thrive. 

Join the waitlist for the Culture Secret book at https://www.chelliephillips.com/waitlist

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Defining your company core values is one of the critical steps in building a successful workplace culture. This episodes walks leaders through a process to identify these values and help build employee support around them. 

For more information on building a successful V.A.L.U.E. Culture in the workplace, join the waitlist for the book (arrive late April 2023) at chelliephillips.com/waitlist 

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

In this episode of Culture Secrets, we're talking about the importance gratitude place in building strong workplace culture. 
When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more engaged, motivated and committed to their work. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can be used to create a positive and productive workplace. 
I'm joined by Kevin Monroe in this episode. He's the world's gratitude coach, as well as a keynote speaker, consultant, global gratitude ambassador, and creator of the Grateful App. 

Grab my free e-book "How to Attract and Hire Productive Employees" at https://www,chelliephillips.com/talentattraction

Connect with Kevin: https://www.kevindmonroe.com/

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

This episode is all about building strong people centered workplace cultures based around what I call the V.A.L.U.E Culture  formula. And today, let's look more deeply at how workplace culture is perceived and what makes a value culture special. Culture is the fuel that gets things done at work. It's the way people interact and work together. It's the sum of all the beliefs, goals, values, emotion and intentions people bring with them when they walk inside the doors and hit their cubicles assembly lines or offices is what guides the decisions made by our day to day work expectations is what makes us outshine our competitors and bring new innovative talent knocking at the door. It's ultimately what determines whether a company is successful or not. Culture is the heart and guts of our company is how individual employees become a team. It's what we care about. It's what we stand for. 

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Introductory episode of Culture Secrets. Learn about the V.A.L.U.E. Culture formula and learn how workplace culture is the key to a successful business. In this episode, learn about your host, Chellie Phillips, author of the book by the same name - Culture Secrets.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

What does it really take to create a workplace where people feel energized, valued, and motivated to do their best work?

In this episode of The Culture Secrets Podcast, Chellie Phillips sits down with leadership coach and culture strategist Nicole Greer, founder of Vibrant Culture, to explore what leaders can do to build organizations where people thrive.

Nicole works with companies across the country to help leaders develop stronger teams, unlock individual potential, and create cultures that are intentional rather than accidental. Through coaching, mentoring, and leadership development, she helps organizations shift from simply managing employees to truly empowering them.

During this conversation, Chellie and Nicole dive into what makes a workplace culture truly vibrant, why leadership behaviors matter more than mission statements, and how leaders can bring clarity, accountability, and energy into their teams.

The discussion also connects Nicole’s work with Chellie’s V.A.L.U.E. Culture framework, exploring how vision, accountability, leadership, uniqueness, and engagement work together to shape the employee experience.

If you’re a leader who wants to strengthen your team, increase engagement, and build a culture that people are proud to be part of, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

•  What defines a “vibrant culture” and how leaders influence it 
•  Why coaching and mentoring are essential leadership skills 
•  How leaders can unlock the potential inside their teams 
•  The connection between leadership behaviors and employee engagement 
•  Practical ways to strengthen culture through daily leadership actions 

Nicole Greer is the founder of Vibrant Culture and a leadership coach, consultant, and speaker who helps organizations build thriving workplaces by developing strong leaders and empowering teams.

Through her work with companies and leadership teams, Nicole focuses on helping individuals grow in self-awareness, leadership capability, and personal accountability so they can contribute to a more energized and productive workplace culture.

Learn more about Nicole and her work at:
 www.vibrantculture.com

Website: https://www.vibrantculture.com

LinkedIn: Nicole Greer

Website: https://chelliephillips.com

Podcast: Culture Secrets Podcast
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Follow The Culture Secrets Podcast and share it with a colleague or leader who is passionate about building strong workplace cultures.

Because great cultures don’t happen by accident — they’re built intentionally.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

One of the most common leadership mistakes starts with good intentions.

In this episode of Five at 55, Chellie Phillips reflects on a lesson she learned early in her leadership journey—trying to be friends with everyone on the team.

While caring about your people and building connection is essential, blurred boundaries can create confusion, erode trust, and make difficult leadership moments even harder to navigate. Through personal experience, Chellie shares how learning to separate friendship from leadership helped her build stronger, healthier relationships with her team.

This episode explores the importance of boundaries, trust, and clarity—and why leadership isn’t about being everyone’s friend, but about building real relationships rooted in respect and accountability.

If you’ve ever struggled with where the line between leader and friend should be, this episode offers an honest perspective on what experience teaches us about leading well.

Leadership gets clearer when boundaries get stronger.

No speed limit on growth.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

If you could sit down with your younger self, what would you say?

In this episode of Five at 55, Chellie Phillips reflects on the early years of her career—when she was working hard to prove she belonged but hadn’t yet learned to trust herself.

Through five honest lessons about self-worth, confidence, speaking up, recognizing unhealthy dynamics, and building the right network, Chellie shares the wisdom experience has brought over time.

This episode is a reminder that growth isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about trusting who you already are and choosing environments that allow you to thrive.

Whether you’re early in your career or simply reflecting on your own journey, these lessons offer encouragement, perspective, and a few truths many of us wish we had learned sooner.

Experience doesn’t slow you down—it sharpens you.

No speed limit on growth.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

A simple lunch order turned into an unforgettable leadership lesson.

In this episode of Five at 55, Chellie Phillips shares a surprising restaurant experience involving cinnamon… in the spaghetti. What started as an unexpected twist on a classic dish became a powerful reminder about communication, expectations, and trust.

When leaders fail to give people a heads-up about change, surprises can create confusion and frustration. But when we communicate clearly and upfront—even about things that may feel uncomfortable—we build trust and credibility.

Through humor and a very real story, Chellie explores why clear communication matters and how even small moments can reveal important leadership truths.

Because hidden “cinnamon moments” break trust—but transparency builds it.

No speed limit on growth.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

At 55, clarity hits differently.

In this episode of Five at 55, Chellie Phillips shares five truths she trusts—not because they sound inspiring, but because experience has proven them true.

From self-worth and courage to conversations and choosing how to spend your time, these reflections are grounded, honest, and earned the long way.

This isn’t theory. It’s leadership shaped by real life.

If you’re navigating growth, reinvention, or simply asking “what really matters now?” — this episode is for you.

No speed limit on growth.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.  

Sometimes confidence doesn’t arrive all at once—it sneaks in through small, hard decisions.

In this episode, Chellie shares how training for a half marathon became an unexpected turning point—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It opened the door to trusting herself, sharing imperfectly, and stepping into new possibilities.

A reminder that confidence isn’t perfection—it’s willingness.

Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense.  

Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.