Growth Hacking Culture

Discover the captivating narratives of startups - their remarkable progress, groundbreaking ideas, and unconventional lifestyles. In this article, we delve into the distinguishing factors that set them apart - their exceptional individuals and progressive mindset.
This episode sheds light on the work culture within startups, the principles of lean startup methodology, and their unwavering commitment to ongoing experimentation.
Our impressive guest: Andres Glusman a veteran of the startup realm since the dot-com bubble, shares invaluable insights today.
About Andres Glusman
Andres Glusman, a seasoned growth driver, played a vital role in the successful launch of Meetup, which was later acquired by WeWork for a staggering $200 million. With a track record of driving growth through experimentation dating back to the 1990s, Glusman now leads DoWhatWorks, an innovative platform that monitors and analyzes AB tests conducted across various websites.
Meetup, established in 2002, is a dynamic social media platform designed for organizing and hosting both in-person and virtual activities, gatherings, and events. It serves as a hub for like-minded individuals and communities, connecting people based on shared interests, hobbies, and professions.
Reach out Andres:
Andres Glusman LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/glusman/ 
The DoWhatWorks website https://dowhatworks.io/ 
 
What We Discussed in this episode on How to Create Amazing Work Cultures in Startups:
- Lean Startup: Going beyond innovation to create better work cultures.- Scaling Up Challenges: Insights from tech startups like Meetup, i-traffic, Yahoo...- Creating a Culture of Innovation: Lessons from startups and what not to do.- DoWhatWorks: The Power of Continuous Experimentation in Work Cultures.- Redefining Work Culture: Exploring startup founders like Tony Hsieh and DoWhatWorks
 
Bonus - The Most Important Element of Human Capital is Work Culture
Read this article on https://www.peoplekult.com/post/the-most-important-element-of-human-capital-is-work-culture 
 
 

According to a cutting-edge study conducted by MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group, an impressive 79% of participants experienced enhanced efficiency, decision-making quality, and overall morale as a direct result of implementing AI. The research further revealed that businesses leveraging AI technology witnessed remarkable advancements in vital cultural aspects such as collaboration, collective learning, role clarity, and team morale.
In this episode Ivan Palomino and Aneace Haddad discuss on How AI Could Help Humanize the Workplace.
About Aneace Haddad
Aneace Haddad is the author of the book "The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar," a compelling and thought-provoking book about reinvention. As a McKinsey certified Transformational Leadership Facilitator and Professional Certified Coach, Haddad expertly combines his extensive background in technology, leadership, mentoring, and coaching to provide readers with a unique perspective. Delve into the captivating narrative that follows a CEO's transformative journey, unveiling the vital truth that genuine leadership surpasses mere answers.
 
Reach out Aneace on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneace/ or his website https://aneace.com/ 
Rad his book The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar: A Novel About Personal Transformation In Business Leaders on https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-That-Drank-Hummingbird-Nectar/dp/9811848688 
 
What We Discussed in the Episode on How AI Could Help Humanize the Workplace:
- Unveiling the Role of AI in the Next Generation of Mindful Leaders: Explore the "Five-Part Self-Transformation Journey"- Trusting AI at Work: Navigating the Polarizing Perspectives on AI's Impact on Jobs and Creativity- Demystifying AI: Common Misunderstandings Regular People Have about Artificial Intelligence- Harnessing AI to Address Information Asymmetry at Work: A Powerful Use Case- Empowering Human Skills through AI: Moving Beyond Traditional Knowledge Training- Revolutionizing Employee Mental Health: Can AI Provide Effective Support?- Accelerating Corporate Capabilities for AI Implementation: Strategies for Success
 
Bonus - Adopting OKRs for Transparency and Performance at Work
Read this article on https://www.peoplekult.com/post/adopting-okrs-for-transparency-and-performance-at-work 
 
 

Belonging is an innate human need that is rooted in our biology. Unfortunately, 40% of employees report experiencing isolation in the workplace, which can lead to decreased engagement and commitment. According to a study conducted by BetterUp, a strong sense of belonging can result in a remarkable 56% boost in job performance, as well as a 50% decrease in the risk of turnover and a significant 75% reduction in sick days. It's clear that fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace can lead to positive outcomes for both employees and employers alike.
 
What We Discussed in this Episode on Belonging at Work:
- Is the Importance of Belonging Overrated? Exploring the Role of Friends and Family- The Power of Transparency and Candor in Cultivating a Culture of Belonging- Nature vs Nurture: Understanding Behavioral Change and Overcoming Brain Resistance- Common Mistakes Organizations Make in Building a Unified and Inclusive Workplace- Growth Hacking Belonging: Quick and Low-Effort Fixes for Leaders to Foster a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace
 
About Sophia Kristjansson:
Sophia, a published author, is a co-author who contributed a chapter on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the book titled "The Secret Sauce for Leading Transformational Change." Currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University, Sophia also serves as a faculty member at the University of Denver's College. Her expertise lies in teaching DEI structures, organizational leadership, human resources, and business strategy courses. In 2012, Sophia established Lexicon Lens, a consultancy focused on fostering organizational innovation through practical strategies and initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging.
 
Connecting with Sophia Kristjansson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiakristjansson/ 
 
Subscribe to the monthly Simply Human Newsletter
Unreasonable ideas for great people at work - We talk: growth hacking human-centered performance, innovation and work culture. https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ 
 

In today's episode, we will be discussing why standard diversity training cannot always be effective and we will be exploring alternative approaches to DEI programs. Decades of research have shown that these programs typically produce short-term changes in understanding certain concepts, plans for future behavior, or attitudes, with some studies reporting positive effects and others finding negative effects. Our discussion will focus on biases, including the tendency to feel more at ease with people who are similar to ourselves. Join us to learn more about effective DEI strategies.
What We Discussed in this Episode:
- Are there sustainable alternatives to solely relying on training for effective DEI?- Quantitatively speaking, is there notable progress in DEI, and how long until we reach a satisfactory level?- Overcoming human bias is crucial for fostering an inclusive workplace culture - how can individuals be trained to mitigate the impact of their biases?- Is having a dedicated DEI function correlated with better performance compared to companies without one?- Should DEI training be mandatory or voluntary for employees?- DEI programs may evoke vulnerability in individuals, highlighting their inherent biases.- How can this risk be transformed into an opportunity for growth and progress?
About Maria Morukian
Maria Morukian's upbringing was shaped by her multicultural and multilingual family in the outskirts of Detroit. Her father, an Armenian-Cuban refugee, and her mother, who grew up in a small Polish farming community in northern Michigan, instilled in her a positive mindset, a passion for storytelling, and a strong desire to combat oppression.
As the President of MSM Global Consulting, Maria specializes in fostering holistic organizational change and leadership development while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, she serves as a faculty member at American University, where she teaches graduate-level courses on intercultural communication and training design.
Connecting with Maria Morukian
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-morukian/ Her podcast Culture Stew: https://msmglobalconsulting.com/category/culture-stew-podcast/  Maria's Book Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace https://www.amazon.com/Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-Trainers-Fostering/dp/1953946054 
 
Join the Simply Human Newsletter
Want to receive unreasonable ideas for great people at work - Growth hacking human-centered performance, innovation and work culture. - You are just a click away https://simplyhuman.substack.com/ 

Many people turn to mindfulness to enhance their mental well-being and productivity. However, companies can also benefit from promoting mindfulness among their employees to boost their performance. One effective way for corporations to implement mindfulness at scale is by integrating it into their workplace culture. In this episode, we'll delve deeper into the impact of mindfulness on work cultures, the scientific evidence supporting it, and strategies for converting even the most skeptical employees. Don't miss out on learning how mindfulness can improve your company's overall performance.
About Gopi Krishnaswamy
Gopi Krishnaswamy is a mindfulness teacher/coach, Zen practitioner, author, and speaker who specializes in helping companies improve their performance through mindfulness practice. 
As the founder of L.A.M.A. (The Leadership And Mindfulness Academy), a mindfulness-based training solution for well-being and high performance, Gopi leads a team providing mindfulness training at scale. Additionally, he serves as a certified teacher and the Regional Lead at Google-born SIY Global [Search Inside Yourself Program].
Over the course of his career, Gopi has taught mindfulness to a diverse group of professionals and has helped several large corporate clients develop mindfulness-based leadership capabilities and cultures.
 
Connecting with Gopi Krishnaswamy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gopikrishnaswamy/LLAMA Website: http://myllama.co/
His book Creativity Unleashed https://gopikrishnaswamy.com/book/ 
What We Discussed in this Episode:
- The Importance of Mindfulness: Exploring Its Heritage and Recent Rise in Popularity- Debunking the Biggest Misconceptions About Mindfulness- The Origins of Mindfulness in the Workplace: How Tech Companies Led the Way- Overcoming Resistance: The Science Behind Mindfulness and Its Benefits for Employees- Creativity Unleashed: Developing a Culture of Innovation- How Mindfulness Can Transform Your Work Culture- Global Events to Democratize Mindfulness in the Workplace
 
Join the Mindfulness@Work Dubai Summit
Join us to the next Mindfulness@Work Dubai Summit where Gopi Krishnaswamy and Ivan Palomino will speak and share perspectives on the future of workplace wellbeing. 
 

Wouldn't it be great to get to know the naked truth about some companies' culture? No fluff just whatever it is being said by their employees. 
Google searches related to work culture have increased significantly. People are interested in learning more about a company's employee experience, psychological safety, benefits, flexibility, equality, among other things. 
While this is great, it can still be time-consuming to delve deeper into cultural challenges and specific companies or industries. 
However, a new way of finding this information has emerged - A bunch of tech guys working with artificial intelligence are analyzing everything being said on the internet about corporate's work culture by employees. I got the hint to contact one of the founders of Culturama to discuss the creation of the largest encyclopedia of work culture.
About Andi Kacperski
Andi Kacperski is a Co-Founder of Culturama, an advanced analytics tool for work culture that has been designed to assist leaders and HR teams in improving their people strategy.
Connecting with Andi Kacperski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacperski/
Trying Culturama
 
Today you can try their data for free but you can also ask the Culturama guys to benchmark your company at https://culturama.is/ 
Culturama is a tool, offering insights on 130 work-related problems to help employees make informed career decisions and companies to understand where they stand vs. their competition. Our study covers 32 industries, the largest 1500 global organizations, and is based on automated analysis of 4.8 million employee opinions expressed in natural language.
 
What We Discussed in the Episode:
- Understanding the purpose of Addressing Work Culture Insights Deficiency- How Culturama Differs from Employer Review Sites- Top Work Challenges on Culturama - Most Sought-After Topics- Gain an Unmatched Edge with Culturama - Learn from Competitor's Strengths and Weaknesses in People Management- Impact of Collaboration in the Workplace - Insights from Culturama's Data- Exploring the Key Traits of Successful Leadership - Insights from Culturama's Data- Enabling Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace - Top Factors Identified - Insights from Culturama's Data- Work Challenges Across Industries - Identifying the Best and Worst Performers - Insights from Culturama's Data
 
READ ALSO THIS -The Most Important Leadership Actions to Engage Employees an article by PeopleKult >> https://www.peoplekult.com/post/the-most-important-leadership-actions-to-engage-employees 
 

In this episode of Growth Hacking Culture, we tackle the pressing topic of major change initiatives and the challenges that organizations face in implementing them. According to Gartner's research, approximately 75% of organizations plan to increase their major change initiatives in the next three years. However, without an effective approach to inspire change within the organization, these initiatives are at risk of failing to meet their intended goals.
To successfully introduce new ideas and drive organizational change, it's crucial for the leadership team to have a comprehensive understanding of cultural change. But leading an organization towards transformational change is no easy task. That's why we've invited Tony Martignetti, a renowned organizational change management expert, to share his insights on how to inspire people during times of cultural change.
About Tony Martignetti
Tony Martignetti has a diverse professional background that includes working as a finance and strategy executive with some of the world's top life sciences companies. With this extensive experience, he has transitioned into a leadership development advisor, helping leaders achieve their transformational goals.
In addition to his advisory role, Tony is also a renowned author and host of "The Virtual Campfire" podcast, which focuses on sharing inspiring stories of leaders' transformation journeys. His book, "Climbing the Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life," is a must-read for leaders who have achieved success in the past but are looking to find fulfillment and purpose in their personal and professional lives.
By reading Tony's book or tuning in to his podcast, listeners can gain valuable insights on leadership and personal growth, while learning from his experiences and expertise. So, if you're looking to climb the right mountain and navigate your journey towards an inspired life, Tony Martignetti can help you achieve your goals.
 
Connecting with Tony Martignetti
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignett1/
His Book Climbing the Right Mountain: https://www.amazon.com/Climbing-Right-Mountain-Navigating-Inspired-ebook/dp/B096N4VGS1/
Inspired Purpose Coaching Site: https://www.inspiredpurposecoach.com/ 
 
What We Discussed in the Episode:
Key factors that contribute to successful transitions in corporate transformation, as observed from experience in senior leadership positions.
Common mistakes made by leaders during cultural changes.
Tony Martignetti’s Definition of Corporate Culture
Strategies for preparing individuals for significant organizational or cultural shifts.
Shifting from an organization-driven change to a people-led change.
Ways for leaders to inspire and motivate others to embrace change.
Methods for measuring the success of a transition.
 
 
BONUS: Get a Free Guidebook for Reinventing How People Learn in Corporate
 
There is a science on how the brain processes learning - This can help organizations redesign the way people learn in corporate - I have compiled it in a free guidebook here https://www.peoplekult.com/reinvent-corporate-learning-guidebook 

In today's rapidly changing business environment, activating a culture of agility is essential for organizations to thrive. An agile culture promotes flexibility, adaptability, and innovation, allowing organizations to quickly respond to new opportunities and challenges. To activate a culture of agility, organizations must focus on developing a mindset of continuous improvement, collaboration, and experimentation. This requires a willingness to take risks, learn from failure, and continuously iterate on processes and strategies.
Leaders play a critical role in activating a culture of agility by setting a clear vision, communicating it effectively, and empowering employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work. They also need to create an environment that supports experimentation, encourages cross-functional collaboration, and rewards innovation.
Overall, activating a culture of agility requires a long-term commitment to cultural transformation, but the benefits can be significant. Organizations can increase resilience, improve customer satisfaction, and foster a more engaged and motivated workforce. By prioritizing agility, organizations can position themselves for long-term success in today's rapidly changing business landscape.
About Angela Johnson
In 2010, Angela Johnson founded Collaborative Leadership Team and has since become a successful entrepreneur, educator, and coach. Through coaching, training, and empowerment, she assists individuals in using various techniques to reach their professional goals and objectives. Angela holds several certifications, including Certified LeSS Practitioner (CLP), Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), and is one of the first Scrum Alliance Path to CSP Approved Educators.
With a career spanning over 24 years in aiding leaders and teams, Angela has worked with clients across multiple industries such as agency and services, software, hardware, marketing, financial services, insurance, learning and development, and more.
Angela is the author of the book titled "The Scrum Master Files: Secrets Every Coach Should Know"
Her LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelajohnsonscrumtrainer/ 
The Collaborative Leadership Team website https://collaborativeleadershipteam.com/ 
What We Discussed in this Episode on Culture of Agility:
- Agile Methodology: Is it a Process or a Philosophy?- The Value of Agile: Improving Human Skills for Better Work Culture - Insights from "The Scrum Master Files"- Overcoming the Challenges: Why Non-Tech Functions Struggle with Adopting Agile Methodologies- Business Agility and Agile Methods: Is There a Correlation?- Agile Companies: Are They Better Performing than Their Peers?- Starting from Scratch: Implementing Business Agility - A CEO's Roadmap- Beyond Scrum: Exploring Other Methodologies to Enhance Business Agility- Agile Principles for Personal Growth and Development: Can They be Used as a Tool?
 
BONUS: Get a Free Guidebook for Reinventing How People Learn in Corporate
 
There is a science on how the brain processes learning - This can help organizations redesign the way people learn in corporate - I have compiled it in a free guidebook here

It would be fantastic if we could all work in an environment where we're free to make mistakes, discuss challenging topics, embrace diversity, take risks without fear of failure, and ask for help without judgment.
Unfortunately, the reality is that psychological safety, the most misunderstood aspect of workplace culture, is often neglected due to business pressure.
Organizations that prioritize psychological safety are better able to foster innovation, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among their employees, leading to improved performance and greater overall success.
As a result, many businesses and leaders are now recognizing the importance of creating a psychologically safe workplace culture. 
About Maura Barclay
She is an accomplished author with over a decade of experience and thought leadership in "conscious conduct." Her expertise has allowed her to consult for diverse organizations, ranging from Starbucks to the US Military, the IMF, and several startups.
She also hosts the C-Change Show- Changing Business Culture for GOOD, which aims to promote positive changes in business culture. One of her notable qualities is her candor in discussing the inner workings of organizations, which she believes require psychological safety for individuals to be authentic and have a meaningful impact. She stresses the importance of eliminating judgement, blame, and shame from conversations to foster true diversity and belonging.
Connecting with Maura Barclay
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurabarclay/
Website: https://maurabarclay.com/
 
What We Discussed in the Episode on Why Psychological Safety Became So Important Now:
What are the signs that Psychological Safety is not doing great at work?
Where do we draw the line between a work environment that is demanding, blunt, honest and the need for psychological safety
What are the first actions that a new manager should do to assess and act on the Psychological Safety in the new team?
There are 4x more google searches of the word Psychological Safety vs pre-covid - How did we suddenly discover this word??
Is there a way to classify how good are companies in terms of Psychological Safety
Why is so difficult for organizations to get better at Psychological Safety
Magic Wand: You are given the CEO positions of a fortune 500 known for its low Psychological Safety - what would be your first actions?
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Get a Free Guidebook for Reinventing How People Learn in Corporate
There is a science on how the brain processes learning - This can help organizations redesign the way people learn in corporate - I have compiled it in a free guidebook https://www.peoplekult.com/reinvent-corporate-learning-guidebook 
 
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In today's fast-paced and competitive business world, toxic work cultures can be detrimental to both employees and the organization's success. From negativity, harassment, and discrimination to undervalued employees, overworked staff, and burnout, toxic work cultures can be a recipe for disaster.
Research has shown that companies with positive work cultures have higher levels of employee retention, customer satisfaction, and profitability. On the other hand, toxic work cultures can lead to high turnover rates, low morale, and burnout. Employees in such environments may feel undervalued, overworked, and stressed, which ultimately leads to a decline in productivity.
Fortunately, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of healthy work cultures in recent years. Many companies are now prioritizing employee well-being by implementing policies and practices that promote a positive work environment. This includes things like flexible work arrangements, clear communication, fair compensation, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
While some companies may still maintain toxic work cultures, it's becoming increasingly clear that such practices are untenable and unappealing to both employees and consumers. Companies that prioritize healthy work cultures are likely to be more successful and better equipped to compete in the long term.
 
About Ira Wolfe
Ira S. Wolfe has been recognized as the leading Global Thought Leader on the Future of Work by Thinkers360, and is also ranked among the Top 10 in HR. He is widely regarded as a visionary in the field of HR, with a particular focus on managing the intersection of traditional work practices, modern technology, and the digital age. Ira has delivered a TEDx talk, and serves as the Chief Googlization Officer of Poised for the Future Company, as well as being the host of the popular Geeks Geezers Googlization podcast, which is known for challenging conventional thinking about the future of work. He is also an accomplished author.
 
Connecting with Ira Wolfe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irawolfe/
Website: https://www.irawolfe.com/
 
What We Discussed in the Episode:
Why would a business receive an F grade for its work culture?
What factors do job seekers consider when choosing their first or next job?
Does HR prioritize the "Human" in Human Resources?
How relevant is "The Shift or Die" principle from your book to Toxic Cultures?
Can we expect positive changes in work cultures in the near future?
What actions can companies take to address managers with toxic behaviors?
What are the upcoming trends for Work Cultures?
 
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This episode is hosted by Ivan Palomino - He is a Learning Strategist and Behavioral Designer. Ivan helps organizations build human-centric work cultures.
This episode is brought to you by PeopleKult - the next generation work culture powered by brain and data science.
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