“You see companies: “I’m going to put a… ping pong table in the break room… and I’m going to have a massage therapist come in and do chair massages…” Those are all nice amenities, but they aren’t culture… Culture… is the force that keeps everything together… Some people never get that, they never understand this is necessary… But if… they want to stick around for a while… they need to create a workplace that the people want to come back to every single day… You’re going to be alone unless you understand that the only way you create anything is through people… Do you want to do this alone? Because if so, you shouldn’t even hire people… But if you want to do great things with people, you better start with people”.
S03E05 of the Rethink Culture podcast shines the spotlight on Joseph Michelli PhD. As an expert in organizational culture and customer experience, Joseph has collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned brands. He is the author of several insightful books that delve into the cultures of companies like Starbucks, Zappos, Ritz-Carlton, Mercedes-Benz, and Airbnb, revealing how these leaders have crafted lasting and impactful cultures within their organizations. Interestingly, Joseph began his career as a radio host at the young age of 13, highlighting his passion for communication and connection from an early age.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Joseph emphasizes the value of a people-centric leadership approach and how fostering authentic relationships can drive organizational success. He discusses the significance of intentional culture-building and how leaders can create environments where employees feel valued and engaged. Drawing on his extensive experience working with top CEOs, he provides actionable insights into the dynamics of remote work and interpersonal connections, urging leaders to prioritize meaningful interactions. With his unique blend of storytelling and expertise, and his commitment to passing down his wisdom to future leaders, Joseph inspires us to rethink our approach to culture, leadership, and the pursuit of a balanced and impactful career.
The podcast is produced by Rethink Culture (rethinkculture.co). Our Culture Health Check helps you turn your culture into a competitive advantage, with data.
Production, video, and audio editing by Evangelia Alexaki of Musicove Productions.
Listen to this episode to discover:
• Insights from top CEOs on how intentional company culture drives innovation, employee engagement, and long-term success.
• How leaders can build a vibrant culture that boosts employee engagement rather than accepting a “culture by default”.
• The significance of work-life balance for long-term health, and advice Joseph would give his younger self.
• The irreplaceable value of in-person interactions for trust, and practical ways to build emotional connections in remote teams.
• How in-person gatherings strengthen bonds beyond what digital tools can provide.
• The importance of genuinely caring for your team for success and profitability.
• The risks of workforce disengagement and how intentional culture can engage more employees.
• Why great leaders encourage rather than compete with the next generation.
• Tips for leveraging small moments to cultivate a strong, cohesive team culture.
Further resources:
• Joseph Michelli, Ph.D. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmichelli/
• Joseph’s Website: https://www.josephmichelli.com/
• When Fish Fly: Lessons for Creating a Vital and Energized Workplace from the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market, by John Yokoyama and Joseph Michelli PhD: https://www.amazon.com/When-Fish-Fly-Energized-Workplace-ebook/dp/B000FC1VVA/
• Stronger Through Adversity: World-Class Leaders Share Pandemic-Tested Lessons on Thriving During the Toughest Challenges, by Joseph A. Michelli: https://www.amazon.com/Stronger-Through-Adversity-World-Class-Pandemic-Tested-ebook/dp/B08CQHCJT4/
• My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future, by Indra Nooyi: https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Full-Family-Future-ebook/dp/B08YN8H8GF/
