The world feels tense right now — from politics to rapid changes in technology. But what about your workplace? Without a strong, intentional culture, external chaos can spill inside, turning your organization into yet another source of stress. When you invest in a healthy workplace culture, you create stability, trust, and countless benefits that help your team stay grounded, connected, and ready to rise above the noise. To guide us on this journey, Brandon Smith is joined by special guest host, David Papa, on this week’s edition of The Leadership Foundry Podcast.

2:45 Brandon breaks down today’s “cultural void”.

4:50 The purpose of culture in the workplace is to bring people together, not tear teams apart.

5:00 “Firefighters are not leaders.” Brandon highlights the dangers of being in firefighter mode and the misuse of urgency at work.

7:00 Is your goal to win an MVP or a World Championship?

8:30 David notes the level of loneliness in the world and how this impacts our work.

13:00 As a leader, if you do not set guidelines for what it means to be part of your team, your team will create their own standards.

17:45 Freedom of Speech and Company Policy.

20:00 Leaders, it’s your job to remind everyone why your organization exists.

26:00 Brandon shares key actions for investing in your company culture: Talk about purpose (what is the core need your organization is trying to meet?) and reflect on values (to build community).

29:30 David notes a recent study by Mark Crowley: 52% of workers are willing to take a 20% pay cut to work with friends.

32:00 Enemy #1: Time.

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