Cultivating Culture: Our Culture Catalyst Program for Founders
At Next Big Thing, we recently had the privilege of guiding a group of visionary founders through our Culture Catalyst program. This experience not only reinforced our belief in the power of intentional culture-building but also provided us with invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage startups.
Because our Culture Catalyst program is for underrepresented founders, we were able to have an environment of openness, understanding, and mutual support. The group was able to share their unique perspectives and challenges freely, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that informed our discussions and insights. As facilitators, we were deeply moved by the thoughtfulness and commitment these founders brought to culture-building. Their willingness to examine their own beliefs, challenge industry norms, and envision new ways of working was truly inspiring.
The Power of Values-Driven Leadership
Our program began with a deep dive into personal values. It was inspiring to see how each founder's unique experiences and perspectives shaped their core values. From health and appreciation to resilience and collaboration, these values formed the foundation for their leadership principles and company cultures.
One founder eloquently expressed how practicing self-acceptance helped her overcome perfectionism, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the group. Another emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to team members' goals, highlighting the delicate balance between pushing for growth and maintaining flexibility.
Bridging Personal Values and Company Culture
A key focus of our program was translating personal values into actionable leadership principles and company culture initiatives. We explored how values like "serving others with excellence" could manifest in creating a learning culture and innovative approaches to collaboration.
The founders grappled with important questions: How do you balance professionalism with allowing people to be themselves? How can you create a culture of security and trust while also providing constructive feedback? These discussions led to creative solutions, such as structured feedback systems and redefining traditional notions of ambition and hard work.
Challenges and Growth
Throughout the program, we witnessed the founders' growth as they confronted challenges head-on. They tackled issues like aligning seemingly contradictory values (e.g., collaboration and freedom) and finding ways to prioritize well-being in high-pressure startup environments.
One particularly insightful moment came when discussing hiring practices. The group explored how to communicate culture from the very first interaction with potential team members, suggesting the inclusion of value statements at the top of job descriptions, and surveys asking new employees how they prefer to engage at work.
The Impact of Intentional Culture-Building
One of the most gratifying outcomes of the program was witnessing the immediate impact it had on participants. One founder had immediately begun implementing the principles we discussed in her day-to-day work, leading with the values and strategies we had explored together and it was definitely a standout moment for us when she declared, "You change lives."
This experience reinforced our belief that early-stage culture work is crucial for a company’s success. By laying a strong cultural foundation, these founders are not just building companies – they're creating environments where innovation, well-being, and purpose can thrive.
At Next Big Thing, we're more committed than ever to supporting founders in this crucial work. We believe that by empowering leaders to create thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative cultures from day one, we can contribute to a more equitable and purpose-driven business landscape.
We're grateful for the opportunity to work with such inspiring founders and look forward to seeing the incredible cultures they build.
If you're a founder interested in laying a strong cultural foundation for your startup, we'd love to hear from you and explore how we can support your journey.
