In this episode, Steve Sorenson, Senior Director of Learning and Culture at Johnsonville, shares how intentional language, accountability, and empowerment form the backbone of a thriving organizational culture. Drawing from his leadership journey, Steve explores how redefining roles through clear language can unlock personal growth and drive team alignment.

He unpacks Johnsonville’s unique cultural framework where self-leadership, coaching, and communication are more than buzzwords and highlights the strategies they use to foster engagement at every level. From creating psychological safety to encouraging self-advocacy and feedback loops, Steve reveals how culture isn’t just supported by HR, but built daily by every member of the organization. This episode is a guide for leaders who want to cultivate workplaces rooted in ownership, purpose, and trust.

Additional Resources:

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Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways:

• Johnsonville refers to its workforce as members, not employees.
• Words matter in defining organizational culture and relationships.
• High engagement scores reflect a strong organizational culture.
• Empowerment in decision-making is crucial for leadership development.
• Effective communication involves understanding interpretation, not just intention.