Why Workplace Culture Isn't Optional – Here's How To Get It Right Work It Like A Mum podcast

Why Workplace Culture Isn't Optional – Here's How to Get It Right

7d ago 37:44

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In this episode of the Work It Like a Mum Podcast, we sit down with Paula Brockwell, founder and director of the Employee Experience Project, to unpack the real power of workplace culture. Paula explains why culture isn’t just about “Sunday night vibes” but is a system that drives employee behaviour, performance, and business success.

What We Cover:

What business culture really is and why it matters
Why there’s no universal “perfect culture” and how alignment with business goals is key
The role of leadership in connecting employees to the mission
How KPIs can support or harm culture
Resetting psychological contracts to create empowered, high-performing teams
Preparing for the future of work with AI and evolving skill requirements

Key Takeaways:

Culture is more than vibes: It shapes how people act, what’s acceptable, and how success happens.
No one-size-fits-all: The best culture fits your business context, goals, and mission.
Leadership matters: Great leaders connect people to the mission and help them thrive.
Behaviour over motivation: Culture drives the actions that achieve results—not just good feelings.
Psychological contracts: Clear, adult-to-adult agreements keep expectations realistic and engagement high.
KPIs that align: Metrics work when they reinforce the right behaviours, not conflicting ones.
AI and the future of work: Rethink talent, skills, and human-machine partnerships to stay ahead.

Why You Should Listen:
If you are a business leader, HR professional, or team manager, this episode offers practical guidance on building a culture that empowers employees, boosts performance, and helps your organisation thrive in any market. Paula’s insights take you beyond surface-level “culture vibes” to strategies that really make a difference.

Show Links:

Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts Here

Connect With Paula on LinkedIn Here

Visit Paula’s Website Here

Support the show

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Chapters

1. Welcome & Sponsor Message (00:00:00)

2. Defining Culture Beyond Vibes (00:02:00)

3. No Single Best Culture (00:05:00)

4. Models, Meta-Analysis, And Myths (00:09:00)

5. Profit, Context, And Behaviour (00:13:00)

6. Mission, Leadership, And Buy-In (00:18:27)

7. Purpose Without Going Rogue (00:22:57)

8. What Makes A Good Leader (00:26:57)

9. DEI, Markets, And Culture Drift (00:29:27)

10. KPIs Done Right (00:33:27)

11. AI, Talent Pipelines, And Mastery (00:36:57)

173 episodes