In this episode, Don Harkey, CEO and Founder of People Centric Consulting Group, joins Rob to explore how systems—not slogans—create strong cultures. They talk about what it means to balance empowerment with alignment, the hidden cost of poor onboarding, how to adapt during rapid change, and why remote work shouldn’t derail culture if you’re deliberate about how you lead.

Key Takeaway:

Culture isn’t about perks—it’s about systems. If you want better engagement and performance, build habits and structures that empower people while keeping everyone aligned.

Questions I ask Don:

01:33 What does “culture-centric leadership” mean?

03:51 Where do most companies go wrong when trying to improve culture?

05:36 How do systems and processes play a role in shaping workplace culture?

09:25 How does rapid business change impact the way leaders should think about a people-centric culture?

12:32 How can leaders effectively communicate the need for change so their teams truly understand it and take proactive action?

18:48 What should fast-growing small and mid-sized businesses keep in mind to maintain a people-centric culture as they scale?

20:32 What should be done differently in a remote or hybrid model to maintain a people-centric culture?

More About Don Harkey:

• Check out People Centric Consulting Group

• Connect with Don on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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