What does it really take to build a thriving company culture? In this insightful episode, Seb Wichmann sits down with Christina Luconi to explore the power of intentional culture-building as a foundation for organizational success. From Christina’s journey at Rapid7 to launching her own consulting venture, the conversation is packed with real-world insights and practical strategies.

Together, they dive into the evolution of workplace culture, the tension between being culture-first vs. people-first, and the critical role of leadership in aligning values with everyday behaviors. You’ll learn how to define and operationalize core values, foster meaningful employee experiences, and create a culture that resonates far beyond perks. A must-listen for leaders who want to turn culture into a competitive edge.

For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and DoGood Agency.

In this conversation, Seb Wichmann and Jeanette K Winters discuss the challenges and strategies of maintaining meaningful connections in a remote work environment. Jeanette shares her insights as CHRO of 8x8, where nearly half of the workforce is remote. They explore the importance of authentic connections, cultural sensitivity, and the balance of masculine and feminine qualities in leadership. Jeanette emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and the significance of recognizing and addressing employee engagement and disengagement.

For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and DoGood Agency.

In this conversation, Seb Wichmann interviews Chris Hewish, the Chief Strategy Officer and former CEO of Xsolla, discussing the challenges and successes of scaling a global company. They explore the integration of diverse cultures from Eastern Europe, the West, and Asia, and how these differences can be bridged to create a cohesive team.

Chris shares insights from his personal background and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in the workplace. They explore the importance of cultural sensitivity in leadership, the dynamics of employee engagement, and the democratization of creative expression in the gaming industry. They discuss how leaders can foster a thriving workplace culture, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and the significance of co-creating with consumers to build a strong community around brands.

For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and DoGood Agency.

In this conversation, Seb Wichmann speaks with Daniel Marashlian, co-founder and CTO of Drata, about the challenges and strategies involved in scaling a company from 300 to 600 employees while maintaining a strong workplace culture.

Daniel shares insights on the importance of cultural values, the role of trust and time, and the necessity of being customer-obsessed. They discuss the practical steps taken to integrate new hires and the lessons learned from early growth experiences, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the product and customer needs.

Daniel discusses the importance of understanding the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and building a culture of doers within the organization. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and clarity in processes, especially during times of change such as acquisitions. Trust and transparency are highlighted as key components in fostering a positive workplace culture, particularly in a remote work environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced post-acquisition and the strategies employed to maintain employee engagement and morale.

For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and DoGood Agency.

In this engaging conversation, Seb Wichmann speaks with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, about the intricacies of hiring and recruitment, particularly focusing on the Latin American market. They explore the evolution of Plugg, the importance of understanding company culture in hiring, and innovative strategies such as video job descriptions and experiential recruitment methods. Brian shares valuable lessons learned from his extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the need for companies to know their identity and to try new approaches in their hiring processes.

For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and DoGood Agency.

In this engaging conversation, Seb Wichmann interviews Daricus Releford, the founder of StoreCash, a fintech startup aimed at empowering teens with financial literacy. Daricus shares his personal journey from humble beginnings, his early entrepreneurial ventures, and the lessons learned along the way. The discussion delves into the importance of financial education for young people, the challenges faced in the startup world, and the evolution of Daricus's relationship with money. Through anecdotes and insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit and the significance of fostering financial literacy in the next generation.

In this conversation, Daricus shares his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges faced during peak business times, particularly Valentine's Day. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and personal communication with customers, especially during crises. The discussion transitions to his expansion efforts and the pivotal move to Silicon Valley, where he sought to understand the tech landscape. Daricus reflects on his experiences at major tech companies and the lessons learned about culture and hiring. He concludes with insights on overcoming fear in leadership and the importance of authenticity in business.

For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and DoGood Agency.

Oliver Gunasekara emerges as a compelling figure in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovative entrepreneurship. As the founder of Impossible Metals, he brings a unique perspective shaped by his successful track record in the semiconductor industry, including the notable sale of his video compression company to AMD. What makes Oliver particularly intriguing is his bold pivot towards addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time - sustainable metal extraction for the clean energy transition.

His vision for Impossible Metals represents a groundbreaking approach to deep-sea mining, utilizing advanced robotics and AI to collect critical metals like nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese with minimal environmental impact. The company's innovative technology, which hovers above the seabed and selectively collects rocks while protecting marine ecosystems, demonstrates a remarkable balance between technological advancement and environmental stewardship. What sets Oliver apart is his commitment to making Impossible Metals a public benefit corporation, dedicating 1% of company shares to nonprofit causes, and maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility despite the pressures of scaling a startup.

Beyond the technical and environmental aspects, Oliver brings valuable insights into the challenges of building and managing a purpose-driven company in a controversial industry. His experience in navigating the complexities of team building, remote work culture, and maintaining work-life balance while preparing for Series A funding offers practical wisdom for other entrepreneurs. His realistic yet optimistic approach to addressing the critical metals shortage - acknowledging both the necessity of mining and the importance of doing it responsibly - makes him an ideal guest to discuss the intersection of operational challenges, cultural development, and conscious leadership in today's business landscape.

For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and DoGood Agency.

Benjamin Ard leads Masset, a successful two-person SaaS firm, employing a distinctive philosophy centered on the potential of operating a one-person billion-dollar enterprise in the future. This involves a strong emphasis on efficiency, customer engagement, marketing efforts, and a streamlined organizational structure.

Benjamin advocates for a purposefully small operation, utilizing AI and innovative tools to simplify processes and eliminate unnecessary complexity. His approach offers a refreshing take on business management, demonstrating a commitment to aligning with investors while maintaining profitability and responsibly managing their funds.

Moreover, Benjamin's resourceful strategy for others to learn how to run a business without extensive marketing expertise provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. His proficiency in tackling B2B challenges and his focus on optimizing operations enrich our discussion. He offers insights on leveraging AI to replace external consultants and freelancers, along with an emphasis on maintaining close relationships with customers. This forward-thinking and practical approach serves as an excellent model for modern SaaS companies.

For more information on the podcast host Seb Wichmann and DoGood Agency.