CULTURE CAN MAKE OR BREAK A COMPANY

As founders, we’re not just building companies — we’re building cultures. Every decision we make, every trade-off we accept, and every behavior we model shapes how our teams work, grow, and thrive. Culture isn’t an abstract concept; it’s the collective expression of our values, priorities, and the agreements we choose to uphold.

Every company culture is shaped by two fundamental tensions that founders must navigate:

• Belonging vs. Individuality
• Stability vs. Growth

These tensions aren’t problems to solve — they’re realities to embrace. How we navigate them defines our company, the people we attract, and the impact we create.

Read more in Building Culture with Clarity and Intention.

As you reflect on your journey as a founder and its challenges, consider how you’ve navigated complexity, led with vision, and empowered your team to grow.

PERSPECTIVES

“The culture is what creates the foundation for all future innovation.”
— Brian Chesky

“If a brand doesn't live on the inside, it can't thrive on the outside.”
― Libby Sartain

MARK MY WORDS

Culture is built with intention, not by accident. The way we define our company’s Core Values, the trade-offs we make, and the behaviors we reinforce shape the kind of people we attract and retain. Great cultures hold space for both belonging and individuality as well as stability and growth. It’s not about choosing one over the other — it’s about finding the right balance.

Great founders build cultures where:

• Teams feel a strong sense of belonging while also having room to grow and express their individuality.
• Stability provides a foundation, but change is embraced as a driver of progress.
• People align with a clear vision and feel empowered to contribute in meaningful ways.

If you're thinking about becoming a founder, the culture you create will shape every aspect of your business. The Founder Mode Workbook helps you assess your readiness to become a founder and determine whether you're prepared for the challenges and responsibilities of leading a company. It will guide you through key considerations like leadership mindset, decision-making, and the ability to balance stability with growth.

Founder Tool Kit

The Founder Mode Workbook
When I talk to people considering the founder’s journey, one of the biggest challenges they face is understanding whether they’re truly ready. The Founder Mode Workbook is designed to help you answer that question.

You'll learn:

• What it means to operate in Founder Mode
• How to identify your strengths, growth areas, and key leadership priorities
• Actionable insights and next steps tailored to your unique founder journey

[Download the Workbook]