INSIGHTS

VICE PRESIDENT | INVESTIGATIONS @ US INTEGRITY, INC

… “One of the first lessons I was taught about leadership in the military was that leaders work for the people they supervise, not the other way around. It is an ethos I try to incorporate into my leadership practices to this day and feel USI’s overall culture embodies. There are multiple things that fit within this, but working for the well-being of those that fall within your leadership scope and being accountable to the team is at the core of it.”

MANAGING PARTNER | PUBLIC SERVICES & REGULATION @ SAXTON BAMPFYLDE

… “A positive working culture needs to create the conditions that enable that, including respect for each other as individuals – valuing each other for who we are; openness and honesty – even when that is difficult; and a belief both in working hard and also in being able to have fun together!”

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER @ FIDO TECH

… “The intellectual challenge of managing a finance function through growth is immense as there are always so many moving pieces and considerations. […] For me being a CFO is akin to doing a 5,000 piece jigsaw; sometimes you need to be in the detail and sometimes you need to step back and see the bigger picture and how it all connects. Critically don’t lose any pieces along the way.”

DIRECTOR | FOUNDER @ LEADERSHIP CAPITAL

… “I think you also have to think carefully about ‘who you let in to the organisation’. In my experience, positive work cultures are filled with people who are positive, look for solutions where others just see problems, have high EQ and are self-motivated. Attitude trumps aptitude.”

DIRECTOR @ CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

… “Adult-adult management is a collaborative, respectful approach where employees are treated as equals, fostering autonomy, open communication, and innovation. […] Focusing efforts in this direction not only creates a positive work culture but serves as a foundation for accountability across the organisation.“

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

On advice for any new starter: … “I think the key thing is to start to build out your network. Relationships are so important in the work environment both social level as well as for valuable advice and insight as you continue your onboarding journey. Ask lots of questions of your colleagues and be yourself, you were hired as you, so be you and take notes. “

SR VICE PRESIDENT | CLIENT SUCCESS @ LEVIN

“I think a positive working culture is where everyone is working hard because they are intrinsically motivated to do so. The revenue and rewards are the by-product of everyone being in sync, and truly a team. You need teammates who are committed, aligned to one common goal, and have a platform to ask for help.”

SR DIRECTOR | MEL @ THE END FUND

‘Exemplary leadership’ & ‘full team buy-in’: “Having leaders in place that would not ask something of a direct report that they would not be willing to do themselves [and] supporting each other in turn during the inevitable ebbs and flows of each individual’s workload. Instilling in the team that while you might be going the extra mile to support a teammate today, tomorrow they will be returning the favour. “

CEO & OWNER @ ELLIOTT SCOTT HR

“Attitude is everything – every day you can wake up and not be in control about some of the things that happen to you that day. What you can always control is your attitude, how you go about things and what you say. Having an approach that is positive, friendly, open and truly driven is infectious and that all comes back to the attitude you start each day with.”

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER @ VOCOVO

“Innovation only happens when you create the space for people to take risks and try new things. That only happens when there is psychological safety. … Our colleagues are people first, not their job – we embrace the whole human, supporting lives outside of work and focusing on employee wellbeing.”

PARTNER @ NOVUS GLOBAL

Positive working culture “means we’re clear on our vision, mission, strategy, and the values that will get us there. We actually live those values out through our behaviours (not just what we say) … It may start at the top, but it’s maintained at all levels.

MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS EXECUTIVE

“In my opinion, a professional basketball team with a positive working culture looks like a place where every member of the organization respects the leadership group, feels valued by the leadership group, and as a result, is fully engaged in their work. High employee engagement is an affirmative indicator of a positive working culture.”

SENIOR PARTNER @ INX

“Having open and honest strategy, as well as open dialogue from top-down, has been critical for us to drive a high-performing, inclusive culture in our organisation. … Empowering your people, giving them a platform to offer ideas and suggestions to how your organisation could continually improve is very effective.”

CEO @ WOMEN WITH PURPOSE

“… Efforts to create a positive organization are marked by 3 ingredients: active listening signals, transparent change management, and visible leadership. … Together, these elements create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees thrive.”