Culture: The Heartbeat of Companies, Communities, and Families
This week feels like the world has scattered in every direction.
Paul is off canoeing for three days in the Adirondacks, immersed in nature and paddling with his friends.
A friend of mine is camping and touring California, just left Yosemite and is now at Mt. Shasta.
Another friend is in Ibiza celebrating her son’s 30th birthday on the sparkling coast of Spain.
And a colleague departed for Italy yesterday for three weeks, ready to soak in history, food, and art.
Traveling—if one has the means—is one of the best ways to gain perspective on life.
You step into another culture, even for a short while, and it changes the way you see the world.
You notice differences in language, food, and traditions, but also recognize the similarities that connect us all.
Travel reminds us that diversity is not just a concept—it’s a lived experience.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to hop on a plane to learn about culture.
We experience it every day in our companies, our communities, and in our families.
Why Culture Matters at Work
Company culture is more than casual Fridays or a mission statement on the wall. It’s the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how people feel when they show up to work. I’ve seen firsthand how culture drives employee engagement, retention, and performance.
Take UConn, for example. Their culture is rooted in pride, learning, and a strong sense of community. You feel it at the games, in the classrooms, and in the way alumni stay connected. That culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s cultivated.
Or think of The Hartford, a company I’ve had the privilege to observe up close. Their culture emphasizes integrity, teamwork, and innovation.
These values show up in how they serve their clients and how employees support one another. A strong culture attracts talent, builds trust, and inspires people to bring their best selves to work.
Without culture, organizations can feel hollow—like a building without a heartbeat.
“We believe that our culture, developed over many years, has enabled our success. Our ability to embrace a range of voices and perspectives allows us to better innovate, take risks, solve problems creatively, and meet the needs of a broad-ranging customer base – ultimately achieving better business outcomes.”
~ Christopher J. Swift, The Hartford Chairman & CEO
Diversity Expands Our Perspective
Just as travel opens our eyes, diversity in the workplace and community does the same.
When we honor and embrace differences—whether in ethnicity, background, gender, age, personality, or experience—we widen our lens. We make better decisions because we’ve considered more perspectives.
Diversity is not about checking boxes; it’s about creating a richer, more innovative environment.
Imagine a brainstorming session where everyone thinks the same way—it doesn’t take long before the ideas fall flat.
Contrast that with a room full of people with varied experiences, who challenge assumptions and spark new solutions.
That’s the power of diversity.
The Family and Your Chosen Community Culture
Culture isn’t only corporate or global—it’s also deeply personal.
Families carry culture through traditions, meals, and stories passed down through generations.
Communities carry it through festivals, churches, sports, and neighborhoods.
Even within a single family, you’ll see different “cultures.”
Paul’s canoe trip is a cultural practice in its own way—valuing nature, simplicity, and camaraderie.
My friend in Ibiza is celebrating with her sons through music, food, and togetherness in a vacation destination.
When we slow down to notice and honor the cultures around us, we deepen our empathy and connection.
Honoring Culture in Your Own Life
So how do we put this into practice, whether at work or at home?
- Get curious. Ask questions about traditions, beliefs, and practices different from your own. I’ve been invited to share this evening with two of my new neighbors, and they’re going to tell me about how the Home Owners Association works.
- Celebrate diversity. Acknowledge cultural holidays, try new foods, or invite team members to share their backgrounds. A Latina friend of Paul’s just sent us a housewarming gift from her culture of Pialla and Churros (yum!).
- Listen deeply. Often, culture is expressed in stories—listen for the values that lie beneath. This builds trust in your relationships.
- Reflect on your own culture. What traditions or values do you carry? How do they influence your behavior at work and in your community? When choosing a company to work for, select one with a culture that aligns with your values.
When we intentionally honor culture, we create environments where people feel seen, respected, and valued.
Final Thought
Travel may take us across oceans, but culture is all around us, every day.
Whether in a Fortune 500 company, a university, a small-town community, or around the dinner table, culture shapes who we are and how we connect.
The more we embrace diversity—in companies, communities, and families—the more resilient, innovative, and compassionate we become. And life gets better.
As you go about your week, I invite you to ask yourself:
What culture am I part of creating today?
Whether in a canoe, a boardroom, or a family gathering, your contribution matters.
All my best,
Maureen
P.S. Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter for some exciting news I have to share!
P.P.S. If you’re a leader who would like to improve your own company culture, let’s talk some more. Get on my calendar here.
