Let’s be honest.

Sometimes, I just don’t want to.  I bet you sometimes don’t want to either.

That project I committed to?

The email that’s been sitting in my draft folder for days?

The strategic plan I should feel excited about but can’t seem to crack open?

The handwritten thank you note to a deserving host?

Even the most motivated among us hit that wall—where the resistance is real, the energy is low, and the desire is nowhere to be found. And yet… the work still calls.

I recently returned from a delightful ski vacation in Europe, and while it wasn’t a third-world cultural experience, I always find value in learning new perspectives, attitudes and practices from other countries and then try to incorporate them into my life back at home.  As a lifelong student of organizational culture, I’m naturally curious about what I can learn from seeing how other cultures operate. 

Every so often, life surprises us with a moment of clarity and gratitude. I recently experienced one when I ran into Antonio, a former member of the San Joaquin Valley Young Leaders Organization (YLO), 25 years after his time in the program.

When we think of company culture, we often frame it within the walls of the workplace—a set of shared values, behaviors, and norms that drive how we work together. But company culture doesn’t stop at the office door. It ripples out into every facet of our lives, shaping who we are as parents, friends, and citizens.

The truth is, company culture is far more than a business concept. It has the power to build a stronger society by helping people lead more conscious, fulfilled and balanced lives.

The workplace is a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives, experiences, and expectations often collide. These moments of friction can leave us feeling disoriented or frustrated, but they also present opportunities for growth and collaboration. With the right approach, learning how to navigate these collisions with resilience and understanding becomes an essential professional skill.

The concept of workplace culture has never been more critical than it is today. Companies are beginning to recognize that fostering intentional, vibrant cultures is the key to not just retaining talent but inspiring it. Here’s a closer look at how leaders can create work environments where employees feel seen, valued, and energized.