Culture Talks: From Davos to the Factory Floor: Lauren Dunford’s Guidewheel Journey

In this Culture Talks episode, Lorne Rubis interviews Lauren Dunford, co-founder and CEO of Guidewheel, exploring her experiences and insights as a leader in the manufacturing technology space.

They discuss the significance of company culture, the challenges of leadership, and the importance of values in business. Lauren shares her unique experiences at high-profile events like Davos, her approach to motivation and energy, and the role of a public benefit corporation in aligning purpose with profit.

In this conversation, Lauren Dunford discusses the importance of building a productive team culture, enhancing onboarding processes, and measuring company culture. She emphasizes the need to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and connect employees to the company's purpose. Additionally, she shares insights on learning from mistakes and the challenges of scaling a business as a leader.

Takeaways:

• Guidewheel provides insights for efficient manufacturing operations.

• High-profile encounters can offer valuable lessons in humility and connection.

• Maintaining a growth mindset is crucial during challenging times.

• Values should be embedded in company culture, not just displayed on walls.

• A public benefit corporation allows for a balance between profit and purpose.

• Effective leadership requires good decision-making, supported by adequate rest.

• Cultural foundations must evolve as companies grow to avoid pitfalls.

• Learning from rejection can lead to personal and professional growth.

• Celebrating values through recognition fosters a positive work environment.

• The role of culture and onboarding is essential for maintaining company cohesion. An account executive isn't going to be productive long term if those things aren't in place.

• Onboarding is crucial for new team members to understand their roles and the market.

• Team surveys help gauge employee satisfaction and areas for improvement.

• Eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy is key to maintaining productivity.

• Connecting employees to the company's purpose enhances engagement.

• Sharing customer experiences fosters a deeper understanding of the business.

• Learning from mistakes is essential for growth and development.

• Encouraging ownership among team members leads to a more empowered workforce.

• Scaling a business requires a clear vision and understanding of the market.

• Dreaming big is essential for inspiring teams and driving impact.