How to Protect Culture During Rapid Growth (Most Companies Fail Here)

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Jon Caldwell, SVP & Chief People Officer at Valvoline Inc., about leading people strategy during rapid growth and transformation.

Jon shares how Valvoline, a 160-year-old brand, has doubled its retail footprint and plans to nearly double again by 2030, all while maintaining a strong “family” culture. He explains the company’s grow-from-within model where 95% of managers start as technicians, the importance of scalable HR processes, and how traditions like the “Oil Olympics” reinforce teamwork and pride.

The conversation highlights how culture, leadership, and data-driven HR fuel both business growth and employee success.

🎓 In this episode, Jon discusses:

1. Maintaining culture and inclusion while doubling store count
2. How 95% of leaders grow from technician to management roles
3. Valvoline’s transformation into a pure-play retail growth business
4. Using training, data, and scalable HR to prepare for 20,000+ employees
5. Why traditions like the “Oil Olympics” and Family Reunion fuel engagement

🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.

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