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May 28, 2024 38 mins

Alim Dhanji, a seasoned leader and advocate for organizational effectiveness, shares his enlightening journey of fostering inclusive and innovative workplace cultures in this episode of the Culture Leaders Podcast. With a focus on merging the intricacies of national and corporate cultures in global organizations, Dhanji highlights the nuances of leadership across diverse geographical landscapes.

In this deep dive, Alim discusses the pivotal role of HR in navigating and blending different cultural expectations to optimize workplace cohesion and effectiveness. He reflects on his extensive international experience, the dynamic interplay between country-specific and corporate practices, and the strategic integration of these elements to enhance organizational performance.

Segmented Timestamps

  • [00:03] Alim's personal 'why' and the motivation behind his leadership style.

  • [01:03] The mission of Equinox and how it aligns with Alim's personal purpose.

  • [02:25] The role of fitness and wellness in balancing mental health and achieving optimal living.

  • [03:43] The interplay of workplace culture and national culture in global organizations.

  • [05:18] Alim's experience working internationally and the diversity of cultures he encountered.

  • [07:41] Equinox's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • [10:05] Creating a balance between work and life and fostering fulfillment in the workplace.

  • [12:23] The importance of re-onboarding employees and creating a shared culture at Equinox.

  • [17:13] The ethos of Equinox and its focus on innovation, collaboration, and service.

  • [22:10] The integration of frontline and corporate cultures within Equinox.

  • [24:26] Examples of servant leadership in action at Equinox.

  • [27:27] Advice for young leaders and the importance of patience and ambition.

  • [29:11] Recommended reading: "Tribes" by Seth Godin and its insights on leadership and community.

  • [32:58] The role of corporations in solving societal problems and creating a positive impact.

Notable Quotes

"My why... is to make positive impact in the world through empowering others." - Alim Dhanji

"It's not fitness, it's life... it's about optimal living." - Alim Dhanji

"We want to keep pushing the edge. It's a high-performance environment." - Alim Dhanji

"Leaders are there to serve you and make you better." - Alim Dhanji

"The role of chief HR officer has shifted a little bit to incorporate chief crisis officer." - Alim Dhanji

USEFUL LINKS

Reach Alim at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adhanji/

Careers at Equinox: https://careers.equinox.com 

GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST

Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/

Jessica’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel

Culture Partners LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ 

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