Ep#26: Why Your Startup’s Culture Sucks (and How to Fix It) - Michael Landers

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Michael Landers shares why culture isn’t just an HR function; it’s a startup’s competitive edge. 

We’ll explore how founders can intentionally shape company culture from day one, avoid common leadership pitfalls, and navigate cross-cultural challenges as they scale globally.

Key discussion points:

• Why culture is the foundation of startup success, not an afterthought
• How to build and scale a company culture that aligns with business goals
• The role of founder leadership in shaping team dynamics and company values
• Cross-cultural challenges in hiring, partnerships, and expansion
• Lessons from working with global organizations on culture-driven leadership

Michael’s insights will help founders think beyond strategy and execution, because in the end, a strong culture is what sustains high-growth startups.

Michael Landers.

Speaker, Author, and Founder of Culture Crossing.

Michael Landers is a globally recognized speaker, author, and consultant specializing in organizational culture, leadership development, and cross-cultural communication. With a career dedicated to empowering organizations to reach their full human potential, he has worked with leaders and teams worldwide to cultivate purpose-driven cultures that foster awareness, alignment, and growth.

A Global Perspective on Culture and Leadership

Having grown up in Latin America and later lived in Japan, Michael developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and ways of working. These experiences shaped his understanding of how culture influences leadership, team dynamics, and business outcomes. His insights have guided leaders in navigating complex, multicultural environments and building high-performing, inclusive organizations.

Founder of Culture Crossing

As the founder of Culture Crossing, Michael helps organizations cultivate intentional cultures that align with their values, vision, and goals. 

Driving Impact Through Thought Leadership

Michael is the author of Culture Crossing: Discover the Key to Making Successful Connections in the New Global Era, a practical guide to navigating cultural differences in business and leadership. 

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Culture in Startups

02:33 Michael Landers' Journey and Expertise

04:36 The Evolution of Corporate Culture

06:13 Observing Culture: The Gap Between Intent and Reality

10:56 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture

13:17 Defining Culture in Early-Stage Startups

15:49 The Importance of Language in Cultural Frameworks

18:52 Behavioral Modeling and Leadership Influence

20:50 Transforming Culture: Is It Too Late?

22:27 The Impact of Managers on Employee Retention

25:04 Hiring for Culture vs. Skills

27:17 Celebrating Growth: The Founder’s Perspective

29:16 Integrated Excellence: A Framework for Success

29:22 Transforming Organizational Culture and Productivity

31:32 The Interconnection of Culture, Alignment, and Customer Centricity

34:03 Internal Customer Service as a Reflection of External Experience

37:45 The Importance of Constructive Feedback

41:03 Navigating Leadership and Feedback Dynamics

46:42 Cross-Generational Workforce Challenges

49:13 Building Trust in a Distributed Work Environment

55:59 Empowering Transformat

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