38: Why Cultural Transformation Fails (And How CTOs Can Get It Right) with Eric Johannsen

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Eric Johannsen is an engineering leader, author, and father of triplets who has helped lead multiple startups to successful exits.

In this episode, you're going to learn what cultural transformation really means and why it matters, how to spot when company culture is blocking progress, how Eric won over skeptics during high-stakes mergers, how he overcame imposter syndrome early in his career, and the single biggest mistake he made during a transformation—plus what he learned from it.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[00:55] Finding balance between work and family

[02:10] What is cultural transformation?

[02:55] Misalignment between culture and strategic goals

[04:05] Eric’s early experience with resistance to change

[05:30] Imposter syndrome during Eric’s first job

[06:50] Overcoming resistance through communication

[07:55] Field trips to understand user problems

[09:20] Improving communication at DOMA Financial

[10:25] Building trust through consistency and safety

[12:30] Admitting mistakes and building trust

[13:35] Developing confidence

[14:10] Early career mistakes in leadership

[16:10] Integration of different work cultures

[17:10] Challenges of post-merger cultural blending

[19:00] Achieving success through cultural transformation

[20:05] Creating a culture of empowerment and communication

[22:15] Importance of humility and listening

[24:00] Encouraging participation and transparency

[25:55] Using metrics to show progress

[27:45] Psychological safety and overcommunication

[29:55] Managing risk without stifling creativity

Learn more from Eric on his website and follow him on LinkedIn.

Eric's Books

The Gods We Make by Eric Johannsen | Book

The Gods We Seek by Eric Johannsen | Book

Ji-min by Eric Johannsen | Book

Find more from Adam on LinkedIn and YouTube, and check out Adam's CTO coaching company Synova Tech.