The Learn-It-All Podcast 128: Why Culture Matters: The 5-Phase Blueprint for Thriving Teams | Jenni Catron
Culture Matters: Building an Operating System for Organizational Success
Is your company culture something that "just happens," or are you intentionally shaping it? Many leaders know culture is crucial but struggle to actively build it.
In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, host Damon Lembi interviews Jenni Catron, author of Culture Matters, about creating systematic approaches to developing organizational culture. Drawing from her experience in corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial environments, Jenni shares practical insights on building what she calls an "operating system" for culture—moving beyond perks and platitudes to create lasting behavioral change.
This Episode Covers:
- Why leaders often treat culture as an afterthought despite knowing its importance
- The five-phase framework for intentionally building culture: assess, define, build, equip, and commit
- How exit processes significantly impact organizational trust and culture
- Why mid-level managers are increasingly critical to shaping culture and employee experience
- The importance of clearly defining competing values and decision-making processes
- How one director transformed her team's culture through consistent, simple practices
- Why communication and feedback are foundational leadership skills for culture-building
Episode Highlights:
00:01 – Why Culture is Often an Afterthought – Jenni explains why leaders fail to prioritize culture and how it directly impacts business success.
03:29 – Jenni’s Leadership Journey – From the record industry to nonprofit leadership, Jenni shares how her experiences shaped her understanding of culture.
09:04 – The Five-Phase Framework for Shaping Culture – Jenni breaks down the key steps leaders must take to create an intentional culture.
14:04 – Why Employee Exits Matter – The way leaders handle departures affects trust, morale, and the company’s long-term culture.
21:31 – The Hardest Part: Defining Culture – Why leaders struggle with clarity and how to effectively articulate and implement cultural values.
27:28 – Culture and Decision-Making – How a strong culture shapes decision-making, organizational structure, and leadership effectiveness.
37:36 – A Leadership Transformation Story – How one middle manager reshaped her team’s culture through intentional leadership development.
About Jenni:
Jenni Catron is a leadership expert and CEO of The 4Sight Group, where she consults with organizations on leadership development and organizational health. Her career spans over 20 years across multiple sectors, beginning as Artist Development Director at EMI Music before transitioning to executive leadership roles at Cross Point Church and Menlo Church, where she led significant growth and multi-site expansion initiatives.
As an author, Catron has published notable works including Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence, The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership and the upcoming Culture Matters (published 2.11 2025). Recognized by Outreach Magazine as one of thirty emerging influencers reshaping church leadership, she speaks at conferences nationwide on leadership development and organizational strategy. Her expertise bridges both ministry and marketplace sectors, focusing on developing healthy leaders and thriving organizational cultures.
Resources Referenced:
Culture Matters: A Framework for Helping Your Team Grow, Thrive, and Be Unstoppable by Jenni Catron
The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership: The Power of Leading from Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength by Jenni Catron
Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence by Jenni Catron
The Culture Solution: A Practical Guide to Building a Dynamic Culture so People Love Coming to Work and Accomplishing Great Things Together by Matthew Kelly
EMI Leadership Development Program
Podcast Contact Information
Website: www.learnit.com
Email: podcast@learnit.com