Search

Home > Building Better Cultures > 139 | The Critical Role Leadership Plays in Shaping Organisational Culture | Denise Black and Denis Doolan
Podcast: Building Better Cultures
Episode:

139 | The Critical Role Leadership Plays in Shaping Organisational Culture | Denise Black and Denis Doolan
Category: Business
Duration: 00:43:42
Publish Date: 2025-10-16 03:36:00
Description:

Episode Summary 

In this episode of the Building Better Cultures podcast, Scott McInnes engages with Denise Black and Dennis Doolin to explore the critical role of leadership in shaping organisational culture. They discuss insights from the Mind the Gap report, emphasising the importance of intentionality, inclusivity, and the need for leaders to embody the culture they wish to create. The conversation highlights the consequences of neglecting culture, the essential capabilities leaders must develop, and the collaborative process of defining a target culture that aligns with organisational strategy. The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of leadership on cultural change and performance. 

 

Takeaways 

  • Leaders have a disproportionate impact on organisational culture. 

  • Inclusivity is essential for effective culture creation. 

  • Culture should be woven into the strategic DNA of the organization. 

  • Empathy and active listening are critical leadership skills. 

  • Culture is not a standalone initiative; it enables all initiatives. 

  • Intentionality in leadership is crucial for cultural success. 

  • Feedback from employees is vital in shaping target culture. 

  • Communication is key to reinforcing culture and values. 

  • Leaders must model the behaviours they wish to see in their teams. 

  • A strong culture leads to better organisational performance. 

 

Chapters 

  • 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Culture 

  • 04:28 Insights from the Mind the Gap Report 

  • 09:24 The Role of Leaders in Shaping Culture 

  • 15:12 Consequences of Abdicating Culture to HR 

  • 19:19 Essential Capabilities for Senior Leaders 

  • 30:39 Defining Target Culture 

  • 37:23 Impact of Leadership on Cultural Change 

 
Total Play: 0