Culture Is a Story We Tell Together

Published on 2 September 2025 at 10:23

Our story

When I work with clients on culture, I don’t start with frameworks or values on a wall. I start with stories.

Every organization is a living mosaic of individual journeys—each person brings their own experiences, hopes, fears, and ways of working. Culture isn’t something we install. It’s something we uncovershape, and live, together.

That’s why I’ve developed a modular approach to culture work—one that’s deeply personal and future-oriented. It begins with the individual story: Who am I here? What do I bring? How do I show up under pressure? And it expands into the future story of the company: Where are we going? What kind of place do we want to be? What do we want to be known for?

We explore the contributions of every generation, every level of seniority, and every style of communication. Because culture lives in the micro-moments: how we react when things go wrong, how we celebrate wins, how we speak when no one’s watching.

The Emotional Language of Culture

To truly connect, we need a shared emotional vocabulary. Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart has been a powerful companion in this work. It reminds us that language shapes experience—that naming a feeling can transform how we relate to it.

Take this example: two people in a team feel “frustrated.” But one is actually feeling disappointed—because their expectations weren’t met. The other is feeling resentful—because they feel unseen. If we treat both as “frustration,” we miss the nuance. But when we name the emotion accurately, we open the door to empathy, repair, and growth.

This is why storytelling is central to my approach. Stories allow us to embed emotional connection into the culture work. They help us see ourselves in each other. They make space for vulnerability, humor, and hope.

Culture Is a Journey of Togetherness

Culture is not a project. It’s a journey. It’s about how we work, how we lead, how we communicate, and how we live our values—especially in the moments that matter most.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to exchange ideas. Send me a message. Let’s talk about your story, your team, and the future you’re building.