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Global Culture Champions to Follow in 2023

AUTHORED BY:

MILONEE PAREKH | KNOLSKAPE EDITORAL TEAM

“Corporate culture matters. How management chooses to treat its people impacts everything, for better or for worse.”

– Simon Sinek, Leadership expert

Company culture refers to the collective essence of an organization, comprising its shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and customs. It is the driving force that shapes how the organization operates, interacts with its employees, serves its customers, and engages with stakeholders. In essence, company culture encompasses the fundamental principles, mission, vision, and goals that guide the organization’s purpose and direction.

A robust and positive company culture is crucial for achieving success and fostering a thriving work environment. When employees align with the company’s values and embrace its culture, they become more engaged, motivated, and productive. Also, a strong company culture attracts and retains top talent, as individuals are drawn to organizations that prioritize a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Here is a list of 10 global culture champions that you must follow in 2023 (in no particular order or ranking):

| Katie Burke

| Pawel Motyl

| Brew Baritugo

| Sam Silverstein

| Ria Shroff Desai

| Yewande Jinadu

| Fawn Germer

| Anitta Krishan

| Namrata Dhasmana

| Magdalena Mook

KATIE BURKE

Katie Burke holds the esteemed position of Chief People Officer at HubSpot, where she assumes the crucial responsibility of overseeing the company’s global employment brand. With HubSpot’s continuous growth and expansion into new markets, Katie spearheads efforts to attract high-calibre talent to further strengthen the organization.

As the leader of a dedicated team, Katie manages and nurtures HubSpot’s award-winning culture, which is highly regarded for its commitment to transparency and autonomy. Recognized and lauded by prestigious publications such as Entrepreneur, Fortune, The Boston Globe, Glassdoor, and The Boston Business Journal, HubSpot has consistently received accolades for its outstanding workplace environment.

Katie places a strong emphasis on fostering a culture that values inclusion, diversity, and support. Her unwavering commitment to these principles has resulted in HubSpot being recognized on Fortune.com’s esteemed “100 Best Workplaces for Women” list, further cementing the company’s dedication to creating an inclusive and empowering work environment.

Check her LinkedIn profile here.

PAWEL MOTYL

Pawel is a prominent European expert in the fields of leadership, decision-making, and talent management. He brings a unique perspective by integrating these areas with the transformative power of technology and its influence on organizational effectiveness, team dynamics, and individual growth. Pawel’s expertise has gained recognition globally, and he holds the distinction of being the only Polish professional in the esteemed Global Gurus’ ‘TOP30’ rankings. In March 2021, he was ranked as the 5th expert in Startups and the 16th expert in Organizational Culture categories worldwide.

His book, “Labyrinth: The Art of Decision-Making,” was initially published in Polish in 2015 and quickly became a bestseller in the history of Harvard Business Review Poland, achieving this feat within a mere four weeks. The book’s success led to subsequent translations into English (2019), Russian, Chinese, and Greek (2020). Pawel’s latest publication, “Schrödinger’s World: The Chronicle of an Unpredictable Future,” was released in November 2020, further establishing his reputation as a thought leader.

In 2016, Pawel was chosen from a pool of over 16,000 candidates to join the elite group of Marshall Goldsmith’s “100 Coaches” initiative, alongside esteemed individuals such as Dr. Jim Kim, former President of the World Bank, Alan Mulally, former President of the Ford Motor Corporation, Aicha Evans, and David Peterson. Moreover, Pawel was honored as one of the Leading Global Coaches during the Thinkers50 Gala in London in November 2019, further solidifying his stature in the coaching community.

Pawel serves as a highly valued inspirational speaker, consultant, and advisor to management boards of leading companies across Europe, North America, and Asia. He conducts numerous workshops and training programs specifically designed for senior managers, enabling them to drive organizational culture and foster an environment of continuous growth and success. By championing the significance of organizational culture, Pawel empowers leaders to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape and embrace an unpredictable future with confidence.

Head to his profile to know more.

BREW BARITUGO

Brew Baritugo is an accomplished Global Human Resources leader based in Manila, Philippines. With a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years, Brew has honed his expertise in designing and implementing robust HR and Talent Development systems, leveraging technology, process enhancements, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership positions in renowned multinational corporations including Verizon, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Citco, Sutherland, and DHL Global Forwarding, progressively taking on greater responsibilities.

Brew has consistently demonstrated his ability to effectively manage HR Operations and drive Talent & Performance Management initiatives across diverse geographical locations. His proven track record speaks volumes about his capability to navigate complex organizational landscapes. Currently, Brew is actively involved in Performance Consulting, forging strong business relationships, creating strategic partnerships, forecasting and business planning, as well as assessing, evaluating, and measuring the impact of organizational and human capital solutions.

You can connect with him here.

SAM SILVERSTEIN

Sam Silverstein is a renowned Accountability & Leadership Keynote Speaker who is committed to empowering individuals to live accountable lives and transform their businesses to achieve extraordinary levels of success. With a focus on shifting priorities, cultivating organizational culture, and inspiring individuals and teams to take ownership in fresh and results-driven ways, Sam helps companies dramatically increase productivity, profitability, and growth. He is a member of the prestigious CPAE Speakers Hall of Fame and has served as President of the National Speakers Association.

As the founder of The Accountability Institute™, Sam certifies advisors to work with leaders and organizations, helping them build greater accountability and develop stronger leaders. He is also the author of 12 books, including “The Accountability Advantage” and “I Am Accountable,” which provide valuable insights on fostering accountability and making accountable decisions.

Drawing from his experience as a former executive and business owner, Sam writes, speaks, and consults with organizations worldwide, challenging them to think differently and achieve record-breaking results. His work spans various sectors, from entrepreneurs to multinational corporations and government agencies, as he drives increased accountability, engagement, and productivity. By championing accountability as a core value, Sam actively promotes a culture of excellence and empowerment within organizations, enabling them to thrive and achieve exceptional outcomes.

Follow his LinkedIn profile to know more.

RIA SHROFF DESAI

Ria Shroff Desai possesses a deep passion for nurturing and empowering indigenous companies and brands. As the inaugural People and Culture head at Blume Ventures, her role revolves around closely collaborating with founders to establish an ecosystem that fosters growth, support, innovation, and challenges, enabling the most brilliant minds to tackle the most pressing issues. Ria brings substantial international experience from her time residing and working in diverse cultural environments spanning India, the United States, and the Dominican Republic. She has also garnered extensive expertise in partnering with executive teams, aiding them in aligning strategic objectives with actionable goals. Ria firmly believes that modern leaders must possess the ability to make swift decisions and think strategically, all while promoting social responsibility and ethical business practices.

Check out his LinkedIn profile here.

YEWANDE JINADU

Yewande Jinadu is a highly accomplished professional and a dedicated advocate for organizational culture. She is the Founder of CareerLife Nigeria and serves as the Head of People and Culture at Gokada Rides Ltd. Additionally, she is the author of the insightful book, “The All-Inclusive Career Handbook.” With her extensive experience as a Senior HR Professional, Yewande is passionate about shaping the culture within organizations to drive improved productivity and create a positive employee experience.

Yewande’s commitment to championing organizational culture extends beyond her professional roles. She has established a social initiative called CareerLife Foundation, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, aiming to reduce unemployment by empowering graduates and professionals to enhance their employability and accelerate their career growth. Through this initiative, Yewande actively contributes to solving the pressing issue of unemployment and helps individuals achieve measurable success in their careers.

Yewande’s outstanding contributions in the field of organizational culture have earned her numerous awards and recognition both locally and globally. Her vision is to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of young people by fostering a culture of success, growth, and fulfillment in their careers. Through her work, Yewande Jinadu exemplifies the importance of organizational culture in driving positive outcomes and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive professionally.

To know more about her work, head to her LinkedIn profile.

FAWN GERMER

Fawn Germer embodies the archetype of a movie heroine, defying all odds and triumphing over adversity. She has experienced rejection and discouragement yet has emerged victorious in her journey. Fawn Germer is a strong advocate for women in leadership and has curated the wisdom, insights, and leadership strategies of over 200 renowned women leaders in her latest book, Pearls. 

Throughout her six books, her philosophy revolves around adaptability and the continual development of skills. As a bestselling author and four-time Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, Fawn Germer has contributed to esteemed publications such as The Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report, and The Miami Herald. Her work focuses on the essential qualities of exceptional leadership in the modern world, making her a recommended author by Oprah Winfrey. As a speaker, she exudes dynamism, energy, and inspiration. While Fawn Germer has gained significant recognition in North America, her influence extends internationally, reaching audiences across the globe.

Follow her on LinkedIn to know more.

ANITTA KRISHAN

Anitta Krishan is a visionary leader and catalyst for organizational culture development. With her notable experience as the former head of people and culture strategy at trivago, Anitta played a pivotal role in scaling the company from a startup to a publicly listed European unicorn. Her contributions as an Organizational Culture Champion were instrumental in fostering a positive and thriving culture during this transformative journey.

Recognized for her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Anitta served as a strategic advisor to trivago’s executive leadership team and drove the company’s talent strategy both before and after its initial public offering (IPO). Her invaluable insights and expertise in human-centric leadership, culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have made her a trusted advisor to tech unicorns and start-ups seeking to navigate global growth and foster inclusive cultures.

Anitta’s dedication to promoting organizational culture extends beyond her work at trivago. In the early stages of her career, she dedicated a decade to serving as a leadership and DEI educator at esteemed Canadian universities. During this time, she empowered talent from underrepresented communities, helping them thrive in society and championing inclusivity.

You can find her on LinkedIn here.

NAMRATA DHASMANA

Namrata Dhasmana is a remarkable and highly sought-after Thought Leader who possesses a rare combination of expertise in Corporate Strategy and People Leadership. With an impressive career spanning nearly two decades, she has garnered extensive experience and knowledge in her field. Namrata’s outstanding abilities as an Award-Winning Coach and Gallup Professional have set her apart in the industry.

During her tenure, Namrata had the privilege of working closely with the esteemed Center of Excellence at Vedanta and Wells Fargo, a renowned US Investment Bank. This invaluable experience has provided her with deep insights into the inner workings of the industry, allowing her to offer unique perspectives and strategies to her clients.

Namrata’s dedication to her craft is evident through her International Certified Coach status, enabling her to coach and mentor senior industry leaders and top-level executives. Her guidance and expertise have proven invaluable to individuals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and navigate complex corporate challenges.

Namrata’s exceptional contributions have been recognized and honored by various prestigious awards. She was the recipient of the Indian Achievers Award in 2020-21, which acknowledges her outstanding achievements. Additionally, she was recognized as one of the Most Inspiring Indians in 2022, further highlighting her impact and influence in her field. Namrata’s expertise and insights have also earned her a feature in the May 2021 edition of Corporate Citizen, showcasing her as a notable figure in the corporate world.

To know more, follow her on Linkedin.

MAGDALENA MOOK

Magdalena Nowicka Mook brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, coaching, consulting, and association management. Currently serving as the CEO of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), she plays a vital role as a partner to the ICF’s Global Board of Directors. Magda is a highly skilled association management professional, trained professional coach, and systems facilitator.

With an educational background in Economics and International Trade from the Warsaw School of Economics, Poland, as well as a degree in International Management and Consulting from Copenhagen Business School, Magda possesses a strong foundation for her work. Her expertise and contributions have been widely recognized, as she was named the #1 Coach: Global Influence by Marshall Goldsmith Thinkers50 in 2019. Additionally, she was a finalist for the Thinkers50 Distinguished Award in Coaching and Mentoring. In 2021, Magda’s dedication to organizational culture was acknowledged as she was recognized as one of the Top30 Global Gurus in Organizational Culture.

Magda’s commitment to championing organizational culture is further evident through her involvement in key global associations. She currently serves on the Key Global Associations Council of ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) and has been appointed to the 2023 ASAE Foresight Works Advisory Group. She is an active member of the International Association of Women, ATD (Association for Talent Development), and serves as an advisory member for WIAL (World Institute for Action Learning) and Choice Magazine.

Check out her LinkedIn profile here.

WAY FORWARD

In 2023, workplace culture trends are centered around creating inclusive, equitable, and supportive environments for employees. Some of the key areas that have emerged are:

Virtual collaboration has become a key focus, with companies investing in tools and strategies to facilitate seamless remote work.

Mental health and well-being initiatives are prioritized to address the strain and balance of work and personal life.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are crucial for building strong and innovative teams. Employee engagement strategies are being implemented to maintain productivity and cohesion in remote work settings.

Ethics and values are emphasized to retain talent, and there is a shift towards hybrid work environments.

Gathering employee feedback and promoting resilience and support are key priorities for organizations.

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Global Culture Champions to Follow in 2023