Culture is not what’s written on your company’s mission and vision board. It’s not the list of corporate values posted on your website or shared on your Facebook page. Culture is what actually happens in your workplace when no one is watching. It’s how people behave, make decisions and treat one another. That’s exactly why it can either make—or break—your company.
1. Culture is your company’s invisible engine.
A healthy culture fuels your people. It attracts talent, inspires loyalty and drives high performance. When employees feel respected, safe and appreciated, they bring their best selves to work—not because they have to, but because they want to. They go the extra mile with pride and purpose.
On the flip side, a toxic culture quietly drains your organization from within. Poor communication, lack of trust and fear-based leadership breed disengagement. People stop speaking up. They play it safe. They settle. Over time, this shows up in high turnover, poor customer service and a struggling bottom line.
2. Culture is shaped by what leaders tolerate and reward.
People may listen to what leaders say—but they believe what leaders do. When bullying, dishonesty, or mediocrity are tolerated, they become the norm. When collaboration, integrity and initiative are consistently recognized, they become the standard.
At the Pages Food Group, we nurture a culture that mirrors a close-knit family—supportive and developmental, yet guided by tough love. Two core values define us: candor and kaizen.
Candor means being honest, respectful, and direct. We believe that transparency builds trust, and trust accelerates improvement. Constructive feedback is encouraged, not feared.
Kaizen, the principle of continuous improvement, reminds us that small, consistent changes lead to lasting progress. Everyone is expected—and empowered—to find better ways of doing things every day.
These values create a culture that is both caring and high-performing.
3. So how do you build a culture that makes—not breaks—your company?
Start by listening to your people. Get curious about how they really feel at work—not just what they say in surveys. Clarify and live your values—not just during annual retreats, but every single day. Empower your team. Invest in their growth. And above all, be the kind of leader you’d want to follow.
Culture isn’t built overnight, but it is built—intentionally, consistently and authentically.
In the end, culture isn’t a “soft” part of business—it’s the silent force behind everything. Get it right, and culture becomes your ultimate competitive edge. Ignore it, and no strategy, no matter how brilliant, will save you.
Ask yourself: What kind of culture are we really creating—and what is it costing us?