306 | Defining Culture: A Proven Framework to Align Your Team and Improve Retention

In this episode of the LeadCulture Podcast, Jenni Catron dives into the Define Phase of the LeadCulture Framework, where culture clarity becomes the driving force for thriving teams.

Jenni sits down with Angela Shirley, an executive leader overseeing 70+ early childhood educators and 300+ students across multiple campuses. Post-pandemic, Angela faced burnout, high turnover, and the quiet undercurrents of negativity that can sink even the best organizations.

Together, they explore how Angela:

• Discovered the hidden culture gaps affecting engagement, trust, and performance
• Collaboratively defined core values with her entire team, turning abstract ideals into daily behaviors
• Created alignment and ownership across 150 staff members, giving voice to every employee
• Used core values to guide tough conversations, reinforce positive behaviors, and strengthen morale
• Transformed culture into a competitive advantage, reducing turnover and building a thriving, people-focused workplace

Through Angela’s journey, leaders will see how intentionally defining values, beliefs, and behaviors isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s the key to turning hope into results, building alignment, and creating a culture your team chooses to stay for.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move from aspirational culture statements to real, measurable outcomes, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.

Listen and learn: 

• How to define your culture
• Align your team
• Lead with clarity, confidence, and intentionality.
  
  

Check out Angela's full customer story here.

We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:

1. Leave a Review - head over to Apple podcasts (even if that’s not where you listen) and leave a review! This will help more people find us when they search for leadership podcasts. 
2. Subscribe - we’re available wherever you listen to podcasts.
3. Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!