41: CultureCast with Minette Norman
Let's talk about creating culture! In this episode, Minette Norman, author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader, shares her journey and insights on fostering inclusive and thriving workplace cultures in Silicon Valley.
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From Drama to Tech Leadership: Minette recounts her unique journey from studying drama and French to becoming a VP of Engineering in Silicon Valley. She highlights her transition from aspiring actor to technical writer at Adobe, where she contributed to the development of Photoshop 1.0. Minette's background in drama has equipped her with public speaking skills and improvisation, which have been invaluable in her leadership roles.
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Embracing Diverse Perspectives: Minette emphasizes the importance of creating a culture where diverse voices are heard and valued. She advocates for leaders to listen actively, foster inclusivity, and be present in their interactions. Her leadership philosophy centers on the belief that no one person has all the answers and that collaborative efforts lead to better outcomes.
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Defining and Shaping Culture: Minette discusses the need for intentionality in shaping organizational culture. She believes culture is defined by daily behaviors, what is rewarded or tolerated, and how people are treated. Leaders must actively work to create environments where everyone can thrive, rather than allowing toxic cultures to develop.
