E369 | How to Change the Culture of an Organization Pt. 1

You hear about it all the time. A team goes from the bottom of the league to championship contenders. A failing company suddenly becomes the industry gold standard. 

The media calls it a “culture shift,” but let’s be real, culture doesn’t change overnight. It erodes over time when bad habits go unchecked, just like it improves through intentional action. The problem? Most people don’t have the stomach for what it really takes to make that shift happen.

Changing culture isn’t about slogans, feel-good retreats, or corporate trust falls. It’s about confronting hard truths, cutting through excuses, and being willing to fight the battles no one else will. If you think you can just throw a motivational speech at the problem and watch everything transform, you’re in for a rude awakening. 

In today’s episode, we break down exactly what it takes to rewrite the DNA of an organization—without the fluff, the gimmicks, or the hand-holding.

In today’s episode, Brett dives into:

• What culture actually is and how to clarify the outcome you’re after
• How to diagnose the root cause of a toxic culture—not just slap a band-aid on the symptoms
• The exact questions we use to pinpoint the real issues when consulting with teams
• The dangerous consequences of avoidance and the illusion of “false harmony”
• Practical, process-driven steps you can take right now—no matter your position in the hierarchy

Got a question or a topic you’d like us to cover? If this episode resonated with you, let us know at artofcoaching.com/question. We also dive even deeper into culture change and other tough topics in our newsletter—no spam, just real, actionable value. Sign up today at artofcoaching.com/begin.

Need a Coach Who Challenges You?

Even the best leaders need a coach—but too often, they’re too busy to seek one out. That’s where we come in. Think of us as your shadow advisor—a real, human sounding board who challenges your thinking, offers a fresh perspective, and isn’t afraid to be your devil’s advocate. We help uncover blind spots and push you toward better decisions, whether you’re running a small business, leading a pro sports team, or making moves in a Fortune 500 company.

If you’re serious about growth, let’s talk. artofcoaching.com/mentoring.

Master the Skill No One Thinks About, But Everyone Needs

No one wakes up thinking, I need to improve my communication. But we all want less drama, more productivity, and to stop wasting time. The key? Sharpening how you communicate.

Think of it like a martial art—you’ll never perfect it, but the better you get, the more powerful you become. That’s why we created The Apprenticeship—a hands-on, no-fluff training to help you navigate conflict, influence others, and lead with impact.

📍 Charlestown, MA – May 17-18
📍 Phoenix, AZ – June 7-8

Put in the reps. artofcoaching.com/apprenticeship.

Related Episodes:

E278: Victor Hall: Quiet Influence - How to Impact Others As An Introvert

E359: Why You Need To Own Your Sh** To Be A Better Leader 

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