Cultures From Hell

Paulina von Mirbach-Benz
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Cultures from Hell - a podcast that focuses on avoidable mistakes many companies make when it comes to culture. Hosts are Lars and Paulina, both survivors of hellish cultures and passionate about culture and leadership. It is an interactive format, where we discuss live cases anonymously and give tips and tricks both for companies and individuals experiencing these situations.

  1. From Hell to Healing: Cultural Change One Person at a Time 1:2

    1D AGO

    From Hell to Healing: Cultural Change One Person at a Time 1:2

    In this episode, Lars and Paulina reflect on the past year, discussing personal updates and the challenges of cultural change within organizations. They explore the patterns observed in dysfunctional cultures, the lies organizations tell themselves, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a positive culture. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individual agency in effecting change and the need for genuine behavior modification rather than superficial initiatives. They conclude with a discussion on the potential for grassroots movements to drive cultural transformation and the significance of personal responsibility and agency in shaping organizational culture. Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/ Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/ Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/  Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/ Lars on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/ Takeaways ❤️‍🔥 Cursing can be a sign of intelligence. ❤️‍🔥 Cultural dysfunction often disguises itself as high performance. ❤️‍🔥 Real change starts with individual actions. ❤️‍🔥 Leaders must model the behavior they want to see. ❤️‍🔥 Communication is often a symptom of deeper issues. ❤️‍🔥 Accountability is more important than communication. ❤️‍🔥 Culture change requires consistent behavior change. ❤️‍🔥 Grassroots movements can initiate significant cultural shifts. ❤️‍🔥 Every individual has the power to influence culture. ❤️‍🔥 Responsibility and agency are distinct but interconnected. Chapters 00:00 New Beginnings and Personal Updates 09:01 Cultural Healing: A Shift in Focus 19:58 Dysfunction and Numbness in Workplace Cultures 22:46 The Impact of Bullying Behavior 26:00 Self-Reflection and Leadership 28:29 Culture Change: Top-Down vs. Grassroots 34:15 The Role of Individual Agency in Culture 41:57 Responsibility vs. Agency in Cultural Change

    49 min
  2. The Culture Shapers: How Middle Managers Can Lead from the Middle 2:2

    12/16/2025

    The Culture Shapers: How Middle Managers Can Lead from the Middle 2:2

    In this conversation, Lars and Paulina discuss their experiences from a recent hackathon, emphasizing the importance of company culture and the role of middle management in shaping it. They explore the challenges of navigating culture change, the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and the influences that have shaped their views on culture. The discussion also touches on emerging trends in leadership and the responsibility that comes with influencing others in the workplace. Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/ Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/ Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/  Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/ Lars on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/ Takeaways 🔥 The hackathon experience was both exhausting and rewarding. 🔥 Middle management plays a crucial role in shaping company culture. 🔥 Effective culture change requires equipping managers with the right tools. 🔥 Emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed. 🔥 Feedback should be a regular part of team interactions. 🔥 Copying others' approaches to culture change often leads to failure. 🔥 Leaders need to be trained to manage effectively, not just promoted based on performance. 🔥 Creating clarity within teams is essential during uncertain times. 🔥 Every individual has the power to influence culture, regardless of their position. 🔥 The trend of young people shying away from leadership roles is concerning.  Chapters 00:00 Post-Hackathon Reflections 09:56 The Power of Middle Management in Company Culture 25:29 Coaching and Feedback Dynamics 28:12 Creating Micro-Clarity in Uncertain Times 30:10 Navigating Psychological Contracts 32:09 Trends in Leadership and Culture 36:28 Influences on Company Culture 42:12 Communication as a Cultural Foundation 43:47 Empowering Managers to Shape Culture 48:27 Cultural Behaviors for Team Success

    52 min
  3. The Culture Shapers: How Middle Managers Can Lead from the Middle 1:2

    12/09/2025

    The Culture Shapers: How Middle Managers Can Lead from the Middle 1:2

    In this engaging conversation, Lars and Paulina explore the often-overlooked role of middle managers in shaping company culture. They discuss Lars' personal journey towards fulfillment and how it parallels the importance of middle managers in fostering a positive work environment. The discussion delves into the moments that define culture, the tools middle managers can use to create change, and the myths surrounding culture change that need to be debunked. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the power of individual contributions to influence workplace dynamics and the significance of psychological safety in teams. Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/ Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/ Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/ Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/ Lars on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/ Takeaways 🔥 Lars has found fulfillment in his personal and professional life. 🔥 Middle managers play a crucial role in shaping company culture. 🔥 Culture is often defined in small, everyday moments rather than top-down mandates. 🔥 Psychological safety is essential for teams to thrive. 🔥 Every individual in a company has the power to influence culture. 🔥 Middle managers can create pockets of excellence within organizations. 🔥 Explicitly defining team norms enhances psychological safety. 🔥 Investing in employee growth can lead to significant cultural shifts. 🔥 Culture change can happen from the bottom up, not just from the top down. 🔥 Middle managers should recognize their influence and take action. Chapters 00:00 Finding Fulfillment: Lars' Journey 05:59 The Role of Middle Managers in Shaping Culture 17:03 Moments that Matter: Culture in Action 33:52 Empowering Middle Managers: Tools for Cultural Change 40:53 Debunking Myths: Culture Change from the Bottom Up

    49 min
  4. Why Vulnerable Leaders Win Loyalty 2:2

    12/02/2025

    Why Vulnerable Leaders Win Loyalty 2:2

    In this episode, Lars and Paulina delve into the multifaceted concept of vulnerability in leadership. They explore how vulnerability can strengthen leadership, the importance of admitting uncertainty, and the impact of sharing personal experiences. The conversation highlights the balance between empathy and clarity, the significance of self-reflection, and the competitive advantage that vulnerability offers in today's workplace. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they emphasize that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful tool for building trust and fostering a healthy team dynamic. Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/ Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/ Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/  Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/ Lars on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/ Takeaways ❤️‍🔥 Admitting uncertainty is crucial for leaders. ❤️‍🔥 Naming feelings can enhance team communication. ❤️‍🔥 Sharing learning moments fosters a culture of growth. ❤️‍🔥 Vulnerability builds trust and connection. ❤️‍🔥 Self-reflection is essential for effective leadership. ❤️‍🔥 Empathy must be balanced with clarity in decision-making. ❤️‍🔥 Vulnerability can be a competitive advantage in leadership. ❤️‍🔥 Leaders should model accountability and change behavior. ❤️‍🔥 Vulnerability is about the relationship, not self-promotion. ❤️‍🔥 Creating a safe space for vulnerability encourages openness. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Vulnerability in Leadership 04:12 Forms of Vulnerability that Strengthen Leadership 11:33 Practical Tips for Leaders to Show Vulnerability 13:21 Understanding Fake Vulnerability 18:01 Admitting Mistakes and Accountability 19:29 Staying Human During Tough Conversations 23:15 Personal Stories of Vulnerability 33:05 Fears and Challenges of Being Open 35:55 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Leadership 37:18 Vulnerability as a Competitive Advantage 38:14 Trends in Leadership: Opportunities and Concerns 40:46 Key Takeaways on Vulnerability

    45 min
  5. Why Vulnerable Leaders Win Loyalty 1:2

    11/26/2025

    Why Vulnerable Leaders Win Loyalty 1:2

    In this episode, Lars and Paulina explore the often misunderstood concept of vulnerability in leadership. They discuss how traditional beliefs about leadership have evolved, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the impact of gender dynamics on leadership styles. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity and the balance of emotions in the workplace, while also addressing the myths surrounding strength and control. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight how vulnerability can build trust and create a more humane work environment. Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/ Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/ Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/  Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/ Lars on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/ Takeaways 🙂 Vulnerability is not a reward for performance; it is a precondition for trust. 🙂 Leaders who show real emotion inspire loyalty. 🙂 The narrative that leaders must be flawless is outdated. 🙂 Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership. 🙂 Women entering leadership roles are changing workplace dynamics. 🙂 Authenticity is key to building trust in teams. 🙂 Vulnerability can be misunderstood as weakness. 🙂 Leaders must balance emotional expression with professionalism. 🙂 Consistency in leadership fosters a safe environment. 🙂 It's important to acknowledge the downsides of our strengths. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Leadership Beliefs 02:53 Understanding Vulnerability in Leadership 05:10 The Myths of Strength and Control 08:16 The Impact of Gender on Leadership Styles 11:11 Navigating Vulnerability in the Workplace 14:10 The Power of Authenticity 17:20 The Balance of Emotional Expression 20:03 Defining True Vulnerability 23:07 The Consequences of Vulnerability 26:09 Building Trust Through Vulnerability 29:06 The Importance of Consistency in Leadership 31:57 The Reality of Superpowers and Their Downsides

    38 min
  6. How to Set Boundaries Without Risking Your Job

    11/18/2025

    How to Set Boundaries Without Risking Your Job

    In this conversation, Lars Nielsen and Paulina discuss the challenges of setting boundaries in the workplace, particularly the fear of saying no. They explore the psychological implications of boundary setting, the impact of workplace culture, and practical strategies for employees and leaders to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, assertiveness, and the need for open communication about expectations within teams. Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/ Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/ Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/  Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/ Lars on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/ Takeaways 🔥 People are often afraid to say no due to fear of exclusion. 🔥 Saying no is tied to power dynamics in the workplace. 🔥 Leaders must model boundary setting for their teams. 🔥 Over-explaining when setting boundaries can weaken your position. 🔥 Every yes to someone else can mean a no to yourself. 🔥 Expect discomfort when setting boundaries; it's part of the process. 🔥 Recognizing toxic workplace cultures is crucial for employee well-being. 🔥 Auditing your yeses can help clarify your priorities. 🔥 Using scripts can make boundary setting easier and more effective. 🔥 Creating a culture of open communication about boundaries is essential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Boundary Setting 04:07 Understanding the Fear of Saying No 11:04 The Psychological Impact of Boundaries 16:12 Practical Strategies for Setting Boundaries 24:02 Handling Negative Reactions 30:01 Cultural Dynamics and Personal Responsibility 33:59 Actionable Takeaways for Listeners

    38 min
  7. AI and Workplace Culture 2:2

    11/11/2025

    AI and Workplace Culture 2:2

    In this episode of Cultures from Hell, Lars Nielsen, Bilal Gouda, and Paulina discuss the implications of AI in workplace cultures. They explore the shift from fear-based motivation to empowerment, the role of AI in enhancing employee well-being, and the necessary leadership mindset for integrating AI effectively. The conversation emphasizes the importance of measuring productivity by outcomes rather than outputs, rethinking productivity metrics in the AI era, and maintaining cultural values amidst a focus on speed and efficiency. They also address the misconceptions surrounding AI-first companies and provide actionable advice for leaders and employees navigating this transformative landscape. Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/ Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/ Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/  Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/ Lars on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/ Belal on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgooda/ Takeaways Fear of losing jobs to AI can drive overperformance. Shifting focus from replacement to reinforcement is critical. AI can support well-being by reducing routine tasks. Leadership should model positive AI integration. Productivity should be measured by outcomes, not outputs. AI accelerates existing problems rather than solving them. Cultural values like creativity and craftsmanship may decline with a focus on speed. Meaningfulness in work is essential in an AI-driven environment. Employees should protect their creativity in an AI workplace. AI strategies must be designed around people, not tools. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Workplace Cultures 01:17 Shifting from Fear to Empowerment 04:02 AI's Role in Supporting Well-Being 07:11 Leadership Mindset for AI Integration 10:15 Measuring AI Productivity by Outcomes 12:16 Rethinking Productivity Metrics in the AI Era 18:14 Cultural Values in the Age of Speed 21:57 Meaningfulness in Work with AI 25:39 Protecting Creativity in an AI-Driven Workplace

    48 min
  8. AI and Workplace Culture 1:2

    11/04/2025

    AI and Workplace Culture 1:2

    In this episode of Cultures from Hell, Lars Nielsen and Paulina engage with Belal Gouda, a senior product manager at an AI-first company, to explore the impact of AI on workplace culture. They discuss the balance between leveraging AI for productivity and maintaining human creativity, the pressures employees face in an AI-driven environment, and the importance of leadership in navigating these changes. The conversation highlights the potential pitfalls of AI adoption, including burnout and disengagement, while also emphasizing the need for a supportive and human-centric approach to technology in the workplace.   Culture Code Foundation https://www.culturecodefoundation.com/ Paulina on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccf-paulina-von-mirbach-benz/ Paulina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sceptical_paulina/  Lars on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnielsenorg/ Lars on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larsnielsen_cph/ Belal on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgooda/   Takeaways AI can enhance productivity but may also create pressure. Employees may feel less valued in an AI-first culture. Leadership must set clear expectations for AI use. Human creativity is irreplaceable by AI. Burnout is often a management issue, not just an individual one. High performance should focus on quality, not just output. Training is essential for effective AI integration. Communication among team members is crucial in an AI environment. AI should be a tool for empowerment, not a source of fear. Maintaining human connections is vital for workplace culture.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Workplace Culture 01:36 Belal's Journey in AI First Company 04:41 Daily Life in an AI First Environment 10:20 Pressure and Expectations in AI Adoption 12:19 Humanity vs. Machine: The Cultural Shift 14:46 The Shift from Productivity to Output 20:58 Creativity and Motivation in AI Workplaces 24:59 Leadership's Role in AI Integration 27:33 Employee Turnover and AI Impact 28:38 Burnout: An AI or Management Problem? 28:46 Understandi...

    52 min
See All (40)

About

Cultures from Hell - a podcast that focuses on avoidable mistakes many companies make when it comes to culture. Hosts are Lars and Paulina, both survivors of hellish cultures and passionate about culture and leadership. It is an interactive format, where we discuss live cases anonymously and give tips and tricks both for companies and individuals experiencing these situations.

Information

  • Creator
    Paulina von Mirbach-Benz
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Paulina von Mirbach-Benz
  • Show Website
    Cultures From Hell