Mastering Workplace Culture

S. Chris Edmonds and Mark S. Babbitt
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The Mastering Workplace Culture podcast examines the hard truths of workplace culture change. Proven culture leaders share unfiltered stories of breakdowns, breakthroughs, and their bold decisions. And they'll discuss the steps they took to drive sustainable, tangible change in which respect and results are modeled, monitored, and validated equally. This is practical insight for executives who cannot afford to let culture fail—and for those who are just as concerned with their leadership legacy as they are with today's results.

Episodes

  1. From Ladder‑Throwing to Leadership: The Culture Reset at CEC

    1D AGO

    From Ladder‑Throwing to Leadership: The Culture Reset at CEC

    In this powerful Mastering Workplace Culture conversation, David Mollitor Jr. shares the remarkable journey of transforming Consolidated Electrical Contractors (CEC) from a traditionally hard‑driving construction company into a people‑first, values‑anchored organization. This episode highlights a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at a blue‑collar business choosing respect, clarity, and cultural consistency over outdated pressure tactics that once dominated the industry. David walks us through saving 15 jobs in the mid‑90s, navigating explosive growth followed by a devastating recession, and rebuilding a company where 200 employee‑owners now contribute to a shared legacy. You'll hear how a call to Ken Blanchard reshaped the company's direction, why CEC committed to cultural accountability, and how one leader known for intensity became one of the company's strongest culture champions. You'll also experience vulnerable reflections on leadership, organizational rebirth, employee ownership, and the deeply personal shift that led David to redefine success—not through volume or status, but through meaningful impact on people's lives. The episode closes with a heartwarming look at his newest role: becoming a grandfather and watching the next generation grow. This story is a reminder that culture is not a slogan—it is a daily commitment, a leadership discipline, and a long‑term investment in human potential. ⏱️ Key Moments 00:00–02:30 — Introductions + David's early career 02:30–06:00 — Saving 15 employees and restarting an aging company 06:00–09:00 — Confronting entrenched construction‑industry behavior 09:00–14:00 — Rapid growth, hard lessons, and the recession crash 14:00–17:00 — The "do‑over" mindset and discovering Gung Ho! 17:00–19:00 — The pivotal call to Ken Blanchard 19:00–24:00 — Acknowledging the need for cultural reconstruction 24:00–29:00 — Managing skepticism and blue‑collar resistance 29:00–34:00 — Aligning the executive team with values and behaviors 34:00–39:00 — A major leadership transformation inside CEC 39:00–42:00 — Training breakthroughs and real‑time behavior practice 42:00–48:00 — Why culture requires intentional professional guidance 48:00–53:00 — Leadership legacy and redefining personal success 53:00–57:00 — The emotional impact of a people‑centered company 57:00–59:00 — David welcomes a new chapter as a grandfather 
 If this conversation expanded your perspective on leadership and culture, help more leaders discover this message: 👍 Like this episode to support meaningful workplace conversations 🔔 Subscribe for more transformative stories on Mastering Workplace Culture 💬 Comment with the moment that reshaped your understanding of leadership 🔗 Share this episode with someone ready to build a healthier workplace #MasteringWorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #PeopleFirstLeadership #ConstructionLeadership #ESOP

    55 min
  2. She Transformed a Toxic Team Culture — Katelyn Taylor's Leadership Wake‑Up Call

    FEB 10

    She Transformed a Toxic Team Culture — Katelyn Taylor's Leadership Wake‑Up Call

    In this episode of Mastering Workplace Culture, Katelyn Taylor, Director of Marketing Communications at Boise State University, reveals the hard decisions and practical steps she took to rebuild a toxic team culture. From spotting the waving red flags to hiring for respect and results, this conversation provides leaders a roadmap for transforming any workplace—no matter how tough the starting point. 👉 If you're serious about building a healthier, higher‑performing team, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment sharing your biggest culture challenge! #MasteringWorkplaceCulture #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #RespectAndResults #ChangeLeadership #EmployeeExperience

    54 min
  3. How WD‑40 Built a Thriving Culture: Gary Ridge on Leadership That Works

    JAN 27

    How WD‑40 Built a Thriving Culture: Gary Ridge on Leadership That Works

    Discover the leadership philosophies that helped turn WD‑40 into a globally admired organization. In this episode of Mastering Workplace Culture, hosts S. Chris Edmonds and Mark S. Babbitt sit down with Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman Emeritus of the WD‑40 Company — widely known as a Culture Architect. Garry shares the principles that helped expand WD‑40 into 176 countries while building a culture grounded in trust, accountability, belonging, and values that guide behavior and performance. From authentic care to the concept of positive attrition, he explains how leaders can cultivate workplaces where people feel safe, connected, and motivated to do their best work. You'll learn: How values‑based leadership fosters engagement and trust Why accountability is an act of care — not punishment How belonging drives performance What "positive attrition" really means How WD‑40 sustained its values through the pandemic How to maintain a strong culture across global teams Perfect for leaders, HR pros, culture strategists, and anyone passionate about building people‑first workplaces. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction  00:31 Meet Garry Ridge  02:44 Garry's Journey with WD‑40  03:46 Building a Global Culture  05:46 Values‑Based Leadership  09:34 The Tribe Philosophy  11:22 Challenges & Resistance  23:41 Accountability that Works  28:02 Overcoming Obstacles with Values  29:39 Why Values Matter in Business  30:18 Thriving During the Pandemic  31:13 Employee Engagement & Safety  32:58 The Power of Belonging  36:26 Global Expansion & Cultural Differences  38:16 Values in Divisive Times  50:28 Addressing Toxic Behavior  53:51 Final Thoughts & Resources 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like the video  💬 Comment below: What value most influences your workplace culture?  🔔 Subscribe for more insights on leadership and workplace culture  📤 Share this episode with a leader or HR professional! #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #GarryRidge #WDCOMPANY #ValuesBasedLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #OrganizationalCulture #PsychologicalSafety #BusinessLeadership #MasteringWorkplaceCulture

    56 min
  4. Introductory Episode

    JAN 14

    Introductory Episode

    Welcome to Mastering Workplace Culture! In this kickoff episode, hosts S. Chris Edmonds and Mark S. Babbit share why they launched this podcast and what you can expect. We go beyond corporate jargon to explore practical strategies for building cultures that value respect and results equally.   ✅ Why culture change isn't a quick fix ✅ How leaders can manage performance AND values ✅ Real-world success stories from Fortune 100 companies to nonprofits   If you're ready to challenge assumptions and create a workplace where people thrive, this podcast is for you.   📧 Have questions or guest ideas? Email us at authors@goodcomesfirst.com   #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #RespectAndResults #Podcast

    19 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

The Mastering Workplace Culture podcast examines the hard truths of workplace culture change. Proven culture leaders share unfiltered stories of breakdowns, breakthroughs, and their bold decisions. And they'll discuss the steps they took to drive sustainable, tangible change in which respect and results are modeled, monitored, and validated equally. This is practical insight for executives who cannot afford to let culture fail—and for those who are just as concerned with their leadership legacy as they are with today's results.

Information

  • Creator
    S. Chris Edmonds and Mark S. Babbitt
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Mastering Workplace Culture