Rizing Evolution – The Future Proofed Enterprise Podcast
Episode 9 Summary: Culture, Strategy and Tech: What Eats What for Breakfast? Part 2
In this episode of the Rizing Evolution podcast host Bonnie Graham explores how culture, strategy, and technology drive business success. Joining her are Sherry Meyer, Enrique Rubio, and Dr. Patty Fletcher, who discuss whether technology, culture, or strategy plays the dominant role in shaping today’s enterprises.
Is Technology Leading?
Sherry Meyer believes technology has the upper hand in today’s business world. When asked if tech, strategy, or culture is winning, she responds:
“I think tech is winning. There’s a little bit of nibbling going on in all different directions.”
Meyer’s view reflects the accelerating role technology plays in companies’ day-to-day operations, even as leaders work to balance it with culture and strategy. She suggests that while all three elements are at play, technology is currently driving the most significant change.
Strategy and Culture Playing Catch-Up
Enrique Rubio, founder of the HR community Hacking HR, agrees with Sherry that technology is moving faster than strategy or culture. However, he emphasizes that without a strong cultural and strategic foundation, technology can only do so much.
“In real life, technology is definitely ahead, but cultural strategy needs to catch up.”
Rubio points out that although businesses talk about culture and strategy often, they lag behind when it comes to integrating these with new technologies. Companies may adopt tech tools quickly, but the transformation isn’t complete unless culture and strategy evolve alongside them.
Is Culture Falling Behind?
Dr. Patty Fletcher takes a more critical view of the current landscape, suggesting that culture is in fact winning—but not in a positive way. She highlights how outdated cultural practices are holding businesses back:
“There’s a lot of bad decisions being made now… Bad decisions around how we treat our people, bad decisions around how we’re going to ethically use AI in all its different forms.”
Fletcher argues that companies focus too much on the automation potential of technology without considering the broader ethical and human impacts. This cultural gap, she says, prevents organizations from fully realizing the benefits of technological advancements.
Leadership’s Role in Culture and Technology
Leadership plays a critical role in shaping a company’s culture, especially when integrating new technologies. Dr. Fletcher stresses that leaders must foster environments where innovation and curiosity thrive:
“Leaders are only leaders when followers enable them to be… When leaders understand that their job is the culture, everything changes.”
Enrique Rubio expands on this by pointing out the disconnect between what companies say and what they do. While organizations claim to want creative thinking, they often stifle it:
“Employers say they want more creative thinking, but then tell employees, ‘That’s not the way we do things here.’”
Both agree that for companies to succeed, they need to actively support innovation, not just pay lip service to it. Leaders must create a space where new ideas can flourish, and employees feel empowered to contribute.
Conclusion
The discussion makes it clear that while technology is advancing rapidly, it can’t stand alone. For businesses to thrive, culture and strategy must evolve in tandem with technological progress. As Enrique Rubio notes:
“Culture is everybody’s business… It can’t just be an HR thing.”
Ultimately, the balance of culture, strategy, and technology is key. For businesses to truly succeed in today’s fast-changing world, they need to align all three, with leadership at the forefront of fostering this integration.
Key Takeaways
- Technology is leading the charge, but culture and strategy need to keep up.
- Leadership is key in fostering an environment where culture, strategy, and technology align.
- A balanced approach is essential for long-term business success.
FAQs
- Why is technology outpacing culture and strategy in businesses today?Technology evolves faster than corporate culture and strategy because it’s driven by continuous innovation, while organizational change often faces resistance and slower adaptation.
- How can companies better align their culture with technology?By fostering a culture of curiosity and creativity, where employees feel empowered to contribute ideas without fear of rejection, businesses can better integrate technology into their strategic goals.
- What role do leaders play in business transformation?Leaders are responsible for creating a culture that embraces change and innovation. Without active leadership, companies risk falling behind in technological advancements and cultural shifts.
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