Creating a Thriving Business Culture: Core Values That Drive Success

A strong business culture is the backbone of any successful organization. It shapes the way employees work, interact, and strive for excellence. Whether you’re launching a startup or leading an established company, defining and fostering a culture rooted in shared values is essential for long-term success. Herb Kimble, director, producer, and founder of the streaming network UrbanFlixTV, has the following advice: “A company’s culture isn’t built overnight; it requires intentional leadership, clear values, and consistent reinforcement. Employees need to believe in the mission and feel empowered to contribute to it.”

Define Your Core Values

The first step in building a strong business culture is defining the values that represent your company. These principles should reflect your mission, guide decision-making, and serve as the foundation for all business operations. Transparency, integrity, innovation, and collaboration are just a few values that successful companies embrace.

Herb Kimble, director, producer, and the founder of UrbanFlixTV, provided us with several tips for this article. He emphasized, “A company without clearly defined values is like a ship without a compass. You need guiding principles that help navigate challenges and inspire your team to move forward with purpose.”

Lead by Example

Company culture starts at the top. Leaders must embody the values they expect from their employees. This means demonstrating ethical behavior, fostering open communication, and showing appreciation for hard work. Employees take cues from leadership, so it’s critical that executives and managers lead with authenticity and accountability.

Encourage Collaboration and Innovation

A business culture that thrives on collaboration leads to greater innovation. Encouraging employees to share ideas, work together, and challenge conventional thinking fosters a more dynamic and productive workplace. Providing a supportive environment where creativity is valued can drive growth and long-term success.

Prioritize Employee Well-Being

A healthy work environment leads to motivated and engaged employees. Companies that prioritize well-being through work-life balance, professional development, and supportive leadership see higher retention rates and increased productivity. Offering benefits such as wellness programs, mental health support, and flexible schedules contributes to a positive and sustainable work culture. Herb Kimble also said, “When employees feel valued and supported, they perform at their best. Investing in their well-being isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business.”

Reinforce Culture Through Daily Actions

Building a strong culture isn’t a one-time initiative—it requires ongoing commitment. Regularly recognizing and rewarding employees who exemplify company values reinforces expectations and motivates the team. Hosting team-building activities, encouraging mentorship, and maintaining transparent communication all contribute to a thriving business culture.

Herb Kimble added, “Culture is something you cultivate every day. It’s not just words on a mission statement—it’s the actions, decisions, and attitudes that shape your company’s identity.”

Conclusion

Creating a thriving business culture takes time and effort, but the benefits are immeasurable. By defining core values, leading by example, fostering collaboration, prioritizing employee well-being, and reinforcing culture daily, businesses can build a strong foundation for success. As Herb Kimble wisely puts it, success is not just about profits—it’s about building a company where people are inspired to give their best every day.

 

Executive Coaching Myths and Facts

Article written by Herb Kimble

Executive coaches have devalued over the years, but they’ve never lost what makes them important. Some big names have tainted the profession and given coaching a bad name. Overall, the act of seeking advice from an executive coach is one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself. Here are a few of the myths and some facts to help dispel them.

You Don’t Need Coaching

Oh, so you know everything there is to know about everything that impacts your life? You have all the answers and you never doubt yourself? If you’re one of the very small amount of people who can answer a sincere “yes” to these questions, kudos. For the rest of us, an executive coach is all about providing guidance to those answers.

Coaching is Just Motivating

Coaching does involve motivation, but not in the self-help kind of sense that is peddled in supermarket tabloids. A good coach will help you stop and reflect on your successes as well as your failures. They inform you through constructive criticism, acknowledge your doubt and help you feel validated. That goes much farther than simply saying kind and thoughtful words meant to inspire action.

Coaches Teach Tricks

This one can be true, but not in the sense that people think. Many who don’t approve of coaching will dismiss what a coach does as teaching tricks to control or manipulate people. They do teach tricks, but they’re about manipulating your own feelings and being in control of yourself and your own actions. A good coach isn’t full of cliche and ideas everyone’s heard before. They understand your situation and help you overcome your weaknesses with specific advice or insight you can build upon.

Herb Kimble at Speaking at Credit Repair Summit

Bio: Herb Kimble is both an entrepreneur and a film and television producer. His roots as an accomplished actor gave him a passion for the arts. Today, Herb Kimble is co-founder of CineFocus Productions and launching Urban Flix, an inclusive streaming company based in Los Angeles.