Build Your Culture Brand with Dr. Jay Raines

Hosted by Dr. Jay Raines

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About the show

Welcome to Build Your Culture Brand with Dr. Jay Raines. Join us as we talk to leaders about their successes and challenges, what it means to win together and how to be a culture creator. This is for leaders in any industry with a desire to influence the organizational culture around them, grow in their leadership role and develop those around them. We hope it brings you encouragement on your leadership journey. Want to know more about intentionally building a culture that fits you? Visit: www.buildyourculturebrand.com New episodes are released bi-weekly, so check back for more!

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58 recent

33 min

S.3 Ep. 15: Trust At A Distance, Leading in Remote Work

In this episode of Build Your Culture Brand, Jay Raines sits down with Dr. Peggy Kendall to unpack what it really takes to lead and build trust in virtual and hybrid environments. Peggy shares why remote work cannot be managed like the office, missing nonverbals and fewer informal touch points change how people connect, give feedback, and feel known, and leaders have to recreate those interactions on purpose. The conversation hits practical ground fast, weekly quick connects with predictable questions, intentional office hours, structured icebreakers that are not awkward, and simple tech habits that reduce Zoom fatigue and Slack overload. Jay and Peggy also dig into proximity bias, why remote contributors get overlooked for visible work and promotions, and how mentors, clear outcomes, and role modeled boundaries protect both teams and leaders from burnout. If you are leading from a distance, this playbook will help you humanize the work, make trust measurable, and leave meetings with more energy, not less.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com Connect with Dr. Peggy Kendall at https://www.peggykendall.com or at peggy@peggykendall.comHost: Dr. Jay RainesGuests: Dr. Peggy Kendall, Author and Keynote SpeakerTime stamps:(00:00 - 01:04) Welcome, trust basics(01:05 - 03:14) Tech shifts communication(03:15 - 05:29) Missing remote signals(05:30 - 07:03) Name relational needs(07:04 - 09:03) Recreate hallway moments(09:04 - 12:07) Shared responsibility basics(12:08 - 16:25) Zoom fatigue explained(16:26 - 18:13) Calendar and Slack(18:14 - 21:52) Span of control(21:53 - 24:12) Prevent leader burnout(24:13 - 27:31) Boundaries that stick(27:32 - 31:18) Proximity bias fixes(31:19 - 34:37) Onboarding for culture

35 min

S.3 Ep. 14: Leading Leaders: The Hard Choices That Define Growth

In this episode of Build Your Culture Brand, host Jay Raines sits down once again with Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator Jon Morris for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, growth, and the lessons that come from leading leaders. Jon opens up about one of the most pivotal moments in his career: the opportunity to operate multiple locations, and the difficult decision to turn it down. Through that choice, he reveals what truly drives him: staying deeply connected to his team, his community, and the culture he’s built.Together, Jay and Jon unpack what it really means to grow as a leader, both personally and professionally. They dive into the mindset shift behind the phrase “Have, Do, Be” and how reordering it can transform how we approach leadership, success, and fulfillment.Whether you’re leading a team or just starting your leadership journey, this episode reminds us that the foundation of great culture - and great business - starts with who you choose to be.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com Connect with Jon Morris on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-morris-82b898211/ Host: Dr. Jay RainesGuests: Jon Morris (Chick-Fil-A Operator) Time stamps:(00:00 - 01:07) Introduction(01:08 - 03:26) Operators Leading Themselves(03:27 - 07:52) Leadership Development(07:53 - 09:44) The Library Method(09:45 - 12:44) Character to Content(12:45 - 16:05) If it is to be, it’s up to me(16:06 - 17:34) Be, Have, Do(17:35 - 24:08) Going Mutli; Maybe(24:09 - 28:00) The Gaps(28:01 - 30:42) Operator Encouragement (30:43 - 32:43) The Power of Purpose(32:44 - 34:14) The Next Steps of Advice(34:15 - 35:03) Closing

33 min

S.3 Ep. 13: Every Level Ownership: How a Retired Fire Chief Found His Calling with Chick-Fil-A

Build Your Culture Brand returns with a powerful episode featuring Larry Everett, retired Fire Battalion Chief turned Chick-fil-A owner-operator in Reston, Virginia. Dr. Jay Raines sits down with Larry for an unforgettable conversation about leadership forged in crisis, the transition from public service to business ownership, and the art of developing people through everyday moments.Larry opens up about his firsthand experience during 9/11, fighting fires inside the Pentagon's third floor, and how those life-and-death decisions shaped his leadership philosophy. From the "slide carousel" method of developing leaders through simple scenarios, to his belief that "if you shut down their voice, you've lost their eyes," Larry shares practical wisdom gained from 35 years in the fire service and nearly a decade running one of the top-performing Chick-fil-A locations in the chain.This episode explores the reality of leading through hard times, the importance of being present in your team's lives beyond work, and how Larry has created what he calls "one of the greatest youth ministries" he could want - mentoring young employees while serving his community. Whether you're leading a team of four into a burning building or managing 65 employees in a fast-paced restaurant, this conversation offers timeless insights on courage, humility, and the transformative power of investing in others during both their toughest and brightest moments.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com Connect with Larry on Linkedin: Larry Everett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-everett-15a962ba/Host: Dr. Jay RainesGuests: Larry Everett, Owner/Operator Chick-fil-A North Point Village, Reston, VATime stamps:(00:00 - 1:47) Intro(1:48 - 9:29) Larry’s experience as a firefighter during 9/11(9:30 - 11:32) Protective gear and injuries sustained(11:33 - 15:22) Lessons learned to help him become a better leader(15:23 - 17:11) Pausing at decision points(17:12 - 19:48) Resetting the mindset(19:49 - 22:41) Understanding good leadership(22:42 - 24:32) A “good job” vs a “great calling”(24:33 - 27:46) Helping employees with their life, as well as their job(27:47 - 30:44) Working with Larry’s local emergency services(30:45 - 34:11) Larry’s special dinner(34:12 - 40:36) Working with employees to help them grow(40:37 - 44:49) What to do if your team brings bad ideas to the table(44:50 - 46:23) Every level ownership(46:24 - 48:08) Larry’s advice(48:09 - 48:48) Outro#BuildYourCultureBrand, #LeadershipPodcast, #LarryEverett, #ChickFilAOperator, #FireBattalionChief, #911Pentagon, #FirstResponder, #LeadershipDevelopment, #TeamBuilding, #CultureBuilding, #ServantLeadership, #LeadershipLessons, #CrisisLeadership, #FirefighterLeadership, #RestaurantLeadership, #EmployeeDevelopment, #TeamRetention, #WorkplaceLeadership, #LeadershipMindset, #LeadershipWisdom, #BusinessLeadership, #PurposeDrivenLeadership, #AuthenticLeadership, #LeadershipStories, #LeadershipTransition, #MentoringLeaders, #YouthDevelopment, #CommunityLeadership, #DrJayRaines, #LeadershipCoaching, #SlideCarouselMethod, #EveryLevelOwnership, #LeadershipImpact

37 min

S.3 Ep. 12: Growing U&I: The Power of Mentorship and Mission

Build Your Culture Brand is back, this time with our very first international episode! Dr. Jay Raines welcomes Ajit Sivaram and Satish Manchikanti, Co-Founders of U&I, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about the realities of co-founding an organization, leading with friendship, and creating long-term impact in communities across India.Ajit and Satish are not only co-leaders but longtime friends who have built a movement centered on education, mentorship, and dignity. Through U&I, they’re working to expand opportunity and break generational barriers in India, starting with English language education, cultivating passion in young learners, and helping students imagine futures they never thought possible. From powerful success stories of kids who’ve gone on to earn multiple degrees, to the quiet, consistent work of community-building, this episode is full of insight, reflection, and encouragement.Together, they open up about how they met, how U&I came to life, the wins and setbacks along the way, and what’s still to come. If you care about purpose-driven leadership, storytelling, and the transformative power of relationships, you won’t want to miss this conversation.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com Connect with Ajit and Satish on Linkedin: Ajit Sivaram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajit4949/Satish Manchikanti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satish-manchikanti/ Check out Ajit and Satish’s Podcast “Two Founders Walk Into” wherever you get your podcasts!Host: Dr. Jay RainesGuests: Ajit Sivaram (Co-Founder of U&I), Satish Manchikanti (Co-Founder of U&I)Time stamps:(00:00 - 00:43) Introduction(00:44 - 02:19) Episode Overview(02:20 - 05:44) Ken Blanchard(05:45 - 12:32) How Ajit & Satish Started(12:33 - 14:17) U&I’s Mission(14:18 - 15:57) The Obstacles(15:58 - 19:29) The Vision(19:30 - 23:14) Mona(23:15 - 27:12) Deepon(27:13 - 35:16) Leadership Learning(35:17 - 40:18) The Three Values(40:19 - 46:14) Co-Leadership(46:15 - 50:10) Communicating Unity(50:11 - 52:00) Compounding Trust(52:01 - 53:38) Crystalizing Culture(53:39 - 56:01) Closing

36 min

S.3 Ep. 11: Available Leadership: What Happens When Owners Show Up

Welcome back to Build Your Culture Brand! In today’s episode, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Eddie Brown, Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Rialto, California, for a candid conversation on what it takes to lead through a major transition.Eddie shares his journey into ownership and the unique challenges of merging two leadership teams into one cohesive culture. From creating buy-in to implementing fast changes, he opens up about the decisions that shaped the store’s direction—and what he might have done differently. Eddie also unpacks the practical strategies he used to reset store culture, drive accountability through leader involvement, and empower team members by living out shared values.Whether you’re an aspiring operator or a business leader navigating change, this episode is full of tactical insight on how to build trust, lead with visibility, and fuel momentum from the inside out.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com Connect with Eddie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-brown-6a75732b9/ Guest: Eddie Brown (Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Rialto, California)Time stamps:(00:00 - 01:12) Intro(01:13 - 05:22) Eddie’s Journey with Chick-fil-A(05:23 - 09:03) Merging Two Leadership Teams Together(09:04 - 11:57) If Things Could Have Been Done Differently(11:58 - 14:06) Making Changes Fast(14:07 - 22:04) Instilling Buy-In in the Team(22:05 - 29:56) Strategies for Revamping Store Culture(29:57 - 32:19) Stepping on the Gas(32:20 - 35:36) Leader Involvement with Metrics(35:37 - 37:51) Impact of Values on the Restaurant(37:52 - 43:40) Investing in Leaders(43:41 - 45:39) Closing

35 min

S. 3 Ep. 10: From Tragedy to Triumph: Building Systems That Win in Leadership

Build Your Culture Brand has a brand new, thought provoking episode! Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Abram Moon, Executive Director at Chick-fil-A Portsmouth VA, to speak about how he utilizes systems-driven leadership and authentic vulnerability to transform struggling teams into championship performers.Drawing on his powerful personal journey from losing his father at age 8 to becoming a successful restaurant leader, Abram unpacks the essential elements of building sustainable culture through systems rather than personalities. From his signature philosophy that "operations is marketing" to his real-world strategies for entering existing teams with empathy, he and Dr. Jay explore the transformative moments when authentic leadership isn't just helpful—it's critical for organizational survival. Through compelling stories like taking an underperforming $6.8 million restaurant to over $11 million in sales while raising average wages from $13 to $17.80 per hour, Abram demonstrates how focusing on genuine relationships and systematic processes creates a foundation for lasting success. This episode reveals how vulnerability and accountability work together to build trust, and why the best leaders don't just rescue shifts—they develop people who can lead them.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com Connect with Abram on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abram-w-moon-b1303a70/ Guest: Abram Moon (Executive Director, Chick-fil-A, Portsmouth VA)Time stamps:(00:00 - 1:52) Intro(1:53 - 9:27) Abram’s story(9:28 - 18:15) How Abram achieved success in his first leadership position(18:16 - 19:43) Creating a system that can go forever(19:44 - 22:41) System for building systems(22:42 - 26:18) “Operations is Marketing”(26:19 - 27:43) Back to the basics(27:44 - 34:53) Abram taking over another location and building his network(34:53 - 39:02) Advise to other leaders to help their team members through tough seasons(39:03 - 40:31) Rescuing a shift vs. showing up for your employees(40:32 - 40:55) ClosingHashtags:#BuildYourCultureBrand, #AbramMoon, #ChickFilALeadership, #SystemsDrivenLeadership, #AuthenticLeadership, #VulnerableLeadership, #OperationsIsMarketing, #RestaurantManagement, #TeamTransformation, #CultureBuilding, #LeadershipDevelopment, #ServantLeadership, #StandardOperatingProcedures, #BusinessSystems, #ExecutiveDirector, #PortsmouthVirginia, #LeadershipPodcast, #WorkEthic, #FromTragedyToTriumph, #FirstGenerationCollege, #TeamBuilding, #CustomerService, #FastFoodLeadership, #BusinessGrowth, #PeopleFirst, #QSRLeadership, #LeadershipLessons, #BuildingTrust

40 min

Highlighting S.3 Ep. 2: Separating Work and Life: How Leaders Can Win in Both

Welcome back to the Build Your Culture Brand podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jay Raines sits down with Randy Gravitt, an author, speaker, and thought leader passionate about helping leaders win both at work and at home. Randy shares valuable insights on how emotional health, intentional leadership, and personal accountability shape success in all areas of life.From the inspiration behind his book to practical advice on separating personal and professional life, Randy dives into what it means to lead with purpose and clarity. He emphasizes that true change doesn’t happen by chance but through consistent effort and planning. Whether it’s ensuring quality time with family or building a stronger team at work, Randy offers actionable strategies for leaders looking to create lasting impact.Tune in to hear how hope isn’t a strategy, why winning begins at home, and how you can take control of your personal and professional journey today. For more information about intentionally building a culture that fits you, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com To purchase Randy’s book, visit https://shop.leadeveryday.com/collections/all-books-by-popularity/products/winning-begins-at-home Guest: Randy Gravitt, Author, Speaker, Thought LeaderTime stamps: (00:00 - 01:33) Introduction(01:34 - 05:17) Leadership Superpower & Kryptonite(05:18 - 08:21) Winning Begins at Home(08:22 - 14:14) The Inspiration Behind Randy’s Book(14:15 - 17:24) Can It be Too Late?(17:25 - 21:19) Emotional Health for Business Leaders(21:20 - 29:44) Separating Personal and Professional Life(29:45 - 37:25) Ensuring Quality Time with Family(37:26 - 40:06) Where to Get Randy’s Book(40:07 - 40:44) Closing

39 min

S.3 Ep. 9: Creating Connection in a New Operation: What It Takes to Lead with Trust

Welcome back to Build Your Culture Brand! In today’s episode, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Consuela Jacobs, an owner/operator at Chick-fil-A, to talk about the do’s and don’ts when cultivating a culture of trust in a business. As a new Chick-fil-A owner/operator, Consuela shares her journey of learning to lead through trust: what it takes to build it, how to repair it, and why it’s essential on both sides of the relationship. She and Dr. Jay explore how internal culture impacts guest experience, and why winning the hearts of customers starts with winning the hearts of your team. Whether you’re an external candidate like Consuela or a seasoned leader, this episode offers practical wisdom on building a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead with purpose.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com Connect with Consuela on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/consuela-kennard-jacobs-8735a07/ Guest: Consuela Jacobs (Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A RedBird, Dallas, Texas)Time stamps:(00:00 - 01:16) Intro(01:17 - 04:44) From Fan to Guest(04:45 - 12:24) The Journey to CFA(12:25 - 18:24) The Do’s(18:25 - 19:26) Extreme Comparison(19:27 - 21:52) Taking A Breather(21:53 - 29:16) Building Trust(29:17 - 32:35)The Team in Me(32:36 - 37:26) Leading with Care(37:27 - 42:45) Do the Research(42:46 - 44:48) Closing

33 min

S.3 Ep. 8: The 9-Value Framework: How Self-Assessment and Accountability Create Breakthrough Leadership

Build Your Culture Brand has a brand new, thought-provoking episode! Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Jacob Jones, Executive Director at Chick-fil-A to speak about how he utilizes accountability in order to transform and lead his team.Drawing on his hands-on experience transitioning from Seattle to Arizona, Jacob unpacks the essential elements of character-based leadership development, from the 9-value Culture Brand framework to real-world accountability strategies. Together, he and Dr. Jay explore the transformative moments when developing people isn't just helpful, it's critical for organizational success. Through compelling stories like Victoria's journey from shy team member to strong leader, Jacob demonstrates how focusing on character first creates a foundation for all other leadership growth.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com Connect with Jacob on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-r-jake-jones-41591781/ Guest: Jacob Jones (Executive Director at Chick-fil-A, Yuma Arizona)Time stamps:(00:00 - 3:05) Intro(3:06 - 5:25) What is a culture brand, and how does Jacob make that possible?(5:26 - 7:11) Recreating Jacobs idea of leadership(7:12 - 9:12) Creating culture brands(9:13 - 11:57) Defining the 9 values with employees(11:58 - 14:37) Moving into an existing team(14:38 - 16:50) Jacobs experience training new leaders(16:51 - 20:14) Self evaluation as a leader(20:15 - 26:22) Challenges with accountability(26:23 - 27:41) Accountability playing a role in results(27:42 - 30:28) Building trust(30:29 - 33:23) Using culture brand in hiring(33:24 - 35:42) Closing thoughts

43 min

S.3 Ep. 7: Beyond the Logo: Branding with Intention and Impact

The Build Your Culture Brand podcast is back with another insightful episode! This time, Dr. Jay Raines is joined by Jamie Schwarzmann, Founder and Chief Creative Strategist at Flux Branding, for a deep dive into the world of branding: what it really is, why it matters, and when it’s time for a refresh.Drawing on his extensive experience and knack for storytelling, Jamie unpacks the essential elements of a brand, from identity and values to voice and promise. Together, he and Dr. Jay explore the strategic moments when evolving or rebranding isn’t just helpful, it’s critical. Whether you’re adjusting a few pieces or undergoing a full transformation, branding can be the difference between thriving and falling flat. Tune in to gain practical insights and fresh perspectives on building a brand that truly reflects your culture.For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com For access to Jamie Schwarzmann’s website and tools, visit FluxBranding.com Or contact Jamie directly through his email, Jamie@fluxbranding.com Connect with Jamie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieschwartzman/ Guest: Jamie Schwarzmann | Founder and Chief Creative Strategist at Flux BrandingTime stamps:(00:00 - 02:25) Introduction(02:26 - 08:10) What is Branding?(08:11 - 11:26) Tweaks in Brand Identity(11:27 - 16:11) Brand Immersion(16:12 - 20:35) Emotional Connection (20:36 - 28:19) Telling the Story(28:20 - 29:43) Branding Archetypes (29:44 - 35:49) Red vs Blue Ocean(35:50 - 38:26) Brand Promise(38:27 - 41:46) Value in a Brand(41:47 - 43:21) Closing