The Culture Matters Podcast

Hosted by Jay Doran

Business Society CultureInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

1091

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Culture Matters Podcast with host, Jay Doran, is a platform to talk with business owners, executives, and cultural alike to get inside each individual's eco-system in which they practice culture in the workplace. We speak to some of the most interesting people about why culture is important.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 109228 min

Season 91, Episode: 1092: The Operating System Beneath the Business: A Monologue Series

Most people think a business is its product or service.They're not wrong.But they're not seeing the whole picture.In this thought-provoking solo episode, Jay Doran explores the idea that every organization operates through an unseen system beneath the surface—a hidden architecture that determines whether a business grows, stagnates, evolves, or slowly decays. Drawing connections between culture, leadership, organizational design, customer experience, accountability, incentives, and even ancient infrastructure, Jay examines what truly drives performance beyond products, services, and revenue. Topics explored in this episode include:Why a business is more than what it sellsThe difference between the product and the operating system that delivers itPeter Drucker's idea that the purpose of a business is to create and keep a customerHow culture exists whether it is intentionally designed or notWhy organizations lose their spirit as they scaleThe relationship between vision, mission, values, and executionHow character, skills, capability, and knowledge shape performanceThe hidden costs of misalignment inside organizationsWhy accountability and responsibility are not the same thingHow incentives extend far beyond compensationThe role of leadership in continually clarifying purpose and directionThroughout the episode, Jay uses the metaphor of ancient sewer systems and aqueducts to explain how organizations either create systems that remove friction and dysfunction—or allow confusion, resentment, and bureaucracy to accumulate until they become obstacles to growth. At its core, this conversation is about understanding that culture is not a program, a slogan, or a set of values hanging on a wall.Culture is the operating system.And every result an organization produces is a reflection of the system running beneath it. If you've ever wondered why some organizations consistently create value while others slowly lose their way, this episode offers a framework for thinking deeper about the systems, people, and principles that shape every outcome

June 12, 2026Episode 109135 min

Season 91, Episode 1091: From Intensity to Love: A Monologue Series

What if your word of the year isn't just a goal, but a reflection of who you're becoming?In this deeply personal solo episode, Jay Doran explores the connection between his word for 2025, Intensity, and his word for 2026, Love, uncovering how one became the necessary foundation for the other. Jay reflects on the evolution of his journey through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, from the early days of 30 Days of Thought to conducting hundreds of interviews on the Culture Matters Podcast. Along the way, he shares how years of learning to listen transformed him as a leader, teacher, advisor, entrepreneur, and student. This episode explores:Why intensity was about reclaiming lost parts of himselfThe lessons learned from recording hundreds of podcast conversationsThe difference between speaking to be heard and listening to understandHow Culture Matters evolved through action rather than theoryWhy great leadership requires knowing when to speak and when to listenThe relationship between identity, responsibility, and personal growthHow connecting people creates meaning and valueThe deeper philosophical and etymological meaning behind both intensity and loveWhy love is not merely a feeling, but a commitment to the growth and good of othersThroughout the conversation, Jay examines the idea that intensity is directed force while love is directed responsibility. One builds capacity. The other determines how that capacity is used. At its core, this episode is about integration. It's about becoming more fully yourself, reconnecting with what matters most, and using your gifts, relationships, and experiences to create something larger than yourself.Because sometimes the next chapter of growth isn't about achieving more.It's about bringing people together.

June 10, 2026Episode 109054 min

Season 91, Episode 1090: The Beggar and the Guru: A Monologue Series

In the first installment of a new solo series, Jay Doran steps away from interviews and into something far more vulnerable: an unfiltered exploration of the thoughts occupying his mind when no one else is in the room. What begins as a reflection on the internal battle between good and evil quickly evolves into a philosophical journey through leadership, capitalism, influence, identity, social media, homelessness, mentorship, success, and truth itself. Along the way, Jay wrestles with a question that many consume content but few stop to ask:What is the difference between the person asking for money on the street and the person asking for your attention online?This episode is not a polished lecture. It is a live thought experiment.Jay explores:Why we idolize certain voices while ignoring othersThe hidden incentives that shape what we say and what we don'tHow success can distance us from truthThe relationship between power, responsibility, and accountabilityWhy compassion may be the foundation of moralityThe danger of worshiping people at the top while dismissing those at the bottomHow leadership eventually shows up on the balance sheetThe tension between ego and humilityWhy mentorship, learning, and personal growth never truly endWhat it means to pursue truth when the outcomes are uncertainAt its core, this episode is a challenge to examine how we relate to people, ideas, influence, and ourselves. It is an invitation to question assumptions, confront contradictions, and consider whether the way we treat those with the least may reveal more about us than the way we admire those with the most. Raw, philosophical, provocative, and deeply personal, this conversation marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Culture Matters Podcast—one where Jay opens the door to the questions he is actively wrestling with in real time.Because sometimes the most important conversations don't start with answers.They start with a question.

June 5, 2026Episode 108927 min

Season 91, Episode 1089: Guest: Andrew Berman: Priorities, Perspective, and the Courage to Be Seen

Some conversations aren't planned.They're lived.In this special episode, Jay sits down with one of the most familiar voices in Culture Matters Podcast history, Andrew Berman, for what may be their most personal conversation yet. A longtime friend, collaborator, and recurring guest, Andrew opens up about his recent cancer diagnosis, the lessons he's learning through treatment, and how adversity has a way of clarifying what matters most. What begins as a discussion about health quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of leadership, priorities, responsibility, and the signals we often ignore in both life and business.Together, Jay and Andrew explore:Why leaders often ignore the warning signs right in front of themThe parallels between listening to your body and listening to your organizationHow customers, employees, culture, and financials constantly communicate with leadershipThe relationship between urgency, priorities, and intentional livingWhy entrepreneurship can create health blind spotsThe challenge of balancing family, faith, career, community, and personal wellnessHow adversity reshapes perspective and creates clarityThe importance of being honest about what you're going throughWhat Andrew has learned from becoming more visible over the last six yearsWhy growth often begins when we stop hidingOne of the most powerful themes throughout the conversation is the idea that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about paying attention.Paying attention to your health.Paying attention to your people.Paying attention to the signals that something needs your attention before it becomes a crisis. Andrew shares how a small lump that initially seemed insignificant became a reminder that even the most driven professionals can delay addressing what's right in front of them. His story becomes a powerful metaphor for organizations that ignore customer feedback, employee concerns, or cultural warning signs until they can no longer be ignored. The conversation also reflects on Andrew's evolution from someone who once preferred staying behind the scenes to becoming one of the mortgage industry's most recognizable voices and connectors. Through years of interviews, leadership conversations, and community building, he has helped countless professionals learn from one another and share their stories. This episode is about perspective.It's about friendship.It's about vulnerability.And it's about remembering that while success matters, health, relationships, and the people around us matter even more.If you've ever struggled with priorities, ignored a warning sign, or needed a reminder to pay attention to what truly matters, this conversation is for you.And if you're a longtime listener, you'll quickly understand why Andrew Berman remains the most frequent guest in Culture Matters Podcast history.

June 1, 2026Episode 108853 min

Season 91, Episode 1088: Guest: Chuck Hyde: Leadership, Compassion, and Seeing the Person

“What is to give light must endure burning.” — Viktor FranklIn this deeply meaningful episode, Jay sits down with Chuck Hyde, President and CEO of Hope Cancer Resources, for a conversation about leadership, systems, compassion, culture, and what it truly means to serve people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.Chuck’s background spans chemical engineering, Fortune 100 operations, leadership consulting, and years spent studying organizational culture alongside legendary leaders like Don Soderquist. But today, his work is centered around something much more human:Helping individuals and families navigate the realities of cancer.This conversation explores what happens after a diagnosis — not just medically, but emotionally, financially, relationally, and spiritually.Inside this episode:* Why Chuck believes life is built more like a mosaic than a puzzle* Lessons learned from leadership and operations inside Fortune 100 organizations* What servant leadership actually looks like in practice* How culture must move from “words on the wall” into real human moments* The difference between treating a disease and caring for a person* Why Hope Cancer Resources stopped using the word “patient”* How cancer impacts identity, relationships, work, finances, and community* The emotional realities of survivorship and “scanxiety”* What compassionate leadership looks like operationally* How attentiveness and intentionality create trust in organizations* Why truth-tellers are essential for leadership and healthy cultureOne of the most powerful themes throughout the conversation is this:People do not want to feel processed.They want to feel seen. Chuck shares how Hope Cancer Resources supports individuals and families through transportation, counseling, wellness programs, support groups, prescription assistance, and practical daily needs — all while preserving dignity and humanity. The episode also becomes a masterclass on operationalizing culture.From redesigning a lobby because cancer patients struggled getting out of chairs without armrests…to drivers learning the stories of the people they transport every day…to creating environments where team members can challenge leadership honestly…This conversation shows what it means to build a culture that actually lives and breathes. A standout takeaway:“Culture happens in time and space.” This episode is dedicated to:* Kevin DeLore* Andrew Berman…and every individual and family fighting the battle against cancer.If this episode impacts you, please consider supporting:[Hope Cancer Resources](https://hopecancerresources.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com)Because there are people we have not met yet…who will one day need hope.

May 28, 2026Episode 108752 min

Season 91, Episode 1087: Guest: Ryan Chiodo: Luxury, Trust, and the Long Game

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” — Warren BuffettIn this episode, Jay sits down with Ryan Chiodo, one of the top luxury real estate advisors in Naples, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, trust, service, relationships, and what it actually takes to build a reputation at the highest level.Ryan’s story is not a straight line.From bartending in his family’s Italian restaurant…to learning the builder and developer side of real estate…to navigating REOs, short sales, and distressed assets during the Great Recession…to serving luxury and ultra-luxury clientele in one of the most competitive markets in the country…This episode is a masterclass in mastering your craft over decades.Inside this conversation:* Why communication and hospitality became Ryan’s unfair advantage in real estate* The hidden value of working in restaurants and customer service early in life* Why the luxury market is ultimately a relationship and trust business* The realities of serving affluent clients and what they actually expect* How the Great Recession shaped Ryan’s perspective on leverage, investing, and risk* Why many people underestimate how difficult real estate truly is* The importance of becoming a true subject matter expert in your field* Why over-communication creates trust and long-term referrals* How systems, teams, and delegation allow entrepreneurs to scale* The difference between working with buyers versus sellers* Negotiation strategies, creative deal structures, and thinking beyond price aloneOne of the biggest themes throughout this episode is simple:The people at the top are rarely doing complicated things.They are doing simple things with extraordinary consistency. Ryan also shares the daily disciplines that built his business over 24 years:* Reviewing the market every single day* Staying proactive with clients* Bringing value instead of “just checking in”* Responding quickly* Knowing the details better than anyone else in the roomThis episode is especially valuable for:* Entrepreneurs building a book of business* Realtors and mortgage professionals* Salespeople trying to create long-term referral networks* Anyone interested in luxury markets and relationship-driven business* Professionals looking to build mastery over time instead of chasing shortcutsA standout takeaway from the conversation:“You have to get in the room. But once you’re in the room, you better know what you’re doing.” This is a conversation about trust earned through preparation, consistency, and decades of repetition.Because in the end, luxury is not about flash.It’s about confidence, competence, and delivering an experience people never forget.

May 26, 2026Episode 108659 min

Season 91, Episode 1086: Guest: Booker Farrior: Be the CEO of Your Career

“You can’t manage other people unless you manage yourself first.” — Peter DruckerWhat if the biggest thing holding people back in their careers…is that they don’t even know the real game being played?In this episode, Jay sits down with Booker Farrior—former enterprise operator, executive coach, systems thinker, and founder of Coaching By The Book.With experience leading inside organizations like Vanguard, Merck & Co., and Bristol Myers Squibb, Booker brings a rare perspective that blends leadership, behavioral science, systems thinking, and career strategy.This conversation is a masterclass in modern leadership, career ownership, and understanding how organizations actuallywork.Inside this episode:Why every professional should think like a companyWhat it means to truly become the CEO of your own careerThe difference between “doing your job” and strategically managing your trajectoryWhy many employees are unknowingly playing the wrong game inside organizationsThe hidden “second scorecard” that determines promotions, opportunities, and influenceHow reputation quietly shapes careers more than most people realizeWhy self-awareness is becoming one of the most important leadership skills in the modern workplaceHow organizations unintentionally disable growth—even while saying they support itWhy attention spans, side hustles, and disengagement are changing company culture foreverBooker also breaks down one of the most practical frameworks shared on the podcast yet:Antecedent → Behavior → ConsequenceA simple but powerful model for understanding feedback, behavior change, leadership, and culture. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:There are two scorecards in every organization.The first measures your output, KPIs, and deliverables.The second measures how people experience you, perceive you, trust you, and advocate for you when you are not in the room.Most people only know the first scorecard exists. This episode is for:Leaders trying to develop people more effectivelyProfessionals who feel stuck despite producing resultsEntrepreneurs building teamsAnyone who wants to better understand influence, growth, and modern workplace dynamicsBecause career growth is not just about working harder.It’s about understanding how value, perception, relationships, and leadership actually operate in the real world.And once you understand that…everything changes.

May 7, 2026Episode 10851 hr 20 min

Season 91, Episode 1085: Guest: Rob Mccord: Turning Pain Into Purpose

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor FranklSome conversations don’t just teach you something…they change how you see everything.In this episode, Jay sits down with Rob McCord—a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, public servant, and now a voice in resilience and post-traumatic growth.But this isn’t a highlight reel.This is a real conversation about success, failure, identity, and what it actually takes to rebuild your life when everything changes.Rob shares a journey that spans elite institutions, political power, venture capital success—and devastating personal and professional adversity. And through it all, one theme emerges:You always have a choice in how you respond.Inside this episode:Why entrepreneurship is about solving real problems—not chasing moneyThe traits that actually define successful entrepreneurs (and what most get wrong)The difference between plans that work and the discipline of planning that always mattersHow adversity reshapes identity—and what it reveals about what we take for grantedThe truth about labels, reputation, and how quickly perception can change What resilience really means (and why it’s not about “bouncing back”)How to turn pain into purpose—without pretending it was ever “worth it”Why being of service to others is the most reliable path to a meaningful lifeRob also gives practical, grounded tools for anyone facing a difficult season:Find people you can be vulnerable withKeep a daily gratitude journal (specific moments, not generalities)Commit to learning something new—especially when life feels heavyThis episode doesn’t offer easy answers.It offers something better: perspective.Because resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about learning how to live, lead, and serve through it.

May 1, 2026Episode 108458 min

Season 91, Episode 1084: Guest: Brian Vieaux: The Language of Lending

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig WittgensteinWhat if the biggest gap in the mortgage industry isn’t rates… but understanding?In this episode, Jay sits down with returning guest Brian Vieaux to unpack one of the most overlooked yet foundational elements of the industry: standards.As President of MISMO, Brian pulls back the curtain on the invisible infrastructure that powers lending—and why the professionals who understand it will win the future.This is not just a conversation about data.It’s a conversation about trust, responsibility, and the evolution of what it means to be a true advisor.Inside this episode:What MISMO actually is—and why it’s called the “language of lending”How standardization impacts cost, efficiency, and the borrower experienceWhy most loan officers overlook the very systems that define their industryThe difference between quoting rates and building trustHow standards create accountability—and enable independence in the broker channelThe hidden cultural gap in mortgage: consumer-first vs self-first thinkingWhy education, not sales, is the future of the loan officer roleBrian also challenges a hard truth:the industry benefits from shared infrastructure—but not everyone takes responsibility for supporting it. At its core, this episode is about raising the standard.Because when you understand how the system works,you don’t just compete—you lead.If you’re serious about your career in mortgage, leadership, or financial services, this is one to listen to more than once.

April 28, 2026Episode 108349 min

Season 91, Episode 1083: Guest: Drew Pearlman: From Pressure to People

“The way people behave is a reflection of what leaders tolerate.” — John C. MaxwellWhat if the biggest problem in sales isn’t the product… but the experience?In this episode, Jay sits down with Drew Pearlman, a lifelong operator in the automotive industry who has built winning cultures in one of the most high-pressure environments in business.From starting on a car lot at 14 years old to leading top-performing dealerships, Drew shares what actually transforms teams, builds trust, and drives long-term success.This conversation breaks down:Why most sales environments fail—and how pressure destroys performanceThe difference between a manager and a true coachHow relationship-based selling outperforms transactional tactics every timeThe “Bible” system Drew used to build lifelong customer relationshipsWhy referrals should be earned, not forcedThe breakdown inside dealerships—and how to fix culture from the top downThe future of the automotive experience and why concierge is inevitableDrew also introduces his company, Pearl Auto Advocates, built on a simple truth:the traditional car-buying process is broken—and customers are ready for something better. At its core, this episode is about something bigger than cars.It’s about people.It’s about slowing down, asking better questions, and building relationships that last decades—not transactions that last minutes.If you’re in sales, leadership, or building a team—this one will hit home.