The Culture Edge: Driving Enterprise Performance
June 4, 2025 – As businesses navigate constant change, the influence of corporate culture on organizational success is unmistakable. Companies are increasingly aware that a vibrant, adaptable culture is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s a critical driver of employee engagement, retention, and overall performance. Recent findings reveal that 89 percent of highly engaged employees recognize their organization’s culture as a positive force, underscoring the powerful connection between cultural strength and business impact.
On June 18, 2025, Hunt Scanlon Media will unite hundreds of leading culture officers, CHROs, senior talent executives, and executive recruiters to examine how cutting-edge cultural initiatives can address today’s unique challenges. Attendees will delve into the latest strategies, from empowering adaptable teams and leveraging cultural analytics to aligning cultural values with organizational goals.
Join us for an engaging one-on-one discussion between Danielle Campana from ZRG’s culture practice and Kyndryl’s chief transformation officer Nel Akoth, on culture to unlock performance. This insightful case study will explore the turnaround of the world’s largest technology infrastructure services company — from going public in 2001 to business growth — fueled by culture transformation. Expect an in-depth conversation that uncovers the key challenges faced, the intentional culture transformation strategies implemented and the impactful outcomes that followed. This is a must-attend session for leaders looking to harness the power of culture to drive business success.
Organizations that integrate cultural values into their strategic framework are better equipped to navigate complex challenges, foster workforce engagement, and achieve sustained success. Maxine Carrington, senior vice president and chief people officer at Northwell Health, will discuss how aligning company culture with strategic goals drives enterprise performance, sharing insights and best practices for creating a high-performing culture. Join this insightful fireside chat to learn how to leverage culture for organizational success, including navigating cultural transformation in healthcare and fostering engagement, innovation, and inclusivity.
The Future of Work, Learning, and Leadership
For the first time in 75 years, we find ourselves at the intersection of social unrest, war, economic uncertainty, and a major technological revolution – artificial intelligence. Leaders today are finding it difficult to foresee what the future holds, plan for the long-term, and sustain effective corporate cultures. Join Google’s vice president & chief talent and learning officer Brian Glaser in identifying trends to help your business and culture stay ahead, and capabilities necessary for workers to succeed in the AI era.
Building a Culture that Powers Transformation
Philip Morris International is redefining its culture to align with a bold vision for a smoke-free future, making people central to its transformation. Kaleen Love, PhD, U.S. chief people & culture officer, will explore the ways company culture can be strategically leveraged to drive organizational performance and sustainable growth. This will be moderated by Debra Erder, president of Integrated Executive Strategies, LLC.
Creating a Purpose-Driven Culture
Culture can often feel elusive—something we all sense but find difficult to define. However, it plays a crucial role in shaping how organizations operate and thrive, according to a recent report from TalentRise’s Kristen Fox. “We create culture through the thoughtful intersection of mission, vision, and values. By delving into cultural design, we can gain clarity on this important concept,” she said. So, what exactly is organizational culture? “It is a complex and multifaceted concept, with definitions ranging from an operating system to the sum of values and rituals,” Ms. Fox said. “It can even be compared to an organism’s immune system—healthy or unhealthy, vibrant, or stagnant.”
A healthy, high-performing culture is the key to unlocking organizational potential and creating a thriving workplace. In this session, experts from TiER1 Performance (Cindy Blikre and Anna Grome, principals) and Vanderbilt University (Sydney Savion, vice chancellor for people, culture and belonging) will share how culture assessments can provide a clear understanding of the current state, inspire a compelling future vision, and guide the creation of an actionable roadmap for transformation. They will uncover practical insights and real-world examples of how a healthy culture can be the catalyst for organizational transformation and creating a premier workplace.
Navigating Culture in a Digital Age
As hybrid and remote work become the norm, organizations face the challenge of redefining and reinforcing their cultural values to ensure cohesion, inclusivity, and productivity. This panel will explore innovative approaches to maintaining cultural consistency while leveraging digital tools to foster connection and collaboration. Panelists will discuss how companies can balance the flexibility of modern work arrangements with the need for a unified cultural identity. Drawing on success stories from organizations that have embraced a digital-first mindset, this session will offer valuable insights into transforming workplace culture to thrive in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Related: Comprehending Organizational Culture and Climate: Essential Elements for Effective Leadership
Moderated by Shawn Banerji, managing partner at Caldwell, the panelists will include: Smita Pillai, SVP of talent development, inclusion & innovation culture at Regeneron; Erika Irish Brown, global head of talent management & engagement at Citi; and Christopher Rodriguez, VP of talent, culture, engagement & global HR at Air Products.
Maximizing Culture to Propel Business Success
Culture is a critical yet often underutilized lever for driving business success. This panel will examine how organizations can align their cultural values with overarching strategic goals to create a foundation for sustainable performance. By fostering a culture that prioritizes employee engagement and collaboration, businesses can build high-performing teams that deliver measurable results. Panelists will share insights into strategies for embedding culture into the fabric of the organization and give real-world examples of companies that have achieved exceptional outcomes through cultural alignment. This discussion will offer attendees practical approaches to leveraging culture as a catalyst for enterprise growth and competitive advantage.
This panel will be moderated by David Morgenbesser, partner at DHR Global. The panelists include: Michelle V. Katz, executive director, head of talent at Wildlife Conservation Society; Kitty Chaney-Reed, chief leadership, culture & inclusion officer at IBM; Donovan Mitchell, senior director DEI & player relations with the New York Mets; Brian Smith, SVP of business development with Protis Global; Caralyn Cooley, chief people officer at FanDuel; Adam Howe, partner with Heidrick & Struggles.
Empowering People and Fostering a Culture of Excellence
Creating a strong corporate culture requires a deliberate focus on talent, collaboration, and leadership. Blackstone has built an environment where employees are encouraged to take ownership, think critically, and contribute to the firm’s long-term success. The firm places a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development, providing access to experienced leaders and fostering a culture of apprenticeship. Blackstone’s commitment to accountability and continuous learning has allowed it to scale while maintaining exceptional performance. For its dedication to empowering its people and fostering a culture of excellence, Blackstone’s Paige Ross, global head of human resources, is the recipient of Hunt Scanlon’s 2025 “Excellence in Culture” Award.
To sign up for our upcoming conference, ‘The Culture Edge: Driving Enterprise Performance,’ please click here!
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
