In this final episode of A Matter of Culture’s first series, Reem and Sula take a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on the rollercoaster ride of launching the podcast. They share the highs, the learning curves, and yes, those oh-so-fun tech hiccups that come with starting something new.

The conversation dives deep into their favorite takeaways around workplace culture, like how crucial it is to walk the talk when it comes to values, the role of mentorship, and their own journeys of personal growth. They get candid about the risks they’ve taken, the advice they probably needed to hear themselves, and why vulnerability and authenticity are non-negotiables in both life and work.

The episode wraps up with a nod to global events, heartfelt gratitude for the amazing community that’s been part of the journey, and a big ol’ virtual hug as they sign off for the season. They also ask for your thoughts and ideas for what’s next so don’t hold back!

Reem and Sula leave you with a warm wish for Happy Holidays and a kind, peaceful New Year. Here’s to more learning, growth, and culture chats in the future! 🎉✨

00:43 Reflecting on Our Journey

03:58 Lessons Learned in Workplace Culture

07:38 Personal and Professional Growth

11:08 Taking Risks and Their Rewards

15:47 Advice and Insights

19:01 Vulnerability and Authenticity

22:01 Aha Moments and Cultural Shifts

28:58 Gratitude and Appreciation

34:12 Wrapping Up the Season

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula chat about the importance of reward and recognition programs in the workplace. They explore how these initiatives help employees feel motivated, valued, and engaged. Drawing inspiration from the idea of ‘corporate love languages,’ they discuss how understanding people’s unique preferences can make recognition more meaningful. The hosts share practical tips, real-life examples, and the common pitfalls to watch out for. They also talk about how to create recognition programs that work in fast-paced environments while staying sustainable and scalable.

00:53 Episode Five Kickoff

01:17 Understanding Reward and Recognition

01:56 Corporate Love Languages

04:12 Impact of Personalized Recognition

05:30 Implementing Effective Recognition Programs

06:16 Personal Career Insights on Recognition

09:07 Common Mistakes in Recognition Programs

12:13 Commitment to a Recognition Culture

23:06 Scalable and Sustainable Recognition Programs

26:44 Integrating Recognition into Daily Operations

32:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula delve into the topic of psychological safety within workplace cultures. The discussion begins with personal experiences of feeling unsafe at work and explores how this impacts behavior and engagement. The conversation covers the importance of creating safe environments for innovation, accountability without fear, and fostering healthy conflicts. Special attention is given to gender dynamics, microaggressions, and the broader cultural implications of safety in diverse workplaces. The episode also addresses strategies for leaders to build trust and transparency, and how to maintain safety during organizational changes.

00:43 Introduction to Psychological Safety

01:10 Personal Experiences with Psychological Safety

02:17 Impact of Fear-Based Leadership

04:09 Gender Differences in Workplace Communication

09:17 Reframing Safety in Leadership

15:49 Spotting Lack of Psychological Safety

19:26 Building Trust and Transparency

24:19 Cultural Context of Safety

27:14 Cultural Implications of Persistence and Harassment

29:22 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Romantic Persistence

31:51 Understanding Consent and Impact

33:47 Microaggressions and Workplace Safety

37:08 Navigating Power Dynamics and Microaggressions

40:07 Onboarding and Integrating New Employees

50:11 Challenges in Gender Equity and Leadership

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.