Culture is built in the moments that matter

Over three weeks, 12 workshops, six locations and four countries, I had the privilege of working with Gnosis by Lesaffre teams across France, Switzerland, Italy and the USA.

From Lille and Denain, to Sant’Antonino, Pisticci and Bagnolo Mella, before finishing with the Americas Hub team in New York City, the journey was an absolute whirlwind.

As I reflect on the experience, what stays with me is not the travel, the hotel rooms or the distance covered. It is the people who showed up with openness, generosity and a genuine willingness to contribute.

Across different countries, functions and working environments, one message became increasingly clear: culture is not created through a statement, a poster or a single workshop.

Culture is built in the moments that matter.

Culture is built in conversation

At every location, we created a space for people to describe the workplace they want to experience and the conditions that help them perform at their best.

We explored questions like: What does a good day at work look like? What helps you do your best work? What gets in the way? How do you want to be treated, and how will you treat others in return?

The answers varied from team to team, but the themes were remarkably consistent.

People want open communication, leaders who listen, useful feedback, recognition for their contribution and a clearer understanding of how their work connects to customers and the broader strategy.

They want to feel safe, respected and included.

These may sound like simple human needs, but simple does not mean insignificant. Culture is formed through the daily interactions that tell people whether they matter, whether that is a leader making time to listen, colleagues sharing information across departments, or someone noticing an effort that might otherwise go unseen.

A simple Culture Koala, presented to recognise someone’s everyday contribution, may seem like a small gesture. But recognition sends a clear signal about what matters. It says, “I see you, and your contribution made a difference.”

Small signals, repeated consistently, become culture.