Culture Crush: OpenOrg

In the world of work today, where corrupt CEOs and bad business practice can often dominate discussions, there's something refreshing about stumbling upon an organization that not only talks the talk but walks the walk. I keep these organizations, my "Culture Crushes," in a notebook (full of hearts and doodles!) that is always with me, inspiring me to do better and aim higher. These organizations are the epitome of what every workplace should aspire to be—open, inclusive, and genuinely people-centric. They don't always get the airtime they deserve, so I wanted to take a moment to gush about one of these crushes for others who need inspiration (and resources!).

Open Org

Let me introduce you to my current culture crush—Open Org. Open Org is redefining what people operations can look like. They support and train companies and people leaders worldwide, empowering them to embrace the principles of openness and trust. They truly live their values- Be Excellent To One Another (yes that's a Bill & Ted reference); Learn in Public; and Give Back Generously.

I recently completed an incredible nine-week cohort program with Open Org, which was transformative for both my personal growth and the evolution of my organization, The Fresh Perspective Group. It was really great to have the time and capacity to attend this cohort (have I gushed about The Fresh Perspective Group's 4-day work week yet... it's incredible!) and to learn alongside other incredible people leaders. I honestly don't think I've felt able to attend, and truly be present, a personal professional training for myself in years (I know I'm not alone - I'm looking at you HR teams of one).

Some of my quick takeaways from the cohort:

• Practical way to break culture into clear components and heat map areas for improvement;

• A framework to use to help categorize the complexity of a situation and determine the best course forward;

• Helpful exercises and ways to crowd-source input and real-time prioritize ideas.

Why Open Org Stands Out

What sets Open Org apart is its unwavering commitment to open source, freely shared information and growth. They don't just provide theoretical knowledge; they offer practical tools and real-world scenarios that prepare participants to implement meaningful change in their organizations. I knew I found my people when our leaders, John and Adam, reiterated that culture is not vibes or how we "feel" about work - it's how we work at an operational level. For me, participating in this cohort has meant bringing back new skills and perspectives to The Fresh Perspective Group, allowing us to intentionally enhance our culture through operational improvements in how we communicate, how we make decisions, how we hire, how we win, the list goes on...

Moreover, Open Org fosters a sense of community among its members. By connecting like-minded leaders, they create a network of support and collaboration that extends beyond the duration of the cohort. This community aspect amplifies the impact of the knowledge gained and encourages continuous learning and development.

Spill the Tea!

Here's my challenge to you: Who are your culture crushes? Which organizations have inspired you with their exceptional cultures?

Join the conversation in the comments below and spill the tea! Let's celebrate those organizations that are making a positive difference and leading the way in creating workplaces where people thrive. Whether it's a company you've worked for or one you've admired from afar, I want to hear your stories. I have my (growing!) list that I'll share over the coming lists (*spoiler alert* it's a good one!). Together, we can learn from each other and continue to champion the importance of open, trusting, and people-centered workplaces.

In a world where change is constant, let us be the advocates of a culture that truly makes a difference. Here's to our culture crushes—may they continue to inspire and lead the charge for a better future in the workplace.