Our values create value.

Values are our internal moral code, our essence. They are what we bring to the table before we even step foot on the job. And when we have powerful values as leaders, we can align every aspect of our business to mirror those values, too.

Every strong, successful leader strives to create a culture based on personal values—values that  foster a sense of belonging and align employees towards a shared vision. After all, our values build the foundation for how we run our businesses.

Your organization’s culture reflects your values as a founder.

‍

Defining values and culture 

Company values are not just on shiny posters that we stick on the wall. 

They are an integral part of how we show up and work every single day. 

Values have to do with who we are as leaders. What kind of people are we? What do we care about? Who do we care about? 

A culture based on values is not just created overnight. It’s an intentional and diligent ongoing process — one that requires everyone, including the c-suite executives, to be aligned with the company values and be intentional in their actions. 

I’m always checking back in and asking myself: Are the goals I created a year ago still true for me today? How can I continue to foster a healthy, supportive environment as a leader? The goals I define today might change over time, and that's okay!

By identifying your core values, you build a foundation to move forward on whichever path you choose. 

‍

Connecting values to company vision

Empathy, curiosity, kindness, gratitude, drive, and  data-driven decisions are woven into the culture for all my businesses. 

When your company grows, the intentions of your organization might start to shift. But that’s where the power of your values comes in. 

As any business, you will face obstacles and values help navigate through these challenges.  They are your roots and anchor amidst change. They keep you connected to your intentions.

I highly recommend taking some time to reflect on and identify your values. Try to be authentic and allow yourself to get real about what matters most to you. 

I promise that defining these values will help guide you in realizing your company’s vision. 

Finding the source of your values

I’ve defined my values based on my own journey and by reflecting on what matters most to me. I divide my values into three categories of personal, professional, and spiritual.

My personal values have been shaped by important life decisions. I’ve identified my professional values through my experiences as a leader and through my entrepreneurial journey. My spiritual values were instilled in me when I was raised and remain an integral part of me. 

Some of my values have evolved over time and are unique to me; they emerged from my personal decisions and choices as well as my professional experiences and my aspirations as an entrepreneur. 

Your life experiences are what make you, you. Nobody else can define your values. 

How have your own life experiences shaped your values? 

Being a woman of color entrepreneur has shaped my values as a leader and offers me a unique lens  

As an immigrant and woman of color founder,  I’m hyper-aware of intentionally creating an inclusive environment that embraces diversity. 

I often think about who gets a seat at the table, particularly here in the United States. Looking higher up the leadership ladder, those positions are not often filled by people who look like me. I want to change that.

I want to make sure the doors are open to other people like me—and that means leading with my values.

I strive to make my organizations more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse by actively recruiting and welcoming immigrants, women, BIPOC, veterans, etc. I find that these individuals bring a unique and valuable global perspective, an intense drive to succeed, and an ability to successfully bridge the gap and unite diverse teams and environments. 

Diversity, inclusivity, equity; these are what I instill in my workforce. I’m mindful of giving opportunities to those who are often overlooked - 70% of my workforce are women. But we do not compromise on competence and character. 

As a woman of color and immigrant myself, diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s a part of who I am and what I value. 

Without core principles, assessing whether people align with your company is more challenging.

When was the last time you established a team based on values? 

Building and aligning your team based on values 

When recruiting new team members, I try to make it a point to be a part of most interviews whenever I can. I want to get to know people beyond generic assessments. 

Who is this person outside of their professional life? What kind of community service do they do? What are their relationships with the people closest to them like? How do they balance gratitude and kindness with their drive and ambition?  

A candidate can be highly competent and accomplished, but if they don’t align with the company's culture, it’s not a good fit. You can always train for higher aptitude, but not for attitude. 

Values are inherent. They’re what you bring to the role as a person, not as a worker, before you even start. Values, not just competence, determine if a candidate will align with your culture or work well as a team player.

As a leader, I’m not just interested in sourcing talent; I'm interested in sourcing integrity.

‍

Finding inspiration from leaders with strong values 

I am inspired by successful leaders who have built purposeful businesses based on values. 

I often look to Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder of Chobani, who leads the company with his values. He credits a lot of his success to the way his family taught him to focus on cultivating trust and connection. 

And that’s why the culture at Chobani has flourished: Ulukaya created a space where people feel like they can be themselves and be valued — as people, not just workers. 

What I have learned from leaders like Ulukaya is that having a powerful vision and remaining dedicated to your values helps you achieve your goals faster. 

When we find people whose moral code aligns with our vision, we create something impactful. And that’s the type of leadership I aim to model: one that supports and brings out the best in others.

Because values create value. 

The overarching concept of values sounds aspirational and abstract. Values are often undermined and not given as much credit as they should. But they are extremely important in building great organizations. 

Just like your personal values serve as your internal compass, a company’s values should be an internal compass for its culture, goals, growth and visGoals help  help s help move you closer to your company's vision. To realize your goals, you need to be guided by a great culture and strategy that’s built on a solid foundation made from a strong set of values. help  help s help move you closer to your company's vision. To realize your goals, you need to be guided by a great culture and strategy that’s built on a solid foundation made from a strong set of values.

Goals help move you closer to your company's vision. To realize your goals, you need to be guided by a great culture and strategy that’s built on a solid foundation made from a strong set of values.

The ultimate goal is to lead a company that realizes and brings your vision to life.

‍

‍