On Culture: What Holds Us Together
- Myste Wylde
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
Dear Culturati Insider,
On the eve of July 4th, we’re reminded that our strength has never been in uniformity, but in the unity of shared ideals such as liberty, dignity, and belief in what we can become. We live in a time of real tension. Political division, economic strain, and social distrust are impossible to ignore. But in the midst of it, these collective values continue to guide meaningful action across lines of class, party, and belief.
At our recent advisory gathering, Rev. Steven Tomlinson, PhD offered a unique definition of hope. Hope, he said, combines a vision, agency, and a plan. It invites us to live in the future we believe is coming. That future is taking shape in visible ways. Heather Gerken will lead the Ford Foundation with a renewed focus on democracy and trust. Businesses are hiring people ready for a second chance, cutting re-arrest rates and rebuilding families. Leaders like Mark Cuban are linking fair wages to national strength. The forward-thinking four-day workweek is proving its worth in healthier, more focused employees. And shareholders representing nearly $10 trillion are standing behind teams that reflect the world they serve and outperform because of it.
This country has always held competing truths. But time and again, when we rally around shared principles and purpose, we find common ground and move forward together.
To liberty and justice for all,
Myste Wylde, COO
Ford Foundation’s New Leader Says She’ll Work to Protect Democracy
The New York Times By Alan Blinder
Summary: Heather Gerken, a nationally respected constitutional law expert and Yale Law School dean, will lead the $16B Ford Foundation starting this fall, bringing fresh energy to one of America’s most influential philanthropic institutions. Known for championing access and integrity, Gerken expanded veteran and low-income student enrollment at Yale and led a high-impact revolt against outdated ranking systems. Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to democracy, equity, and civic resilience. At a time when trust in institutions is fragile, this transition is a hopeful reminder and proof that principled leadership still earns its place. |
Second-chance Hiring Can Boost Productivity — and Make a Social Impact
HR Dive By Steve Preston
Summary: Second-chance hiring is proving to be both a business advantage and a societal win. Research from SHRM and the Charles Koch Institute shows 85% of HR leaders say employees with criminal records perform the same or better than others. Goodwill’s re-entry program reports just a 5% re-arrest rate in year one, compared to a national average of 44%. With over $80 billion spent annually on incarceration, the economic case is apparent and the human case is even stronger. Hiring people who want to rebuild doesn’t just fill roles; it strengthens teams, families, and entire communities. This is how progress works: quietly, effectively, and by backing those ready to earn their way forward. |
Mark Cuban Was ‘Embarrassed’ to Learn Some of His Mavs Employees Were on Public Assistance
Inc. By Brian Contreras
Summary: When Mark Cuban found out some of his full-time arena staff relied on public assistance, he raised wages across the board. His takeaway: paying employees fairly isn’t just good business, it’s good citizenship. With Medicaid costs topping $136 billion a year, investing in your workforce eases the burden on public systems and builds long-term value. As we reflect on what it means to serve the country, Cuban suggests patriotism can look like doing right by the people who keep your business running. |
5 Reasons Why the 4-day Workweek Is a Win for Everyone
Fast Company By Next Big Idea Club
Summary: The four-day workweek is gaining traction as a modern expression of freedom and productivity. Economist Juliet Schor, a leading voice on work and well-being, found that companies adopting this model often maintain or improve output while dramatically reducing burnout and turnover. One firm cut annual attrition from 30% to zero. The biggest gains came when hours were truly reduced, not just rearranged. It works because teams align around priorities, reduce waste, and build healthier cultures. As we reflect on independence, it's worth asking what it means to work with dignity, autonomy, and purpose. Sometimes the most forward-looking move is rethinking old systems that no longer serve us. |
Attempts to Kill DEI Have Inadvertently Made Corporate Diversity Stronger
Fortune By Andrew Behar
Summary: At a time when headlines often highlight what pulls us apart, America’s boardrooms quietly affirmed something that brings us together: opportunity works best when it works for everyone. In a show of near-unanimous support, investors at more than 20 of the country’s most iconic companies, representing almost $10 trillion in market value, voted to keep building teams that reflect the richness of the communities they serve. Research shows organizations with varied perspectives outperform on growth, innovation, and value creation. But the deeper takeaway is that when merit and belonging go hand in hand, our companies thrive, our people rise, and the promise of a more perfect union inches closer to reality. |
Join us Wednesday, July 16 at 12 p.m. CT for Culturati: LIVE – 'Cognitive Hospitality: How Does Science Inform Effective Leadership Today?' featuring Dr. Gregory Wallingford and Rev. Steven Tomlinson, PhD In high-stakes environments, leadership behaviors can either drive performance or burnout. This session explores the science behind how stress impacts decision-making and behavior, drawing on research from the medical field. Learn how physicians in one health system are applying these insights to lead with greater clarity, empathy, and effectiveness. We'll examine how to: - Interrupt costly stress-driven habits with small, high-impact behavior shifts - Design “hospitable language” that fosters team resilience - Apply neuroscience to support performance under pressure - Come ready to rethink how leadership looks when grounded in science and built for the human experience |
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