#65: We've Seen Hundreds of Companies Try to Fix Culture, Here's What Actually Works

Most leaders aren't lacking commitment to culture change, they're using a strategy that's quietly designed to fail. Industry research has estimated that a majority of culture change initiatives never produce lasting results, and in this episode of the Empower Podcast, Eric Pfeiffer and Dawn Neldim break down the real reason why culture change initiatives fail in organizations, drawing on over 20 years of work with companies ranging from Fortune 500s to professional sports teams to private equity firms.You'll learn the difference between aspirational values vs. behavioral values and why most company core value statements sound great on a wall but never show up in how people actually behave under pressure. Eric and Dawn unpack why leadership and company culture are inseparable, why culture change has to start with leaders modeling it first, and why bringing in a new CEO or director without aligning them to the existing culture almost always backfires.You'll also hear why changing organizational culture takes longer than leaders expect, the four stages every team goes through during a real culture transformation (including the discouraging "pit" stage where most leaders give up too soon), and why shared language and shared practices — not just new values or new hires — are what actually move the needle.Whether you're a CEO inheriting a broken culture, a founder trying to scale past yourself, or a leader who's tried "everything" and is wondering if culture change is even possible, this conversation offers a clear, practical roadmap for what actually works — and why most culture initiatives never get past the surface.In this episode:Why most culture change initiatives fail within 6–12 monthsThe real difference between aspirational and behavioral core valuesWhy leaders must go first to change company cultureWhat happens when a new leader inherits a broken or misaligned cultureThe four stages of culture transformation (and why "the pit" derails most efforts)Why a shared leadership playbook beats a values refresh every timeIf you're searching for how to change company culture, why values statements don't work, or how to fix a toxic workplace culture without losing momentum, this episode will reframe how you think about leading transformation. Listen & Lead With ClarityIf you want to improve performance, strengthen your team, and create alignment—this episode will shift how you lead.🎧 Follow the MPWR Podcast for more conversations on leadership, culture, and performance.📢 Share this episode with a leader who’s ready to raise the standard.Ready to step into your next level of leadership?The MPWR Podcast, hosted by Eric Pfeiffer, CEO of MPWR Coaching, is your go-to space for transformational conversations, powerful insights, and practical strategies to help you step into the next level of your leadership journey. Whether you're scaling your business, seeking greater alignment in life, or stepping into your calling—this podcast will challenge, inspire, and empower you.Want more tools to accelerate your growth? Head over to mpwrcoaching.com where you'll find free resources, game-changing books, and programs designed to elevate your mindset, build resilience, and transform the way you lead—from the inside out.🔥 Subscribe to the MPWR Podcast on your favorite platform.📲 Follow Eric Pfeiffer across social media (links available on the website).🌐 Access our free mini course here! 🔗 Check out our Leadership Framework System Want more? 🎧 Enjoyed today’s episode?If this conversation challenged or inspired you, we’d love for you to help us spread the impact.Share it with a fellow leader, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and—if you got value—leave us a quick review on Apple!Your reviews help more leaders discover the MPWR Podcast and step into the influence they were made for. And remember—Be the leader YOU want to follow.See you next time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.