Live from CultureCon West 2025: Eliminating Ratings, Elevating Performance with Linda Bukata Aiello

What if culture wasn't something you fixed after it broke, but something you strengthened before it ever cracked? Live from CultureCon West in Las Vegas, Nikki sits down with DraftKings Chief People Officer Linda Bukata Aiello for an honest, energizing conversation about culture transformation done right. From eliminating performance ratings to rolling out radical candor, Linda shares how DraftKings chose to get ahead of potential culture drift instead of reacting to crisis. The result? Stronger executive alignment, empowered remote employees, and surprising data that revealed culturally aligned women were among the company's top performers. This isn't about fluffy values on a wall. It's about human connection, courageous transparency, and building a high-accountability culture rooted in trust. If you're a people-first leader wondering how to create meaningful change at scale, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with both clarity and heart.   Additional Resources: Connect with Linda on LinkedIn Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Zach on LinkedIn Connect with Nick on LinkedIn Learn more about CultureCon Subscribe to CultureCon's YouTube channel! Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Leadership evolves from hierarchy to humanity Transparency builds trust during uncertainty Culture should be proactive, not reactive Remote employees can be deeply culturally aligned Radical candor strengthens performance and connection