The hottest Corporate culture Substack posts right now

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Part 3: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

Holly’s Newsletter • 972 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Workplace Diversity Leadership Employee Experience Human Resources
  1. DEI programs aim to attract and keep diverse workers, which can be helpful in the workplace. It’s important to think about hiring people from different backgrounds when it makes sense for the job.
  2. Diverse teams can bring new ideas and better problem-solving. Different perspectives help clarify issues and lead to smart solutions.
  3. While DEI programs have good intentions, they can sometimes lead to silly situations and waste time. It's important to focus on what truly helps in the workplace.

The Sad Saga of Bud Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2986 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Corporate culture Consumer behavior Economic Impact
  1. Bud Light was once America's favorite beer, but it lost its top spot after a marketing move focused on social issues. Many customers turned away from the brand.
  2. The shift towards diversity and inclusion in corporate strategies can sometimes backfire. For Bud Light, it cost them loyal customers and sales.
  3. It's important for companies to balance social goals with their business interests. Ignoring customer preferences can lead to serious repercussions.

The Nvidia Way

The Chip Letter • 8736 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💼 Business Tech Companies Entrepreneurship Corporate culture Innovation Leadership
  1. Nvidia became a leader in AI chip technology by focusing on developing powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) that meet market needs. This success was not just luck; it stemmed from smart investments and a clear strategy over many years.
  2. The company's culture, driven by CEO Jensen Huang, emphasizes risk-taking and execution. Nvidia's approach combines hardware and software innovation, allowing them to stay ahead of competitors and adapt quickly to market changes.
  3. While Nvidia has built a strong market position, questions remain about its future leadership and strategy. The book suggests that the company's core strengths and Huang's influence will be crucial in maintaining its success.

Nvidia's Unique History and Culture

The Asianometry Newsletter • 7614 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers Gaming Innovation Business strategy Corporate culture
  1. NVIDIA's success comes from a strong work ethic and a unique company culture that encourages honesty and speed. They focus on being direct and efficient in their communication.
  2. The leadership of Jensen Huang has been crucial for NVIDIA, as he continuously motivates employees to aim high and pushes the boundaries of what's possible in technology.
  3. Long-term thinking, like the development of CUDA, is key to NVIDIA’s strategy. They invest in innovations that may not pay off immediately, but will lead to big gains in the future.

There's no such thing as f– you money

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1639 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Tech industry Corporate culture Leadership
  1. Wealth doesn't guarantee freedom. Even billionaires serve someone and often compromise their principles.
  2. Charisma and social influence can be more powerful than money. Being likable and persuasive can get people further in many situations.
  3. Cultural power matters more than financial power. Those with money often want to control how they're perceived and fear being ridiculed.
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The Insufferable Bros Who Run Corporate America

BIG by Matt Stoller • 56953 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
💼 Business Monopolies Corporate culture Antitrust enforcement Pharmaceutical industry Marketing
  1. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily influenced by aggressive marketing campaigns targeted at doctors, controlled by corporations like IQVIA.
  2. IQVIA, a major player in the healthcare industry, is involved in a trial over a merger that could impact the future of advertising to healthcare professionals.
  3. The FTC alleges that IQVIA's acquisition of advertising firms like DeepIntent could lead to a monopolization of the healthcare provider advertising platform market.

The Nationalization of Boeing Begins

BIG by Matt Stoller • 43431 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Management Labor relations Government intervention Corporate culture Financial impact
  1. There is growing discontent and criticism towards Boeing's management from various stakeholders like Wall Street, labor unions, customers, and regulators.
  2. Major Boeing customers like Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are publicly holding Boeing accountable for quality issues and demanding reimbursement, indicating a significant shift in the industry's code of silence about problems.
  3. The government, particularly the FAA, has taken actions against Boeing and is showing signs of increasing regulation, potentially leading towards a moment where Boeing's management structure may face significant changes.

An Exit

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investing Consumer Goods Startups Corporate culture
  1. Investing in entrepreneurs you believe in can be more important than the product itself. Finding a passionate leader can make all the difference.
  2. Solving personal problems often leads to stronger businesses. When entrepreneurs face their own challenges, their passion and commitment to the solution grow.
  3. Being smart with financing is key for business success. Using venture debt wisely can help a company grow without giving up too much ownership.

The job market is a market

Wednesday Wisdom • 123 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Employment Market Trends Compensation Labor relations Corporate culture
  1. The job market is just like any other market. Companies offer certain salaries and benefits to attract workers, but this can change based on demand and supply.
  2. When times are good, companies provide great perks to keep talent, but when the market shifts, they can cut back on salaries and benefits.
  3. It's important for job seekers to understand their worth in the market but also to be flexible when conditions change. Being aware that the job landscape can vary will help in making better career choices.

Corrected Headlines

Human Capitalist • 39 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Workforce Trends Human Resources Compliance Business News
  1. There is more to news stories than just the headlines. It's important to understand the people and events behind the news.
  2. The aim is to uncover significant context around recent corporate changes and workforce trends. This helps readers see the bigger picture.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share interesting headlines or stories that deserve deeper exploration. Engagement with the audience is key.

How Google Blew Up Its Open Culture and Compromised Its Product

Big Technology • 16387 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Product Development Leadership Tech industry Employee Relations
  1. Google's open culture deteriorated, impacting its product quality and employee morale.
  2. Issues began when Google shut down discussions on sensitive topics like diversity and employee concerns.
  3. The closure of open channels for questioning within Google led to a negative impact on the company's innovation and decision-making processes.

Zuckerberg cancelling DEI is a grim day for work

Make Work Better • 212 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Diversity Leadership Corporate culture Tech industry
  1. Zuckerberg's decision to end DEI programs may reduce workplace diversity and understanding, which can negatively affect decision-making and empathy towards customers.
  2. Critics argue that recent attacks on diversity initiatives are misguided and ignore the historical disadvantages some groups face in society.
  3. There is a growing concern that the economic landscape will change, with a shift towards taxing corporations more than individuals due to the rise of AI technology.

☕️ How Starbucks Plans to Return to its Coffeehouse Roots with Free Coffee, a Brand-Led Strategy, and a Superbowl Adjacent campaign 📈

the case for brand 💼 • 72 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Brand Strategy Marketing Corporate culture Consumer behavior Market Trends
  1. Starbucks is focusing on its employees to create a better work environment. They are improving benefits and promoting from within to ensure happier staff.
  2. The company wants to bring back its community coffeehouse vibe. This means enhancing in-store experiences, like using ceramic mugs and offering free refills.
  3. Starbucks aims to clarify its identity and mission as a coffee brand. They are emphasizing their roots and what they stand for in their marketing and overall brand message.

Reflections on Palantir

Nabeel S. Qureshi • 1678 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Tech Companies Data Integration Software Development Corporate culture Entrepreneurship
  1. Palantir focuses on solving tough problems in important industries like healthcare and manufacturing. The company aims to tackle complex issues that others often ignore, offering a unique opportunity for engineers who want to make a real impact.
  2. The role of forward deployed engineers (FDEs) is key at Palantir. They work closely with customers to understand their needs and integrate data effectively, helping to create software solutions that solve real business problems.
  3. The culture at Palantir is intense and promotes open communication, where criticism and debate are welcomed. This environment encourages employees to think deeply and cultivate a unique set of skills that can lead to successful startups.

Japan isn't quite "back", but it has a fighting chance

Noahpinion • 11000 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy Defense Immigration Industrial Policy Corporate culture
  1. Japan's stock market is rallying due to foreign investment, but the real economy is struggling with recession and weak manufacturing and exports.
  2. Japan is increasing defense spending and bringing in foreign workers to address labor shortages, however, concerns remain about assimilation and potential backlash.
  3. Japan needs to focus on reclaiming its position in key industries like electronics, developing a software industry and EVs, and reforming its corporate culture to boost economic growth.

Of falling door plugs and missing bolts and holes in fuselages and 737 Max 9's

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3655 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Aerospace Manufacturing Corporate culture Quality control
  1. Private equity in aircraft manufacturing can lead to cost-cutting measures that compromise safety.
  2. Recent accidents involving Boeing 737 models point to potential flaws in design and manufacturing processes.
  3. Pressure to speed up production in the aviation industry can result in quality control issues and safety risks.

Corporate Simulacra

Teaching computers how to talk • 152 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Social media Corporate culture Media Critique Digital Identity
  1. Meta faced huge backlash when it was revealed they created fake AI profiles pretending to be real people. They acted quickly to shut down these profiles but didn't apologize.
  2. One notable AI was 'Liv,' a fake character claiming to be a queer Black mother. This raises ethical questions about representation and whether it's appropriate for a mostly white team to create such characters.
  3. The whole situation shows a troubling trend of companies using AI to create fake interactions instead of fostering real connections. This approach can lead to more isolation and distrust among users.

Companies are the new City-States

The Novelleist • 619 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Corporate culture Economics Globalization Innovation
  1. Companies are becoming wealthier and more influential than many countries. For example, Apple has a market value that's larger than the GDP of most nations.
  2. Businesses are more flexible and can adapt quickly to changes. They often provide better working conditions and rights, such as parental leave and healthcare, ahead of government regulations.
  3. Companies can address social issues like education and housing, stepping in where government services may fall short. This makes them more effective at creating positive change in society.

What I Read This Week...

chamathreads • 2162 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Microplastics Corporate culture COVID-19
  1. Kids are hitting puberty sooner due to various factors like obesity, stress, and chemicals in plastics.
  2. Massive amounts of tiny plastics are being found in bottled drinking water, raising concerns about health risks.
  3. Corporate culture wars are emerging as a significant business risk in 2024 due to opposition from officials and activists.

The cult of data has gone too far

Wednesday Wisdom • 113 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Data Analysis Decision-making Corporate culture Consulting Tech industry
  1. Relying too much on data can lead to wrong decisions because numbers don't always tell the full story. Sometimes, human judgment or understanding is needed.
  2. Data can create a false sense of certainty, making people ignore the uncertainties and assumptions behind those numbers. It's important to be honest about what the data truly represents.
  3. Setting goals based on numbers can make teams lose sight of the real-world processes they are supposed to improve. Chasing metrics blindly can lead to poor outcomes.

Google’s Woke AI Wasn’t a Mistake. We Know. We Were There.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2040 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Diversity Bias Tech industry
  1. Google's new AI tool, Gemini, produced biased results in image searches, reflecting the larger issue of the company's culture prioritizing ideologies over excellence.
  2. Former Google employees, including high-profile individuals like Shaun Maguire, expressed concerns over Google's push for diversity, equity, and inclusion leading to compromises in quality and standards.
  3. The fallout from the Gemini AI debacle at Google highlighted the importance of balancing inclusivity with maintaining product quality and unbiased information for users.

Living Evil: Unearthed Bodies And Sacrificial Lambs

Richard Lewis • 1906 implied HN points • 17 May 23
💼 Business Ethics Leadership Management Work Environment Corporate culture
  1. Multiple reports of harassment and misconduct by key figures in the esports industry were brought to light, leading to their termination.
  2. New management at Evil Geniuses used past incidents involving employees as excuses to remove them, while also driving out senior employees who challenged their decisions.
  3. The company culture at Evil Geniuses shifted dramatically after the departure of senior staff, leading to a challenging and unbearable work environment.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 33 - corporations are not for me

The ZIPster • 17 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Corporate culture Business Growth Leadership
  1. Starting a business can be tough, especially after facing failure. It's essential to learn and keep going, even when times are hard.
  2. CitNOW grew from a small team to a successful company that was recognized in the market. Hard work and determination can pay off.
  3. Working in a corporate environment can feel limited, and many find more fulfillment in creating and running their own businesses. It's about finding your own way.

5 Big Questions for Work in 2025

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 97 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business AI Impact Remote work Corporate culture Freelancing
  1. AI will change how we work by letting us have our own digital helpers for specific tasks. It's important to see if these tools will really help or just add noise to our work.
  2. The debate on whether remote work or office work is better is still ongoing. Some big companies are pushing workers back to the office, but studies show it doesn't always lead to better productivity.
  3. There's a rise in one-person businesses thanks to lower costs and faster technology. This gives individuals a better chance to create successful ventures without needing a big team.

Against loose feedback loops for young professionals

Optima & Outliers • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Corporate culture Professional development Value Creation Career Advice
  1. Working at big companies can teach you specialized skills, but they often don't show you how your work contributes to the bigger picture. You might learn things that are valuable in a small circle but not necessarily important for real-world impact.
  2. Starting your career at a startup can be more beneficial for developing broader skills. You'll see the direct results of your work, and it pushes you to understand what really delivers value to customers.
  3. If you want a career where you can make a real impact and create valuable products, it's worth considering spending some time outside of large corporations to gain that experience.

TBM 326: Adhocracies and Bureaucracies

The Beautiful Mess • 489 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Organizational Behavior Corporate culture Leadership Management Practices Process Improvement
  1. Rapid-growth tech companies often start as adhocracies where everyone works quickly and independently. But as they grow, they can develop unspoken rules that make things complicated.
  2. Larger companies tend to have strict bureaucracies with many rules that can slow everything down. When they try to change, they often need to untangle these rules and make things simpler.
  3. Leaders often try to eliminate bureaucracy, but this can lead to even more hidden rules. It’s important for teams to talk openly about processes to solve problems effectively.

AI multi-agents with corporate structures

Alex’s Substack • 66 HN points • 25 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI agents Corporate culture Software Engineering Performance Metrics
  1. Having multiple teams competing against each other leads to better results for AI agents, just like it does in big companies.
  2. A system that relies on one leader to make decisions tends to perform worse, as it can create weak points if the leader fails.
  3. The way teams are organized influences how well they solve problems, and using effective structures can improve AI performance.

Winning isn't for Everyone

The Carousel • 54 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Brand Strategy Consumer behavior Corporate culture
  1. Nike used to be the main brand for running shoes but is now losing its edge. Other brands are becoming popular because people want variety and innovation.
  2. Nike's marketing strategies are not connecting with today's runners and they're failing to engage with the running community. They used to focus on meaningful campaigns but now seem out of touch.
  3. The company's recent struggles show that they are in danger of becoming irrelevant. Instead of adapting to modern trends, they have been more focused on image rather than performance and community connections.

Ralph Nader Looks Ahead, at Age 90. What He Sees Is Not What You'd Expect.

Breaking the News • 474 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Social Responsibility Business Ethics Corporate culture
  1. Ralph Nader, at age 90, surprises with a new book 'The Rebellious CEO' showcasing leaders who use their influence for good in business, workers' treatment, and environmental policy.
  2. The book has a chatty and personal tone, highlighting the importance of individuals making a positive impact and how small groups can bring meaningful change.
  3. Rebellious CEOs featured in the book prioritize fair treatment of workers and consumers, environmental responsibility, clear communication, and excellence in business without overpaying themselves or whining about regulations.

What can we learn from Spotify layoffs?

Alex Ewerlöf Notes • 255 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Efficiency Leadership Market Dynamics Corporate culture
  1. Spotify's layoffs serve as a warning for other companies, especially those that have grown rapidly and may need to optimize operations.
  2. Layoffs are often caused by a combination of external factors like market conditions and internal factors like fake work and lack of alignment.
  3. It's critical for companies to focus on meaningful value creation and avoid falling into traps like bureaucracy, fake work, and fragmented responsibilities.

Stop Arguing, Start Debating

The Breaking Point • 239 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics Decision-making Corporate culture
  1. Debating involves prepared discussions, clear decision-making frameworks, and open-mindedness to change opinions.
  2. Arguing results in repetitive discussions, lack of agreement, side factions, and revisiting decisions without objective reasoning.
  3. Monitoring if a team is debating or arguing is crucial to ensure effective teamwork and progress towards goals.

The Road to Hell, part 2 of 3

Thoughts on Writing • 379 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💼 Business Marketing Ethics Social Impact Advertising Corporate culture
  1. Purpose in marketing often leads to sameness and lack of distinctiveness, as brands all start sounding the same with abstract, grandiose statements.
  2. Building a brand solely on purpose can create a weak foundation, leading to overexaggerated moral or ethical claims that may not resonate with customers.
  3. Prioritizing brand purpose over customer focus in marketing can lead to a disconnect with the audience and diminish the overall impact of marketing efforts.

The Capitalist and the Engineer

Rethinking Software • 149 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Corporate culture Human Resources Management Economics
  1. The conversation shows a clash of values between a business-minded person and an engineer. They discuss their different approaches to life and careers, highlighting how they see work and success.
  2. They touch on the impact of privilege and family background on opportunities. Jan feels frustrated by Stan's wealthy upbringing and its effect on their perspectives.
  3. At the end, there's potential for growth as Stan reaches out to Jan years later, suggesting that people can evolve and learn from their past interactions.

The Barber Ranen Blowup: 'The Worst Emails I've Ever Seen'

Original Jurisdiction • 559 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
💼 Business Corporate culture Public Relations
  1. The emails sent by John Barber and Jeff Ranen were shockingly offensive, sparking a scandal in the legal profession.
  2. Barber and Ranen resigned from the firm Barber Ranen after the offensive emails were revealed, impacting their future in the legal field.
  3. Lewis Brisbois faced criticism for the offensive emails being sent by former partners while in leadership positions, leading to changes within the firm.

EXIT

Becoming Noble • 299 implied HN points • 26 May 23
💼 Business Corporate culture Career development Entrepreneurship
  1. The EXIT project aims to end reliance on corporate employment by providing various support systems and resources.
  2. Consider spending time at elite progressive institutions to learn and transition to a place of independent strength.
  3. Listen to the podcast for insights on how dissidents can use big tech companies as a launching point for their ambitions.

The Last Call of the Corporate Peacock🦚

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Workforce Trends Corporate culture Financial Crisis
  1. Leaders bring workers back to the office to showcase dominance and status through Corporate Peacocking.
  2. Some companies resort to cringe-inducing tactics like threatening employees through internal videos to justify return-to-office mandates.
  3. RTO policies might represent a last attempt by leaders to assert control as industries adapt, city leases expire, and virtual realms replace in-person office displays.

Special Delivery

The Radar • 119 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
💼 Business Work Environment Leadership Compensation Corporate culture Employee Development
  1. Companies tend to become challenging places to work as they grow bigger, often losing sight of the importance of trust and human connection.
  2. Balancing leadership, management, and administrative duties is crucial for organizational success. Executives must prioritize transparency and authenticity to maintain a positive culture.
  3. Having genuine values and treating employees with respect is more impactful than merely pretending to have values. Transparency and fair treatment are key to retaining a motivated workforce.