In this episode, we delve into the significance of Scaling Culture with Brett Turner, Co-founder and CEO of Kalon Creative. Under Brett’s leadership, Kalon Creative has earned the No. 4,421 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, reflecting their remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. We explore how Scaling Culture has been instrumental in their success, enabling them to adapt and thrive in a competitive market. Brett shares insights on the strategies and practices that have allowed Kalon Creative to maintain a strong company culture while expanding their operations. Tune in to discover how Scaling Culture can drive growth and sustainability in your organization.
Scaling Culture & Embracing AI: Brett Turner on Growth, Client Relationships, and Innovation
In this insightful interview, Brett Turner, CEO of Kalon Creative, delves into the intricacies of scaling company culture in conjunction with growth. The conversation, led by host Gene Hammett, begins by addressing the core philosophy underpinning Kalon Creative, which has established itself as a distinctive player in the web and mobile app development sector. Brett explains their approach to culture, emphasizing the importance of doing right by clients and team members, while fostering an environment that promotes enjoyment at work. This ethos sets the foundation for how the company operates, particularly during periods of significant growth. As Brett outlines Kalon Creative’s focus on custom solutions for mid-market companies, he highlights the challenges businesses face when scaling, especially regarding operational bottlenecks. The conversation transitions to how the advent of AI is impacting the industry, with Brett noting that while new technologies can be perceived as threats, they also provide opportunities to enhance efficiency and deepen client relationships. By utilizing AI, the company can process vast amounts of data, uncover insights, and ultimately create more strategic engagements with clients.
Flexibility, Freedom, and Scaling Culture: How Kalon Creative Builds Trust in a Distributed Team
Discussing the unique cultural elements that drive Kalon Creative’s success, Brett shares how the company emphasizes flexibility and freedom for its team, alongside valuing diverse perspectives. The culture evolves as the company scales, which demands the ability to adapt management styles and communication methods. Brett admits that measuring culture can be challenging, especially with a distributed team across various countries. Instead of relying on surveys—which might not provide an honest reflection of sentiment—Brett favors creating an open dialogue where team members feel comfortable raising issues.
Mission, Values & the ‘Road Trip Test’: How Kalon Creative Hires for Culture & Leadership
Brett and Gene elaborate on the significance of mission, vision, and values in sustaining a thriving culture. He acknowledges that while he and his co-founder initially had a natural connection, cultivating a coherent company culture became increasingly crucial as they expanded their team. A unique method they employ during hiring involves assessing whether prospective employees would be enjoyable to collaborate with, likened to being on a road trip. This character-driven approach ensures that team members are aligned with the company’s core values and supports the notion of creating leaders within the organization.
From Founder to Leader: How Brett Turner Scaled Kalon Creative with Culture-First Hiring
A pivotal moment in Brett’s leadership journey occurred when he transitioned from wearing multiple hats to defining distinct roles within the organization. This shift allowed him to focus on strategic vision rather than being entrenched in day-to-day operations. As they engaged with a leadership coach, Brett learned to embrace a broader perspective of leadership, understanding that immediate results may take time to materialize. He emphasizes the importance of not losing sight of cultural dynamics amid rapid growth, recognizing that each new hire impacts the overall culture. Brett concludes by underscoring the value of patience in the hiring process, advocating for a culture-first approach rather than a skills-only focus. He warns against hastily filling positions, as every new team member sends a message about the company’s cultural norms. The interview wraps up with a powerful reminder that prioritizing employee engagement ultimately enhances client service, reinforcing the mutual relationship between company culture and business success. Overall, this dialogue encapsulates crucial lessons on nurturing a strong company culture while navigating the complexities of growth, underscoring Brett’s commitment to forging deep connections with both clients and team members.
