- Introduction to Strong Culture
- The Importance of Values
- Exploring AI SEO
- Building a Brand in AI
- Feedback and Growth
- Living the Values
- Exit Interviews and Values
- Keys to Strong Culture
- Strategic Adaptation
- Leadership Principles Over Time
- Questioning Beliefs for Growth
Building a CHARGED Culture: Will Scott on Values that Drive Growth
In this episode, I have an enlightening conversation with Will Scott, the co-founder and CEO of Search Influence, a company that’s been at the forefront of digital marketing for nearly two decades. We delve into the essential components of building a strong organizational culture and the ways in which consistent values influence team dynamics and growth. Will discusses their unique approach to developing core values that resonate throughout the company, specifically focusing on the acronym CHARGED: Collaborative, Hungry, Agile, Reliable, Genuine, Effective, and Dedicated. This set of values, born from team dialogues rather than top-down mandates, forms the backbone of their company culture and helps maintain engagement and alignment.
Nurturing Growth and Navigating AI: Will Scott on Culture, Feedback, and the Future of SEO
We explore how Search Influence prioritizes employee development through initiatives such as an educational stipend, allowing team members to take courses that enhance their roles. Will reflects on how these efforts cultivate an environment that supports individual growth and sustains a long-standing culture of feedback. He emphasizes the importance of understanding employee experience from the first interview to the exit interview, leveraging insights to continuously improve the organization. This feedback-oriented culture serves not just to enhance internal relationships but also to strengthen client partnerships. Will shares valuable insights about the challenges and misconceptions surrounding AI in SEO. He clarifies that while traditional SEO practices remain vital, adapting to AI-driven shifts in the industry is crucial for maintaining relevance. He encourages listeners to build their brands effectively within the context of AI, emphasizing the significance of high-quality content that is well-structured to be recognized by AI systems. The conversation also touches on strategies for businesses to focus on specific niches, clarifying the path for sustainable growth as seen in Search Influence’s own evolution from a generalist agency to a recognized authority in higher education SEO.
Living the CHARGED Values: Will Scott on Recognition, Feedback, and Lasting Culture
One particularly noteworthy aspect Will discusses is their practice of integrating company values into regular employee recognition through weekly ‘kudos’ sessions, whereby team members openly appreciate each other based on the CHARGED values. This peer-to-peer recognition reinforces their cultural framework and promotes an ongoing dialogue about their commitment to these values. Furthermore, Will’s unique method of utilizing exit interviews to gauge how well Search Influence lives up to its declared values demonstrates a profound commitment to growth and improvement. Acknowledging that feedback is critical for development, he articulates that the habit of questioning one’s own beliefs is essential for any leader and organization striving for long-term success.
Adaptability in Leadership: Will Scott on Driving Growth Through Culture and Continuous Learning
Through rich anecdotes and reflective insights, this episode not only showcases the operational and strategic insights essential for any leader but also encapsulates the underlying philosophies that fuel lasting growth. Will and I dive deep into the importance of adaptability in leadership and the need for companies to remain vigilant, responsive, and open to change as they navigate the competitive landscape of digital marketing. Listeners are encouraged to take these insights and apply them to their leadership practices and organizational cultures, fostering environments that prioritize feedback, recognition, and continuous learning.
