Leading Through Culture: with Ken Wilcox
Episode description
In this episode, we flip the leadership playbook and explore what it truly means to lead through culture—and why this approach is not just timely, but essential in today’s complex, fast-moving workplace.
Joining me is Ken Wilcox, former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and a globally respected voice on leadership, culture, and the future of work. Drawing from his experiences leading SVB through transformative growth in both the U.S. and China, Ken offers a masterclass in leadership that prioritizes people, trust, and humility over traditional command-and-control models.
Together, we unpack:
Why humility is not just a personal virtue but a leadership strategy.
How psychological safety fuels innovation and risk-taking.
The shift from control to empowerment—and how to balance that with accountability.
How leaders can spot when their ego is clouding decision-making—and what to do about it.
Practical ways leaders can shape culture without micromanaging.
Lessons from Leading Through Culture that are especially powerful for organizations navigating rapid change or growth.
Ken also shares his personal reflections on how leaders can build cultures where people want to do their best work—when no one is watching.
If you’re an emerging or experienced leader looking to foster a values-driven, high-performing culture, this conversation is for you.