A Matter of Culture

In this final episode of A Matter of Culture’s first series, Reem and Sula take a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on the rollercoaster ride of launching the podcast. They share the highs, the learning curves, and yes, those oh-so-fun tech hiccups that come with starting something new.The conversation dives deep into their favorite takeaways around workplace culture, like how crucial it is to walk the talk when it comes to values, the role of mentorship, and their own journeys of personal growth. They get candid about the risks they’ve taken, the advice they probably needed to hear themselves, and why vulnerability and authenticity are non-negotiables in both life and work.The episode wraps up with a nod to global events, heartfelt gratitude for the amazing community that’s been part of the journey, and a big ol’ virtual hug as they sign off for the season. They also ask for your thoughts and ideas for what’s next so don’t hold back!Reem and Sula leave you with a warm wish for Happy Holidays and a kind, peaceful New Year. Here’s to more learning, growth, and culture chats in the future! 🎉✨00:43 Reflecting on Our Journey03:58 Lessons Learned in Workplace Culture07:38 Personal and Professional Growth11:08 Taking Risks and Their Rewards15:47 Advice and Insights19:01 Vulnerability and Authenticity22:01 Aha Moments and Cultural Shifts28:58 Gratitude and Appreciation34:12 Wrapping Up the Season

In this episode of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula delve into the topic of psychological safety within workplace cultures. The discussion begins with personal experiences of feeling unsafe at work and explores how this impacts behavior and engagement. The conversation covers the importance of creating safe environments for innovation, accountability without fear, and fostering healthy conflicts. Special attention is given to gender dynamics, microaggressions, and the broader cultural implications of safety in diverse workplaces. The episode also addresses strategies for leaders to build trust and transparency, and how to maintain safety during organizational changes.00:43 Introduction to Psychological Safety01:10 Personal Experiences with Psychological Safety02:17 Impact of Fear-Based Leadership04:09 Gender Differences in Workplace Communication09:17 Reframing Safety in Leadership15:49 Spotting Lack of Psychological Safety19:26 Building Trust and Transparency24:19 Cultural Context of Safety27:14 Cultural Implications of Persistence and Harassment29:22 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Romantic Persistence31:51 Understanding Consent and Impact33:47 Microaggressions and Workplace Safety37:08 Navigating Power Dynamics and Microaggressions40:07 Onboarding and Integrating New Employees50:11 Challenges in Gender Equity and Leadership

In Episode 3 of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula dive into a topic close to their hearts — mental health at work, especially in the Middle East. They tackle the stigma head-on, chatting about why it’s so crucial to normalize these conversations and how the pandemic shook up HR pros everywhere. With a mix of personal stories and fresh insights, they explore creating safe spaces, leading with emotional intelligence, and navigating the ripple effects of global events like the horrific Palestinian genocide. It’s all about empathy, listening, and stepping up together to build workplaces where everyone feels supported.Trigger Warning: This episode discusses mental health challenges and the impact of global conflicts, which may be sensitive for some listeners.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:27 Mental Health in the Workplace01:55 Stigma and Cultural Perceptions05:52 Impact of the Pandemic on HR10:50 Leadership and Empathy13:49 Personal Stories and Reflections24:23 Better Done Than Perfect: Embracing Imperfection25:26 Mental Health in the Workplace: Finding Common Ground26:53 Supporting Each Other: The Power of Words28:58 Vulnerability and Self-Reflection32:25 Global Events and Their Impact on Mental Health34:12 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace41:27 Addressing Gossip and Emotional Vulnerability47:41 Concluding Thoughts: Duty of Care and Kindness

In this episode of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula take a hard look at the tangible and intangible costs of toxic workplace cultures. Dedicated to Sula's late mentor, Elza Maalouf, this discussion is as heartfelt as it is insightful, diving into the personal and organizational impacts of neglecting workplace well-being.From the organizational life cycle framework to real-world examples, Reem and Sula provide a blueprint for identifying toxicity and transforming workplace cultures into spaces that uplift and empower. Whether you’re a leader, an HR professional, or someone navigating challenges in your work environment, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the hidden costs of cultural neglect.00:00 Welcome Back to A Matter of Culture01:22 The Impact of Toxic Workplace Cultures04:49 Recognizing the Signs of a Toxic Workplace08:56 Leadership’s Role in Workplace Culture10:33 Addressing Toxic Leadership14:43 Writing a Book on Toxic Cultures18:55 The Financial Cost of Toxic Cultures27:13 Honoring a Mentor and Final Thoughts

In our very first episode, Reem and Sula sit down to share the story behind A Matter of Culture (AMOC) and what inspired them to create this platform for workplace transformation. This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a movement to redefine how we approach work culture.In The Origin Story, Reem and Sula talk about how they connected through the Playbook network and their year-long journey to bring AMOC to life. You’ll hear how their backgrounds—Reem in HR and Sula in executive leadership—shape their perspectives on culture, along with real stories about overcoming toxic work environments.We’re diving into topics that matter:Why gender equity isn’t optional—it’s essential.What true supportive workplaces look like.Real, actionable insights for building culture that empowers everyone.We’re so excited for you to join us as we build a community that’s all about positive change. Whether you're an HR professional, a leader, or simply someone passionate about creating better workplaces, there’s a seat for you at the table! Welcome to AMOC!00:00 Introduction to A Matter of Culture00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Reem and Sula01:20 The Journey to Starting the Podcast02:43 The Impact of Workplace Culture06:19 Reem's Background and Passion for HR13:33 Sula's Journey and Insights21:18 The Ripple Effect of Company Culture23:52 Our Mission and Vision for the Podcast28:52 Gender Equity in the Workplace30:28 Conclusion and Call to Action