In this special Episode 20 of Collaborative Culture, Monica Smith turns the mic toward co-host Dr. Kristine Gentry for a deeper look at the framework behind her work helping organizations build stronger, more intentional cultures. Drawing on her background as a cultural anthropologist and founder of Culture Grove, Kristine explains why culture is often misunderstood, why surface-level values work falls short, and what leaders can do differently to create lasting change. Together, Monica and Kristine unpack the C.U.L.T.U.R.E.™ Framework: Clarity, Understanding, Leadership, Trust, Unwritten Rules, Rituals, and Evolution, and they explore how each element shapes the way work really gets done inside organizations.
In this milestone Episode 20, Monica flips the script and interviews co-host Dr. Kristine Gentry, founder of Culture Grove, cultural anthropologist, and co-founder of Podium Project, about the framework that guides her culture work with organizations.
Kristine shares why she created her C.U.L.T.U.R.E.™ Framework: because too many organizations talk about culture without really understanding what it is or how to shape it intentionally. In the conversation, she explains that culture is more than stated values or perks. It is the shared beliefs, behaviors, assumptions, and rituals that shape how work actually happens.
Monica and Kristine walk through each part of the framework:
C – Clarity
Why organizations need more than values on the wall. Kristine explains the importance of being specific about vision, values, and the behaviors those values are meant to drive.
U – Understanding
A reminder that organizations are made up of people with different lived experiences, identities, and perspectives—and that real collaboration requires leaders to understand those differences.
L – Leadership
A conversation about why culture cannot be delegated away. Leaders set the tone, and culture work only succeeds when leadership actively models and reinforces it.
T – Trust
Kristine breaks down why trust is foundational for innovation, idea-sharing, and collaboration—and how misalignment between words and actions quickly erodes it.
U – Unwritten Rules
One of the most powerful parts of the episode. Kristine shares examples of hidden norms, power dynamics, and assumptions that shape workplace culture without ever being formally stated.
R – Rituals
From meetings to onboarding to recognition, rituals communicate what matters and quietly reinforce culture every day.
E – Evolution
Culture is never one-and-done. Kristine explains why organizations have to keep tending culture over time as people, technology, markets, and expectations change.
The episode also explores how Kristine’s training in anthropology shapes her approach. Rather than jumping straight to solutions, she emphasizes observation, listening, and understanding the current culture before trying to change it. That perspective carries through her consulting, this podcast, and even Podium Project’s mission to expand visibility for women and underrepresented voices.