Culture + Strategy Blog

Simple + smart strategies to spark a culture that reflects your people and business goals.

leadership, strategy, culture Michelle Aronson leadership, strategy, culture Michelle Aronson

Define + Align: Culture Cohorts Are Here

As a former Chief People Officer, I learned how to align strategy and metrics in a fast-moving, results-driven environment. Now, I’m bringing that experience into a “do-it-with-you” format—designed to help HR leaders sharpen their strategy, elevate their expertise, and build a people foundation that’s measurable and truly business-critical.

And the research backs it up.

A recent study in the Journal of Applied Corporate Finance found that 92% of executives agree that improving culture increases firm value—and over 90% say culture is a top three driver of business success. It’s not just a “nice to have”—it’s a strategic advantage.

And the best part? Culture is the one asset competitors can’t copy. When done right, it becomes an invisible force multiplier—driving productivity, alignment, and long-term value across the organization.

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culture, leadership, strategy Michelle Aronson culture, leadership, strategy Michelle Aronson

Layoffs Aren’t Strategy. So Why Are We Bragging About Them?

Job cuts used to be bad news. Now? They're a badge of honor.

Some CEOs are proudly flaunting layoffs like they’re innovation metrics—proof they’re “serious” about AI, efficiency, and transformation.

But here’s the thing:

  • Cutting headcount ≠ progress

  • Fewer people ≠ better performance

  • And AI isn’t a strategy—it’s a tool

If your culture celebrates job cuts as success, what message does that send to the people still showing up?

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leadership, culture, strategy Michelle Aronson leadership, culture, strategy Michelle Aronson

Bare Minimum Mondays Are Trending: Here’s Why That’s Your Problem

Monday mornings have long been the villain of the workweek, but recently, something new has entered the scene: Bare Minimum Mondays. It’s exactly what it sounds like—employees coast through the first day of the week, doing only what’s necessary to get by, easing into productivity with minimal effort. It’s the opposite of the traditional "hit the ground running" mentality. And honestly, it sounds tempting, right?

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