Cultureneering

About

How important is culture when you build a business and a brand? According to Ian Fuhr, mastermind behind the Sorbet chain of beauty salons, culture is not important, it is everything. In this recipe, he reveals that with Sorbet he did not set out to transform the beauty industry - all he wanted was a business in which to implement a business-culture framework he believed in. Through instilling a common purpose, Ian inspired beauty therapists to appreciate the impact a wonderful treatment has on a customer’s life, and on this foundation a highly successful national chain was built. In this recipe he shares the need to create a sense of belonging for employees at all levels of the organisation, and how that prevents a conflict of interest between management and staff members. Ian also discusses race relations in South Africa, the fact that the sociopolitical environment shapes company culture, and the difference between pioneers and settlers.

Key Insights

• Build your business around a clear purpose that positively impacts people’s lives.
• Create a strong, values-driven culture from the start so everyone is aligned and connected.
• Lead by serving and inspiring others to motivate themselves through shared purpose.

Learning Bites