Leadership as a Bold Act of Culture Creation (Day 1)
In this episode, Karen Gombault sits down with Lidia Lae, PHD, principal psychologist and director of To Learn Consulting.
Lidia specializes in psychological consulting, leadership development, and cross-cultural training, helping women redefine success and recognize their role as the heart of every culture.
She is passionate about bold, purpose-driven action, equipping leaders to lead authentically and create meaningful impact. Together, Karen and Lidia explore the deep connection between leadership and culture, particularly how women shape workplace dynamics and societal structures.
5 Key Takeaways
1. Women Are Natural Leaders: Women are at the core of culture—whether at home, in workplaces, or in society. Many women underestimate their leadership potential, but every woman is already a leader, shaping environments through values, trust, and influence.
2. The Four Pillars of Culture Creation – LIFT Framework
L – Leadership: Leaders set, shape, and manage culture.
I – Integrity of Values: A clear definition of values attracts aligned individuals.
F – Foundation of Purpose: Employees seek meaning beyond a paycheck—organizations must define their 'why.'
T – Trust & Psychological Safety: Without trust, collaboration suffers.
3. Leaders must create safe spaces for voices to be heard- Toxic Workplace Cultures Are Subtle Yet Damaging: Many organizations claim strong values but fail to embody them. This disconnect fosters toxic environments, often unnoticed but deeply damaging. Leaders who fail to address toxicity enable it to persist. The solution? Leaders must align their actions with their values and prioritize trust and inclusivity.
4. Women Must Own Their Stories & Find Their Voices: Many women hold themselves back due to internal narratives of self-doubt. The first step to stepping into leadership is self-awareness—understanding one's values, strengths, and the story they tell themselves. By changing the internal dialogue, women can step into leadership with confidence and influence organizational culture.
5. The Workplace Is Rapidly Changing – Adaptability Is Key: The rise of remote work, entrepreneurship, and digital influence has shifted traditional career paths. Young professionals now prioritize flexibility, alignment with values, and opportunities for personal growth. Organizations that fail to adapt risk losing top talent to more agile, purpose-driven ventures.
"Leadership is not a title or position—it’s a bold act of culture creation. You are already a leader. Step up, be bold, and recognize your impact." – Lidia Lae
This episode redefines leadership as an act of shaping culture, not just holding a title. Lidia emphasizes that women already create culture through their actions, values, and presence. The key to stepping into leadership is owning your story, embracing boldness, and aligning with environments that nurture growth. Organizations must also adapt to changing workplace dynamics or risk becoming obsolete.
Connect with Lidia Lae:
Website: www.lidiallae.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidialae/
lidia@lidialae.com
Free resource:
Unlock the Secrets to Living a Joyful and Successful Life https://lidialae.com/download-guide
