James Laughlin (speaker) introduces the central idea that a single factor—belonging—is key to building a world-class culture. He references his interview with Owen Eastwood and examples from elite sports teams (South Africa’s Proteas, the English FA, top rugby teams) to argue leaders must ensure everyone feels they belong and add value to their team, organization, or community.
There's a secret to world class culture, you know. I sat down and interviewed Owen Eastwood. Owen's just an incredible individual. Originally came from New Zealand, but he has worked with culture, with the proteas, at South Africa's amazing cricket team, with the English fa, with some of the top rugby teams you could imagine. And it comes down to one thing, and it's this belonging. People want to feel like they belong. When someone feels that they don't belong, whether it's in a team, an organization or even a community, well, the culture is going to reflect that. So as a leader, it's your job to ensure that everyone belongs and they feel that they add value to the community and the culture that they're a part of.
