"Demystifying Culture - Building a Winning Corporate Culture"

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Corporate culture is often treated as intangible, mysterious, or impossible to measure. In reality, it is one of the most powerful and controllable drivers of performance.

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In this session, DeRetta breaks down what a “winning culture” actually looks like—and how leaders can intentionally design one. Drawing on research from Gallup and Harvard Business School’s James L. Heskett, she explores how culture accounts for 20–30% of performance differences between organizations and why inspiration, performance, and inclusion must work together to drive sustainable success.

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Participants will learn a practical six-part blueprint for culture transformation: Vision, Values, Practices, People, Narrative, and Place. Through real-world examples and actionable frameworks, DeRetta shows how leaders can move culture from abstract conversation to strategic advantage—creating organizations where employees are emotionally connected, performance is aligned with purpose, and belonging is embedded in daily experience.​

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Participants will leave ready to:​​

1. Define what distinguishes a high-performing, inspiring, and inclusive culture.

2. Apply a six-part blueprint to intentionally design and strengthen organizational culture.

3. Turn culture into a measurable driver of performance and long-term success.

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Speaker Bio:

DeRetta is a nationally recognized leadership expert, author, and speaker specializing in organizational culture, inclusion, and women’s leadership. She has delivered keynotes, panels, and executive sessions for organizations including SHRM Georgia, Rotary Atlanta, and McLean & Company.

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In 2018, she delivered a TED Talk titled From Survive to Thrive: Women of Color in Corporate Leadership, expanding her influence as a thought leader in equity and leadership development. She is also the author of Courage of Voice: Empowering Women to Open Professional Doors, a powerful guide to advancing with confidence and authenticity.

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Through her work, DeRetta equips leaders with practical strategies to build inclusive, high-performing cultures that drive both human impact and business results.