Eat Sleep Work Repeat Podcast

I joined the Eat Sleep Work Repeat podcast to discuss how rituals shape workplace culture and make organizational values visible. In this conversation, part of the Presence project, he explored how rituals function as powerful tools for engagement, collaboration, and performance, rather than just symbolic gestures.

Drawing from my research, teaching at Stanford, and books such as Rituals for Work, I shared a practical framework for designing rituals that help organizations navigate change, foster creativity, and build stronger teams. I outlined five key areas where rituals play a transformative role:

• Navigating change – Helping teams manage transitions like onboarding, promotions, and project milestones.
• Boosting creativity – Encouraging fresh thinking and problem-solving through structured rituals.
• Improving performance – Reinforcing accountability and focus through team habits.
• Resolving conflict – Establishing structured approaches to difficult conversations.
• Strengthening community – Building trust and connection through shared experiences.

As I explain in the interview, “The rituals in our life show what we care about. In the workplace, creating rituals demonstrates what our culture values.”

The episode also covers practical steps for designing and implementing rituals, along with examples from companies like Amazon, Pinterest, and Flipboard. For leaders looking to build more intentional, human-centered cultures, this conversation offers actionable insights on how rituals can transform the way teams work together.

Listen to the full episode here.