3 THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT CULTURE FROM DREW BLEDSOE

Being a passionate sports and wine enthusiast, I recently attended an event led by former NFL Quarterback, now Winemaker, Drew Bledsoe. I couldn't wait to hear about the connection that led him to be a leader in not one, but two of my favorite industries. Now, what I could have never anticipated was that there is a third topic that we connect on – my work passion – company culture.

The lessons learned? Amazing.

Here are three of the most important things I learned from Drew about company culture and its importance on your business:

1. Sustainability is about more than the environment, it’s about your people. Today, everyone wants to run a sustainable business. It’s a strategic choice that leads to long-term profitability, loyalty, and a positive impact on the global community. So let’s take that concept beyond being eco-friendly and make business sustainable choices for a culture-friendly future. Drew took that approach and over time was able to keep seasonal employees onboard and turn them into year-long employees. This synergistic commitment to the team continues to bring more of this same type of long term success.
2. Being introspective is really, really hard… but so rewarding if you can do it. After losing several key employees, it was becoming clear something wasn’t right. His head winemaker turned his focus to figuring out what needed to change to ensure more people wouldn’t leave. While difficult, being self-aware and willing to make personal changes was crucial to this plan. Adjusting his management style, from being very “type-a” to being more adaptable, was key to their future success. Now people fight to work for his winemaker and their team.
3. If you “have one toxic person in the locker room,” then you need to take action. That goes with employees as well. Be confident in the culture you are building and curating. When you have a high-functioning culture, you will be acutely aware when someone doesn’t belong. Be willing to let those people move on, and more so, help them move on. The rest of your team will appreciate it and your culture will be stronger for it.?

Learning from a former superstar is one thing, but learning from someone who transformed one successful career into another with such grace is humbling. It was an honor.?

Want to check out this amazing place for yourself? The Bledsoe Family Winery is one of 150+ wineries and some amazing restaurants in Drew’s hometown Walla Walla - just a quick 40 minute drive when you fly to Pasco!