Company Culture isn’t just a “nice-to-have.”

There’s an old joke, that you probably all know, about a CFO asking a CEO, “What if we train them and they leave?” The CEO claps back, “What if we don’t, and they stay?”

Funny because it’s true, right? But also deeply revealing about what separates great companies from the rest. Company culture isn’t some fluff thing you hang on a wall; it’s the foundation of any company that wants to dominate.

This article is for anyone reflecting on their career choices, particularly those who read my last piece, Think Like an Investor, Not a Jobseeker. One of the most important criteria I shared was understanding what a company stands for, including how much they invest in their employees’ growth and alignment with the company’s mission.

"Culture is not an initiative. Culture is the enabler of all initiatives." - Larry Senn

Today, I want to dive deeper into one of those criteria: company culture and why it’s pivotal in choosing the right place to grow your career.

Over the years, I’ve worked with companies that truly embodied this principle, and the difference was unmistakable. At Similarweb , for example, the culture was deeply rooted in collaboration (Winning Together), excellence, and innovation. Or Offer , the company's CEO, also consistently emphasized the importance of being data-driven as a core value, which further strengthened the organization’s foundation for success.

Today, at Connecteam , I’ve joined another company that truly understands the power of culture. Connecteam invests deeply in aligning employees with the company’s purpose while nurturing both personal and professional growth. It’s about creating an environment where people thrive because they genuinely believe in the mission - and I must say, it’s achieved through remarkable cross-departmental harmony, with everyone working hand in hand.

Here’s why culture matters:

Alignment is everything. When you understand and believe in your company’s purpose, you’re not just working - you’re building something meaningful. Growth equals winning, and companies that prioritize training and development know this. Skilled employees drive results, and investing in their growth leads to big wins. Ultimately, it’s a team sport. A strong, collaborative culture makes working together seamless, where egos take a backseat, and everyone rows in the same direction toward shared success.

Company culture is about fostering purpose, passion, and alignment, creating an environment where employees feel inspired, valued, and united in achieving meaningful goals.

How to evaluate Company Culture before joining?

It’s one thing to hear a company say they have a “strong culture.” It’s another thing to see it in action. Here’s how to dig deeper:

• Don’t focus solely on the paycheck. Instead, ask yourself: Do they have a mission that genuinely excites me? Will they invest in my growth and development? Is this a place where I can excel while working alongside people I respect?
• Look at Leadership’s Track Record: Are they known for empowering teams or micromanaging?
• Read Between the Lines: Employee reviews on Glassdoor can offer insights. But also ask questions in your interview to gauge how culture is lived day-to-day.
• Talk About Values: Ask how the company aligns its mission with its practices. For example, if they value innovation, how do they foster it among employees?

By focusing on these aspects, you’ll uncover whether a company’s culture is genuinely strong and whether it’s the right fit for your personal and professional goals.

“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” — Peter Drucker

Connecting the Dots

In my previous article, I encouraged you to think like an investor. Understand the ROI of your time and energy when joining a company. Culture plays a massive role in that ROI. A company that invests in you and aligns you with its mission isn’t just offering a job; it’s offering a platform for growth and fulfillment.

Bottom line - Great company culture isn’t accidental. It’s intentional. And when you find a company that prioritizes its people and aligns them with its vision, the results are extraordinary - not just for the company, but for you.