Our Blog
Discover insight, analysis and guidance on organisational culture
What the FCA’s new conduct rules mean for financial services leaders
Evidencing Culture... On 1 September 2026, the FCA's rules and guidance on non-financial misconduct came into force across financial services. For many firms — particularly those beyond the banks now fully in scope — this marks a real shift in what the regulator...
Why It’s Pointless Trying to Build the Culture You Want Before Understanding the Culture You Already Have
Every organisation wants a great culture. Very few understand the one they already have. Spend five minutes on LinkedIn and you'll find countless articles explaining how to build a high-performing culture. You'll read about defining your values, creating a compelling...
The policy was never the problem
The FCA changed the rules on 1 September. But the policy was never the problem. By Steve Lewis a Leadership & Culture Consultant and founder of Co Lab People. Imagine you are sitting in a small meeting. A senior leader has recently joined the organisation, taking...
Why Culture Is Misunderstood & What a Culture Assessment Can Reveal
Culture influences how people communicate, make decisions, respond to pressure and deliver on an organisation's strategy. Yet it remains one of the most widely misunderstood concepts in business. In this insight, Cultiv8tiv CEO and Founder James Leavesley explores why...
Wait and See Is No Longer a Strategy: Why Month Four Matters for New Hires
For many businesses, the first six months of employment have traditionally provided breathing room. New employees have time to settle into their role, managers have time to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and any questions around performance or suitability...
Time Tellers, Clock Builders, and the Culture That Makes Organisations Endure
"The key point is not merely to build a clock that can tell time, but to build a clock that can tell time forever." — Jim Collins Every organisation faces a fundamental leadership question: are you building an organisation that depends on great leaders, or one that...
The Culture Doesn’t Disappear Because You Ignore It
Our Founder and CEO, James Leavesley, shares why organisations struggle to accept culture assessment findings, plus the trust they risk losing when they do. Most organisations don't struggle to collect employee feedback. Surveys are launched, focus groups are...
Does the Employment Rights Act 2025 Start from a Position of Distrust?
Much of the discussion surrounding the Employment Rights Act 2025 has focused on the practical implications for employers. Organisations are reviewing policies, updating procedures and preparing for changes that will reshape how people are managed. Behind these...
The Leadership Perception Gap; Why Measuring Organisational Culture Isn’t Enough
The Four-Step Process That Turns Culture Data into Meaningful Change Most organisations don't struggle because they fail to measure culture. They struggle because they fail to understand the gap between what leaders believe is happening and what employees experience...









