Episoder

  • In this final episode of A Matter of Culture’s first series, Reem and Sula take a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on the rollercoaster ride of launching the podcast. They share the highs, the learning curves, and yes, those oh-so-fun tech hiccups that come with starting something new.


    The conversation dives deep into their favorite takeaways around workplace culture, like how crucial it is to walk the talk when it comes to values, the role of mentorship, and their own journeys of personal growth. They get candid about the risks they’ve taken, the advice they probably needed to hear themselves, and why vulnerability and authenticity are non-negotiables in both life and work.


    The episode wraps up with a nod to global events, heartfelt gratitude for the amazing community that’s been part of the journey, and a big ol’ virtual hug as they sign off for the season. They also ask for your thoughts and ideas for what’s next so don’t hold back!


    Reem and Sula leave you with a warm wish for Happy Holidays and a kind, peaceful New Year. Here’s to more learning, growth, and culture chats in the future! 🎉✨


    00:43 Reflecting on Our Journey

    03:58 Lessons Learned in Workplace Culture

    07:38 Personal and Professional Growth

    11:08 Taking Risks and Their Rewards

    15:47 Advice and Insights

    19:01 Vulnerability and Authenticity

    22:01 Aha Moments and Cultural Shifts

    28:58 Gratitude and Appreciation

    34:12 Wrapping Up the Season


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula chat about the importance of reward and recognition programs in the workplace. They explore how these initiatives help employees feel motivated, valued, and engaged. Drawing inspiration from the idea of ‘corporate love languages,’ they discuss how understanding people’s unique preferences can make recognition more meaningful. The hosts share practical tips, real-life examples, and the common pitfalls to watch out for. They also talk about how to create recognition programs that work in fast-paced environments while staying sustainable and scalable.


    00:53 Episode Five Kickoff

    01:17 Understanding Reward and Recognition

    01:56 Corporate Love Languages

    04:12 Impact of Personalized Recognition

    05:30 Implementing Effective Recognition Programs

    06:16 Personal Career Insights on Recognition

    09:07 Common Mistakes in Recognition Programs

    12:13 Commitment to a Recognition Culture

    23:06 Scalable and Sustainable Recognition Programs

    26:44 Integrating Recognition into Daily Operations

    32:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • In this episode of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula delve into the topic of psychological safety within workplace cultures. The discussion begins with personal experiences of feeling unsafe at work and explores how this impacts behavior and engagement. The conversation covers the importance of creating safe environments for innovation, accountability without fear, and fostering healthy conflicts. Special attention is given to gender dynamics, microaggressions, and the broader cultural implications of safety in diverse workplaces. The episode also addresses strategies for leaders to build trust and transparency, and how to maintain safety during organizational changes.


    00:43 Introduction to Psychological Safety

    01:10 Personal Experiences with Psychological Safety

    02:17 Impact of Fear-Based Leadership

    04:09 Gender Differences in Workplace Communication

    09:17 Reframing Safety in Leadership

    15:49 Spotting Lack of Psychological Safety

    19:26 Building Trust and Transparency

    24:19 Cultural Context of Safety

    27:14 Cultural Implications of Persistence and Harassment

    29:22 Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Romantic Persistence

    31:51 Understanding Consent and Impact

    33:47 Microaggressions and Workplace Safety

    37:08 Navigating Power Dynamics and Microaggressions

    40:07 Onboarding and Integrating New Employees

    50:11 Challenges in Gender Equity and Leadership


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In Episode 3 of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula dive into a topic close to their hearts — mental health at work, especially in the Middle East. They tackle the stigma head-on, chatting about why it’s so crucial to normalize these conversations and how the pandemic shook up HR pros everywhere. With a mix of personal stories and fresh insights, they explore creating safe spaces, leading with emotional intelligence, and navigating the ripple effects of global events like the horrific Palestinian genocide. It’s all about empathy, listening, and stepping up together to build workplaces where everyone feels supported.


    Trigger Warning: This episode discusses mental health challenges and the impact of global conflicts, which may be sensitive for some listeners.


    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    00:27 Mental Health in the Workplace

    01:55 Stigma and Cultural Perceptions

    05:52 Impact of the Pandemic on HR

    10:50 Leadership and Empathy

    13:49 Personal Stories and Reflections

    24:23 Better Done Than Perfect: Embracing Imperfection

    25:26 Mental Health in the Workplace: Finding Common Ground

    26:53 Supporting Each Other: The Power of Words

    28:58 Vulnerability and Self-Reflection

    32:25 Global Events and Their Impact on Mental Health

    34:12 Creating Safe Spaces in the Workplace

    41:27 Addressing Gossip and Emotional Vulnerability

    47:41 Concluding Thoughts: Duty of Care and Kindness


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode of A Matter of Culture, Reem and Sula take a hard look at the tangible and intangible costs of toxic workplace cultures. Dedicated to Sula's late mentor, Elza Maalouf, this discussion is as heartfelt as it is insightful, diving into the personal and organizational impacts of neglecting workplace well-being.


    From the organizational life cycle framework to real-world examples, Reem and Sula provide a blueprint for identifying toxicity and transforming workplace cultures into spaces that uplift and empower. Whether you’re a leader, an HR professional, or someone navigating challenges in your work environment, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the hidden costs of cultural neglect.


    00:00 Welcome Back to A Matter of Culture

    01:22 The Impact of Toxic Workplace Cultures

    04:49 Recognizing the Signs of a Toxic Workplace

    08:56 Leadership’s Role in Workplace Culture

    10:33 Addressing Toxic Leadership

    14:43 Writing a Book on Toxic Cultures

    18:55 The Financial Cost of Toxic Cultures

    27:13 Honoring a Mentor and Final Thoughts


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In our very first episode, Reem and Sula sit down to share the story behind A Matter of Culture (AMOC) and what inspired them to create this platform for workplace transformation. This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a movement to redefine how we approach work culture.


    In The Origin Story, Reem and Sula talk about how they connected through the Playbook network and their year-long journey to bring AMOC to life. You’ll hear how their backgrounds—Reem in HR and Sula in executive leadership—shape their perspectives on culture, along with real stories about overcoming toxic work environments.


    We’re diving into topics that matter:

    Why gender equity isn’t optional—it’s essential.What true supportive workplaces look like.Real, actionable insights for building culture that empowers everyone.

    We’re so excited for you to join us as we build a community that’s all about positive change. Whether you're an HR professional, a leader, or simply someone passionate about creating better workplaces, there’s a seat for you at the table!


    Welcome to AMOC!


    00:00 Introduction to A Matter of Culture

    00:41 Meet Your Hosts: Reem and Sula

    01:20 The Journey to Starting the Podcast

    02:43 The Impact of Workplace Culture

    06:19 Reem's Background and Passion for HR

    13:33 Sula's Journey and Insights

    21:18 The Ripple Effect of Company Culture

    23:52 Our Mission and Vision for the Podcast

    28:52 Gender Equity in the Workplace

    30:28 Conclusion and Call to Action



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.