Here’s a truth most growing companies eventually run into: what got you here, won’t get you there. But that doesn’t mean throwing away your culture. In fact, during periods of growth and change, your culture becomes the most valuable asset you have—if you nurture it intentionally.

In a recent leadership roundtable, we dug into the pressures of scaling a business while sustaining the very culture that made growth possible in the first place. What emerged was a roadmap grounded in humility, agility, and intentionality. 

Let’s start with agility. This organization has moved from small firm to major player, but it’s made a conscious effort to stay flat. No unnecessary red tape. Decisions are still made with a “what’s the least bureaucratic route?” lens. It’s the kind of mindset that preserves speed without sacrificing quality. In this organization, the CEO champions simple, streamlined processes, people listen—and they act.

That tone from the top is matched by a culture of openness and genuine collaboration. Leaders are expected to cast vision, then trust their teams to figure out the how. They are less about status updates and more about cross-functional ideation. When people feel safe to ask questions and offer input, the learning never stops.

But culture can’t thrive without the right people—and here’s where the industry challenge comes in. Let’s face it: insurance (like banking) doesn’t always top the dream-job list for new grads. That’s a branding issue, not a reality check. With roles across HR, claims, strategy, finance, and more, the opportunities are rich—and many come with the added benefit of a more human-centered culture than other sectors. Mentorship, internal promotions, and career mobility are alive and well here.

Change isn’t just coming—it’s here. AI is already being trialed to overhaul routine and low level tasks, with the potential to streamline and improve efficiency of any organizations desiring to work smarter and be more profitable. The process to getting AI integration may be daunting, but the promise is transformation. The key? Mindset. The same openness that fuels collaboration must now extend to tech adoption.

Through it all, the takeaway was clear: growth doesn’t mean culture erosion. With the right leadership habits, intentional structures, and personal resilience (yes, sleep and boundaries matter!), it’s possible to grow with your culture, not out of it.

Here’s to the kind of growth that stays rooted, relevant, and ready.