Welcome to Episode 130 of the Built on Purpose Podcast, brought to you by Y Scouts.
What if the culture you think is working… is actually the thing holding you back?
Most founders don’t set out to build a bad culture. It usually starts well: a handful of loyal people, a shared dream, a “we’re all in this together” mentality. But slowly, almost invisibly, cracks form. The wrong people get hired. Tough conversations get avoided. Alignment slips. And before you know it, the business that was supposed to give you freedom is running you.
CJ Dubé has seen this story thousands of times. With more than 35 years of experience—and over 1,800 EOS sessions facilitated—she’s guided leadership teams through the painful but powerful process of turning “happy accident” cultures into intentional ones.
In this episode of the Built On Purpose Podcast, CJ shares the tough lessons leaders need to hear: why culture is never neutral, how the integrator role saves visionaries from chaos, and why courage and vulnerability are the ultimate leadership superpowers.
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💡 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Freedom in Business
01:56 Understanding EOS and the Role of an Implementer
04:27 Lessons from Entrepreneurial Journeys
06:57 Navigating Tough Leadership Challenges
09:36 Misconceptions About EOS
12:24 The Importance of a Healthy Leadership Team
14:53 Hiring for Culture and Fit
17:23 The Role of the Integrator in EOS
20:10 Building an Intentional Culture
22:41 The Evolution of Company Culture
30:54 Navigating Tough People Decisions
33:22 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership
34:29 Personal Health and Leadership
37:36 Self-Care as a Leadership Essential
39:18 The Evolution of Leadership
40:46 Overcoming Business Challenges
42:11 Igniting Leaders and Managers
43:24 Daring to Build an Intentional Culture
44:17 Leadership Mantras and Misunderstandings
47:06 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
48:47 Buzzwords in Business
49:48 Advice to My Younger Self
50:41 Underrated Leadership Tools
52:49 Implementing EOS
53:51 Living Your Best Life
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💡 What You’ll Learn:
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Why 82% of business problems are people problems in disguise
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The four cultural quadrants—and how to escape chaos
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How to know if your business is running you (instead of the other way around)
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Why freedom doesn’t come from hustling harder, but from clarity and accountability
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The visionary + integrator dynamic every entrepreneur needs
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🔥 Memorable Quotes:
- “Be brave, be courageous, have the tough conversations. Dare to build an intentional culture.” – CJ Dubé
- “Culture isn’t neutral. It’s either fueling your growth or draining your energy.” – CJ Dubé
- “Freedom doesn’t come from working harder. It comes from building with intention.” – CJ Dubé
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🔗 Resources:
Connect with CJ DuBe’:
- Website: EOS Worldwide
YScouts Company Links:
- Website: https://yscouts.com/
- About Us: https://yscouts.com/about-us/
- Process Demo: https://yscouts.com/resources/
- Meet the Team: https://yscouts.com/meet-the-team/
- Free Book “Hiring on Purpose”: https://yscouts.com/hiring-on-purpose/
- Built on Purpose Podcast: https://yscouts.com/podcast/
- Blog: https://yscouts.com/blog/
- Contact: https://yscouts.com/contact/
Max Hansen (Y Scouts Founder):
- Profile: https://yscouts.com/max-hansen/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxhansen
- Forbes HR Council: https://councils.forbes.com/profile/Max-Hansen-CEO-Y-Scouts/9d4bcbb0-c76f-41b5-aafd-ba0e0e30fdf0
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhansen44/
YScouts Social Media & Channels:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/y-scouts
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/yscouts/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Yscouts/
- X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/YScouts
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🎧 Listen the full episode on YouTube:
Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZQWLuBqPAA
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Y Scouts is a leadership search firm that finds purpose-aligned and performance-proven leaders to help organizations achieve their missions faster. Ready to supercharge your leadership search and get the right person in your organization? Contact Y Scouts.
