The Biggest Leak in Your P&L Might Be Your Culture

Episode Summary
In this episode, Shawn Busse, Founder and CEO of Kinesis, shares why aligning culture, brand, and strategy isn’t just a feel-good exercise — it’s a growth strategy. He explains how values-driven leadership can reduce costly turnover, build trust with clients, and create exponential impact across a business.
💡 Plus: Why most businesses get "values" wrong — and how to fix it.
Key Takeaway
When culture and marketing are aligned from the inside out, businesses experience stronger retention, greater customer loyalty, and long-term profitability — without pouring more into the top of the funnel.
Questions I Ask Shawn
01:30 What does “Marketing from the Inside Out” mean for small businesses?
02:47 How can business owners align their internal culture with their external brand?
05:02 How does investing in culture actually drive revenue growth?
09:09 What are values-driven companies, and what do most business owners get wrong about values?
14:21 What role should leadership play in shaping strategy, workforce, and culture?
16:22 What should business owners stop doing when it comes to culture?
19:06 How can aligning your people strategy with your business model create a competitive advantage?
More About Shawn Busse:
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Shawn Busse
Shawn Busse is the Founder and CEO of Kinesis, a Portland-based growth studio specializing in owner-run businesses. Shawn’s passion is helping leaders find untapped potential at the intersection of strategy, culture, and brand.
His book, Marketing from the Inside Out®, captures over two decades of experience growing small- and mid-sized businesses.