When it comes to building a winning team—whether in business, sports, or life—one question always rises to the surface: Who’s responsible for culture? The answer is simple. If you’re a CEO, a business owner, an executive leading a team, a department head—or frankly, anyone responsible for the performance of a group—you are the Captain of the Culture.

Let’s talk about what that actually means.

Culture isn’t something you can hold in your hand, but you feel it. It’s the tone of your workplace. It’s the vibe in the room. And as a leader, you’re setting it, whether you realize it or not. What values are you modeling? What kind of atmosphere are you creating? Do people walk into work energized and supported, or are they just punching a clock?

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years: there’s a massive difference between people who show up because they’re getting paid, and those who show up because the mission and the team around them fulfil them. The right culture creates the second kind of team. And that kind of team gets results.

But culture doesn’t build itself.

Strong culture starts with hiring the right people. Then, it’s about putting them in positions where they can shine. It’s about clarity of values—and not just talking about them, but living them out every day. That’s on us, the leaders. It takes consistency. It takes intentionality. And it takes time.

A great culture is never an accident. It’s built brick by brick, moment by moment, decision by decision. Yes, everyone in the organization plays a part. But it’s the leader’s job to make sure people understand their role and believe in the kind of environment we’re trying to create.

So—are you ready to be the Captain of the Culture?