Culture is what happens in the small moments, for instance how you run your meetings, how you respond to pressure, how you treat people when no one’s watching.
I spoke with Michael Frantl, Novo Nordisk’s Global Lead for Culture, Engagement and Performance Solutions, on the Legendary Leaders Podcast. He is someone who has built a career around helping teams and leaders live their values instead of just talking about them.
What Makes Culture Real?
Michael has worked across multiple countries, industries, and roles - from testing urine samples (yes, really) to leading global culture initiatives. His message is simple:
Culture only works when people can feel it. When it’s real. When it’s consistent.
This means:
Leaders who walk the talk, even when it’s hard
Teams who trust each other because communication is open, not performative
Space for people to think, reflect, and recharge, not just hustle
Let’s Talk About Toxic Positivity
Michael’s known for his optimism, but he’s not in the business of faking it. He calls out the damage done by forced cheerfulness, what he calls “toxic positivity.” When leaders pretend everything’s fine, people stop trusting them.
Real leadership sounds more like:
“This is hard, and here’s how we’re approaching it.”
“I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m listening.”
“Let’s celebrate the small win, even in a tough week.”
Honesty beats hype every time.
Space Is Not a Luxury — It’s a Leadership Practice
One thing we stressed on the show that doesn’t get talked about enough: creating space.
He takes a walk. He watches birds. He orders pizza and doesn’t move all weekend after a long trip.
You don’t need a 10-day retreat. Just stop pretending that burning out is the badge of leadership. Make space a regular part of your rhythm, for yourself and your team.
Consistency Beats Grand Gestures
You want a culture people believe in? Start small. Start daily.
Here’s some advice:
Don’t just say your values — show them. Regularly.
Check in, not just once a year, but often.
When people give feedback, acknowledge it and act on it — even if the action is just saying, “We hear you.”
When leaders are consistent, even in chaos, trust grows. When trust grows, performance follows.
So… What kind of culture are you building?
Here are two questions worth asking today:
What kind of culture are you actively creating through your everyday leadership?
Where do you need to shift — from controlling to enabling, from performance theatre to real presence?
Because you are creating culture, whether you mean to or not.
So be intentional. And start with what you do next, not next year.
Want more real talk on leadership, culture, and the stuff that actually moves the needle? Listen to the full conversation with Michael Frantl on the Legendary Leaders podcast.
