In this milestone 100th episode of the Thrive Today Podcast, host Natalie Born welcomes Thrive founder Colleen Rouse for a powerful conversation on one of the most defining—and often misunderstood—elements of leadership: culture. Together, they unpack how culture is formed, why it determines whether people stay or leave, and how leaders can intentionally create environments marked by value, belonging, vision, and honor.
Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Colleen reveals why resilience begins with humility, how identity shapes leadership presence, and why vision must move from the wall to the heart. From cultivating a culture of honor to retaining top talent and creating stability in uncertain times, this episode offers both timeless wisdom and practical tools for leaders who want their impact to outlive their title.
[00:00 – 03:30] Celebrating 100 Episodes & Why Culture Matters
Reflecting on 100 conversations of coaching, challenging, and championing leaders
Why culture is something you feel before you can define it
The global impact of Thrive’s mission and message
[03:31 – 07:30] Leadership, Resilience, and Humility
Why high-tension leadership environments drain people
Replacing uncertainty with clarity and confidence
How humility becomes the foundation of healthy culture
[07:31 – 11:30] Identity, Purpose, and Leading from a Place of Security
Why leaders must know who they are and why they’re at the table
The difference between leading to give vs. leading to get
“I have nothing to prove; I have everything to give.”
[11:31 – 15:30] Retaining Talent Through Value and Belonging
The two main reasons people leave organizations (according to McKinsey)
Why compensation alone doesn’t create loyalty
How culture directly impacts retention and reputation
[15:31 – 21:00] Culture of Honor: What It Is—and What It Isn’t
Why leaders are carriers, but not the only carriers, of culture
The danger of honoring up but not peer-to-peer or down
How dishonor creates toxic undercurrents that drive leaders away
[21:01 – 26:30] Honor as a Leadership Lifestyle
Honoring people because you are a person of honor
Why honoring others requires humility
How sowing honor changes environments and outcomes
[26:31 – 32:30] Vision: From the Wall to the Heart
Why vision must be felt—not just stated
How vision ignites internal motivation, not just external compliance
Helping people see themselves and their value in the vision
[32:31 – 38:00] Vision, Mission, and Values as Cultural Anchors
How values define acceptable behavior and accountability
Hiring and releasing based on values, not just performance
Why shared vision reduces the need for micromanagement
[38:01 – 43:30] Stability in Uncertain Times
Treating every team member like a leader
Investing in people beyond their job description
How development, belonging, and belief create long-term commitment
[43:31 – End] The Future of Thrive & Invitation to Community
Why leaders are craving community over crowds
The heart behind Thrive coaching calls and membership
An invitation to help shape what’s next through feedback and connection
Quotes
“Culture is created by what you promote, what you permit, and what you ignore.” – Colleen Rouse
“I don’t honor positionally - I honor because I’m a person of honor.” – Colleen Rouse
“Vision doesn’t light a fire under people; it lights a fire within them.” – Colleen Rouse
About Colleen Rouse
Colleen Rouse is the founder of Thrive Today and a respected leadership voice with decades of experience developing leaders, organizations, and cultures rooted in purpose, honor, and vision. Known for her wisdom, humility, and practical insight, Colleen equips leaders to build environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to grow. Her passion lies in helping leaders create legacies that outlast their roles and positively impact generations to come.
🌐 Website: https://thrivetoday.com
