{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"105. Begin With WE: Kyle McDowell on Crushing Workplace Dysfunction and Leading with Principle","description":"What if the real problem in corporate culture isn\u2019t the strategy\u2014but the absence of shared principles? In this powerful episode of What\u2019s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes bestselling author, speaker, and former Fortune 10 executive Kyle McDowell. Kyle pulls back the curtain on what\u2019s broken in today\u2019s organizations\u2014and how The 10 WEs framework can shift the culture from dysfunction to excellence. With nearly 30 years of experience leading massive teams, Kyle\u2019s message is as bold as it is simple: begin with WE. Whether you\u2019re leading thousands or just trying to be a better teammate, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, courage, and culture. Kyle McDowell is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and the author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence. After nearly three decades in corporate leadership roles\u2014including at some of America\u2019s biggest firms\u2014Kyle now helps organizations dismantle dysfunction by putting people over ego and mission over metrics. His trademarked philosophy, The 10 WEs, is redefining how leaders create buy-in, accountability, and authenticity across every level of business. Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways: Begin With WE: Kyle introduces his leadership framework and why starting with a unified vision creates cultures of excellence. From Fortune 10 to Full-Time Purpose: Kyle opens up about his decision to leave corporate life and step into his calling as a thought leader. The First WE Principle: "We do the right thing. Always." Kyle shares why this one idea is the cornerstone for trust, safety, and transformation. Courageous Candor: Kyle talks about moving past polite silence in the workplace and building teams that speak truth with respect. The Power of Modeling: Leaders can\u2019t just talk the talk\u2014they must model behavior and create an environment of accountability. It\u2019s Not Soft, It\u2019s Strong: Kyle breaks down why vulnerability and empathy in leadership are not weaknesses but the ultimate strengths. One-on-One Moments Matter: Leadership isn\u2019t about stage presence\u2014it\u2019s about the impact you have in your next conversation. Kyle McDowell\u2019s message is a wake-up call for leaders everywhere: Culture isn\u2019t someone else\u2019s job\u2014it\u2019s yours. His \u201c10 WEs\u201d offer more than a framework; they\u2019re a mirror. One that reflects the kind of leader you are\u2014and the one you\u2019re capable of becoming. If you\u2019re tired of watching dysfunction win, this episode will inspire you to lead with courage, clarity, and a whole lot more WE. Connect with Bill: bill@brandingpillars.com www.brandingpillars.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis LinkedIn - linkedin.com\/in\/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kylemcdowellinc https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@kylemcdowellinc https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@kylemcdowellinc https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KyleMcDowellInc https:\/\/twitter.com\/KyleMcDowellInc BOOK: Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence Quick Episode Summary:  0:00 \u2013 Bill introduces Kyle and his mission to rewire corporate leadership 1:08 \u2013 Kyle shares his background, from leading tens of thousands to walking away from it all 3:44 \u2013 The origin of Begin With WE and how the \u201c10 WEs\u201d came to life 6:10 \u2013 The core dysfunctions Kyle saw over and over\u2014and why no one was solving them 9:29 \u2013 \u201cWe do the right thing. Always.\u201d Why principle-driven leadership builds unstoppable trust 13:00 \u2013 How Kyle\u2019s team of 15,000 began to adopt a shared belief system 15:50 \u2013 What vulnerability in leadership really looks like\u2014and how it unlocks deeper performance 18:45 \u2013 Kyle breaks down his journey from fear to courage in leaving a secure corporate life 22:00 \u2013 \u201cWe own our mistakes.\u201d Why authenticity, not perfection, makes great leaders 24:55 \u2013 Leaders who hide behind silence\u2014and how to bring truth back into the room 29:10 \u2013 Why great leadership is personal, not positional 31:30 \u2013 The message behind his book and how The 10 WEs can transform any team 33:45 \u2013 Kyle shares the moment he knew he was living out his calling 36:00 \u2013 The ripple effect of cultural change\u2014from the break room to the boardroom 39:00 \u2013 Why Kyle believes impact, not income, is the true measure of success 41:00 \u2013 Final thoughts from Kyle on what it really means to lead with purpose Subscribe & Share:Know someone frustrated with toxic work culture or looking to grow as a leader? Share this episode and help spread Kyle\u2019s mission to bring principle-driven leadership to every workplace. Subscribe to What\u2019s the Point? for more conversations that cut through the noise and help you live\u2014and lead\u2014with purpose. ","author_name":"What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose","author_url":"https:\/\/www.billellis.com","html":"