Cindy Olson has seen the best of times and worst of times a company can experience.
As a top executive at a Fortune 7 firm during the late ‘90s, she pioneered the use of technology in finding, developing, and keeping top talent.
But within a few years, she feared going to prison in the wake of a high-profile scandal that left the organization bankrupt, executives jailed, and thousands of employees without jobs or pensions.
The company? Enron.
In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, sponsored by LSC, Olson explains why she blames a toxic culture for Enron’s demise—and warns the same fate may await those who stray from their values.
She also shares some early signs your corporate culture may be in trouble, the components of a healthy culture, and more.
“People don’t understand how big culture is,” says Olson, co-founder of Choice Strategic Alliance. “When arrogance creeps in, you feel like you can’t fail no matter what you do.
“Enron was truly a great company—until it wasn't. “
Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2023 issue features the 2023 Credit Union Heroes and examines CUNA-League advocacy priorities, board leadership, the impact of financial well-being efforts, fee-related compliance issues, predictions for the year ahead, and more.
