If you’re from Louisiana, you’ll recognize this photo. You can feel the excitement and hear the crowd—the magic of game day. Its time spent with friends and family, savoring all that Death Valley has to offer. People come together to cheer the Tigers, and win or lose, they leave buzzing for the next time. It’s about the people, the food, the fun. In Louisiana, we know how to tailgate, and of course we laissez les bons temps rouler. Our culture brims with rich Southern charm and influences. At the end of the day, what makes it all great is the people. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20), reminding us that community is a gift from God.
Todd Graves, the CEO of Cane’s Chicken, is another Louisiana favorite. Graves and I share a like-minded philosophy. He once said in an interview, “no one will work harder than me, and you have to care about your people.” That’s the secret sauce: hard work and genuine care for your team. As a leader, I believe wholeheartedly that “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” You need a clear strategic plan and vision, but a fractured culture will crumble those strategies. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” People are the life of the organization. It’s the people who operationalize strategic plans. Plans are nothing without the team to execute them. It’s all about the people. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
CEOs, listen up: respect your team. value your people. As a leader, you set the tone, pace, and expectations—and your people are watching. Creating a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect is essential for survival. Clearly outlining expectations and working together to achieve them is a win. Remember, you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. Lift your team up, love the team you have, and support them in both good times and tough ones. A company’s success hinges on the people inside it, including the leadership and the environment the leader creates. Successful teams are winning teams. As Philippians 2:3–4 instructs, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
I’m blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people. I pray for each of them daily and lift them up, both personally and professionally. It’s simply who I am. I apply those same principles to my personal life. My circle is small but fiercely important; time or distance can’t erode those bonds, and when we connect, it feels like no time has passed. Psalm 133:1 captures this sentiment: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
People are invaluable. Whether in personal or professional relationships, protect those connections. Build a positive culture and lead by example. As 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 reminds us, every part of the body is valuable, and we are connected to one another—so culture becomes a shared strength under God’s design.
Lead by example, create a positive culture, and as always, have a great day on purpose.
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