Cultures of Growth Workbook: Creating and Nurturing Your Pod

Below are some examples that illustrate the diversity and power of pods, especially to create Cultures of Growth:

Pandemic Pods and Professional Support Pods

• Pandemic Pods: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of “pandemic pods” emerged as people formed close-knit groups with family or friends to maintain social connections while staying safe. These pods were not just about physical health but also about emotional and social well-being. Members supported each other through shared activities, mutual care, and regular communication. This concept shows how pods can be formed to provide essential support in challenging times, creating a microculture that promotes resilience and connection.
• Professional Support Pods: A notable example of a professional support pod is the “West African Voltron,” a group consisting of influential women like Bozoma Saint John, Issa Rae, Luvvie Ajayi, and Cynthia Erivo. This pod provided a safe space for its members to share challenges, celebrate successes, and offer encouragement. The group became a source of both personal and professional support, illustrating how pods can empower individuals in their careers while fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.

Microcultures Within Large Organizations

• Localized Growth Teams: Within large organizations, it’s possible to find smaller teams or departments that operate as pods, even when the broader organizational culture may not fully align with a growth mindset. For instance, in some Fortune 100 companies, specific teams have created their own microcultures focused on collaboration, learning, and mutual support. These pods thrive by embodying a Culture of Growth within a larger Culture of Genius, serving as models of how small groups can influence and shift the broader culture over time. These teams are often more innovative, resilient, and supportive, showing how pods can drive positive change from within.

The Shell Example: A Corporate Pod for Change

• Shell’s Safety Culture Transformation: Shell, a global energy company, recognized the need to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, particularly regarding safety practices. The transformation began with a dedicated group of leaders who formed a pod focused on learning and innovation. This pod worked to change attitudes and behaviors across the company, promoting a culture where safety was a shared responsibility. Through their efforts, this pod not only improved safety outcomes but also demonstrated how a focused, growth-oriented pod could influence an entire organization. This example illustrates how pods can serve as catalysts for large-scale cultural change by modeling and spreading growth-oriented practices.

Small Groups as Pods: The Power of Commitment

• Any Small Group with Mutual Support: At its core, any small group where members are committed to each other’s growth and success can be considered a pod. This includes book clubs, study groups, project teams, or even informal networks of friends or colleagues. What defines these groups as pods is not their structure but their commitment to shared values, open communication, and continuous support. These groups often share common goals, whether they’re personal development, professional advancement, or simply providing emotional support. When these groups intentionally foster a culture of trust, learning, and mutual accountability, they become powerful pods that can drive both individual and collective growth.

We’ve put together a simple guide to help individuals and teams cultivate shared values, articulate a clear vision, and foster collaboration within their pods.