Written by Cordie Gwilym, Co-Director at Coco Operative (November 2024)

Organisational culture — what a wonderfully nebulous construct. At its core, it’s the shared values, beliefs, and behaviours of people that shape a company’s identity and influence how it operates. But what does it really take to create a culture where people are not only happy but also performing at their peak?

It’s an art. Like dancing. Let me take you to the dance floor.

Picture this: your hometown’s nightclub. There’s always something happening — boundaries to push, rules to respect, and, occasionally, a bouncer stepping in when someone gets a little too wild. The dance floor is a microcosm of life: chaotic, vibrant, and brimming with potential. The best nights, though? The dance floor is alive — pulsing wit diverse energy, a kaleidoscope of people expressing themselves in their unique ways. Some are raving in the middle, others are grooving on the edge, and a few are hanging back with noise-cancelling headphones, enjoying the rhythm from a distance. This is where the magic happens — a space where everyone can participate in a way that feels right for them — united by a killer playlist, a shared vibe, and the freedom to let loose within clear, understood boundaries.

Organisational culture, much like that dance floor, is a delicate balance. Setting the stage right, so everyone, regardless of background or abilities, feels welcome to join the party. But get it wrong, and you risk a fight at the bar — or worse, an empty room.

Transforming Vulnerabilities into Superpowers

My story begins in 1980s Germany, where I was raised by my white adoptive parents. Growing up mixed-race in a small, homogeneous town wasn’t easy. As a neurodivergent young person grappling with feelings of otherness, I faced my fair share of challenges. But those vulnerabilities became my greatest strengths. They taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

These lessons shaped my career. As a children’s social worker, I spent years supporting families entrenched in adversity — substance misuse, mental health struggles, and generational trauma. My job was to help them transform their vulnerabilities into superpowers and live happy and well.

In many ways, this experience was my training ground for organisational culture change. Because here’s the truth: once you’ve helped families in crisis rediscover their potential, helping a team achieve high performance feels not just possible — it’s exhilarating.

I see culture as a living, breathing organism. It’s shaped by the people who move within it, the rules that govern it, and the leaders who dare to innovate from it.

The DJ of Change

Here’s where I come in: On the dance floor of organisational culture, I’m your DJ, or better yet, your behavioural change expert observing from the balcony. My job is to step back, take in the rhythm of the room, and help you craft a playlist that gets everyone moving.

I’ve learned that creating a high-performing culture isn’t just about spinning hits; it’s about understanding the crowd. It isn’t about imposing a rigid routine; it’s about understanding the unique energy of your team. Some people will be out there leading with bold moves; others may need the safety of the edges or adaptive tools like those noise-cancelling headphones. A truly inclusive culture recognises and celebrates these differences.

Setting the Stage for Happy High-Performance

To create the ultimate dance floor experience — or company culture — you need a CEO with a clear vision. Think of it as the club owner’s job: deciding what kind of vibe you want to create. A high-energy rave? A chilled lounge? Or something in between?

From Moves to Movements

When you invest in people — nurturing their well-being and strengthening relationships — you unlock something extraordinary. Individual moves become a movement. Barriers dissolve, creativity flows, and suddenly, everything feels possible.

This isn’t just idealism; it’s backed by research. James Timpson, CEO of Timpson Group, champions the link between happiness and high performance in his publication, The Happiness Index. I’ve seen it too. When people feel they belong and have a purpose, they bring their best selves to work.

Our Work, Your Dance Floor

At Coco, our work focuses on helping organisations master their dance floor. We coach individuals, groups and teams, creating safe spaces and fostering emotional intelligence, mental fitness, and transformational leadership. Challenges are part of the journey. Life and work are challenging. And reframing the "hard stuff" with empathy and curiosity transforms obstacles into opportunities.

Culture change isn’t a one-off event. It’s a commitment to iterative growth, co-created with everyone on the team. And while it starts at the top, its power comes from being owned and sustained by the people. It’s an evolving dance — a shared commitment to grow together. And just like on the best dance floors, the magic comes from everyone contributing their unique rhythm.

So, are you ready to turn your culture into the ultimate gig?

With the right vision, tools, and mindset, your organisation can become a high-energy, high-performing place where happiness isn’t just a perk — it’s the foundation. So, let’s get your team moving. Together, we can create a culture where everyone — no matter their story — can find their groove and thrive.