What if creating a culture of ownership had nothing to do with your organisation and everything to do with you?
In this episode of Sticky From The Inside, Andy Goram is joined by Greg Hawks to challenge one of the biggest assumptions in workplace culture today, that ownership is something leaders create and employees receive.
Greg flips that thinking on its head.
This conversation explores why ownership isn’t a corporate initiative, a leadership tactic, or something written into a job description. It’s a personal choice. One that shapes how we respond to challenges, how we engage with others, and ultimately, how fulfilling our work feels.
Together, Andy and Greg unpack:
- Why disengagement often comes from a “done to me” mindset
- The difference between owners, renters, and vandals in organisations
- Why most companies are trying to fix the wrong problem
- How language, trust, and mindset shape our daily experience at work
- What it really takes to create a culture where people care, contribute, and step up
If you’ve ever felt frustrated, disengaged, or like work is something that happens to you, this episode offers a powerful reframe. Because creating a culture of ownership doesn’t start with leadership. It starts with a choice.
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Key Takeaways
- Ownership starts with personal choice. Ownership is not given by organisations, it’s a decision individuals make to regain control, perspective and fulfilment.
- Culture is shaped by everyday behaviour. A culture of ownership emerges from consistent individual choices to care, contribute and take responsibility.
- Not all disengagement is equal. Owners, renters and vandals influence culture differently, and unchecked vandals can actively undermine engagement.
- Leaders create the conditions for ownership. Ownership grows when people experience meaningful return, hear specific recognition, and see clear behavioural standards upheld.
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Key Moments
The key moments in this episode are:
00:01:11 – Should Employees Really Care Like Owners?
00:02:56 – Setting the Stage: What Drives Ownership at Work?
00:06:05 – Ownership Isn’t for the Company—It’s for You
00:08:04 – Breaking Free from the “Done To Me” Mindset
00:12:22 – What a True Culture of Ownership Actually Feels Like
00:14:49 – Unlock #1: Why Risking Bold Commitments Changes Everything
00:17:16 – Owners, Renters and Vandals: The Mindsets That Shape Culture
00:20:16 – Why Most Organisations Are Fixing the Wrong Problem
00:22:30 – Unlock #2: Activating Lasting Value Through Words
00:27:30 – From Mindset to Behaviour: Ownership, Trust and Personal Return
00:39:30 – Designing the Conditions for a Culture of Ownership
00:44:35 – Sticky Notes: Three Truths About Ownership and Fulfilment
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Join The Conversation
Find Andy Goram on LinkedIn here
Listen to the Podcast on YouTube here
Follow the Podcast on Instagram here
Follow the Podcast on Twitter here
Follow the Podcast on Facebook here
Check out the Bizjuicer website here
Get a free consultation with Andy here
Check out the Bizjuicer blog here
Download the podcast here
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Useful Links
Follow Greg Hawks on LinkedIn here
Find Greg's website here
Find the book Act Like An Owner here
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Full Episode Transcript
Get the full transcript of the episode here
