In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Stephanie Calhoun, VP of People Strategist and Global Culture Transformation at Lumen Technologies, to explore what it's like to reshape culture at a nearly century-old company undergoing one of the largest business turnarounds in recent history.
Stephanie traces Lumen's journey from a family-run telephone company founded in 1930s rural Louisiana to a global digital networking company powering today's AI infrastructure. She shares how CEO Kate Johnson led a simultaneous cultural and business transformation, shifting the organization's mindset from "playing not to lose" to "playing to win," and how that shift shows up in real, high-stakes business decisions.
The conversation also covers how Lumen embedded its Luminate behaviors into performance management and recognition systems, the company-wide rollout of Brené Brown's Dare to Lead curriculum, and standout wellbeing benefits — including a deeply personal survivor benefits program born from real loss within the company.
What You'll Learn
How a 1930s family telephone business transformed into a global digital networking company
What "playing to win" versus "playing not to lose" looks like in real business decisions
How Lumen embedded its eight Luminate behaviors into hiring, feedback, and performance reviews
Why and how the company rolled out Brené Brown's Dare to Lead curriculum company-wide
How Lumen approaches AI literacy training tailored by role and department
What kind of person thrives — and who might struggle — in a fast-paced, remote-first transformation
Company Highlights
Industry: Digital networking and fiber infrastructure (formerly telecommunications)
Customer Base: Global businesses relying on secure, high-speed connectivity for data and AI applications
Company Stage: Founded in the 1930s, now a global company of 20,000+ employees undergoing a three-year cultural and business transformation
Culture: Remote-first, courage-driven, and built around eight defined Luminate behaviors
Focus Areas: Culture transformation, AI literacy, employee wellbeing, and leadership development
Unique Perks & Programs
Survivor Benefits: Continued salary and benefits coverage for a deceased employee's family for six months
Global Wellness Day: A company-wide paid day off dedicated to personal wellbeing, with leadership participating openly
Dare to Lead Curriculum: Company-wide leadership and personal development training in partnership with Brené Brown/BetterUp, including personalized small groups and AI coaching access
Tailored AI Literacy Program: Role-specific AI training designed to build practical, everyday AI skills across departments
Luminate Awards & Lumen Stars: Peer recognition tied directly to specific named cultural behaviors
Calm App Access: Company-wide rollout of a wellness app after a successful employee pilot
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