“What makes a workplace the right fit for me?” That question often surfaces during a job interview or talent search. But real answers rarely come from job descriptions or flashy benefits.
The truth is that culture fit isn’t a checkbox; it’s a shared experience that unfolds through action, alignment and the lessons we carry with us.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a PSA TEC session led by Brooke Erickson, PSA’s senior director of learning and marketing, alongside Laura Janssen, director of workforce development at NSCA. The session challenged my view of what it truly means to be part of a team.
There is a ‘Me’
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “There’s no ‘I’ in team.” However, as Brooke reminded us, there is a “me.” If you take that a step further, you’ll find that what makes a team strong is the contribution of every individual — each person’s presence, values and effort level matters. That lesson stayed with me.
Culture is not built by policies or slogans; rather, it’s built by people. It’s built by the accumulation of individual actions, perspectives and values that shape how an organization operates and grows.
When we forget to nurture the people who drive the work, culture becomes stagnant. Conversely, when we recognize each person’s role in strengthening that culture, we create teams that are dynamic, resilient and capable of real impact.
My own understanding of culture and leadership took shape early in life. As the daughter of immigrant parents, I saw firsthand what resilience looks like. My parents came to this country without knowing the language, without having connections and often without having a safety net.
They faced separation, uncertainty and hardship, yet always managed to put food on the table and hope in our hearts. Their actions — quiet, consistent and unyielding — became my first leadership lessons.
They taught me to value an honest day’s work, to believe in myself, to put faith in something greater and always to do the right thing. These weren’t just family values — they were life values. They guided how I navigated school, friendships and, ultimately, my career. They are the bedrock of how I lead and contribute today.
Each Misstep is a Lesson
As professionals, we all make mistakes. I have made plenty. But the measure of leadership isn’t found in how few mistakes we make; rather, the measure is how we learn from them. Each misstep has been a lesson, and each lesson has helped me better understand how to lead with intention and humility.
I didn’t land where I am today by chance. I got here by choosing whom I let influence me, by absorbing lessons from mentors and peers, and by staying grounded in the core values that shaped my early years. Leadership is never a solo act. It’s a combination of internal drive and external inspiration — of the “me” and the “we.”
This is why culture fit isn’t about blending in. It’s actually about discovering where your “me” can make an impact.
When assessing whether an organization is the right fit, don’t just ask if you belong. Even more importantly, ask how you can help it evolve. Who are its people? What values guide their work? Are they committed to growing, learning and doing the right thing?
Those are the questions that matter. And they’re the questions that we, as leaders, must constantly ask ourselves. How are we showing up? Are we creating space for every “me” to thrive? Are we building a culture that is inclusive, intentional and anchored in shared values?
In today’s diverse workplace, leadership isn’t about titles; rather, it’s about stewardship. It’s about using your voice, your story and your values to shape the world around you — while also helping others do the same.
That’s the kind of culture I want to be part of. That’s the kind of leader who I strive to be.
Because, in the end, leadership isn’t about standing out — it’s about leaning in. Leaning into your values…leaning into your team…and leaning into the belief that your “me” truly matters.
Tareesa Boeyink is director of operations at PSA Network.
