Ginger Hardage retired as Senior Vice President of Culture and Communications at Southwest Airlines after 25 years. She led a team of 150 people responsible for building and sustaining the organization's culture and communications enterprise. In 2017, she launched Unstoppable Cultures to help organizations create and sustain great cultures.
Ginger was recognized as a global authority on organizational culture and played a vital role in nourishing Southwest's culture and communications function. She received numerous honors throughout her career and currently serves as Global Chairman of the Board for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Ginger's speaking topics include debunking lies about organizational culture, creating and sustaining enduring greatness in organizations, building a brand from the inside out, and the power of purpose. She also shares insights on attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent.
In this session, Ginger Hardage emphasises that the key to successful branding lies in people. Drawing on her 25 years at Southwest Airlines, she explains how employee engagement is crucial for a brand's identity. Ginger illustrates that an organisation's internal culture directly influences its external perception. Attendees will learn how to foster an "employee first" culture, ensuring employees feel engaged, empowered, and aligned with the company's purpose.
Ginger Hardage highlights the shift in organisational success from mere profit generation to a deeper, purpose-driven approach. Unlike previous generations, today’s leaders recognise that aligning their organisations with a meaningful purpose engages employees and customers alike. Ginger will share insights from leading companies that effectively integrate purpose and values into every aspect of their operations, including hiring and performance management. Attendees will learn how to harness purpose to drive organisational success.
Ginger Hardage, former Chief Culture & Communications Officer at Southwest Airlines, highlights the importance of attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent for organisational success. With a remarkable 96% employee retention rate, Southwest has long been recognised as a leading employer. In her keynote, Ginger reveals the timeless strategies that have contributed to this success, alongside insights from other top companies, equipping attendees with actionable approaches to enhance their own organisational culture.
Ginger Hardage addresses common misconceptions about organisational culture, such as the belief that it cannot be changed or that empowering employees leads to a loss of control. She debunks these myths and presents the five lies that hinder cultural transformation. Attendees will learn how to intentionally create a thriving culture, enabling their organisations to become unstoppable. By understanding these truths, leaders can foster a more engaged and effective workplace.
Ginger Hardage explores the concept of "Unstoppable Cultures," highlighting how every company possesses a unique culture that can either attract or repel talent. She emphasises the importance of intentionality in nurturing a supportive environment and the power of storytelling. Attendees will discover the key characteristics of these thriving cultures and leave with practical, inspiring strategies to cultivate the ideal culture within their own organisations.
