Episode 9: It's Not Too Late: Building Culture-First Startups and Reinventing Yourself

In this episode of Bright Ideas, host Desiree B. Sharpe sits down with Rachel Sutherland, Vice President of People and Operations at Respondology, for a conversation on scaling with culture at the center. Rachel explains why Respondology made the rare choice to bring on a people leader early and how that decision has shaped everything from core values to employee experience. She shares how values like “ownership without ego” and “whistle while you work” come to life in day-to-day operations, and why they matter in a fast-growing startup. Rachel also opens up about her unconventional leadership journey, the leap of faith that brought her into startup life, and the lessons she’s carried forward. Together, she and Desiree look at how AI, transparency, and intentional growth are driving Respondology’s next chapter. Leaders interested in building strong teams without sacrificing culture will find this episode full of practical insights and inspiration.

Connect with Rachel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-sutherland-3833a5186/

Respondology Website: https://respondology.com/