Episode 263: Nick Courtright, founder and CEO of Atmosphere Press, a hybrid publishing company, discusses his approach to leadership and creating a positive culture at his company. He emphasizes hiring for kindness and creating a positive and supportive author environment. Courtright shares that his company has 24 guiding principles, including a good sense of humor, and prioritizes the author’s experience. He also discusses the importance of accountability, taking responsibility for mistakes, and the value of employee development and growth. Courtright encourages you to remember the meaningfulness of your work and to show care and respect to your customers.
Building a Positive Culture: Insights from Leadership Without Losing Your Soul
(00:00 – 00:19)
You start by always hiring for kindness and patience. At Atmosphere Press, we need team members to be responsive, encouraging, and upbeat, with a good sense of humor. These traits are integral to our positive culture, guided by 24 principles that shape our environment.
(00:20 – 01:11)
David introduces the podcast, “Leadership Without Losing Your Soul,” now in its 17th season. Today’s guest, Nick Courtright, founder and CEO of Atmosphere Press, will discuss human-centered leadership and the unique positive culture at his company.
(01:12 – 03:14)
Nick shares his earliest memory as a leader. Being the oldest of six siblings, he naturally took on leadership roles, albeit not always with enlightened methods. These experiences taught him valuable lessons in leading and encouraging others positively.
(03:15 – 05:42)
David and Nick bond over their shared experiences as the oldest siblings. They reflect on how childhood leadership methods, although unrefined, contributed to their growth and understanding of positive leadership and the importance of a supportive culture.
(05:43 – 08:02)
Nick narrates his unexpected journey to becoming a CEO. Initially a writer and academic, he transitioned into publishing when he helped an author publish a book. This shift led to the founding of Atmosphere Press, where he emphasized a positive, author-centric culture.
Leading with Kindness in Publishing: Putting Authors First
(08:03 – 11:07)
Atmosphere Press is a hybrid publishing company. Nick explains how their author-first approach contrasts with traditional publishing. Their model ensures that authors retain rights and royalties, fostering a positive culture where authors feel valued and supported.
(11:08 – 13:38)
Nick highlights the importance of kindness in their company culture. They hire individuals who are encouraging, patient, and have a good sense of humor. This positive culture ensures authors receive constructive feedback and support throughout their publishing journey.
(13:39 – 17:20)
David shares a personal anecdote about the impact of positive feedback on authors. Nick emphasizes that their team’s kindness and encouragement are crucial in maintaining a positive culture that respects and uplifts authors, even when delivering constructive criticism.
(17:21 – 21:32)
Nick discusses Atmosphere Press’s guiding principles, such as transparency and kindness. These principles create a positive culture, ensuring ethical interactions with authors and fostering trust and respect. Their transparent contract and ethical practices set them apart.
(21:33 – 25:55)
David and Nick delve into the potential conflicts between guiding principles and how to balance them. Nick explains that while some principles may conflict, it’s essential to use intuition and context to navigate these situations, always prioritizing the company’s core values.
Cultivating Positive Culture in Leadership
(25:56 – 31:41)
Nick shares how he fosters a positive culture within his team by promoting cross-training and skill development. He encourages employees to explore new roles and responsibilities, ensuring they stay engaged and motivated. This approach nurtures a positive and dynamic work environment.
(31:42 – 34:51)
David and Nick explore the importance of acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility. At Atmosphere Press emphasizes accountability and creates a safe space for employees to own their errors. This practice reinforces a positive culture of trust and continuous improvement.
(34:52 – 44:29)
In conclusion, Nick underscores the principle of remembering how meaningful the work is. This North Star principle guides Atmosphere Press’s positive culture, ensuring that everyone remains dedicated to providing the best possible care and support to their authors.
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