3 Lessons for PG's 23rd Birthday

Populus Group turns 23 today! Birthdays are a time to celebrate, but they’re also a chance to reflect.

I often ask recently selected PG Climbers if they had life all figured out in their early 20’s. It’s a reflective, and rhetorical, way of creating a safe environment for them to know that PG doesn’t have it all figure out either. We need their voice – I expect their voice. We’re 23 years old on September 9th. Far from figuring it all out, and deeply grateful for what we’ve learned.

Here are 3 lessons I Pay Forward so that you too may experience what we do at Populus Group every day:

1. Share your Story to build connection. 

Building a community fueled by purpose is insanely hard – and worth every scar, tear, and mistake.   When leaders share their story with sincerity, it unlocks a deeper connection with their teams.  I hesitated initially, fearing judgement.  I was wrong.  When I shared my “Bus Story” it sparked something profound – people related and rallied around the vision.  The simple act of storytelling transformed my company into a community.  I often say that the stories we tell today, determine the chapters we write tomorrow.  The chapters we write tomorrow, are better written together.   

2. Trust is the only metric that really matters.

Trust isn’t a declaration – it’s a habit built thru small actions. Leaders must live the values they expect from others, because the people we lead will hear what we do before they hear what we say. I remind leaders that consistency on its own is a form of greatness. The trust required to build something special isn’t formed with a single gesture, it’s layered slowly through every promise kept and every word followed by action.      

3. Culture is the emotional signature of leadership.  

Culture starts with who we are and the deep sense of belonging we all share. I believe great cultures are intentionally designed by building identity, guiding behavior, and speaking a common language. Leaders who want a great culture for their organization must passionately describe the daring dream they imagine and never attempt to create it by themselves. Your people will bring to life your vision in a way you could never have imagined.   

At 23 years, we’re still learning, still growing, and still celebrating the people who make this journey possible. Thank you Populus Group for 23 amazing years. The best part of our story hasn’t been written yet.