Ep 71: Engineering a Culture You Can’t "Untaste"

Guest Bio:

Zach Christensen is a co-founder of Lifestyle Medical and an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who helps visionary partners bring innovative medical devices to life, from concept through FDA clearance, scalable manufacturing, and market launch. Guided by Lifestyle's F.I.R.M. G.R.I.P. values—Family, Integrity, Respect, Mutual Success, Gratitude, Responsibility, Intelligence, and Perseverance—Zach leads with faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to building purpose-driven teams. He is a husband, father of four, keynote speaker, lifelong learner, and unapologetic bookaholic.

Follow Zach Christensen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zcchristensen

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Episode Highlights:

Zach Christensen, co-founder of Lifestyle Medical, discusses how he transitioned from a mechanical engineer to an entrepreneur by focusing on the "human side" of a technical industry. He argues that when you prioritize people—both team members and clients—profit becomes a natural byproduct rather than a forced objective.

The core of Zach’s philosophy is that culture isn’t just a feeling; it’s a system. By "engineering" culture through daily habits, shared values, and continuous learning, Lifestyle Medical has built a resilient team that thrives on mutual success and perseverance.

1. Daily huddles

• The A1 Priority: Every team member identifies the one thing they must get done today.
• Gamify Success: Implement a point system for hitting daily priorities (e.g., 25 points = a gift card) to build momentum.
• Value Spotlight: Have one team member share a 2-minute thought on one of your company values every day.

2. "Luncheteers”

• Start a Book Club: Use a shared reading list to build a common language.
• Define Your "Why": Use the RISE acronym (Reinforce culture, shared Idioms, Synergize, Expand/Grow).
• Rotate Facilitation: Let different team members lead the discussion to develop their leadership skills.

3. The Quarterly "Pulse" Meeting

• Transparency: Share new initiatives and business updates so everyone sees the "big picture."
• Open Q&A: Create a safe space for any question.
• Pro Tip: As a leader, be comfortable with silence. Wait until someone asks a question to prove you are truly listening.

4. Behavioral Guideposts

• Filter Decisions Through Values: When facing a tough choice, stop and ask: "Does this align with [Value X]?"
• Address Misalignment Early: Use the communication skills learned in your book club to have hard conversations when someone isn't living the values.‍
• Check out Lifestyle Medical's Luncheteer's book list:
  
  2024 – Year of Communication
  Q1 – How to Win Friends & Influence People – Carnegie
  Q2 – Crucial Conversations – Patterson, Grenny, et al.
  Q3 – Never Split the Difference – Voss
  Q4 – Radical Candor – Scott
  
  2025 – Year of Responsibility
  Q1 – Extreme Ownership – Willink & Babin
  Q2 – Chop Wood, Carry Water – Medcalf
  Q3 – Finish What You Start – Hollins
  Q4 – The Mountain Is You – Wiest
  
  2026 – Year of Gratitude
  Q1 – A Simple Act of Gratitude – Kralik
  Q2 – Thanks! – Emmons

Learn more about Lifestyle Medical's culture: lifestyleengr.com/careers

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