Building Culture Through Intentional Values with Melanie Ducholke from AFSC (Episode 2)

In this episode, Trina McCarroll talks with Melanie Ducholke, Chief People Officer at the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), about the dynamic relationship between organizational culture and strategy. Melanie shares the important processes undertaken by AFSC to redefine their core values, align them with organizational strategy, and implement them. Learn how AFSC’s dedication to purposeful values has impacted both employees and clients and contributed to their success.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

  • Values should resonate with team members to be effective. 

  • Courageous conversations are essential for a healthy culture. 

  • Leadership plays a crucial role in embedding values. 

  • Assuming positive intent can transform communication. 

  • A people-first approach enhances client service. 

  • Data-driven insights can reshape organizational culture. 

  • Values should be actionable and relatable. 

  • Engagement surveys help gauge cultural health. 

  • Creating a shared vocabulary fosters better relationships. 

  

NEXT STEPS 

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00:00 Developing Organizational Culture and Values 

01:18 Linking Strategy and Culture 

04:13 Implementing Values in Daily Operations 

06:52 Fostering Positive Communication and Relationships 

09:51 Client-Centric Approach and Adaptability 

21:04 Digital First Mindset 

22:55 Values in Action 

25:24 Engaging Employees with Values 

26:41 Leadership and Culture 

28:07 Defining Values and Behaviors 

30:54 Courageous Conversations 

31:11 Challenges in Implementation 

31:13 Encouraging Difficult Conversations 

31:13 Handling Resistance to Values 

 

ABOUT MELANIE DUCHOLKE: 

With over 25 years of experience in the public industry and more than 20 years in leadership positions, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge and a diverse perspective to her current role. Her extensive background includes teaching business courses, which has further enriched her understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership.  

Melanie is a strong advocate for continual learning and development, always eager to seize opportunities to learn from others. She is a collaborative leader who believes that success is achieved through building strong relationships across all levels of the business. Her ability to motivate teams to work together towards common goals, while ensuring individual recognition needs are met, is a testament to her exceptional leadership and communication skills. 

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Education and an MBA. She is certified as a Human Resource Management Professional and a Supply Chain Management Professional, and she also holds an EQ360 certification. These qualifications, combined with her practical experience, make her a highly effective and respected leader. 
Learn more about AFSC here or connect with Melanie on Linked In.  

ABOUT TRINA MCCARROLL:  

Trina McCarroll, CPF, CPHR helps leaders build thriving, high-performing teams through strategic planning, culture building, and transformation journeys. The team at McCarroll Consulting specializes in supporting municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and purpose-driven organizations across Alberta.  Drawing on years of experience in facilitation and organizational transformation, Trina brings practical insight, curiosity, and courage to every conversation.  

Learn more about McCarroll Consulting at www.mccarrollconsulting.com or connect with Trina on Linked In

ABOUT STRATEGY & CULTURE CONVERSATIONS:  

Strategy and Culture Conversations explores how senior leaders across Alberta navigate complexity, make intentional choices, and create teams where people can contribute their best work towards organizational success.  

Trina McCarroll

Trina McCarroll, CPF, CPHR has almost twenty years of experience supporting senior leadership teams to create thriving, high-performing organizations and teams. She specializes in strategic planning, culture building, and transformation.

You can read her full bio here.

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Collaborative Strategic Planning with Deb Cryderman from Airdrie Public Library (Episode 3)

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Strategy & Culture Conversations Across Alberta (Episode 1)