Building a people-first culture

Author: Katinka Pretorius

For me, leadership isn’t about pushing from the front at every turn. Instead, it’s about balancing when to lead decisively and when to step back and let others take the spotlight. Knowing when to take charge and when to provide support gives people space to grow and feel valued, an approach that I believe leads to a more fulfilled team and a resilient organisation.

Understanding the whole person

At Sunshinegun, we recognise that every team member brings their full self to work – their family, interests, and personal challenges. This isn’t a side note, it’s a critical component of their success and ours. Taking time to connect with the individual – to notice life events, both big and small – allows us to foster an environment where people feel seen and respected. When leaders recognise that their team members are more than their job titles, they create a culture of empathy and connection that benefits everyone.

The balance of leading and supporting

The traditional image of the all-knowing, all-powerful leader has given way to something far more sustainable: a flexible leadership style that adapts to the needs of the moment. There are times when my role requires decisive leadership, and times when I step back, allowing the team’s strengths to shine. This balance has a profound impact on our team’s morale and performance, enabling each person to feel empowered and trusted. This flexible approach ensures we remain resilient, adapting to the natural ebb and flow of energy and challenges.

Fostering a culture of beauty

The world of creativity and brand-building is, at its best, an environment where beauty and innovation flourish. Every interaction with our clients, from briefings to brainstorming sessions, is crafted to inspire and to be memorable. Our goal is to ensure that each client meeting is the highlight of their day – a moment that reinforces the value of creativity in business. This culture of creating beauty extends to our internal operations and reflects a commitment to excellence that is both genuine and transformative.

The power of staying forever young

The balance of experience and youthful curiosity is vital in any industry, but it is especially crucial in creative fields. While experience lends stability, youthful curiosity brings fresh perspectives that fuel innovation. At Sunshinegun, we actively nurture this through mentorship programmes, internships, and scholarships, creating an environment where young talent feels both safe and inspired to express themselves. This approach not only strengthens our team’s capabilities but also keeps us aligned with an ever-evolving world.

Leading with recommitment

Building a thriving, people-centred culture requires more than good intentions. It’s a daily practice, a conscious recommitment to values that foster growth, creativity, and connection. Every day, we can ask ourselves: are we creating a space where each person can thrive? I believe that if we make this question central to our leadership, we will build teams that are resilient, engaged, and passionate about their work.

Ultimately, a people-first culture isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential in a world where employee expectations are evolving as rapidly as the markets we serve. For those of us who are privileged to lead, our greatest legacy will be the people we empower, the teams we uplift, and the environments we create that allow talent to shine.