Discover insights from Sui Lang L. Panoke’s inspiring talk at the WBIL Impact DEN event. Learn about BRIDGE-Building, strategies for culture shifts, and fostering alignment between strategy, community, and culture to create meaningful impact.
We recently kicked off the semester with our first WBIL Impact DEN event on September 16th, and it was truly a remarkable experience! Our guest speaker,Sui Lang L. Panoke, shared insights that transformed our perspectives and sparked inspiration. If you couldn't attend, don’t worry—I’ve compiled some key takeaways that highlight the invaluable lessons from her presentation. Join me as we explore how her ideas can influence our approach to business and leadership!
She is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rethink International, a global social enterprise and consulting firm focused on transforming how individuals and organizations think. With extensive experience working with leaders across various sectors—including politics, business, government, nonprofits, and media—she helps reimagine approaches to leadership, strategy, culture, and innovation.
From 2020 to 2024, Sui Lang served as Senior Vice President of Culture at Zions Bank, where she shaped the bank's strategic vision to promote community, growth, and economic inclusion. She holds a BS in Political Science from the University of Utah and an MPA from American University.
Her accolades include the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Women & Politics Institute, the 2022 Pathfinder Award from the Salt Lake Chamber, and recognition as one of Utah's 40 Over 40 in 2024. Sui Lang is also actively involved on several community and nonprofit boards, contributing to initiatives that support diversity and leadership development.
"The role of bridges is to connect, support, and uphold..."
Sui Lang L. Panoke, shared an inspiring concept with the potential to transform organizational culture: BRIDGE-Building. She characterized it as a significant method for relationship-building that leaders and organizations can integrate into their Culture Impact Strategies.
She emphasized that the Art of BRIDGE-Building guides organizations through a strategic process known as "Going to the Margins and Working Your Way In." This framework aims to strengthen culture, build community, and maximize impact.
During her talk, Sui Lang applied this approach to various contexts, including the culture of politics, corporate Utah, and higher education. Participants experienced many enlightening moments, uncovering fresh perspectives on how we have traditionally viewed and shaped strategies to influence workplace culture.
Here are some key takeaway definitions on the "RETHINK CULTURE" concept that Sui Lang emphasized:
"BRIDGE-Building occurs when strategy, culture and community work together to connect, support and uphold the values of any given community. Alignment leads to impact."
Sui Lang's insights not only challenged our existing mindsets but also opened up opportunities for innovative thinking in enhancing organizational culture. It's clear that adopting the principles of BRIDGE-Building can lead to significant advancements in how we connect, collaborate, and create impact within our communities.
"...There is value in personally experiencing, witnessing, or knowingly or unknowingly supporting discriminatory policies, practices, or behavior... People who develop the ability to acknowledge, recognize, and reconcile these truths develop a deeper awareness, understanding and propensity to offer empathy, compassion and grace when needed... These leadership traits sit at the heart of BRIDGE-Building..."
Why aren’t Culture Shifts happening on their own?
Sui Lang L. Panoke pointed out that culture shifts often fail to occur spontaneously due to a range of unspoken fears and challenges faced by both employees and leadership.
She noted that for employees, factors such as fear of job insecurity, exposure to judgment, and a lack of trust in the value of their contributions can inhibit their willingness to engage in cultural change. Additionally, personality conflicts, a lack of confidence, and the perception that the process is too difficult can lead many to opt out.
On the leadership side, Sui Lang highlighted that fears about exposure and a lack of awareness regarding existing problems can prevent the necessary acknowledgment of cultural issues. Ego and denial may further hinder progress, as leaders struggle to confront uncomfortable truths. Limited capacity and gaps in skills can also stifle initiatives, along with concerns about the financial implications of driving change.
Sui Lang underscored that addressing these barriers is essential for fostering a collaborative and effective organizational culture where meaningful shifts can take root.
I feel incredibly blessed to have attended the event with Sui Lang L. Panoke and to have absorbed her profound wisdom. Her impactful insights truly inspired many of us, particularly her emphasis on connecting, supporting, and upholding the values within our communities, which resonated with me. Through her presentation, we uncovered essential lessons on fostering meaningful relationships and embracing cultural shifts within our organizations. The concept of "RETHINK" has fundamentally transformed my perspective, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.
The WBIL extends heartfelt gratitude to Sui Lang and all the remarkable speakers we’ve had this year. We are eager to continue our journey of learning with future speakers and cherish the shared experiences with each of you. Stay tuned for our upcoming events—we can’t wait to see you there!
“Progress relies on our propensity to offer grace when needed, but not at the expense of our own self-preservation” – Sui Lang L. Panoke
