Welcome to the winter copy of our newsletter
As we reflect on the past year, one theme stood out clearly: more CEOs than ever recognise that culture really matters. We’ve seen a clear shift in attitudes – deliberate work on culture is no longer seen as a “nice to have”, but as a fundamental part enabling growth and long-term success.
From Boardrooms to teams, we’ve seen the power of values brought to life through everyday actions, thoughtful leadership and a shared commitment to change that truly sticks. Through our client work, research and the ideas we’ve shared on LinkedIn, we’ve continued to focus on practical, evidence-based ways to make culture a real strategic advantage.
In this newsletter, we share a few highlights from the year gone by, what we’re looking forward to next, and mark a special milestone as one of our co-directors prepares for his next chapter.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We hope you enjoy reading.
The New Year brings big changes for Pecan
After 12 years at Pecan, Andy Loveless is retiring, bringing to a close an incredible chapter in his career. As a Co-Founder, Andy has been at the heart of Pecan from the very beginning and his calm, knowledgeable presence has been integral in shaping the direction and growth of our business. His thoughtful approach, steady guidance and deep understanding of culture and organisations have left a lasting mark on Pecan, our associates and clients alike.
In Andy’s own words:
“After 50 years of work, I’m hanging up my boots!
It’s been a brilliant journey and I have been fortunate to work with many top-quality and inspirational people along the way, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
Most particularly from the Programmes and Merchants era of the 1980s and early 90s, through a decade of Minerva and the last 11 years in Pecan, which has been a career highpoint, working with purposeful leaders and organisations to build great workplace cultures.
Thank you to clients for putting your trust in us and suppliers that have supported us.
And a massive thank you to my two Pecan co-directors Ella and Penny, who have been the best business partners I could ever dream of.
So what’s next? More travel adventures, time with friends and family, golf, personal fitness, longer and slower dog walks, and learning new things (mostly cooking at the moment!). And who knows what else may be waiting in the wings — I’m staying open.”
Co-Founder Ella Overshott adds:
“It’s with a happy-sad heart that we say goodbye to Andy. Happy because we know his retirement will be full of fun and new adventures and sad because we’ll miss him! I’ve personally loved working alongside him with our clients. His optimism and open spirit brings the very best out of everyone he works with. Pecan people bring a commercial, business practicality mixed with the very best of understanding how people tick and Andy embodies this. Enjoy your next chapter Andy – looking forward to trading stories at the cricket!”
Co-Founder Penny Loveless adds:
“I echo Ella’s happy-sad sentiments. As we live in the same house I will probably see more of Andy than I did prior to his retirement, and I am very much enjoying being the direct beneficiary of his new found interest in cooking. I just hope Andy doesn’t get fed up with me bouncing business ideas off him over supper, as he is, and always has been, a brilliant and inspired sounding board.”
As we step into a new year, organisations are thinking about how to create a culture where people can do their best work. To help, we’re sharing our latest insight, which offers 10 practical tips for keeping your workplace healthy. From role-modelling behaviour to having tough conversations, these steps create an environment where people can thrive.
Supporting healthy workplace relationships
We’re excited to share that our Co-Director, Ella Overshott, is now an accredited mediator with UK Mediation.
Alongside her 20+ years as a coach and facilitator, this gives her new tools to help teams unstick difficult relationships and create shared agreements for a way forward.
Mediation isn’t just for formal complaints – it’s about creating space for people to be heard, understood, and supported. Even a single facilitated conversation can transform tense dynamics and improve collaboration that ripple through the wider team.
“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Strengthen your Board’s impact
A healthy culture is a key driver of long-term success, yet many boards struggle to assess, support, and govern culture effectively. Our Leading Culture Masterclass is designed for Chairs, Non-Executive Directors, and Executive teams looking to take a proactive approach to culture from the Boardroom.
This interactive session covers:
The Board’s role in shaping culture Identifying visible and invisible cultural risks Scenario-testing to prevent crises Key data and questions every Board should review
This session provides practical strategies and insights to help your organisation build a culture that creates and protects value.
Cracking Culture Change Podcast
🎧 Podcast Pick: Paul Barber – Culture in Action
The Cracking Culture Change podcast brings you more real-world stories and insights to help you ’crack’ your organisational culture.
One of the standout episodes of Cracking Culture Change features Paul Barber, CEO of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, discussing how the club has built and embedded a strong culture that drives performance both on and off the pitch. This episode is a fantastic example of culture being treated not as a “nice to have,” but as a strategic foundation for success – exactly the shift in mindset many organisations are prioritising as they enter the new year.
We also have two whole seasons of insightful podcasts for you to explore.
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube
In case you missed it previously, you can still access our latest research findings on how to ensure your Culture is Fit for the Future, please download our FREE research report.
Your Culture Fix Inspiration
Get your dose of insights and practical tips to support your organisation’s culture journey and visit our insights hub, here’s a couple of links to get you started.
Governing Culture from the Boardroom: A strategic Imperative for Organisational Success
The Hidden Cost of Disengagement: Why Culture and Leadership Must Change Now
