Success Advice
3 Important Principles Dreamworks Uses That You Can Apply to Your Business

Let’s take a moment to explore the culture Dreamworks has created. Of their 2,200 employees, roughly 25 percent are millennials and they have an incredible 96 percent retention rate. They are a large and creative powerhouse that has produced some of the most popular family movies. Additionally, they also have some pretty unconventional approaches to how they treat their workforce.
For instance, employees can grab free food on campus and take classes like yoga, karate, sculpting and more during work hours. According to reviews online, you could walk up to just about any employee and hear about how great the people are that work there as well.
While it seems on the surface that campus perks are the reason for retention, when you dig down deeper, there’s a lot more going on than what meets the eye.
Here are 3 important principles that Dreamworks uses that you can apply to your business too:
1. Invest in others
It was Benjamin Franklin that said “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” That could not be more true when it comes to working with millennials and Dreamworks has figured this out. So while the perks are pretty nice, it’s more the overall investment of their people that is really keeping them there.
In fact, a Gallup study shows that 87 percent of millennials say that professional development and career growth are significant to them. Combine that with the statistic that proves companies with solid training and development programs have 218 percent higher productivity and 24 percent higher profit margins, and you have a dynamic duo on your hands.
Dreamworks may treat their employees well, but it’s for good reason. You can completely borrow this principle if you consider what you can do to invest in those around you. It could be employees or even just your clients, but one thing is for sure, investing in the growth of others will be a hit no matter what generation they are.
“For our own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
2. Plan for change
Dreamworks understands that people are what make the workplace, and if we love those we work with, we will be more productive, creative, and happier to go to work. This is where the millennials are thought of as being picky when it might just be something we could all embrace more of: change.
In fact, an article from Time Magazine points to this pretty clearly. It says “Tom Brokaw, champion of the Greatest Generation, loves millennials. He calls them the Wary Generation, and he thinks their cautiousness in life decisions is a smart response to their world. He continues by saying “Their great mantra has been: Challenge convention. Find new and better ways of doing things.”
So while some complain about millennials in the workplace, Dreamworks is embracing their thoughts and challenges. They are willing to accept new ideas and see where processes and products can be improved. Millennials aren’t necessarily wanting things their way, they are just recognizing the importance of innovation in a world where everything is moving so fast.
You might be tempted to leave well enough alone and not consider how things could be better. However, the new workforce is clearly pushing boundaries and it will help you if you prepare for it. Plan for change since it is, after all, the only constant in the world today.
Consider the things you have always done the same way and open yourself up to the possibility of doing something differently. Growth happens when we get outside our comfort zone and challenge ourselves.
3. Build your own culture
A great culture is something you will find at any “Best Place to Work” company these days. The best part for most entrepreneurs is that culture is actually far easier to build the smaller your company is. So while larger companies like Dreamworks can provide the campus perks, it’s the culture that people stick around for.
A recent study showed that a high-trust culture is important for millennials in the workplace. In fact, 95 percent of millennial employees report that work/life balance is important to them. This leads to more creativity, productivity and the slow building of a great culture.
The interesting thing is, companies that build great cultures tend to have employees that see the workplace more as a second family.
“Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” – Simon Sinek
“Perhaps the most important reason I’ve been happy at Vanderbloemen for five years is because I love the people I work with. We’ve been intentional about building a contagious culture where the company and its people thrive. We’ve become a “family” that loves and supports each other, both inside and outside of work,” says Holly Tate, a millennial with more than 5 years tenure.
No matter the size of your company, culture wins. It’s the calculated, yet simple act of being intentional with your hires, placement and even the clients you work with.
Borrow from this success as a reminder to develop trust with those around you as much as possible. Take clients and employees to lunch for no reason or host an event for them. Build a culture where the people around you matter and you’ll find yourself well on your way to building the culture that works for you.
The Takeaway
As an entrepreneur, you are a driving force of innovation in the world. Your ideas and passions are needed to create a better future and build a better workplace for those coming behind you. The most important thing you can learn from this is to consider new ideas as a way to improve on what has been done for so long.
Consider what Dreamworks has achieved so you learn from it, but also recognize that their culture will include things that yours will not. All the perks and high salary in the world can’t replace the overall great culture you have the opportunity to build.
Find creative ways to invest in people and they will invest in you. By adopting these 3 principles into your business, you’ll be able to slowly build your company the way you want it while still providing a great experience for employees and clients alike.
What makes a great work culture? Let us know your thoughts below!
Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
Success Advice
Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)
The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)
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Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)
Entrepreneurs
The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025
Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”
While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.
Why This Gap Exists
Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.
What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.
Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap
Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.
1. Practice Mutual Empathy
Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.
2. Maintain Professional Boundaries
Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.
3. Follow the Golden Rule
Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.
4. Avoid Micromanagement
Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.
5. Empower Employees to Grow
Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.
6. Communicate in All Directions
Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.
7. Overcome Insecurities
Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.
8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship
True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.
9. Eliminate Favoritism
Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.
10. Recognize Efforts Promptly
Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.
11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews
When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.
12. Provide Leadership Development
Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.
13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles
Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.
The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role
Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:
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Build diverse talent pipelines
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Embrace flexible work models
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Design compelling career paths
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Simplify HR processes
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Redefine the value HR brings
The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.
Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff
When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.
Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.
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