Culture: The Netflix Way

Media People Newsletter
Written and curated by Victor Genova · June 17, 2025 · Issue #27

Welcome to the twenty-sixth issue of the Media People Newsletter. In this issue:

• CULTURE: How Netflix maintains its creative edge

• LEADERSHIP: Great leaders think like farmers

• PODCAST: TIEJA INC. Founder & Communications Strategist, Tieja MacLaughlin

• HUMOUR: Putting simple chores on your resume

• Subscribe to the Media People Podcast on YouTube

• Subscribe to the Media People Newsletter

CULTURE

How Netflix Maintains its Creative Edge

Netflix doesn’t just make hits, it builds high-performing teams with surgical precision. According to CTO Elizabeth Stone, the company’s edge comes down to talent density: only the best get hired, and if you’re not someone your boss would fight to keep, you’re out. That’s the logic behind their infamous Keeper Test.

Candor is the norm, feedback is direct, decisions are transparent, and there’s zero tolerance for office politics. Employees get massive freedom, but with it comes the expectation of ownership and results. No babysitting, just trust.

Stone’s own career? A lesson in curiosity over rigid planning: follow your interests, take smart risks, and keep improving.

LEADERSHIP

How Great Leaders Think Like Farmers

Dr. Christian Poensgen believes great leaders think like farmers, outlining 7 different practices to help you do the same:

1) Don’t shout at the crops 🔇
↳ Pressure kills potential.
↳ Guide with clarity, not force.

2) Don’t blame the crops 🤝
↳ Growth takes effort, not fault.
↳ Support beats criticism every time.

3) Don’t uproot the crops 🌱
↳ Progress needs patience.
↳ Let roots grow before you judge.

4) Choose the best plants for the soil 🌾
↳ People thrive in the right role.
↳ Match strengths to challenges.

Get steps 5-7, along with Dr. Poensgen’s full list here.

MEDIA PEOPLE PODCAST

 TIEJA INC. Founder & Communications Strategist, Tieja MacLaughlin

SPORTS! 🏑 SPORTS! 🏒 SPORTS! ⚾ From sports media to crisis management, TIEJA INC. Founder & Communications Strategist, Tieja MacLaughlin joins Episode 118 of the Media People Podcast. We chat…

🎯 Running a communications firm focused on crisis management
🎯 Delivering a career-changing elevator pitch…on an elevator
🎯 Why extra curricular activities are the most important part of university
🎯 Interning with the Ottawa Senators
🎯 Competitive dancing

Our full episode is available here.

HUMOUR

FOLLOW THE MEDIA PEOPLE PODCAST

Watch, listen & subscribe: YouTube, Spotify, & Apple Podcasts

Follow on social media: Instagram, TikTok, & X