How does a company that starts with a meaningful mission slowly become a place people no longer trust?
It happens more often than most leaders realize. Organizations begin with a desire to serve customers, employees, and communities, but over time, pressure for short-term results can quietly pull them away from the values that once defined them. The result isn't just declining performance—it's the loss of trust, purpose, and humanity.
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with entrepreneur, bestselling author, and Lean Startup creator Eric Ries to explore why great companies lose their way—and what leaders can do to prevent it. Drawing on insights from his new book, Incorruptible, Eric introduces the idea of financial gravity, the invisible force that pulls organizations away from long-term value creation and toward short-term extraction. Through stories of companies like Costco, Microsoft, Walmart, Amazon, and Silicon Valley Bank, he reveals why trust is an organization's greatest competitive advantage and how leaders can build institutions that endure.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why successful companies often drift away from their original mission
- How "financial gravity" quietly reshapes leadership decisions
- The difference between building shareholder value and building lasting trust
- What organizations like Costco have done to protect their values as they grow
- Why culture alone isn't enough to keep companies aligned
- Practical strategies for creating organizations that people believe in
- How leaders can build businesses that succeed without losing their humanity
Whether you're leading a startup, a global organization, or a small team, this conversation offers a practical blueprint for creating a culture where people trust the mission as much as the results. Because the companies that stand the test of time don't just grow bigger. They stay true to what made them worth building in the first place.
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Full Show Notes
Download the companion Substack Article and Workbook
Learn More About Eric Ries: https://www.ericries.com
Get Eric's New Book: Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great
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Disclaimer
The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
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