Zappos learned the importance of defining core values early on, rather than waiting until the company grew larger. We wrote our core values down before hiring anyone, which took about six to seven months to finalize.

Establishing company values early helps guide decision-making. If everyone knows the framework for decisions, they are more likely to make consistent choices that align with the company's goals.

When I moved into the CEO role, I had to be clear on our purpose and the values and culture we wanted to instill in the organization.

We created a core values interview process to ensure that new hires share our beliefs and values, which is crucial for maintaining our culture.

There need to be foundational values and a clear goal to enable and inspire people in our work.

It's crucial to build the right culture from day one by defining your values and aligning your team with the company's vision and mission.

Aligning on core values is crucial for successful relationships, as values dictate the tough decisions we face together.

As a company grows, it's crucial to find people who share your values, as the small decisions they make can significantly impact success or failure.

It's important to communicate your company's mission and core values clearly, as everyone should know them by heart to ensure alignment in decision-making.