Culture is about making tough choices, like deciding not to hire a highly skilled candidate if they don't fit well with the team.

The core pieces of culture that are most important in building out a company include who you hire and their values, the daily activities and their purpose, what you choose to communicate, and what you celebrate or punish.

The first 10 hires are crucial because they set the tone for the company culture; each person hired can influence the next 10 people, making those initial decisions highly consequential.

Culture is about who you are and how you behave; it's essential to be intentional about the culture you create within your team.

At the early stage of your startup, it's important to think about culture because the first 20 employees will shape the company's cultural DNA and influence future hiring and training.

It's crucial to bring in the right people as you build a company, ensuring they are skilled in their roles and fit well within the culture.

Company culture is vital for long-term success, even if it doesn't seem like an immediate risk. As The Muse grew from 12 to over 80 employees, I realized that establishing core values and ensuring alignment during hiring is essential for maintaining a strong culture. The culture screen of asking if you'd want to get a beer with someone can overlook incredible candidates who are different from you.

The key to a strong company culture lies in hiring the right people and recognizing their contributions, which ultimately leads to better results.

Establishing a strong company culture from the beginning is vital; it guides decision-making and helps employees align with the company's values and goals.