Creating Culture: Empowered Leadership For Systems Change

by Jyoti Jani

Creating Empowered Leadership for Systems Change offers a transformative approach to building organizations that not only succeed but also nourish the people within them. In a world where traditional power structures often stifle creativity, performance and equity, this book shows how innovative leadership can drive meaningful change at every level.

Author Jyoti Jani draws on over two decades years of leadership experience at Boeing and beyond while bringing her unique perspective as a woman of color, engineer, and social scientist. Through candid stories, exclusive interviews with industry leaders, and a focus on intersectionality, Jani unveils how empathy, creativity and empowerment are powerful tools for driving systemic change.

In Creating Empowered Leadership for Systems Change, you’ll discover how and navigate the interconnected layers of organizational systems, from the micro to the macro.Cultivate a culture of creativity, belonging, and resilience within your teams and organizations.Leverage your unique identity and experiences to become a more effective, creative and inclusive leader.Learn from leaders like Indra Nooyi, Aubrey Blanche, Don Kennedy, and Dennis O’Donoghue, who have successfully challenged the status quo to create more creative and thriving organizations.
With research-backed frameworks, actionable tools, and reflective exercises designed to inspire anyone committed to creating meaningful change in their organizations and beyond, Jani provides a roadmap to building cultures where innovation thrives, power and resources are distributed effectively, and everyone has the capacity to contribute their best, most impactful work. This is more than a book. It’s a blueprint for transforming our organizations and our world.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2025

Reviews

[Jaspreet Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaping the Work Culture

Jyoti Jani's Creating culture is structured into 4 parts with 15 chapters spread over 314 pages allowing the reader to take a peek into work culture and dynamics of the organizational environment. Jyoti Jani builds on a fundamental premise - While it seems Culture continually shapes us, but we continually shape our cultures.

A significant personal learning from the book was the importance of dissenting feedback, which often gets suppressed. The author excels at explaining complex concepts, layering them down one by one with remarkable sequential clarity. Complementing the context, the images encapsulate better understanding and accessibility to the reader.

Creating Culture renders a practical guide gearing up the reader with tools to actively participate in growth of organizational culture.

[Nazia Sultana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jyoti Jani’s Creating Culture is a refreshing and insightful guide for people looking to lead life with purpose and empathy. Talking about her rich experiences at Boeing and her work with diverse communities, Jani shows that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about connection. She shows how building trust, creativity, and emotional intelligence can transform organizations from rigid structures into dynamic, inclusive spaces. Through real-life stories and tools, the book offers a roadmap for leaders to cultivate cultures where everyone feels valued and empowered.



Key takeaway: True leadership thrives on empathy and collaboration, creating environments where innovation and inclusivity go hand in hand.

[Shanley Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a leadership book to make me reflect so deeply-not just about the systems I’m a part of, but how I show up as a person within them. Creating Culture is filled with wisdom drawn from real-life leadership, and you can tell the author has “lived” what she teaches. I was particularly inspired by how Jyoti Jani doesn’t just talk about innovation and culture but walks you through how to apply it. From stories about Boeing to ideas about intersectionality and empathy, this book speaks to the leader in all of us especially those who don’t always see themselves represented.

Recommended for anyone who wants to lead with more heart, make real change, or build something meaningful with others.

[Sai · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lesson on Rethinking power and conflict got me really thinking. At the very beginning of it author has mentioned a quote which sums it all. "Power is not the ability to control others. Power is the ability to create change". I liked Jani's thoughts on conflict management. She says Conflict itself is not the problem. It’s how an organization interprets and handles that conflict. Empathic leaders handles it with care and transparency. A creative leader guides their teams to reshape the organisation to become more democratic and compassionate.

Plus the concept of "The Drama Traingle" is such a unique and interesting takeaway.

[Aiden Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book is the balance of heart and head. Jyoti Jani brings a fresh, deeply thoughtful voice to leadership. She shares how empathy and identity especially for women and underrepresented professionals can be transformed into tools for strategic change. I appreciated the interviews with leaders like Indra Nooyi and others, but even more the parts where Jyoti shared her own growth and setbacks. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about perfection-it’s about showing up with purpose.

Recommended for anyone who wants to create a more thoughtful, supportive, and values-driven environment in their circle-whether at home, work, or in community.

[Silva Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read several leadership books over the years, but what stood out here is how actionable it is. The frameworks, interviews, and reflective prompts made me stop, think, and jot things down that I want to implement right away. Jyoti’s experience shines through-this isn’t repackaged theory. It’s been stress-tested in complex environments. Her approach to creating equitable systems feels both idealistic and grounded. The mix of lived experience and academic insight made it both credible and very relatable.

Recommended for first-time managers, team leads, and anyone committed to building workplaces that support creativity, equity, and real innovation.

[Ram Vinay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jyoti Jani's book is like a mirror and a map. I saw my own struggles in my stories, especially when she talked about feeling unseen despite working hard. Interviews added great values- I liked insight from Indra Noyoi. His advice on flexibility was really with me. I also liked how Jyoti encouraged the readers to reflect, not just read. The chapter of creativity stopped me and saw my job not only as tasks, but also as a place to bring ideas into life. This is the first time I have seen leadership through identity, and it matters a lot to me. By the last page, I realized that both were understood and encouraged. This hoped me that change is possible from wherever you are.

[Abhishek Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encourages focus shifting towards positive organisational change movement towards traditional to modern approach.It highlight importance of empathy, self awareness, social skills in effective leadership.this book filled up stories and interviews with leaders how to implement these ideas. She has been a pivotal force in champion equity and innovation leading team to success by creativity and systems thinking.It encourages open communication and listening and creating opportunities for collaboration and teamwork and rewarding employees who embody the desired culture.fostering growth mindset and encourage continuous learning

[Shubhadarshani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jyoti Jani openly critiques the negativity of capture culture. Capture culture is a culture with persistent focus on control, conformity, short-term profits and employee's submission. Author shares her personal experience about how her workplace was demanding constant submission, offered no support towards her health and wellbeing even during illness. That's when she decided to leave that path and founded a consultancy which helps organisations cultivate culture that prioritise inclusion, psychological safely and innovation.

[Sophiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a chapter in this book "Power of Empathy" which felt thought provoking to me. I agreed when author said that the current culture has convinced us that there's no place for empathy in workplace decision-making. This approach needs to be worked upon. We need to recognise the Power of empathy. Consciously practicing it can lead to more ethical and sustainable success. Because when we lack empathy at workplace, we suppress creativity and different perspectives from emerging as employees don't feel safe to share their views.

[Ethan Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I learned from creating culture. The book talks about leadership in a way that seems honest and remarkable. This helped me see that the building trust and honor are the key to a strong team. The writer's advice felt personal, as if someone is sharing a lesson with a real experience. Since reading this, I have started trying new ways to support my colleagues, and I am already seeing positive changes. This book is a great guide to someone who wants to improve his leadership skills.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book “ creating culture “ as it offers leaders looking for long term success , practical tactics that can be put into practice right away.
This book simplify leadership by emphasising faith building and empowering others over control. The author supplies useful examples that give a new angle, and the book has provided me with the real world ideas to apply at work.
This book is a great starting point for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills and create a better work environment.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Jyoti Jani uses her 20+ years of experience including at Boeing to show how real change starts with empowered leadership.

The book combines research real-life stories, interviews with leaders like Indira Nooyi and Aubrey Blanche.

If you’re leading a team where only a few people speak up during meetings the author explains how to shift the culture to make everyone feel heard and valued. She offers simple thoughtful steps like rotating meeting roles, asking quieter team members for input in one-on-one chats to help leaders make space for all voices. This book is a must read.

[Luke Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was honestly like a quiet conversation with my better self. This reminded me that the leadership is not about being correct; It is about being present. By creating culture, I was given words for things that I had felt for a long time, but did not know how to express. Focused on sympathy, communication and responsibility. This is not just a commercial book - it talks to your values, your development and your team's heart. I finished the last page with a strange mixture of cool and courage.

[Ayush Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encourages focus shifting towards positive organisational change movement towards traditional to modern approach.It highlight importance of empathy, self awareness, social skills in effective leadership.this book filled up stories and interviews with leaders how to implement these ideas. She has been a pivotal force in champion equity and innovation leading team to success by creativity and systems thinking.It encourages open communication and listening and creating opportunities for collaboration and teamwork and rewarding employees who embody the desired culture.fostering growth mindset and encourage continuous learning.

[Dora Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t just inspire- it equips. Jyoti Jani masterfully bridges systems theory, inclusive leadership, and cultural empowerment in a way that feels both academic and deeply personal. Her insights are grounded in years of experience and infused with authenticity, making this read powerful and actionable. From fostering psychological safety to navigating complex systems, this is a toolkit every forward-thinking leader needs.

Highly recommended for changemakers, HR leaders and anyone passionate about progressive leadership.

[Arish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jyoti Jani's Creating Culture: Empowered Leadership for Systems Change is not a mere book; it is a revelation. I felt like somehow, from the very beginning, I was being handed a compass to work with leadership in deep, human ways. Her insight, especially from a woman of color's point of view, resonated powerfully. One line that I kept saying to myself," Empathy is not a soft skill-it's a survival strategy." Almost everything I have thought about leadership has been challenged by this book-the biggest learning experience for me. Every future change-maker should read it.

[Christina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the culture that makes culture felt like a breath of fresh air. The author explains leadership in a very human way - it is about connection, trust and respect. I liked how the book focuses on empowering others, rather than to explain what to do. This gave me some simple tools to improve my team's culture, and I already see small positive changes. For someone to develop into a leader and build a better workplace, this book is a great start.

[Melissa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I enjoyed creating culture, it explains leadership in simple terms. This is not about control, but about building faith and empowering others. The author shares good examples that helped me see things differently. The book gave me new ideas to try at work, and it made a difference between my team working together. If you want a practical and thoughtful leadership book, it is a solid option.

[Tiffany Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating culture I realized that leadership is a daily practice, not a situation. The clear advice of the book helped me understand how small tasks could build trust and respect over time. I appreciate simple examples that made it easy to understand complex ideas. After reading, I am focusing more on creating a positive and supportive environment at work. I think this book can help any leader who wants to make a real difference.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked the most about creating culture is its focus on real people and real changes. The author explains how leaders can create an environment where everyone feels valuable. It is not about being a boss but to help others grow. The book gave me good ideas that I could start using immediately. Since reading this, I am more aware of how I affect my team's culture. This should be read for leaders who take care.

[Jennifer Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting a lot from creating culture, but it surprised me in a good way. The book talks about leadership in a simple and honest way, making it easier to be related to it. I liked how it focuses on respect and trust instead of control. After implementing some tips, I noticed that my team feels more inspired and connected. I recommend this book to new leaders or anyone to refresh their leadership skills.

[Carter Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the creation of culture was shown to me that leadership is really about faith and respect. The author does not only talk about being a boss, but helps others grow. It was easy to be related to shared stories, and advice felt honest and realistic. This book helped me change my attitude about leadership to support from control. It is a small but meaningful that I suggest anyone to try to make a positive difference between my team or company.

[James Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I created culture, I was not sure what expecting. But as I read, I realized that this book has a simple yet powerful message: leadership is about people, not only about actions. This thought me about how I treat my team and what kind of environment I want to create. Thoughts seem practical, not only theory. After implementing some tips, I saw a better mood and more cooperation in my group. If you want to make your workplace happy and more productive, this book is definitely a good read.

[Wyatt Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The creation of culture was in my opinion, a wonderful mix between theory and behavior. In addition to discussing leadership, the author offers step-by-step instructions to create powerful cultures. I was inspired by the book to focus more on empowerment and sympathy. Now I am more conscious about how my actions affect other people. Anyone should try it to increase their team culture and leadership.

[Mason Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

After creating culture, I understand that leadership is not only about the title, but about the tasks that create faith. The author's examples helped me see how culture shapes the work environment. The book gave me useful ideas to encourage open communication and teamwork. It is written in a simple, clear way that made me easy to learn and grow. I will seriously recommend this book to anyone about leadership.

[Noah Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaders who want to leave rigid, old management approaches can refresh this book. Culture -making book shows how to create a work environment, where employees feel inspired and comfortable. Class concepts are simple to understand due to the relativity and clarity of writing. Since implementing some strategies, I have observed better communication and teamwork. For contemporary leaders who desire significant changes, it is a necessary read.

[Hunter Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The culture -making book actually changed my view on leadership. This made me realize that the leaders who actually care about the welfare of their team are those who establish culture. The legends helped me remember the lessons, and the author's advice is clear. I have already started implementing some suggestions to make the workplace more welcome and transparent. Anyone who wants to lead leadership, in my opinion, should read it.

[Caleb Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating culture was a very useful and inspiring book for me to read. The author emphasizes that being a leader is more than just giving instructions; It is also about knowing and listening to others. I was able to see how the minor attitude adjustment could also benefit the entire team. I am inspired to empower my colleagues and Foster Trust after reading this book. Whoever wants to lead with compassion and purpose will be considered a useful manual.

[Ruchi Vishwakarma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a leader and looking to empower your teams for a lasting success, "Creating Culture" offers useful strategies that can be applied immediately. Overall this book offers valueable insights for anyone looking for lasting success by shaping the culture at work. Author Jyoti Jani makes this book enriched with personal experiences and anecdotes which makes the book less theoretical and more engaging.