The Quiet Rebuilders – The Leadership Style Reshaping Corporate Culture in Times of Change
United States
As economic volatility and employee burnout rise, leadership is shifting. Companies are focusing not only on performance but also on how employees experience leadership. This approach emphasizes the importance of organizational culture in driving retention, employee identity, and strengthening company reputation.
The Shift from Visibility to Responsibility
Khris Baizen leads by example, not by volume. As a production team leader at Encore, a global event technology and production services provider, Baizen's leadership style represents a broader movement away from hierarchical authority to leadership grounded in trust, presence, and consistency. This shift in leadership style reflects changing expectations in the workforce and challenges traditional models of leadership that prioritize visibility over responsibility.
Earlier this year, when wildfires displaced thousands in Los Angeles, Baizen played a pivotal role in transforming a closed event venue into an emergency shelter. Without hesitation, he coordinated meals, supplies, and overnight care - turning disruption into calm for those who had nowhere else to go.. While not widely publicized, Baizen’s actions reflect the operational clarity under pressure that is increasingly becoming a hallmark of companies that prioritize cultural values over visibility.
When Culture Outlives Campaigns
At Encore, valuing people is not just a philosophical stance; it’s visible in how teams are mentored, supported, and inspired to lead with empathy. The organization has earned recognition from Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For and Great Place To Work® certifications across 11 countries, but these accolades are only a reflection of a broader organizational commitment. The recognition is a result of intentional leadership practices that empower individuals and prioritize professional development.
Khris Baizen embodies principles first articulated by Robert Greenleaf, the founder of servant leadership - a model grounded in listening, trust, and prioritizing the growth of others. Rather than commanding from the front, leaders like Baizen cultivate environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead in return.
Baizen's leadership journey reflects how organizations that believe in their people, even before they hold titles, help elevate others to leadership positions. He is a key part of this cultural shift at Encore, where investing in emerging professionals, especially those from underrepresented groups, is a cornerstone of their culture.
From Affinity to Architecture: Making Inclusion Part of the Foundation
Baizen's influence extends beyond Encore’s internal leadership culture. As Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Global Advisory Committee at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), he contributes to developing initiatives that prioritize both psychological safety and structural inclusion.
Employee resource groups at Encore are more than spaces for affinity—they have become integral to the company’s infrastructure. Groups like enABLE and the Asian & Pacific Islanders at Encore serve as internal accelerators, helping to surface blind spots, incubate trust, and strengthen the organization’s emotional intelligence.
At the helm of this work, Baizen has focused on designing frameworks that future leaders can build upon. His work is emblematic of a trend towards structural inclusion in the business events world, where diversity and inclusion initiatives are woven into the very fabric of organizations rather than being isolated efforts.
After the Applause: Sustainable Leadership Practices
The leadership style embraced by Baizen and his colleagues at Encore stands in stark contrast to the extroverted, visibility-driven leadership models often glorified in the media. In an era when many leaders seek public recognition, Baizen’s model of leadership is based on everyday behaviors : staying accessible after tough conversations, checking in when the energy fades, and building systems that continue to function even after their involvement ends.
His approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that trust is built over time, not through one-time acts of visibility. Leaders who seek lasting influence understand that real impact is made through consistency —actions that speak louder than any applause.
Final Words: Leadership That Doesn’t Expire
The demand for this new leadership approach is clear. Organizational culture is already evolving, with or without the support of traditional leadership models. Leaders like Khris Baizen are not chasing fleeting trends; instead, they are building practices that foster long-term success. By creating spaces where honesty thrives and teams know their contributions matter, Baizen exemplifies the future of leadership.
This leadership style is timeless , rooted in the belief that leadership isn’t about performing in the moment but about creating a lasting, meaningful impact. As organizations continue to evolve, it’s clear that this model, grounded in empathy, consistency, and trust, will play a key role in shaping leadership practices across industries.
About Khris Baizen
Khris Baizen is Senior Director of Production Sales at Encore and a prominent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the global business events industry. As Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Global Advisory Committee at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Baizen leads initiatives that encourage cultural fluency, psychological safety, and inclusive event design. His leadership philosophy is shaped by his experiences as a first-generation immigrant and neurodivergent leader, guiding him to build environments where people are supported, valued, and empowered.
For more insights and professional updates, connect with Khris Baizen on LinkedIn .
Company Media Contact:
Bob Niersbach
Director, Global Communications
bob.niersbach@encoreglobal.com
847-385-3619
Post a Comment