Empire State Review Contributor 
Brandon Matthews is helping businesses turn toxic environments into thriving, purpose-driven workplaces where employees love to work.
“People Don’t Hate Their Jobs. They Hate The Culture They Work In.” – Brandon Matthews
It’s no secret that workplace culture can make or break a business. Countless studies show that employee dissatisfaction is one of the leading causes of high turnover rates and low productivity. But what if the solution wasn’t just more perks, flexible hours, or better salaries? What if the real key to transformation was shifting the culture itself?
Brandon Matthews, founder of The Meaningful Marketplace, is answering this question with bold, people-first strategies that have helped organizations worldwide reshape their environments, turning them from places employees dread into spaces where they truly want to be.
As a keynote speaker, executive coach, and seasoned corporate leader, Matthews has spent over 20 years working with companies to make this shift a reality. He doesn’t just teach leaders how to lead; he teaches them how to make their organizations thrive by fostering a culture of engagement, trust, and most importantly purpose.
A Shift Toward Meaningful Work
“People don’t hate their jobs,” Matthews asserts. “They hate the culture they work in.” This simple yet powerful statement lies at the heart of his mission: to bring meaning back to the workplace. Too often, businesses focus on improving processes, boosting profits, and cutting costs. But Matthews knows that none of these will succeed without one crucial ingredient: people.
His philosophy is built on the premise that when employees feel connected to a greater purpose when they know their work matters beyond just the paycheck they become more engaged, more motivated, and ultimately, more productive. And Matthews is passionate about proving that business success flows directly from a thriving company culture, one where employees feel valued, supported, and invested in their roles.
The Transformation Process: From Dread to Desire
Matthews works with organizations to first identify where they’re falling short often, it’s in the culture and communication areas and then systematically transforms these issues. His process doesn’t focus on band-aid solutions; instead, he dives deep into the heart of the organization, uncovering what’s preventing employees from thriving and building strategies to change it from the ground up.
One key aspect of Matthews’ approach is his emphasis on leadership. He believes that true change starts at the top, and he works closely with company leaders to help them understand how their actions impact the wider workplace culture. Whether it’s shifting leadership styles or redefining company values, Matthews makes sure that leadership is fully aligned with the vision for a better, more people-centric culture.
“Leaders set the tone for an entire organization,” Matthews explains. “When they show they care about people when they lead with empathy, employees respond in kind. It’s about creating trust, respect, and an environment where people feel like they can grow.”
Real Results: A Business That Puts People First
The results of Matthews’ work are tangible and far-reaching. One example comes from a client who had a well-known reputation for high turnover rates and low morale. After working with Matthews, the company implemented new leadership practices, revamped their internal communications, and created opportunities for employees to feel heard and supported.
The impact was immediate. Employee satisfaction scores skyrocketed, and within just six months, the company saw a significant reduction in turnover and an increase in productivity. What’s even more telling is that employees once disengaged and dissatisfied reported feeling more connected to the company’s mission and vision.
A Powerful Example: Bringing Meaning Back
Matthews often draws on his own experiences to illustrate his approach, including his work with an organization that had been struggling with low employee morale and high stress levels. “People were coming to work every day just to clock in and clock out,” he recalls. “No one was passionate. No one felt a connection to the bigger picture.”
Through a series of workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, and leadership training, Matthews helped shift the organization’s mindset. Over time, employees began to see how their work was making a difference, not just to the business but to the customers they served and the communities they impacted. The change wasn’t just about giving employees a bigger paycheck or more vacation days, it was about helping them rediscover their passion for their work.
As Matthews reflects on this success story, he says, “When people find meaning in what they do, it’s like a switch gets flipped. They go from feeling drained and unmotivated to inspired and committed.”
The People-First Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Matthews is committed to expanding the impact of The Meaningful Marketplace, reaching more organizations and leaders who are ready to make their cultures a priority. His vision is simple but bold: businesses that focus on people first will not only see better performance and happier employees they will also create a ripple effect that extends beyond the workplace, into communities and industries at large.
In 2024, Matthews was named “Most Passionate Leader to Look for in 2024” by Insight Success Magazine, a recognition that reflects his commitment to transforming the workplace and making a lasting impact on the way we work. But for Matthews, the true reward is seeing the people within the organizations he works with thrive.
Join the Movement
Are you ready to make your workplace a place where employees want to show up every day? Brandon Matthews and The Meaningful Marketplace can help. By bringing purpose back to the workplace, Matthews helps businesses develop a culture where people not only survive but thrive.
Don’t wait to change the way your employees feel about work. Get started today by connecting with Brandon Matthews and learn how to create a workplace that fosters purpose, productivity, and positivity.
For more information, visit Brandon Matthews. You can also follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter for more insights.
Listen to The Mind Your Business Podcast for additional tips and strategies to transform your workplace culture.
