Published: 05/09/2025
Landon Goertzen
Senior Account Director, Dynata
This one IS for the girl dads, the weekend warriors, the team-builders, and anyone who believes culture isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the backbone of every win.
This past season was my first time coaching, and it happened to be my daughter’s kindergarten basketball team. As someone who’s played more than recreationally, I thought I had a grip on what it meant to lead a team. I was wrong. Coaching five- and six-year-olds is a whole different ballgame. Our goal the whole time wasn’t just to win – it was to teach, to build confidence, and to create space for fun.
Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. I had another – dare I say – veteran dad with a few seasons under their belt who became my go-to. Starting from scratch, with all the league and parent comms, game times shifting each weekend was no joke. Oh and did I mention our first practice? No hoop. The basket wouldn’t lower to 8 feet, and there we were, a gym full of eager little players and nowhere to shoot. But we ran with it, literally. We taught the basics through dribbling drills; One bounce pass after another, we challenged our way through together. We had fun. It set the tone.
TEACH: Building a Culture That Starts with Fundamentals
That first day reminded me of a core truth: winning teams start by teaching the basics – on and off the court. These girls learned how to pass, pivot, defend, and cheer each other on. No divas, just determination. No individuals, just teammates.
At Dynata, we do the same. We build a culture rooted in execution focus. Whether it’s delivering world-class sample, powering research at scale, or helping clients reach the right audience, we start with the fundamentals. We know that the details matter – and quality is non-negotiable.
TAILOR: Lean Into Each Other’s Strengths
As the season progressed, something clicked. We weren’t just running drills anymore; we were becoming a team. One player could dribble all the way to the basket, others remembered which line to start our defense, and running with the ball out of bounds with a smile somehow lifted everyone around her.
It wasn’t about trying to make everyone the same. It was about tailoring our approach to who they were.
Dynata thrives in this space too. We don’t do out of the box, one-size-fits-all solutions. We inspire others by leaning into our people’s strengths – whether it’s client strategy, product innovation, or simply being that teammate who brings the energy every day. Tailoring means we see the individual, and we make the collective stronger because of it.
TAKE CONTROL: Drive Forward, Together
By the end of the season, we had more than just plays – we had belief. These girls played with purpose. They didn’t just want to play – they wanted to play together.
We nearly went undefeated, capping it off by raising the trophy with gleaming smiles and proud hearts. It wasn’t just about basketball. It was about what happens when you strive together.
At Dynata, that’s how we win. We take control by owning our goals, lifting our teammates, and doing it with heart. We call it culture, but really – it’s about how we show up:
✅ Unique strengths
✅ Competitive drive
✅ Relentless hard work
✅ Energy to have fun
✅ Genuine care for one another
Those aren’t just values – they’re the foundation of high-performing teams.
Whether you’re in a gym with no hoop or in the boardroom with big targets, culture carries you. Execution, inspiration, and togetherness win championships – on the court and in the workplace.