Kindness is a strategy: practicing the platinum rule with Marissa Andrada
In this powerful episode of I Know I Belong When, host Christopher Bylone welcomes culture visionary and kindness catalyst Marissa Andrada—a transformative leader whose career spans iconic brands like Chipotle, Starbucks, and Kate Spade. Now serving as Chief Culture Officer at WUF World, Marissa is redefining leadership by centering equity, inclusion, and belonging as daily practices—not distant goals.
“Kindness is a Strategy” is more than a conversation—it is a masterclass in values-driven leadership. Marissa shares her deeply personal journey from East LA to the C-suite, revealing how her immigrant roots, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to the platinum rule—treating people the way they want to be treated—have shaped her approach to building thriving cultures. This episode explores how kindness, truth-telling, and aligned values create workplaces where everyone can show up as their bold, authentic selves.
Watch the full episode :
Must-hear insights & key moments
The power of names: Marissa Reflects on the Significance of Her Name and How Correcting Its Pronunciation in First Grade Was Her Earliest Act of Speaking Truth to Power.
Belonging begins with values: A defining moment at Universal Studios, where a leader showed up to help her move house, becomes a metaphor for leadership that sees the whole person.
The cost of conformity: Marissa recounts a corporate training for “high potential minorities” that taught assimilation over authenticity—and how she chose to respond with grace and resistance.
Kindness as timely truth: She challenges the idea that kindness is merely niceness, arguing instead that it is the courage to be present, honest, and caring in real-time.
Culture is a reflection of leadership: Together, Christopher and Marissa unpack how leaders shape culture through their values, behaviors, and willingness to model authenticity.
Marissa’s words of wisdom:
“Kindness is being truthful and present in the moment.”
“I know I belong when my values are aligned with the leaders’ values and the company’s values.”
“Culture is a reflection of leadership. Leaders get the culture they deserve.”
“Treat people the way they want to be treated—that is the platinum rule.”
“You can be all about business and still have fun. What you see is what you get.”
“You do not need to change your values if they are at the core of who you are.”
“It is not the stimulus, it is the response. And I choose grace.”
“Being kind is not about being nice. It is about being truthful in a way that shows you care.”