What sets high-performing companies apart? Is it the strategy, the structure, or the systems? As a Chief Human Resources Officer, I’m often asked these questions, and my answer is always the same: Culture.
What Defines Our Culture
When a company culture is thriving, you don’t have to look for it – it’s everywhere. You hear it in the way people talk to each other, see it in how teams collaborate, and feel it in the connection across hallways, conference rooms, and screens.
At Western Digital, we believe culture is the ultimate differentiator. We can deliver the best HDD products and leverage a well-defined strategy, but none of that matters if we don’t have a team that trusts one another, challenges each other, and believes in what they’re building.
That’s the power of culture, and it’s the greatest competitive advantage.
Culture Starts With Values
I’ve seen companies change, launch new products, and restructure entire organizations, but the only thing that consistently drives lasting success is a culture people believe in. One that’s grounded in values and powered by the people who live it every day.
Earlier this year, Western Digital stepped into a new chapter as a standalone HDD company and with that came a rare and powerful opportunity: the chance to reimagine our culture and redefine our company values.
We started by listening. We asked our employees what inspired them, what challenged them, and what makes Western Digital a place worth showing up for. What they told us helped shape something foundational – a renewed set of values built not just for today, but for the future we’re building together.
Our Values
This month, we introduced our new company values. Designed by our employees, they reflect the evolving needs of our people, our customers, and the world around us.
Customers
Enabling all customers to succeed
Results
Making progress and achieving goals
Connection
Collaborating as one supportive team
Excellence
Doing our best and doing what’s right
Innovation
Inventing in big and small ways
Our values are a reflection of our vision and commitment to building a future where success is measured not just by what we achieve, but by how we achieve it.
Each value is powerful on its own, but together, they’re even stronger. They guide how we work, show up for each other, and make decisions, even when no one is watching.
Built to Last, Designed for What’s Next
This relaunch of our values isn’t symbolic – it’s strategic.
We’re operating in a world that moves fast and expects technology to move even faster. To succeed, we need more than great products or bold ideas. We need a culture that aligns us, inspires us, and helps us innovate with intention. Our values are how we bring that culture to life.
Building a Better Future Together
As a company with a 55-year legacy, we’re proud of our roots, but we’re also looking ahead to the next 55 years. Companies that last are the ones that invest in their people and lead with values that show up everywhere – not just in what they say but in what they do.
With our renewed culture and values as our foundation, we’re excited about what’s ahead. Because how we build is just as important as what we build, and we’re building for the future.
