Values-driven Approach: A Conversation with Seth Morales
Values-driven Approach: A Conversation with Seth Morales
Reflecting on our journeys, we often think about the legacies that have shaped our lives and careers. For business leaders, reflecting on the past is valuable. It helps us see how past lessons can guide and inspire us to build organizations with strong values. My personal journey, influenced by my father and grandfather’s legacy, taught me this. I’ve realized how deeply a values-driven approach can impact an organization and its people.
How it Started
My grandfather, Manuel Morales, was a migrant tomato farmer. His hard work and dedication to his community laid a strong foundation of service and giving. He inspired my father, Tom, to find ways to give back and create a living legacy. My father embraced this challenge fully. He founded Morales Group Staffing with a mission to “Build Better Futures One Story at a Time.”
They recognized and celebrated his commitment to service and community, which led to his induction into the Indiana Living Legends. The awards my father received while leading Morales Group Staffing are still impressive today. However, his greatest legacies remain his example of Latino leadership, his service to people, and his mentorship of employees.
We are a People Powered Platform
In any business, people are the most important asset, and this philosophy shapes how we operate at Morales Group Staffing. By focusing on the well-being of our employees and the communities we serve, we build a culture of trust and loyalty—a culture that transcends business. By investing in our teammates, we provide them with upskilling and credentialing opportunities that enable them to secure gainful employment. Consequently, through employment, many of our teammates realize job security, allowing them to care for themselves and their families.
Moreover, businesses looking to attract the next generation of talent must recognize that today’s workforce is driven by more than just financial incentives. Millennials and Gen Z professionals seek purpose and meaning in their work—they are drawn to companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to social values and positive change. Therefore, this shift necessitates a reevaluation of corporate priorities, placing a stronger emphasis on values-driven leadership.
Community Service + Engagement
One practical way to embed these values into an organization is through community service and engagement. For example, at Morales Group Staffing, we dedicate time each quarter to give back, fostering a culture of service that permeates our organization. Initiatives like our annual home builds in Mexico provide tangible benefits to those in need and simultaneously create shared experiences that strengthen our team cohesion and purpose.
Relationships are Important
Furthermore, another critical aspect of values-driven leadership is the intentional cultivation of relationships. By investing in partnerships and collaborations that amplify our positive impact, we can drive meaningful change across all boundaries. This approach aligns with the broader trend towards corporate social responsibility, where businesses leverage their resources and influence to address societal challenges.
Leaving a Legacy
As the son of a father and the grandson of a grandfather who embodied living legacies, I often pause and reflect on the lasting impact of legacy. Fortunately, by applying the lessons I’ve learned from them, I’ve built stronger connections with my teammates. This has led to greater productivity in the office and a more positive company culture. As leaders, we should commit to creating environments where employees find purpose and fulfillment. Our actions should drive positive change.
Seth Morales is the CEO of Morales Group Staffing. The company is dedicated to building better futures through intentional action and a strong commitment to values.
