‘Curative Culture’ by Douglas K. Shaw Explores Creation of Healthy Workplaces in the Modern Era
Renowned Fundraising Leader Applies Principles of Servant Leadership for New Generations, Re-imagining Work Culture through the Lens of Humanity
OAK HARBOR, Wash., July 22, 2025 – In his newest book, “Curative Culture: Stepping Away From A Toxic Workplace,” respected author and business leader Douglas K. Shaw redefines a healthy work culture, based on his 45+ years of experience leading teams and guiding organizations across the country. “Curative Culture” offers real-world examples for leaders who want to step away from a toxic environment, build a more profitable business, and achieve excellence. Through thoughtful stories and practical insight, Shaw invites leaders and teams to imagine a better way of working—rooted in trust, dignity, and shared humanity.
“Everybody knows what the phrase ‘toxic workplace’ means,” Shaw explains. “Nearly all of us have experienced the pain, frustration, and humiliation it carries.”
This led him to search for a one-word antonym for “toxic.” He decided to name, define and apply the term “curative” to a workplace culture that is hopeful, restorative and valuing of one another. He shares how to get there in this book full of wisdom, real-life experience, and humanity-filled stories.
Having grown up in the natural beauty of Washington State, Shaw draws parallels between the healing attributes of nature and the core values that define a workplace where both leaders and followers can recover from the scars left by the “the brambles of toxicity.”
“In a curative culture,” Shaw writes, “coworkers live in relation to imago Dei, or the theological concept that each person is highly valued because they are made in the image of God. As such, every co-worker is seen as having high value, first, as a human being, and then as a productive member of a work community. This perspective suggests that leaders and aspiring leaders must answer the question, ‘Do I really want my employees to succeed… even coworkers that I do not like?’”
Shaw lists the questions that coworkers – perhaps even subconsciously – ask about their colleagues, as well:
• “Do I trust them and their intentions?
• “Do I respect them?”
• “Are they safe?”
Why This Book Matters
This book invites readers to reimagine workplace culture through the lens of humanity. Leaders will learn how one powerful word – the antonym of “toxic” – can transform how we lead, collaborate, and heal in the workplace. Shaw draws from a lifetime commitment to the servant as leader concept, as taught by Robert K. Greenleaf and Max DePree. His personal stories reveal why trust, dignity, and shared values aren’t just nice to have – they’re the foundation of a thriving, profitable business culture.
Readers Will Discover
• Why values must answer the deeper question: “How does it feel to work here?”
• How personal history shapes workplace behavior—and why it matters
• The link between culture, belonging, and sustained business success
• Why embracing the image of God (imago Dei) in others changes everything
• How leaders can create a safe space—even for those they don’t naturally connect with
About the Author
Douglas K. Shaw has been the Chairman/CEO of Douglas Shaw & Associates, a leading direct response fundraising firm, for 30 years. During his 45-year career, he has consulted with hundreds of high-impact leaders and companies. Along with his coworkers, his firm raises hundreds of millions of dollars annually for nonprofit organizations and ministries that change the lives of men, women and children. See more at www.dougshawperspective.com.
Published by Cedar River Media, “Curative Culture” is 240 pages and retails for $24.99. Currently available for pre-order on Amazon, it releases Sept. 23.