Every business must have people who share the same goals, purpose, and culture in order to succeed, according to Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies, LLC, which sponsored the formation of RLJ Lodging Trust (NYSE: RLJ), and the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET).

In a video interview with Nathaalie Carey, Nareit senior vice president for industry affairs and social responsibility, Johnson discussed the rewards of discovering “great talent that wants to be part of your journey,” and emphasized that “no business is an island.”

Johnson also addressed the issue of conformity in the workplace, particularly for people of color.

“If you’re doing what you feel is right and what is consistent with the company’s culture, there’s no need for you to try to modify your lifestyle to fit with the company. Because if the company has a good culture, it will accept your differences,” Johnson said.

At the same time, Johnson added that “you can’t walk into the office expecting to be treated differently, because if you do that, you’re going to be looking for divergence in the way you’re treated. And that can cause you to have an anxiety that’s not really justified.”