This chapter provides a background and context to the book by identifying ‘where we are now’ through reviewing published research evidence and exploring maternity service reviews and investigations. It establishes that disrespectful behaviour at every level has existed within maternity units for many years, and examines how disrespectful cultures impact women and birthing people and maternity and neonatal staff. This chapter discusses how positive and negative cultures develop and flourish, including the effects of the ‘tall poppy syndrome’. The differences between disrespectful and bullying behaviour are identified, with an exercise provided to test whether you are able to recognise the differences. The importance of achieving inclusion is demonstrated and kindness and compassion are explored through the lens of women and birthing people. This chapter ends by explaining what a compassionate workplace looks like and asks if you believe you are currently working in one.