This week, [ someone ], [ someone else ] and [ another person ] cover [ topic ]..... In this episode of the Achieve Workplace Culture Podcast, co-hosts Eric Stutzman and Wendy Loewen, joined by special guest David Jung, delve into the concept of polarity management within workplace culture. They cover common polarities like change vs. stability, individual vs. team focus, and on-site vs. remote work. Listeners will gain insights into identifying and managing these polarities to foster a balanced...
Jun 19, 2025•46 min
What does it really mean to feel a sense of belonging at work—and how do you create that without sacrificing individual identity? In this episode, Eric Stutzman, Chris Downey, and Wendy Loewen dive deep into the role of shared identity in cultivating a healthy workplace culture. From whiteout parties in Winnipeg to personal stories about visual markers and onboarding rituals, the team explores how people thrive when they feel like they're part of something bigger—without losing what makes them u...
May 15, 2025•41 min
In this episode, Eric Stutzman and Chris Downey are joined by special guest and podcast producer Scott McKay—long-time listener and first-time co-host—to answer real questions gathered from middle managers across their organisation. The team dives deep into the realities, challenges, and responsibilities of middle management, including how to lead with care and clarity when you’re not the one making the big decisions. Key topics include: 🔹 Communicating decisions you don’t fully agree with—whil...
Apr 17, 2025•56 min
In this episode of the ACHIEVE Workplace Culture Podcast, Chris Downey and Wendy Loewen explore the often-overlooked topic of power dynamics in the workplace. With special guest Jeff Couillard, co-CEO and Chief Learning Architect at The Ally Co , they dive into how power—both seen and unseen—affects culture, leadership, and organisational change. Key takeaways include: The five different types of power in the workplace How leaders unknowingly misuse power—and how to correct it The connection bet...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In this episode, we dive into a crucial question: How do you know if you need to assess your workplace culture? We explore the warning signs of cultural misalignment, share real-world stories of organizational challenges, and provide actionable strategies for leaders at all levels. Here’s what we cover: The importance of continuous culture assessment Recognizing the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of culture breakdown How values, behaviours, and systems must align for long-term success The role...
Feb 21, 2025•55 min
Change is inevitable in the workplace, but how it’s managed can make or break your organization’s culture. In this episode, we unpack the concept of “socializing change”—an approach that transforms uncertainty into opportunity by putting people at the center of the process. Here’s what we cover: • The impact of rapid technological and societal changes on workplace dynamics. • Why engaging employees early in the change process fosters trust and collaboration. • Lessons from real-world examples: a...
Jan 16, 2025•47 min
In this episode, we break down how to plan intentional team-building events that go beyond your average trust fall. Go from fun-for-fun’s-sake to real results—this is about creating experiences that: Strengthen workplace culture Foster meaningful connections Align with your organization’s values and goals We’ll show you how to make team-building a powerful tool for growth, collaboration, and culture transformation. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit !...
Dec 19, 2024•51 min
In this episode, we explore polarizing topics in the workplace and the leader’s role in equipping a team to navigate these discussions in productive ways. With actionable insights and practical tips, discover how to turn challenging conversations into opportunities to build a stronger workplace culture. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit !...
Nov 21, 2024•48 min
What happens when employees don’t feel safe owning up to their mistakes? We explore the risks organizations face when trust is lacking and how team safety plays a crucial role in creating a growing and thriving culture. Join us as we break down practical strategies to foster openness, accountability, and resilience in teams when mistakes happen. Try our free Culture Transformation Toolkit !...
Oct 17, 2024•44 min
In this episode, we talk about the paradox of leadership wellness—how taking time off can actually be one of the most productive things a leader does, but that wellness comes from many sources including our approach to work itself. We argue that leaders who prioritize their own well-being play a vital role in shaping positive workplace culture, fostering a more engaged and productive environment for their teams. We also reference Time Off by Max Frenzel, discussing how intentional rest and balan...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 16 min
In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that every business leader, middle manager, and HR decision-maker needs to hear: employee wellness. But we’re not just talking about your typical wellness programs. We’re exploring how to build a thriving workplace culture that truly supports your team’s well-being. True employee wellness is the result of a healthy, values-driven workplace culture, not just a series of programs. Leaders play a pivotal role in setting the tone and supporting holistic wel...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In this episode, we debate whether filling positions from within or outside your organization is best. We consider the potential impacts this decision can have on your workplace culture and discuss how to safeguard your employees’ well-being when making these choices. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com
Jul 18, 2024•56 min
In this episode, we discuss the validity of the idea that “nobody wants to work anymore” and why the fast-food industry needs their employees to find purpose in their work. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr
How do you talk about performance in your organization? What happens when people don’t perform? This week, we discuss the connection between performance and culture, the leader’s role, and how to facilitate a happy and high-performing workplace. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com
May 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Does your organization suffer from a culture of overwork? This week, we look we dig into the HBR article, How to Fix your Company's Culture of Overwork . We also discuss the danger in assuming your high-performing employees aren't struggling. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Apr 17, 2024•55 min
Can siloing team members in an organization have a positive impact? This week, we explore the impacts of information siloing on workplace culture, and we dig into the Sloan MIT article, Building Culture From the Middle Out . We also discuss the important role middle managers play in embodying a company’s values. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Mar 13, 2024•47 min
Wendy, Chris, and Eric discuss the philosophy of getting rid of stupid stuff that are negatively impacting your bottom line and workplace culture. If a meeting doesn’t have a purpose or payoff, should you not go? They also discuss other lean methodologies and how to eliminate waste in your organization. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Feb 23, 2024•53 min
Wendy, Chris, and Eric decide if they can extract succession planning advice from the Queen of Denmark’s recent throne abdication to her son . They also explore Workplace Trends Leaders Should Watch in 2024 . For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 3 min
What do workplace well-being and Swifties have in common? This week we explore Deloitte’s article, Six leader/worker disconnects affecting workplace well-being , as well as Daniela Devitt’s piece, What Leaders Can Learn from Taylor Swift . We also discuss the importance of continuous growth and learning as leaders. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Dec 21, 2023•58 min
What does a culture of curiosity look like, and why should you care? Episode 25 delves into Scott Shigeoka’s insights on fostering curiosity with 4 Phrases That Build a Culture of Curiosity . We also tackle FTX and the complex issue of executive accountability, along with a special announcement about our show's hosting. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Nov 16, 2023•49 min
Our hosts Wendy and Eric are joined by guest host Chris Downey to discuss Frances X. Frei and Anne Morriss’ article, 10 Pitfalls That Destroy Organizational Trust . They also consider what lessons we can learn from the current political climate and how they relate to maintaining a healthy workplace culture. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr
Poor performance in the workplace affects more than just the bottom line – it can impact the entire organization. In this episode, we discuss the Let’s Grow Leaders article, Why So Many Managers Tolerate Poor Performance (and what to do instead) , as well as Daniel Coyle’s book, The Culture Code . We also look at the impact of the back-to-school season on organizational culture. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Sep 22, 2023•46 min
Can your business afford to NOT give your employee’s a raise? In this episode, we look at the impact of inflation on wages, and it’s affect on staff and organizational culture. We also discuss HBR’s article [Getting Along: My Coworker is Sabotaging Me – and my Boss Won’t Help](). In this episode, we reference the books: Getting Along by Amy Gallo The Culture Question by Us and Mike LaBun Culture Shock by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter, Ph.D. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture vis...
Aug 18, 2023•57 min
How do you keep people from quitting? And what’s with all the strikes in the news this summer? In this episode, we welcome guest host Joddie Walker , we discuss Inc. Magazine’s article How Can You Be Sure Your Employees Won’t Quit . We also analyze what is happening with all the strikes in the news and what that has to do with workplace culture. In this episode, we reference three books: Culture Shock by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter, Small Giants , by Bo Burlingham, and Satisfaction Guaranteed by ...
Jul 19, 2023•51 min
We know mergers often tend to be difficult. From government departments to entire businesses. In this episode we look at the PGA Tour and LIV merger as an exploration for what happens when two radically different cultures meet practical steps to facilitate the merging process. We also spotlight the MIT Sloan article Take a Skills-Based Approach to Culture Change. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Jun 26, 2023•47 min
In this episode, we compare the coronation of King Charles III as it relates to senior leadership changes in organizations. We also discuss the UBC study, When employees leave their jobs, coworkers call it quits , and explore the impacts of employee turnover on workplace culture. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
May 18, 2023•51 min
What does it mean to be a trauma-informed organization? With guest host and co-author of A Little Book on Trauma-Informed Workplaces Nathan Gerbrandt, we discuss how leaders can improve workplace culture by being trauma-aware, without needing a degree in social work or psychology. We also discuss how our organization is changing and what we are doing to manage this change effectively. And we spotlight PwC’s 2023 Trust Survey and CTRI’s Trauma-Informed Online Assessment . For more resources on le...
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Have you ever felt that the word “busy” has become synonymous with “I’m doing good?” In this podcast, we look at HBR’s article, Beware a Culture of Busyness , and talk strategy for making sure work is meaningful, not just busy. We also discuss the Silicon Valley Bank failure and what it might say about workplace culture when people aren’t ringing alarm bells early enough to prevent failure. We also spotlight the book, Nine Lies about Work , by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall. For more resou...
Mar 23, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Have you been thinking about how AI will affect your workplace culture? Do you know what gets in the way of culture change? Listen as we discuss Inc.’s article, Eliminate These 5 Roadblocks to Build a Winning Culture in Your Business , and how ChatGPT and AI will affect workplace culture. We also reference two books: Culture Is the Way by Matt Mayberry and The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Feb 16, 2023•54 min
Quiet quitting? How about quiet firing?! In this episode, your hosts Eric, Wendy, and Randy discuss the Gallup article “Quiet Firing: What It Is and How to Stop Doing It” and talk about the three common mistakes that lead to quiet firing as well as what to do about them. They also explore the FTX collapse and what it says about a leader’s role in setting an ethical tone for workplace culture. For more resources on leadership and workplace culture visit achievecentre.com...
Jan 18, 2023•57 min
