It’s the fourth anniversary of The Achieve Workplace Culture Podcast, and Eric, Cat, and Scott are celebrating by tackling a tricky question: can being a fun boss go too far? From champagne-sipping managers to nap-happy offices, they share real stories about what happens when workplace fun crosses the line.

They dig into what it really takes to build teams that enjoy coming to work while still getting things done. Plus, they play a hilarious round of “Fun or Fail”, where they rate some truly questionable management ideas.

If you’ve ever wondered where fun meets productivity, this episode is a mix of laughter, lessons, and practical tips to help any leader find the sweet spot.

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In this episode of the ACHIEVE Workplace Culture Podcast, Chris Downey and Wendy Loewen are joined by special guest Mel Bazin, Director of Indigenous Services with CTRI and ACHIEVE. Together, they explore what reconciliation really means for organizations and how it connects to workplace culture.

The conversation dives into why understanding history matters, how colonial structures continue to shape our systems today, and what it takes to move from performative gestures to meaningful, reciprocal relationships. With practical insights on creating inclusive environments, embracing missteps as learning opportunities, and ensuring all voices are welcomed “around the fire,” this episode challenges leaders to see reconciliation as both a responsibility and an opportunity to foster healthier workplaces.

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In this special crossover episode, the ACHIEVE team is joined by Vicki Enns, host of Counselling Insights from CTRI, to explore what leaders can learn from the world of mental health and counselling. Together with co-hosts Eric Stutzman and Wendy Loewen, the conversation covers how therapeutic principles, like empathy, boundaries, and curiosity, can transform leadership and workplace culture.

Key takeaways include:

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In this episode, Eric Stutzman, Chris Downey, and Wendy Loewen dive deep into a question every organization should be asking: Are we intentionally developing our leaders, or just hoping they’ll figure it out?

You’ll learn:

Plus: Chris shares a rave that proves even your office pizza order can reflect your culture, and why that matters more than you might think.

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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 and effective work environment. The episode also includes practical strategies for recognizing when polarities are at play and integrating these concepts into organizational values and daily operations.

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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 unique.

You’ll learn:

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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.

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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.

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In this episode, we dive into a crucial question: How do you know if you need to assess your workplace culture?

Here’s what we cover:

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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:

We also spotlight Humans Are Underrated by Geoff Colvin, exploring the human traits—empathy, collaborative creativity, and storytelling—that are essential for shaping a positive workplace culture during times of change.

Whether you’re a leader navigating transformation or someone passionate about workplace culture, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with purpose and build a stronger, more connected team.

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