ACHIEVE Workplace Culture

In episode 65 of the ACHIEVE Workplace Culture Podcast, Eric, Chris and Wendy explore workplace disengagement, when it can shift back to engagement and when it may be healthier to move toward a dignified separation. They share personal and workplace examples of how confidence, personal circumstances, and clear supports or accommodations can affect performance. The hosts emphasize avoiding blame or assumptions, creating safety for honest dialogue, and seeking to understand the true sources of motivation beyond specific tasks, including alignment with organizational values. They discuss handling misalignment with kindness while maintaining accountability, and offer practical keys: start with curiosity, ask what someone needs to be successful, clarify what the workplace can and cannot provide, and support next steps in a way that preserves relationships. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

In Episode 63 of the ACHIEVE Workplace Culture Podcast, Eric, Wendy and Chris explore why treating people equally doesn’t always produce fair or effective results at work. They discuss how different employees need different levels of direction, autonomy, and support to perform well. They also address how fairness concerns can arise when one person receives additional supports, recommending leaders ask what the concerned person needs rather than defending another employee’s accommodations. The episode emphasizes noticing differences, leveraging strengths, avoiding over-reliance on policies, and creating workplaces where people’s talents are seen and supported. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

In episode 61 of the ACHIEVE Workplace Culture Podcast, Eric, Chris, and Wendy discuss a leader’s role when someone brings them a workplace problem. While leaders may ultimately help problems get solved, they warn against jumping in with immediate solutions except in crises or ethical situations. Instead, they recommend making time to listen, clarifying what the real issue is, asking what the person wants from the conversation, and exploring what they have already tried and what options exist. When sharing wisdom, they emphasize the order of operations, asking permission, and offering experience rather than prescriptive advice, keeping the focus on the other person’s situation. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

Is vulnerability an actual leadership skill? In this episode of The Achieve Workplace Culture Podcast, Eric, Wendy, and Chris break down what healthy vulnerability actually looks like at work. What’s inside: The difference between real vulnerability vs. unhelpful oversharing How to be authentic without offloading your anxiety Why trust isn’t just predictability—it’s showing up in uncertainty How power and privilege shape who can be vulnerable Concrete ways to lead with honesty and emotional boundaries If you care about trust, psychological safety, and leading with positive impact, this episode is for you. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

If you’re still doing too much yourself, you’re holding your team, and your business, back. In this episode, hosts Wendy Loewen and Eric Stutzman unpack how strategic delegation drives culture, performance, and leadership growth. What’s inside: Why delegation isn’t just dumping tasks, but developing your people The real reason leaders resist delegation (spoiler: a fear of losing control) How letting go can spark innovation, increase trust, and build resilience Stories from Eric and Wendy on how smart delegation changed their leadership game A simple framework to help you: Identify what only you can do Match the right person to the right responsibility Set up accountability without micromanaging Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, you’ll walk away with practical tools to delegate with confidence and scale your impact. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

In this lively episode, Eric, Chris, and Wendy unpack what it truly means to foster a culture of respect in the workplace. From the power of being seen and heard, to why curiosity beats judgment, they explore how leadership can transform tolerance into active, meaningful respect. Tune in for real stories, practical takeaways, and memorable insights on individual and cultural respect—plus steps leaders can take right now to build a team that truly sings together. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

In this episode, we explore a fundamental question: what kind of leader do you want to be, and why it matters to get clear on your leadership identity. We unpack the “double path” of leadership growth; developing who you are on the inside and what you do in your day-to-day practice. From setting SMART leadership goals to making them real by sharing them with peers and direct reports. We also highlight how feedback and honest self-reflection can reveal the space between your intentions and your impact, and what to do when you notice a mismatch. Define the kind of leader you want to be, align your actions with that vision, and lead with greater authenticity and effectiveness in your organization. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

In this episode of the ACHIEVE Workplace Culture Podcast, Wendy, Chris and Eric discuss the topic of how to encourage and manage dissenting voices in the workplace. Is 'dissent' the right word, or should we focus more on fostering varied perspectives? We explore the nuances between disagreement and dissent, the importance of creating a safe space for alternative viewpoints, and practical strategies for leaders to respond constructively. Listen in to learn how encouraging disagreement can lead to better decision-making, heightened creativity, and improved workplace culture. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

In this episode of the ACHIEVE Workplace Culture podcast, Eric, Wendy and Chris explore the metaphor 'Don't Blame the Lettuce' to emphasize the importance of examining workplace conditions rather than blaming individuals for their performance. They discuss how shifting from judgment to curiosity can lead to better workplace culture, innovation, and interpersonal relationships, as well as highlight the vital role curiosity plays in creating a supportive and productive work environment. Join us as we explore how to foster a culture of care, curiosity, and continuous improvement. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

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. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

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? Through stories, insights, and a few laughs (yes, tater tots and cupboard doors make a cameo), the team explores the foundational role leadership development plays in shaping healthy workplace culture. You’ll learn: Why developing leaders is essential, not optional, for organizational success The difference between assessing and truly developing leadership capacity How consistency, shared philosophy, and values-based practices shape strong leadership Practical ways to support leadership development, even with zero budget The importance of both vertical (who you are) and horizontal (what you do) leadership growth 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. Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

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: Why belonging is essential for well-being and workplace performance How to use stories, symbols, and shared purpose to foster connection The importance of onboarding, accountability, and visual identity What remote and hybrid teams can do to intentionally create belonging How moments of challenge or success can build stronger teams Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!

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 between power, burnout, and engagement Why self-awareness isn’t enough—leaders need other-awareness Practical strategies for leaders to foster psychological safety and feedback Plus, hear Jeff’s powerful insights on why self-care is ethical, not optional, and how leaders can balance authority while fostering collaboration. Resources & Links: • Fixable Podcast (Frances Frei & Anne Morriss) • At Work with The Ready Podcast • All About Love by Bell Hooks Try our free Culture Transformation Starter Kit!