When was the last time you were genuinely playful at work? If you are like most of us, it might have been a while. We’ve been conditioned to believe that work and play don’t really mix. Not only we’ve been taught to draw a clear demarcation line between work and play, we’ve also been convinced that work is somehow way more noble and more important that play. But what if truly great work couldn’t happen without a healthy dose of play? What if, unless we can have fun with the work itself, at least occasionally, we can’t really achieve greatness? Today’s conversation with Gary Ware, the Founder of Breakthrough Play a keynote speaker, and author of the book Playful Rebellion: Maximize Workplace Success Through the Power of Play addresses these questions. Gary talks about the relationship of workplace productivity and play, play as the driver of innovation and performance, the eight play personalities and how we can integrate purposeful play into our workday. You can follow Gary Ware on LinkedIn. You can find the transcript HERE. Join the CultureBrained® Community– a one-of-a-kind virtual community for Heads of Culture, founders, and leaders who want to up their culture game. Check out more of our free resources 👉 HERE

Can you remember a time when it felt like things at work were unjustifiably and annoyingly hard? Maybe you had to read a 1000-word email that could have been just one paragraph, or had to attend a two-hour meeting that could have been an email. Or maybe you had to manually input data although the process should have been automated ages ago. The reality is that every workplace is clogged with this type of destructive friction—the time-consuming, and soul-crushing practices that drive us crazy and undermine our ability to achieve meaningful goals. I imagine that at the global scale, millions of hours must get lost every day to red tape, workarounds that shouldn’t have to exist in the first place, and to misguided leaders who pile on needless complexity. My guest today, Professor Bob Sutton has been so fascinated by the friction we experience in organisations that he researched it for a decade. His work resulted in a book co-authored with Huggy Rao, The Friction Project. Bob Sutton is an organizational psychologist and Professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University. He studies leadership, innovation, organizational change, and workplace dynamics. His main focus over the past decade is on scaling and leading at scale—how to grow organizations, spread good things (and remove bad things) in teams and organizations. In this conversation, Bob Sutton and I talk about how to identify good and bad friction in an organization and how to make the right things easier and the wrong things harder. You can follow Bob Sutton on LinkedIn. You can find the transcript HERE. Join the CultureBrained® Community– a one-of-a-kind virtual community for Heads of Culture, founders, and leaders who want to up their culture game. Check out more of our free resources 👉 HERE.

Do you want to be more influential? For most of us, the answer is yes. Greater influence often translates to more power, enabling us to achieve our goals, drive change, and create positive impact. But delving into the strategies and tactics of influence can leave us feeling uneasy. Words like “manipulative,” “sneaky,” and “coercive” come to mind. Zoe Chance explains this reaction this way: “The idea of influence has been corrupted by tacky, greedy people using tacky, greedy tactics to sell used cars, to promote sponsors’ products on social media, and to get us to buy now, while supplies last!” This is exactly why Zoe champions a different approach. As a distinguished behavioral scientist at Yale School of Management, Zoe empowers smart and kind individuals to harness influence effectively. Her role at Yale involves guiding executives and teaching the highly sought-after MBA elective, 'Mastering Influence and Persuasion.' Her students achieve remarkable feats: they raise funds for charities, win political seats, kickstart successful startups, initiate social movements, save lives, and drive a culture change. And so can you. Tune in to learn how. You can follow Zoe Chance on LinkedIn You can find the transcript HERE. Join the CultureBrained® Community– a one-of-a-kind virtual community for Heads of Culture, founders, and leaders who want to up their culture game. Check out more of our free resources 👉 HERE.

So, here’s an interesting question: What does it take to actually build teams that are highly effective in this brave new world of work? And what's the relationship between making work better for people and the outcomes that organizations can achieve? Unlocking productivity is just a piece of the conversation that we dive into in today’s rich exploration with Brian Elliott. You can follow Brian on LinkedIn You can find the transcript of our conversation HERE. Click here to learn more about the 👉 CultureBrained®– a one-of-a-kind virtual community for Heads of Culture, founders, and leaders who want to up their culture game. Check out more of our free resources 👉 HERE.

Stacey Gordon is an expert on DEI and workplace bias and the author of “Unbias - Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work”. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey, offering unique insights from the experiences that shaped her understanding and approach to DEI work. There are many misconceptions surrounding diversity hiring, and the essence of true inclusion and we face them head on. We also talk about the transformative power of empathy and storytelling in creating a culture where everyone can thrive. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deeper layers of DEI and its impact on organizational success. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and provides practical tips for fostering an inclusive culture. To join CultureBrained®, go 👉 HERE To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click 👉 HERE

Work relationships can be hard. The stress of dealing with difficult people dampens our creativity and productivity, and degrades our ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. Too often we grin and bear it as if we have no choice. But you can only endure so much —there's your sanity to consider, and your career. This is why, we are thrilled to have Amy Gallo joining us, the best-selling author of Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, a how-to book about handling conflict professionally and productively. Tune into this week’s episode, as we delve into workplace conflicts and tensions, exploring how they can be harnessed for cultural transformation and become opportunities to connect. To join the CultureBrained®Community go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/

In this Deep Dive Aga and Shani delve deep into a topic that has fascinated Aga for almost a decade – what drives people to do their absolute best work. Over the years, she's posed this question to more than 3000 individuals and discovered something truly unexpected: peak performance at work is often closely linked to one surprising factor - having fun. But not the kind of fun associated with ping-pong tables and office parties. Instead, it's all about deriving genuine enjoyment from the work itself. Join Aga and Shani in this illuminating conversation as they explore the concept of "Deep Fun" and its profound impact on workplace performance. To join CultureBrained® with a 25% discount (until end of November) go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/

Many companies aspire to be industry disruptors and innovation leaders, but only a handful can genuinely claim those titles. What sets them apart? We're zeroing in on PepsiCo—a company that's nailed it when it comes to creating an environment where people excel. According to their Chief Design Officer, Mauro Porcini, the secret sauce is love, empathy, kindness, and generosity. So tune into this week's episode of the CultureLab where we dig into the nuts and bolts of innovative cultures. To join CultureBrained® with a 25% discount (until November 15th) go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/

In a world where the relentless pursuit of productivity often overshadows well-being, it's easy to overlook the fundamental connection between what we eat and how our bodies and minds perform. But what if the secret to enhanced cognitive function and overall vitality lay within the choices we make on our plates? Our guest in this episode of the CultureLab podcast, Dana Chapman, is a leading mental health and wellness expert, specializing in the gut-brain axis. Tune in this episode as we explore the synergies between nutrition, mind, and body and how they are all linked with creating thriving cultures. To join CultureBrained® with a 25% discount (until November 15th) go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/

The workplace landscape has transformed dramatically over the past few decades with 5 different generations now working side by side, each bringing their unique perspectives, experiences, and workstyles to the table. In this Deep Dive, Shani and Aga unpack generational diversity that if not handled thoughtfully, can inadvertently lead to friction. Join us as we talk about how we create strategies that help our organization fight age-related stereotypes and create an environment where everyone unlocks their potential. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/ Interview with Chip Conley on the CultureLab podcast- The New Age of Wisdom: The Rise of a Modern Elder

This month on the CultureLab podcast, we're diving deep into the intricacies of a multigenerational workforce. You know the scene: Boomers nostalgically talking about "the way we used to do things," Gen Xers serving as the bridge between old and new, Millennials demanding meaningful work, and Gen Zers, the digital natives through and through. It's a variety of perspectives that can either invigorate or implode a workplace. How do you navigate through these differing viewpoints without losing your mind or your patience? This series of episodes aims to answer just that and we are kicking it off with an outstanding guest, Chip Conley. Chip disrupted the hospitality game not once but twice and co-founded the Modern Elder Academy. His upcoming book, "Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age," aims to make the case that wisdom isn't obsolete; it's making a comeback. We'll talk about what it means for experience to have its day in the sun again and how workplaces can be fertile grounds for both wisdom and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a newbie just starting out, this episode is going to have something for you. Stick around; you won't want to miss this deep dive into age, work, and the many layers in between. To join CultureBrained® with a 25% discount (only in October) go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/

In this compelling episode with Michelle MiJung Kim we explore how culture, diversity, inclusion, and equity intersect to create a thriving culture. Michelle's journey, from South Korea to LGBTQ+ activism and award-winning authorship, provides a unique perspective. We talk about valuing marginalized voices, the power of collective action, and the importance of accountability in our quest for equity. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. Tune in and be inspired to drive positive change. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/ Interview with Minda Harts on the CultureLab podcast- Expanding the Table

Join Aga Bajer and Shani Persson as they explore the often-daunting world of DEI in the latest Deep Dive. With curiosity and humility, Aga and Shani navigate the maze of systemic biases, the transition from diversity to true inclusion, and the challenges of measuring meaningful impact. This episode is not an interview; it's a collaborative exploration designed to help you reflect on how to address those intimidating DEI issues and elevate your workplace culture. We hope this episode will help you tackle the topics you might have hesitated to confront and elevate your approach to DEI. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/

More people than we think feel like they don’t belong at work. This leads to a range of concerning consequences, such as disengagement, diminished productivity, and a stifling of individual creativity. While the importance of DEI has gained widespread recognition in the past few years, we still have a ton of work to do to foster a truly inclusive and equitable environment at work. This is what this conversation today revolves around. My guest is Minda Harts, the author of three best-selling books and a global expert on all things DEI. Tune into this episode of the CultureLab podcast where we delve into actionable measures that organizations can implement to cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/ Interview with Ruhuni Anand on the CultureLab podcast- Leveling the Playing Field

You meet a new colleague for the first time, and… something clicks! You trust them, but you don't know why. Then, on another day, you're teamed with someone you’ve known and worked with for a while but a barrier stands in the way. That's the enigma of trust. It isn't merely about familiarity. It’s about something more elusive - an intangible connection that either binds or separates us. In the workplace, trust certainly isn’t a nice to have; it's vital for working relationships to thrive. It can elevate a team to excellence, speed things up, and create an environment where innovation and creativity flourish. Conversely, a lack of trust can become a stumbling block, slowing progress to a crawl, stifling ideas, and fostering a climate of doubt and uncertainty. Given the importance of trust, we wanted to understand it better and so we invited one of the world’s leading trust experts, Rachel Botsman, a Trust Fellow at Oxford University. Tune in to learn why trust is contextual, how to nourish it in a remote environment, how to repair it and more! To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/ Interview with Daniel Coyle on the CultureLab podcast- The Culture Playbook

Belonging - a concept that speaks to the core of our human experience. We all yearn for acceptance, a place to belong, and the freedom to be our authentic selves. In this thought-provoking episode of the CultureLab podcast, we dive into the transformative power of true belonging with Lorne Rubis, a fervent advocate for fostering inclusion within teams. Lorne shares invaluable insights into his Belongify System - an approach empowering leaders to create a culture of belonging in hybrid or remote teams. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/

We often leave workplace relationships to chance, hoping they’ll simply fall into place. But healthy, productive relationships require intention and work. In this episode of CultureLab, we’re shifting the narrative with Conversations That Matter - and doing the deep dive into the tools we need to intentionally build stronger working relationships. We spotlight three pivotal conversations, often overlooked, yet foundational in shaping our professional lives and uncover the blueprint of a truly healthy working relationship. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/

The average person spends over 90,000 hours working throughout their career. That's a substantial amount of time building connections with colleagues, clients, and collaborators. What's truly fascinating is the profound impact these relationships have on our careers, company culture, and overall life satisfaction. Despite the significant impact of these working relationships, many of us allow them to develop haphazardly, relying on chance rather than intention. Our guest today, Michael Bungay Stanier, has a lot to say on the topic. He even wrote an entire book about taking an intentional approach to improving relationships at work. Tune into this week’s episode to uncover valuable insights on nurturing and maximizing the potential of your professional connections. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram You can listen to the previous episode of Michael Bungay Stanier here: tinyurl.com/building-a-coaching-culture To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: www.agabajer.com/resources/

Despite the tremendous success of many companies operating in a nearly fully remote setup during the pandemic, we are now experiencing a shift, with mandates urging employees to return to the office, full-time or part-time. Why the obsession with in-person collaboration? Tune into this week’s Deep Dive with Shani revolving around how we can navigate this brave new world of remote and hybrid work and support teams to perform at their full potential. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/ For Bretton Putter's episode "Future-Proof Your Hybrid Culture" go to https://tinyurl.com/BrettonPutter-2

Picture our ancestors, hunters and gatherers roaming the savannah. Various anthropological studies indicate that the early homo sapiens experienced working together towards a common goal (survival of the species) as a source of fun, meaning, and belonging. However, the modern concept of work seems to have strayed from this original purpose. Closing the gap between our ancestors' experience and today's work culture is the central focus of our conversation with Teresa Clark, a recognized expert on well-being at work. To join CultureBrained® go to tinyurl.com/culturebrained To learn more about our accreditation program, go to tinyurl.com/accreditationprogram To listen to my interview with Jeanette Bronee, go to https://tinyurl.com/JeanetteBronee-CultureLab To access our free resources and materials on cultivating thriving cultures, click here: https://www.agabajer.com/resources/