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Time to Set a New Course with Michael Kerr | Ship's Log 15

Project Candor: Ordinary People. Unexpected Stories

Chapters
0:00
Introduction & guest welcome (Michael Kerr)
0:37
What workplace culture really means
1:09
Why culture is a company’s biggest advantage
2:50
The impact of work on our lives
3:20
Leaving corporate & redefining work
4:14
Remote work & staying connected as a team
5:24
The challenge of inclusion in hybrid workplaces
7:00
Generational shifts in work expectations
9:23
Culture, loyalty & how workplaces have evolved
10:58
Thinking like a culture leader
12:29
Aligning values across diverse teams
14:15
Leadership at every level
15:36
Why employee ideas matter more than ever
17:31
Small moments that shape workplace culture
19:31
A powerful real-life example of impact
21:23
The role of humor in the workplace
23:48
Leadership, connection & being human at work
25:28
Influencing culture without a leadership title
27:56
Real companies that transformed their culture
29:52
Transition to Two Truths and a Lie
31:52
Chased by beaver scouts in costume
33:39
Suspended below a helicopter mid-flight
34:50
Introducing a major performer on stage
35:53
Wrapping up & key takeaways
36:15
Where to connect with Michael
36:45
Closing
Project Candor: Ordinary People. Unexpected Stories
Time to Set a New Course with Michael Kerr | Ship's Log 15
Apr 09, 2026 Season 1 Episode 15
Jeanne Andersen

“Life is too short to work in a soul-sucking, fun-sucking workplace!” - Michael Kerr

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Project Candor, Jeanne Anderson sits with Michael Kerr, international speaker and author of nine books, including Small Moments, Big Outcomes, The Jerk-Free Workplace, and The Human Advantage. Michael has spent more than two decades helping leaders around the world build healthier, more human, and engaging workplaces.

Michael dives into what workplace culture truly is—beyond perks, slogans, or office decorations—and explains why it’s a company’s number one competitive advantage. He emphasizes that culture is shaped by everyday actions, rituals, communication, and values, and that leaders have a disproportionate impact on the culture of their organization. Through thoughtful, intentional behaviors, leaders can create a workplace that inspires, engages, and respects employees.
The conversation explores how remote and hybrid work environments present new challenges for inclusion, the power of small gestures to create outsized impact, and the importance of inviting employees to share ideas and see them implemented. 

Michael also discusses balancing diverse personal cultures with shared organizational values, and why humor and playfulness in the workplace aren’t just fun—they’re essential for engagement, creativity, and overall well-being.
Through personal stories and practical examples, Michael illustrates that building a positive, inspiring workplace doesn’t require grand initiatives; it’s the consistent, intentional choices made every day that create meaningful and lasting cultural impact.

Guest’s Bio:
Michael Kerr is an international speaker on inspiring workplace cultures and the author of nine books including, Small Moments, Big Outcomes:How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results, The Jerk-Free Workplace, and The Humor Advantage: Why Some Business are Laughing All the Way to the Bank.

Links:
You can contact Michael directly at:
Website: https://mikekerr.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkerr3/
YouTube: Michael Kerr - Inspiring Workplaces - YouTube

Sign up for Michael’s “Weekly Inspiring Newsletter” on his website.
When you sign up, Michael will send you a free eBook, “401 Ways to Create a More Fun and Inspiring Workplace.”

Who do you know who'd make a great guest for the show? Please let us know.
Email: info@projectcandor.com

Website:   https://www.projectcandor.com

Social Media

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ProjectCandor/
LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectcandor/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/project.candor/
YouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectCandorPodcast