Matt McKenna (he/him), Mediator, Facilitator, Coach. Once a touring musician, now a Qualified Mediator and seasoned facilitator, Matt helps people reconnect when it matters most. Matt supports organizations to build and repair internal connections, increase trust, and develop healthy team dynamics so they can achieve their goals together.

Summary:

In this conversation, Matt shares the challenges of balancing work and parenting, the complexities of trauma in the workplace, and the need for supportive environments that foster genuine connections and growth. 

Kai and Matt explore the intricate dynamics of trust, conflict, and leadership. They discuss the importance of balancing anger with courage, the role of trust in fostering innovation, and the necessity of accountability in building relationships. They emphasize the need for leaders to navigate conflicts effectively, the importance of understanding human needs, and the significance of learning from failure. 

The conversation concludes with reflections on the cultural perspectives on conflict avoidance and the role of heroes in society. the cultural perspectives on conflict avoidance, 

Takeaways:

• Conflict and tensions are inevitable, dysfunction is not.
• Intrinsic motivation can be both a gift and a burden.
• Generational values are reshaping workplace expectations.
• The complexity of societal issues impacts workplace dynamics.
• Trust is earned, not given.
• Conflict resolution requires collective accountability.
• Cultural perspectives influence conflict avoidance.
• Learning from failure is essential for growth.
• Re-humanizing relationships can repair trust.

Guest Links:

• Matt's LinkedIn

Work Well Links & Resources:

• Kai's LinkedIn
• Work Well Principles
• Subscribe to the Work Well community
• Work Well TikTok: @3bears.inc

Mahlia Omar (they/them), Founder of Artistry Foundation, works in IT and studying health informatics. Their work blends tech, creativity, and grassroots advocacy to centre healing, equity, and lived experience.

Summary:

In this conversation, Mahlia Omar and Kai Algar explore the intersection of art and technology, the importance of being one's whole self in professional spaces, and the need for companies to align their values with their practices. Mahlia shares their experiences in the workplace, emphasizing the significance of community engagement and advocacy. The discussion also delves into generational perspectives on work, the importance of continuous learning and unlearning biases, and the power of collective action for change. 

Takeaways:

• Intersection of art and technology is the future.
• Generational perspectives influence work approaches.aches.
• Community has power to drive change.
• Future is bright with collective action.

Guest Links:

• Mahlia's LinkedIn

Work Well Links & Resources:

• Kai's LinkedIn
• Work Well Principles
• Subscribe to the Work Well community
• Work Well TikTok: @3bears.inc

Peter Deitz (he/him), Co-founder of Unwrapit and one of the inaugural trustees of Grantbook's Employee Ownership Trust.

Summary:

Kai and Peter explore the evolving landscape of employee ownership trusts and the importance of building impactful businesses. They discuss the significance of personal growth for founders, the role of therapy versus coaching, and the necessity of decentralizing leadership in startups. 

The conversation emphasizes the value of relationships, the search for co-founders, and the lessons that nature can teach us about patience and resilience in business. Ultimately, they highlight the need for businesses to serve a greater purpose beyond profit, advocating for a more thoughtful and human-centred approach to entrepreneurship.

Takeaways:

• Employee ownership trusts are gaining traction in Canada.
• Building relationships is crucial for startup success.
• Personal growth is essential for effective leadership.
• Therapy can complement coaching for founders.
• Decentralizing leadership can empower teams.
• Finding the right co-founders is key to success.
• Learning and unlearning are vital for leaders.
• Business should serve a greater purpose than profit.
• Slowness can lead to better outcomes in business.
• Nature offers valuable lessons for business practices.

Guest Links:

• Peter's LinkedIn
• Unwrapit
• Grantbook

Work Well Links & Resources:

• Kai's LinkedIn
• Work Well Principles
• Subscribe to the Work Well community
• Work Well TikTok: @3bears.inc

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'The WorkWell Equation' with Kai Algar! 

Dive into a fresh perspective on work as we challenge outdated systems and introduce the Work Well Principles. Discover how honouring human genius, practicing meaningful cooperation and building regenerative ecosystems can reshape your work and life. Join us on this journey to transform the future of work, one conversation at a time!

Work Well Links & Resources:

• Kai's LinkedIn
• Work Well Principles
• Subscribe to the Work Well community
• Work Well TikTok: @3bears.inc