The ZIZO Effect

ZIZO Technologies Inc.

"The ZIZO Effect" podcast, hosted by Andrew Reimers and Jimmy Chebat, dives into the dynamic world of gamification, exploring how game elements are revolutionizing the way we work, learn, and live. Each episode uncovers the strategies behind gamification, offering insights into how it's being implemented across various industries to drive engagement, enhance productivity, and foster innovative experiences. From the workplace to personal development, and beyond, Andrew and Jimmy bring you the latest trends, tools, and game-changing ideas. Join them on "The ZIZO Effect" to discover how gamification is reshaping our world, helping us level up in all aspects of life. Get ready - It's Game Time!

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Culture, Challenges, and Change with Daniel Gebre

    Send a text Welcome to Season 2 of The ZIZO Effect! This season, we're diving into the diverse perspectives of agents, managers, and executives from call centers, exploring the unique insights and lessons they've gained. Episode Overview: In this episode, we chat with Daniel Gebre, an expert recruiter who shares his journey from working in a shoe store to managing a call center and eventually becoming a leader in recruitment. Danny discusses the challenges of building and maintaining a strong workplace culture, adapting leadership styles as companies grow, and the importance of mental health in today's work environment. Discover how startups can balance work-from-home flexibility with in-office collaboration, and learn actionable strategies to boost team engagement, improve employee retention, and foster a positive company culture. If you're curious about workplace dynamics, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and real-life stories. Timestamps: 0:00 - Workplace Culture Insights and Impact8:03 - Culture in Growing Companies22:09 - Generational Differences and Remote Work Benefits30:38 - Workplace Mental Health and Culture Fit39:42 - Employee Well-being and Workplace Benefits45:58 - Team Cohesion in Remote Work Settings51:48 - Corporate Culture and Employee Engagement Guest Information: Daniel Gebre - Expert Recruiter and CEO at HAKENYA. Connect with Danny on LinkedIn. Engage with Us: Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to join the conversation. Check out our other episodes and follow us on our social media pages: LinkedIn - growwithzizoInstagram - playzizoFacebook - playzizoTikTok - playzizo Don't miss this engaging episode filled with humor, expert advice, and practical takeaways. Tune in now to The ZIZO Effect - It's Game Time!

    1 hr

  2. EPISODE 2

    Balancing Collections, Career, and Passion with Bryan Williams

    Send a text Welcome to Season 2 of The ZIZO Effect! This season, we’re exploring diverse perspectives from agents, managers, and executives in the call center industry, diving into the unique insights and experiences they’ve gained along the way. Episode Overview: In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Williams, a collections agent at Great Lakes Processing Services and passionate musician, as he shares his journey and how he balances a full-time career in collections with his passion for music. Bryan opens up about the importance of workplace culture and how having a creative outlet has helped him stay positive and motivated. We explore the grind of working in collections, the challenges of staying engaged, and the mental health aspects of a high-pressure job. Bryan also shares his insights on autonomy, leadership, and the role of incentives in motivating employees. This episode is packed with real-life stories, practical advice, and valuable takeaways for anyone looking to find balance between their professional and personal lives. Get ready for an insightful conversation—It’s Game Time! Chapters: 0:00 - Episode Introduction and Overview 1:40 - Bryan’s Personal and Professional Journey 8:14 - Defining Corporate Culture 16:30 - Leadership Styles and Mentorship 22:20 - Mental Health and Work-Life Balance 39:49 - Engagement and Distractions in the Workplace 47:34 - Compensation, Bonuses, and Incentives Guest Information: Bryan Williams - Collections Agent at Great Lakes Processing Services. Connect with Bryan on social media: Personal: @bryanwilliamsmusoBand: @icecreamsocialbandBand: @deadwolfofficialBand: @stephenbmusic Engage with Us: Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to join the conversation. Check out our other episodes and follow us on our social media pages: LinkedIn - growwithzizoInstagram - playzizoFacebook - playzizoTikTok - playzizo Don’t miss this engaging episode filled with personal stories, expert advice, and actionable insights. Tune in now to The ZIZO Effect—It's Game Time!

    1h 5m

  3. EPISODE 3

    Teaching the "Why" Behind Culture with Jim Iyoob

    Send a text Welcome to Season 2 of The ZIZO Effect! This season, we're diving into the diverse perspectives of agents, managers, and executives from call centers, exploring the unique insights and lessons they've gained. Episode Overview: In this episode, we chat with Jim Iyoob, the Chief Customer Officer at Etech, who brings decades of experience and a deep passion for enhancing customer experience in the call center industry. Jim shares his journey from starting as a call center agent to becoming a top executive, highlighting the evolution of workplace culture and the significant shifts in employee engagement and management strategies. Discover how companies can balance remote work dynamics with in-office engagement, and learn strategies to enhance employee satisfaction, optimize team performance, and cultivate a strong organizational culture. If you are interested in understanding the complexities of modern call centers, this episode offers expert knowledge and real applications. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 04:13 Defining and Teaching Culture 08:34 Communication and Feedback 13:49 Creating Engaging Workforce 18:38 Gamification and Transparency in Feedback 21:18 Addressing Burnout and Retention 23:24 Career Development and Skill Building 32:17 Balancing Remote and In-House Work 36:09 Work-Life Balance and Hybrid Work Model 38:09 Creating a Family-Like Culture 47:47 Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace 54:15 Overview of Etech's Services Guest Information: Jim Iyoob - Chief Customer Officer at Etech. Connect with Jim on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimiyoob/]. Engage with Us: Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to join the conversation. Check out our other episodes and follow us on our social media pages:  LinkedIn - growwithzizo Instagram - playzizo Facebook - playzizo TikTok - playzizo  Don't miss this engaging episode. Tune in now to The ZIZO Effect - It's Game Time!

    59 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    How Empathy Shapes Culture with Negra Tutundzic

    Send a text Welcome to Season 2 of The ZIZO Effect! This season, we explore the unique experiences of agents, managers, and executives in call centers, uncovering valuable insights and lessons they've learned along the way. Episode Overview: In this episode, we speak with Negra Tutundzic, the Employee Engagement Team Lead at Wayfair, who shares her invaluable insights on how empathy, engagement, and recognition are key drivers of workplace culture. Negra discusses the crucial role that frontline managers play in building and maintaining an inclusive culture, while also addressing the challenges of burnout and the impact of remote work on productivity and mental health. Negra offers practical strategies that Wayfair uses to foster employee growth, celebrate internal mobility, and create a strong sense of belonging within their teams. Whether you’re interested in learning about culture-building, employee retention, or balancing work-life in a remote setting, this episode provides a wealth of insights to help you navigate today’s workforce dynamics. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 13:04 Defining and Communicating Company Culture 21:01 The Role of Leaders in Maintaining Culture 24:30 Engagement Strategies and Tools 32:24 Addressing Burnout and Mental Health 42:32 Remote Work and Work-Life Balance 45:02 Opportunities for Growth and Movement 49:59 The Role of Incentives in Work Culture 51:31 Recognizing and Rewarding Behaviors 52:28 Challenges of Creating Inclusive Incentive Programs 55:14 The Importance of Understanding Performance Metrics 57:35 Categorizing KPIs for Incentive Programs 59:29 Balancing Behaviors, Effort, Skill, and Results 01:05:00 Trivia Game Guest Information: Negra Tutundzic - Employee Engagement Team Lead at Wayfair. Connect with Negra on LinkedIn. Engage with Us: Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to join the conversation. Check out our other episodes and follow us on our social media pages: LinkedIn - growwithzizoInstagram - playzizoFacebook - playzizoTikTok - playzizo Don't miss this insightful episode. Tune in now to The ZIZO Effect – It's Game Time!

    1 hr

  5. EPISODE 5

    Leadership Through Trust and Connection with Chris Kohl

    Send a text Welcome to Season 2 of The ZIZO Effect! This season, we're diving into the diverse perspectives of agents, managers, and executives from call centers, exploring the unique insights and lessons they've learned.  Episode Overview: In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Kohl, a retired executive with extensive experience in the banking and collections industries. Chris brings decades of leadership experience and deep insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by today's organizations. Get ready for an insightful discussion on how leadership styles and workplace cultures have evolved.  Discover how large organizations can foster a culture of inclusivity and adaptability, and learn actionable strategies to enhance communication across various levels of management. If you're curious about leadership dynamics and corporate culture, this conversation is filled with practical strategies and real-world examples.  Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Workplace Culture in Call Centers  00:11:14 - Evolving Workplace Communication and Culture  00:20:07 - Effective Communication in Leadership  00:23:48 - Leadership, Team Dynamics, and Mental Health  00:31:44 - Work-Life Integration and Mental Health  00:35:23 - Remote Work Culture and Goals  00:38:48 - Improving Operations Through Data Analysis  00:47:20 - Importance of Mentorship in Leadership  Guest Information: Chris Kohl - Retired Executive from the banking and collections industries. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.  Engage with Us: Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to join the conversation. Check out our other episodes and follow us on our social media pages:  LinkedIn - growwithzizo Instagram - playzizo Facebook - playzizo TikTok - playzizo YouTube - thezizoeffect Don't miss this engaging episode filled with invaluable insights, expert advice, and practical takeaways. Tune in now to The ZIZO Effect - It's Game Time!

    49 min
  6. The Power of Accountability in Workplace Culture with Greg Stenzel

    EPISODE 6

    The Power of Accountability in Workplace Culture with Greg Stenzel

    Send a text Welcome to Season 2 of The ZIZO Effect!  This season, we’re exploring the unique insights and experiences of agents, managers, and executives in the call center industry to provide practical strategies for improving team culture and performance.  Episode Overview:  In this episode, we talk with Greg Stenzel, Vice President of Operations at AARS, about building accountability and engagement in teams. With over a decade of leadership experience, Greg shares his approach to creating an accountable and supportive workplace culture. Discover how accountability can enhance team success, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. Greg’s practical advice will help you bring more structure, motivation, and clear expectations to your team.  If you're focused on team dynamics and improving workplace engagement, this episode is filled with strategies you can apply right away.  Timestamps:  00:00:00 - Building Accountable and Engaged Workplace Culture 00:10:18 - Leadership and Distraction Management Strategies 00:19:23 - Addressing Workplace Burnout and Mental Health 00:28:47- Importance of Compensation and Incentives 00:36:48- Boosting Team Performance and Engagement   Guest Information:  Greg Stenzel - Vice President of Operations at AARS. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.  Engage with Us:  Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to join the conversation. Check out our other episodes and follow us on social media for updates:  LinkedIn - grow-with-zizo Instagram - playzizo Facebook - playzizo TikTok - playzizo YouTube - thezizoeffect  Don’t miss this episode packed with practical strategies and insights to strengthen team accountability and workplace culture. Tune in now to The ZIZO Effect; Get Ready - It's Game Time!

    38 min
  7. Creating a Winning Culture Remotely with David Black

    EPISODE 7

    Creating a Winning Culture Remotely with David Black

    Send a text Welcome to Season 2 of The ZIZO Effect! This season, we’re exploring the unique insights and experiences of agents, managers, and executives in the call center industry to provide practical strategies for improving team culture and performance. Episode Overview: In this episode, we talk with David Black, Collections Manager at National Recovery Solutions, about creating a winning culture in a remote environment. With over 20 years of experience in the call center industry, David has navigated the shift from in-person to remote team management. He shares his approach to fostering engagement, maintaining accountability, and driving productivity, all while leading a dispersed team. Tune in to learn David’s top strategies for using KPIs, regular feedback, and supportive communication to strengthen remote team culture and success. If you're looking for effective ways to manage and motivate remote teams, this episode offers actionable insights that will make a difference. Timestamps: 0:00 Managing Remote Workforce Engagement and Productivity 11:35 Balancing Data and Empathy in Leadership 20:24 Building a Culture of Winning Guest Information: David Black - Collections Manager at National Recovery Solutions. Engage with Us: Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to join the conversation. Check out our other episodes and follow us on social media for updates: LinkedIn - grow-with-zizo Instagram - playzizo Facebook - playzizo TikTok - playzizo YouTube - thezizoeffect  Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable strategies for building a winning team culture remotely. Tune in now to The ZIZO Effect; Get Ready - It's Game Time!

    28 min
  8. How Great Leaders Build Winning Teams with Jimmy Chebat

    EPISODE 8

    How Great Leaders Build Winning Teams with Jimmy Chebat

    Send a text Welcome to Season 2 of The ZIZO Effect!  This season, we explore what it takes to build high-performing teams and uncover strategies that drive workplace success, featuring insights from leaders, agents, and executives in call centers.  Episode Overview:  Leadership isn’t about managing—it’s about inspiring. In this episode, Jimmy Chebat, Founder and CEO of ZIZO Technologies, reflects on powerful insights shared by this season’s incredible lineup of guests. These leaders—spanning roles from call center agents to executives—offer real-world strategies for building teams that succeed together.  Through their stories, we explore how to build trust, encourage accountability with empathy, and adapt leadership styles to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. This episode offers thoughtful, actionable advice directly from the voices of those making an impact in their teams and organizations.  Timestamps:  00:00 Building High-Performing Team Cultures  05:26 Creating Supportive and Engaged Workplaces  14:14 Adapting Leadership to Workforce Trends  18:28 Driving Team Success with Proven Strategies  Featured Guests:  This episode features insights from:  Danny Gebre – Entrepreneur and recruiter at HAKENYA  David Black – Collections Manager at National Recovery Solutions  Christopher Kohl – Leadership Consultant  Bryan Williams – Musician and Call Center Agent at Great Lakes Processing Services  Negra Tutundzic – Employee Engagement Team Lead at Wayfair  Greg Stenzel – Vice President of Operations at AARS  Jim Iyoob – Chief Customer Officer at E-Tech Global Services  Join the Conversation:  We’d love to hear how you’re applying these strategies. Follow us on social media and share your thoughts:  LinkedIn: growwithzizo Instagram: playzizo Facebook: playzizo TikTok: playzizo YouTube: thezizoeffect 🎧 Listen now to The ZIZO Effect and take your leadership to the next level. Get Ready - It’s Game Time!

    20 min
  9. Podcast Takeover: Can Work Be Fun? with Dan Smitley

    EPISODE 9

    Podcast Takeover: Can Work Be Fun? with Dan Smitley

    Send a text Welcome to a Podcast Takeover Episode of The ZIZO Effect!   This week, Dan Smitley takes over as host, flipping the script and putting Jimmy Chebat in the guest seat. In this takeover, Dan doesn’t hold back—he challenges Jimmy with tough questions about gamification, workforce management, and creating more engaging work environments.  Episode Overview:   With his expertise in workforce management, contact center operations, and strategic thinking, Dan leads a conversation that pushes boundaries and explores how gamification transforms the workplace. Jimmy opens up about ZIZO’s journey—how transparency, accountability, and gamification can turn repetitive tasks into opportunities for engagement and self-accountability.  If you’ve ever wondered “Can work really be fun?”, Dan and Jimmy have the answers.  From redefining gamification to questioning its applications in contact centers, Dan ensures no topic goes unchallenged, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to rethink workforce management.  Timestamps:  0:00 Podcast Takeover: Gamification and Workforce Performance  15:08 How Employee Engagement Boosts Productivity  20:21 Can Work Be Fun? Motivation in the Workplace  25:38 How Gamification is Revolutionizing Workforce Management  34:39 Essential Criteria for Successful Gamification  Guest Information:  Dan Smitley – Workforce management expert, public speaker, and thought leader. Connect with Dan on LinkedIn to learn more about his insights and work.  Engage with Us:   Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment to join the conversation. Follow us on social media for updates:  LinkedIn: grow-with-zizo Instagram: playzizo Facebook: playzizo TikTok: playzizo YouTube: thezizoeffect 🎧 Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube for a dynamic discussion where tough questions lead to big insights. Get Ready - It's Game Time!

    44 min
See All Season 2 (9)

About

"The ZIZO Effect" podcast, hosted by Andrew Reimers and Jimmy Chebat, dives into the dynamic world of gamification, exploring how game elements are revolutionizing the way we work, learn, and live. Each episode uncovers the strategies behind gamification, offering insights into how it's being implemented across various industries to drive engagement, enhance productivity, and foster innovative experiences. From the workplace to personal development, and beyond, Andrew and Jimmy bring you the latest trends, tools, and game-changing ideas. Join them on "The ZIZO Effect" to discover how gamification is reshaping our world, helping us level up in all aspects of life. Get ready - It's Game Time!

Information

  • Creator
    ZIZO Technologies Inc.
  • Episodes
    24
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The ZIZO Effect
  • Show Website
    The ZIZO Effect