Work Well Equation

Kai Algar

What if the way we work now isn't actually working? The podcast explores the 3bears core principles that could transform not just how we work, but how we live, through honest conversations with people who are proving that another way is possible.  Host Kai Algar, a people and culture leader and founder of 3bears, believes we're at a critical moment where the workforce is evolving, and the old models aren't just failing; they're actively harming talent. This isn't about optimizing your hustle; it's about questioning everything we've been told about work and building systems that actually serve humans instead of exploiting them. This show is for you if you're tired of systems that prioritize profit over people, ready to align your work with your values, or simply curious about what real, sustainable and equitable work could look like. Work Well & Prosper. New episodes bi-weekly. Subscribe to join the community at 3bears.io/work-well

Episodes

  1. 11/18/2025

    Navigating Conflict, Trust & Capacity

    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

    53 min
  2. 09/30/2025

    Building Impactful Businesses

    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 LinkedInUnwrapitGrantbook Work Well Links & Resources: Kai's LinkedIn Work Well Principles Subscribe to the Work Well community Work Well TikTok: @3bears.inc

    38 min

About

What if the way we work now isn't actually working? The podcast explores the 3bears core principles that could transform not just how we work, but how we live, through honest conversations with people who are proving that another way is possible.  Host Kai Algar, a people and culture leader and founder of 3bears, believes we're at a critical moment where the workforce is evolving, and the old models aren't just failing; they're actively harming talent. This isn't about optimizing your hustle; it's about questioning everything we've been told about work and building systems that actually serve humans instead of exploiting them. This show is for you if you're tired of systems that prioritize profit over people, ready to align your work with your values, or simply curious about what real, sustainable and equitable work could look like. Work Well & Prosper. New episodes bi-weekly. Subscribe to join the community at 3bears.io/work-well