Is it possible to make work actually fun without losing sight of business goals? Steve Carse thinks so—and he has the story to prove it. In this energizing episode, Brandon Laws sits down with the CEO of King of Pops to talk about how one humble ice pop cart evolved into a culture-first brand and what fun truly means in the workplace. They discuss how storytelling, ownership, gamification, and pride all contribute to a work culture that people love being part of. Whether you're a leader looking to revitalize your team or an employee wondering if fun has a place at work, this episode will shift your perspective and spark ideas.
🕒 Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: The power of combining HR + payroll with Xenium HR
01:00 – Meet Steve Carse and the origin of King of Pops
03:00 – Getting laid off and finding a new career path
06:00 – Starting a business with $7,000 and a dream
08:00 – Why fun at work starts with storytelling and vision
11:00 – The value of writing a personal or business narrative
13:00 – How to find joy even in the difficult, early stages of a business
15:00 – On career FOMO and staying present in the “good old days”
17:00 – Work-life blend, parenting, and evolving productivity
20:00 – Fostering a culture of ownership and trust
23:00 – Why pride at work creates loyalty (even when it’s illogical)
25:00 – Making monotonous work fun: The Frosty Creek Olympics
28:00 – Using gamification and play to motivate teams
30:00 – Shared struggle vs. traditional team building
32:00 – Actionable tips for creating a joyful workplace culture
34:00 – Revisiting King of Pops’ 2030 Vision
36:00 – Where to find the book and connect with Steve
A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST
🎙️ Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR
Host: Brandon Laws
“The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.” — Brandon Laws
About Xenium HR
Xenium HR transforms workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium empowers growth by simplifying HR and creating environments where employees thrive. Learn more →
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