Nine to Five Can Be Fun: Transforming Toxic Workplace Cultures with Cindy Zurchin

By: | Posted in: Podcast Episodes | March 14th, 2025

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What you focus on is what you get more of.”

– Cindy Zurchin

In this episode, host Ana Melikian speaks with Dr. Cindy Zurchin, a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in transforming workplace culture, about the power of creating fun and thriving work environments. Cindy enlightens us on how incorporating trust, positivity, and innovation into workplace culture can lead to enhanced productivity and satisfaction.

Ana and Cindy delve into the challenges many face in traditional toxic workspaces and the steps one can take to shift from a culture of negativity to one of encouragement and growth. Cindy shares her own journey from adopting a tough management style to embracing servant leadership, highlighting the significance of building a people-centric organization. She presents her proven strategies encapsulated in the “Raise the BAR” initiative, focusing on Building trust, Activating positivity, and Redirecting mistakes.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to initiate positive changes in their environments, from small business settings to large organizations, and the importance of recognition and gratitude in cultivating a healthy work culture.

Motivation, acknowledgment, and the implementation of servant leadership are at the core of Cindy's approach, promising not only improved business outcomes but also a more fulfilling professional life.

Let's dive in!

This week on the MINDSET ZONE:

  • 00:00 Recognizing Employees: The Power of Acknowledgment

  • 00:28 Introduction to the Mindset Zone

  • 01:06 Meet Cindy  Zurchin: Transforming Workplace Culture

  • 01:29 The Vision of a Fun Workplace

  • 04:25 Understanding Toxic Workplaces

  • 06:04 Cindy's Personal Journey in Leadership

  • 12:17 From Toxic to Thriving: Real-Life Transformations

  • 15:18 Raise the BAR: Building Trust and Positivity

  • 18:23 Advice for Leaders: Changing Toxic Work Cultures

  • 24:47 Conclusion: Creating a Thriving Work Culture

About The Guest

Dr. Cindy Zurchin has over 30 years of leadership experience as a motivational speaker, trainer, and author. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University and has additional certifications from prestigious programs such as “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and “Leading Change.” 

Cindy has held various educational leadership positions, including Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent, overseeing a $62 million budget and 500 staff members. She transformed a struggling school into a nationwide success by applying the leadership principles detailed in her book, “The Whale Done! School,” co-authored with Ken Blanchard. Her signature approach focuses on fostering vibrant school environments for students, teachers, and parents. 

As a consultant for the Blanchard Institute, Cindy collaborated with educators and parents nationwide, building trust in school communities, particularly in California, where her models gained rapid acceptance. She has been featured in Principal Magazine and TribLive.com. 

Cindy is currently the CEO of her consulting firm. She resides in Pittsburgh with her husband, John, and is a proud mother of two grown sons. She advocates for trust, resilience, and success through strategic action.

Cindy Zurchin

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