Funlab: People-Focussed Motherfunners with Michael Schreiber and Chelsea Mannix

05/01/23 • 42 min

Ever wondered how a business focussed on fun can function effectively?
In this episode, Interchange’s Creative Director Chris Gabardi and COO Cade Witnish sit down with Michael Schreiber (CEO) and Chelsea Mannix (CPO) from Funlab, a company that creates unique entertainment experiences for people of all ages.

About Funlab: Funlab is an Australian-based company that was founded in 2010. With iconic brands like Strike Bowling, Holey Moley, Hijinx Hotel and Archie Brothers, they currently operate over 30 venues across Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, and are expanding rapidly. Their venues are designed to be immersive, engaging, and above all, fun.

During the interview, we discuss the following topics:

· The history of Funlab and how the company culture has changed over the years.

· The philosophy behind Funlab's approach to entertainment and how they strive to create unique experiences for their guests and team members (Motherfunners).

· Some of the challenges they have faced in the industry, including the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and how they maintained their strong culture throughout.

· Funlab traditions and rituals that play a key role in attraction and retention of great Motherfunners.

· Funlab's plans for the future, including expanding into the USA.

More information about Interchange and the work we do: https://interchange.com.au
More information about Funlab: https://fun-lab.com

Hosts: Chris Gabardi and Cade Witnish
Guests: Michael Schreiber and Chelsea Mannix
Producer: Niki Hayton

Recorded at Castaway Studios, Collingwood, 2023

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Best Behaviour podcast is recorded on Wurundjeri land, Interchange acknowledges that this always was, and always will be Aboriginal land.
For more information about Interchange and the work that we do, check out our website, or connect with us on LinkedIn, or instagram.

During the interview, we discuss the following topics:

· The history of Funlab and how the company culture has changed over the years.

· The philosophy behind Funlab's approach to entertainment and how they strive to create unique experiences for their guests and team members (Motherfunners).

· Some of the challenges they have faced in the industry, including the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and how they maintained their strong culture throughout.

· Funlab traditions and rituals that play a key role in attraction and retention of great Motherfunners.

· Funlab's plans for the future, including expanding into the USA.

More information about Interchange and the work we do: https://interchange.com.au
More information about Funlab: https://fun-lab.com

Hosts: Chris Gabardi and Cade Witnish
Guests: Michael Schreiber and Chelsea Mannix
Producer: Niki Hayton

Recorded at Castaway Studios, Collingwood, 2023

Send us a message.

Previous Episode

Coles: Future-Proofing Culture with Josie Fakira and Fiona Scullion

In this episode, Gabe and Chris are joined by Josie Fakira, Coles General Manager of Organisational Effectiveness, and Fiona Scullion, Coles Culture Specialist, to discuss their experiences in shaping the culture of one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned institutions.
Coles has been a cornerstone of the Australian community, serving over 22 million customers today and employing 1% of the Australian population. Despite having a workforce of over 120,000 employees, Coles remains committed to being a community organisation. Josie and Fiona share insights into how Coles has maintained its community culture by nurturing micro-communities within the larger organisation.
Discussed in this episode:
- The history of Coles
- Capitalising on purpose and connection
- Attraction vs retention
- A culture of listening ‘you said, we did’
- The power of creating rituals, symbols
- Leadership and career pathways
Find out more about Interchange here: https://interchange.com.au
Find out more about Coles here: https://www.coles.com.au/about
Follow us on instagram: https://instagram.com/interchange_co
Find us on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-interchange/
Guests: Josie Fakira and Fiona Scullion
Hosts: Gabe Harris and Chris Gabardi
Recorded at Castaway Studios, Collingwood 2023
Interchange acknowledges that we work and play on Wurundjeri land, and that this always has and always will be Aboriginal land.

Send us a message.

Next Episode

The Culture Commute - Do Companies Need A Purpose?

Welcome to The Culture Commute, where we tackle a workplace culture topic in the time it takes you to get to work.
Today Chris and Gabe talk purpose. Is it important? Is it even necessary to have an organisational purpose? What about when purpose doesn't mean anything?

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