At Pressure Cooker Studios, culture is not something we talk about only when there’s time. It’s something we actively create space for. One of the most important ways we do that is through the ‘Chinwag’, a set bi-annual event in the studio calendar that gives everyone permission to pause, reflect, and speak honestly about how we’re working together and where we’re heading.
Brian Little, General Manager of Pressure Cooker Studios, explains what the Chinwag is, why it exists, and the role it plays in supporting the people who make the studio what it is:
“The Chinwag runs twice a year, every six months, in January and September. It’s a dedicated 2.5 hour space created for the whole team to connect and talk openly about a broad range of topics across the business. It exists as a platform for honest conversation, with nothing off the table. Ahead of each Chinwag, the team is asked what’s working well, what’s not, and what could be better, along with anything they’d like to raise or share.
Two key sections shape the day: One is an Ask Me Anything, where any question can be put forward. The other is Identify, Discuss and Solve, which surfaces areas people feel need attention, whether cultural, strategic, financial, or operational. Everyone is present, the team sits in a circle, pizza is ordered, and the environment is informal but intentional. The aim isn’t to fix a single problem, but to build alignment, trust, transparency, and a stronger sense of cohesion.”
Brian sees the Chinwag less as something that shapes culture and more as something that reflects and supports the culture already in place: “Our culture is grounded in transparency and a made by many approach, and the Chinwag reinforces that by encouraging openness, trust, and accountability. Leadership is often required to respond vulnerably, which signals to the team that it’s safe to be honest. It’s very much a two way street.
Beyond the conversations themselves, the Chinwag acts as a bonding experience. Even when discussions are tough, the team leaves feeling lighter, refreshed, and more aligned. It also gives leadership a clear moment to share context and communicate openly in a way that’s difficult to do in the pace of day to day studio life.
That culture is anchored in the studio’s core values, which guide how the team shows up every day. Collaboration sits at the centre, supported by mutual respect, accountability, trust, and kindness. What makes the team distinctive is how those values translate into daily behaviour and how music and audio live together under one roof. This integration naturally sparks collaboration across disciplines and creates an environment where people feel safe to contribute ideas, challenge thinking, and grow.
Conversations at a Chinwag feel very different from everyday studio life. The usual focus on delivery and deadlines falls away, creating space to reflect on how the team is working together. Feedback is gathered in advance so nothing is missed, and the structure allows people to speak without interruption, simply to be heard. Each Chinwag closes with clear action points that guide the next phase of the business, ensuring the conversations lead to real outcomes.
The topics that surface vary depending on what the business is navigating at the time, from culture and collaboration to strategy, operations, or financial realities. What remains consistent is the constructive nature of the dialogue and the value of hearing perspectives leadership might not always see.”
For Brian, one of the most powerful outcomes is that people feel heard and valued. Greater transparency, particularly around the business itself, helps team members connect their work to tangible outcomes and understand the impact of what they contribute. That visibility builds trust, motivation, and a sense of shared ownership.
“Ultimately, the Chinwag reflects Pressure Cooker Studios’ commitment to living its values in practice. It’s not about having all the answers, but about creating a space where honest conversations can happen, people feel a sense of belonging, and the team can move forward together with clarity and purpose. And yes, the pizza is always a welcome bonus.”