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I've interviewed hundreds of experts and now lead Engagement Strategy (EU) at TOG. If you want help applying this, start here: professorgame.com/chat Can a leader truly be effective without ever presenting a single slide? Clark Aldrich returns to the show to dismantle the "expert-led" model of management and education. He introduces Socratic Cards: a physical tool designed to replace passive consumption with active, high-stakes inquiry. By shifting the responsibility of learning from the teacher to the learner, Clark explains how organizations can transition from "easily replaceable employees" to "heroic tribes" that thrive on peer mentorship and meaningful challenges. Clark Aldrich is a past guest (episode 94 and 127) and is the award-winning creator/author/founder of Short Sims, Unschooling Rules, The Complete Guide to Simulations and Serious Games, and Gartner's eLearning coverage. Aldrich's sims and games have been covered extensively, including by The New York Times, ABC, CBS, NPR, ESPN, and CNN. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: socraticcards.com LinkedIn: Clark Aldrich Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question
Lai-Ling Su: What Scrum Masters Must Do More of in 2026—Think Like a Business Owner Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. "Success is so contextual. And I think the definitions and measurements of success also change over time. So, only you can definitively say what success is at any given time and how to appropriately measure it for your situation." - Lai-Ling Su Lai-Ling frames success for Scrum Masters around what she'd love to see more of in 2026: smart, strategic, and commercial decision-making. She observes a distinct gap in the business landscape—too few people are making decisions that balance customer value, revenues, expenses, and long-term sustainability. This could mean reducing SKUs to enhance operational flow and reduce burnout, investing in change management from day one of a transformation, or cutting unused software licenses to save a colleague's job or fund product innovation. To help Scrum Masters develop this capability, Lai-Ling puts them in the shoes of a business owner—whether through simulations, shadowing business leaders, or pairing with product owners to understand the business side of products beyond just the build side. She emphasizes the difference between learning strategy through theory (like an MBA) versus learning it through actually operating a business, where consequences are real and immediate. Self-reflection Question: When did you last consider how a decision in your domain impacts the broader commercial viability of your organization? Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: LEGO Serious Play Lai-Ling loves using LEGO for deeply reflective retrospectives, and she's a certified LEGO Serious Play facilitator. The approach works beautifully for tender and courageous conversations because building with LEGO does several things simultaneously: it's fun, the physical act of building helps process and articulate thoughts you didn't have words for, and it depersonalizes what's said because participants talk about a physical object rather than directly about people. You don't need expensive certified kits—just grab basic bricks from a local shop, pose a reflective question, and let people build. Lai-Ling notes that her best retrospectives have often been the most deeply uncomfortable ones for participants, because of how much personal and emotional truth emerges when you create that safe space for constructive dialogue. The kinetic and visual elements help crystallize ideas that would otherwise not come out so easily. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Have a product challenge around retention? Quick intro chat → professorgame.com/chat Stop feeling like you're grinding without a progress bar. In this episode, we explore the behavioral science of "leveling up" in real life to combat burnout and invisible growth. By applying the Octalysis Framework we discusse how to map your career as an evolving skill tree. Whether you are a product leader looking to build meaningful user progression or an individual seeking to reclaim your "Player 1" status, this episode provides a blueprint for turning disjointed milestones into a cohesive, high-functioning journey of mastery. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: The Octalysis Framework Yu-kai Chou's first episode on Professor Game! 10000 Hours of Play by Yu-kai Chou Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question Looking forward to reading or hearing from you, Rob
Recently funded and aiming for sustainable retention? Intro chat (no sales pitch): professorgame.com/chat What if your research team worked like a raid party? Raul Mora shares how bringing gamer language and MMORPG structures into academia boosted clarity, motivation, and long-term commitment. This conversation explores community design, role-based engagement, and why listening to gamers is the most underrated retention strategy in education. Raúl is a professor at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia, now also teaching remotely from Trondheim, Norway. He's been in education for over 30 years, including time as a school and English teacher and as a college professor. His research explores second language literacy practices in the city, digital spaces, and schools. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Guest Links and Info Webs: Guest: elpatronhimself.net Research Lab: lslp.org LinkedIn: Raúl Mora Instagram: @lslplegion TikTok: @lslplegion Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/elpatronhimself.bsky.social Book: Understanding Second Language Users as Gamers Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Antero Garcia Recommended book: What Video Games Have to Teach Us by James P. Gee Favorite game: Mortal Kombat Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question
In dieser Folge von Unboxing New Work spricht Lutz Hüser mit Elisabeth Römpp und Jörg Veith über Berufsorientierung – und darüber, wie junge Menschen heute auf Arbeit und Zukunft blicken. Gemeinsam schauen wir darauf, welche Bilder über „die junge Generation“ im Raum stehen, warum die Entscheidung mit 15 so groß wirkt – und wie es gelingen kann, Stärken sichtbar zu machen. Eine Folge über Verantwortung, Hoffnung und darüber, was passiert, wenn Jugendliche ihre eigenen „Superkräfte“ entdecken.
In dieser Solofolge blicke ich auf 2 Jahre und 65 Folgen zurück. Ich teile Highlights, Learnings und besondere Momente mit Menschen und Impulse, die mich in dieser Zeit besonders geprägt haben. Am Ende wartet ein kleines Geschenk auf Dich: eine kurze Übung, die dir hilft, Ressourcen aufzubauen gerade in stressigen Zeiten.Zwischen zwei Leidenschaften: Wasser und WorteDieser Podcast war von Anfang an ein Ort zwischen:Storytelling, Lernen, Weiterentwicklung (für Selbstständige und Unternehmen)Entspannung, Stille, Wasser, Floating (zur Ruhe kommen, Ressourcen auftanken)Gerade im Wasser ist bei mir viel Klarheit entstanden, die jetzt zum nächsten Schritt führt:Warum jetzt eine Pause kommt (und was als Nächstes entsteht)Ich entwickle ein neues Format: einen Blog rund um Auszeiten. Dort teile ich künftig ganz praktische Dinge, die du direkt umsetzen kannst, zum Beispiel:Home Retreat Ideen für zu Hauseeine Day Spa zu Hause Anleitung (ohne Hotel, ohne großen Aufwand)Übungen, Checklisten und Inspiration für kleine ErholungsmomenteEmpfehlungen und Entdeckungen (unter anderem rund um Freiburg)Damit das gut wird, braucht es Fokus. Deshalb pausiere ich den Podcast erstmal.Mini-Geschenk am Ende: Übung "Wärme Dein Herz"Zum Abschluss teile ich eine Übung aus der positiven Neuroplastizität. Sie unterstützt dich dabei, gute Momente bewusster aufzunehmen und so Ressourcen aufzubauen trotz Stress. Du kannst sie in 1 bis 2 Minuten machen, auch unterwegs.Mein Dank geht an alle Podcastgäste, insbesondere an:Uwe von Grafenstein und das Programm „Geschichten, die verkaufen“: Folge 10, https://youtu.be/ciiqCybW3O0Nik Linder und Relaqua (Freediving-inspirierte Entspannungsmethode), Folge 11 und 37, https://youtu.be/MDAavKTIcFshttps://youtu.be/fmxlcTsbIAISebastian Wittmann von Stärkeneffekt und dem Stärkenradar, Folge 24, https://youtu.be/DMufv3_RnEMhttps://youtu.be/Eva3hzs5jpgDr. Reinhard Friedel, Herzchirurg, Schiffsarzt und Buchautor „Der Takt des Lebens“ und die Frage, wie wir lernen auf unser Herz zu hören. Folge 48, https://youtu.be/YXCqIXxjHQYUnd natürlich an Dich und alle, die meinen Podcast geteilt und empfohlen haben. Es war eine schöne Reise und sie geht weiter.Bleib auf dem LaufendenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-megahed/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra_megahed/KontaktDu willst deine Story sichtbarer machen oder selbst einen Podcast starten?Kontakt: Dann schreib mir gerne: info@changeyourbrain.deDieser Podcast schenkt Dir Zeit. Zeit, Deine Aufmerksamkeit bewusst auf Dich, Deine persönliche Entwicklung, Deine mentale und körperliche Gesundheit zu lenken.Wie kannst Du gesund bleiben in einer herausfordernden, auf Leistung ausgerichteten Arbeitswelt?Wie kannst Du wieder mehr Zeit gewinnen für Deine Leidenschaften, Hobbies und die wichtigen Menschen in Deinem Leben?Wie kannst Du Deine Beziehungen stärken, zu Dir selbst, Familie, Freunde, Kollegen oder auch Mitarbeitenden?Ich bin Sandra Megahed, Coach und Journalistin. Immer auf der Suche nach den spannendsten Geschichten und wirksamsten Methoden für Deine persönliche Entwicklung.Lerne von mir und mit mir von den Besten und sei Teil dieser Reise hin zu mehr Ausgeglichenheit, Zufriedenheit, Ruhe und Gesundheit.Was erwartet Dich? Geschichten von Menschen und ihre wertvollen Erfahrungen, ein Mix aus einfachen, wirksamen Methoden, spannende Bücher, Gespräche mit Wissenschaftlern, Buchautoren rund um die Themen Psychologie, Neurowissenschaften, Mindset, Persönlichkeitsentwicklung, Resilienz und Stressbewältigung.Du möchtest gleich den Anfang machen und in Deine Weiterentwicklung und die Deines Unternehmens voranbringen? Dann bin ich gespannt von Dir zu hören. Melde Dich gerne bei mir für einen ersten kostenfreien Inspirationscall.Du möchtest nichts verpassen: Dann abonniere doch gleich meinen Kanal auf Youtube:www.youtube.com/@changeyourbrain_megahedFolge mir auf LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-megahed/und Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandra_megahed/Kundenstimmen:Christian Bentz, Ausbildungsleiter bei der Siemens AG: "Sandra ist eine herausragende Persönlichkeit, die nicht nur durch ihre fachliche Kompetenz, sondern auch durch ihre authentische und beruhigende Präsenz überzeugt. Ich kann sie uneingeschränkt als Partnerin für inspirierende und effektive Weiterbildungsprojekte empfehlen."Johannes Gronover, Gronover Consulting:Sandra versteht die Leute richtig zu motivieren und sie hat eine Menge Erfahrung in ihrem Bereich. Die Kunden waren total begeistert von ihren Vorträgen: Klar verständlich und voller praktischer Tipps!"Gizem Duvan, Academy / Ausbildung Franke GmbHDurch Sandras professionelle und einfühlsame Art habe ich persönlich enorm an mir selbst gearbeitet und bin in vielerlei Hinsicht gewachsen. Besonders wertvoll war die Bearbeitung meiner persönlichen Story, die ich nun stolz als Steckbrief auf LinkedIn nutze. Sandra hat mir geholfen, meine Geschichte authentisch und überzeugend zu formulieren, was mir beruflich wie privat neue Türen geöffnet hat.
Recorded live in Milan at the European Organisation Design Forum, this conversation with Stelio Verzera goes far beyond org charts. Stelio traces his path from aerospace engineering and early internet consulting into 30 years of sociotechnical systems work, and explains why organizations should be treated as living, evolving systems not machines. You'll hear why he uses serious games and Lego Serious Play to surface what people feel and “don't know they know” about performance, trust, leadership and strategy and why working with your hands can create breakthroughs that stick for years. Stelio shares the moments that define teams, including when senior leaders unexpectedly find language for what matters and the room changes. He also offers a leader-ready model for change using the metaphor of a river: tools and processes are visible on the surface, but capabilities, culture and people sit deeper and move slower. Ignore the deeper layers and you create change fatigue because the “inertia of the river” will swallow your initiatives. Finally, Stelio looks forward. He argues org design is shifting from mechanistic thinking to organic, adaptive organizing and now toward an ecosystemic view where organizational “boundaries” are mental constructs and leaders' responsibility extends across partners, families and communities. With AI automating more knowledge work, Stelio believes the future of org design will center even more on relationships, context, and how humans collaborate in a messy world to create value that benefits the whole ecosystem. Functionly www.functionly.com Org Design podcast www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast Cocoon Pro cocoon-pro.com
I've interviewed hundreds of experts and now lead Engagement Strategy (EU) at The Octalysis Group. If you want help applying this, start here: professorgame.com/chat Why do people ignore things they know are good for them and obsess over games instead? In this episode, we introduce the Octalysis Framework, unpacking the eight core drives of human motivation and explain how human-focused design leads to stronger engagement, higher retention, and better-designed products, platforms, and learning experiences. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: The Octalysis Framework for Gamification & Behavioral Design Octalysis Prime on YouTube by Yu-kai Chou Actionable Gamification by Yu-kai Chou Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question
Dies ist KEINE Jubiläumsfolge, meint der heutige Gast und auch die erste Folge aus 2022 sei keine gewesen, dabei sind beide Folgen sicher ein Happening! Aber ungeachtet dieses technischen Details kann sich die heutige Episode hören lassen, denn Marc Geiger ist nicht nur zum ersten Mal zum zweiten Mal in einem Podcast, sondern erzählt auch sehr interessante Dinge zu Legal Operations, seinem Buch-Kapitel und wie KI doch Sinn machen kann. Und zuletzt wird auch (erneut) eine Einladung an die Nerds (in den Lego-Raum) nach Stuttgart ausgesprochen … wenn Marc dafür dann nicht in eine Jubiläumsfolge kommt, dann ist den Nerds auch nicht mehr zu helfen. Gleiss Lutz: https://www.gleisslutz.com/de/experten/marc-geiger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-geiger-35174340/ NoL-Folge 93 mit Marc Geiger: https://www.nerdsoflaw.com/2022/09/nerds-of-law-93-denkoase-im-schlaraffenland-mit-marc-geiger/ Adobe Firefly: https://www.adobe.com/de/products/firefly.html LEGO Serious Play: https://www.lego.com/de-de/themes/serious-play Vienna Legal Innovation (2026): https://www.businesscircle.at/events/vienna-legal-innovation Subscribe to the Podcast RSS Feed https://nerdsoflaw.libsyn.com/rss Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/nerds-of-law-podcast/id1506472002 SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/12D6osXfccI1bjAzapWzI4 Google Play Store https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/Idvhwrimkmxb2phecnckyzik3qq?t%3DNerds_of_Law_Podcast%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7rmwzBy-IRGh8JkLCPIjyGMA-nHMtiAC Deezer https://www.deezer.com/de/show/1138852 Nerds of Law® http://www.nerdsoflaw.com https://twitter.com/NerdsOfLaw https://www.instagram.com/nerdsoflaw/ https://www.facebook.com/NerdsOfLaw/ Music by Mick Bordet www.mickbordet.com Nerds of Law ® ist eine Unionsmarke (Wortmarke).
If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat The biggest impact of gamification often happens in the least obvious places. In this episode, Rob Alvarez talks with David Dand about using game-inspired strategies in recruitment, leadership, and employee experience to attract better-fit talent, reduce churn, and build stronger, more human organizations, even in highly traditional sectors. David is the Founder and Managing Director of Coreus, a boutique hiring services provider based in Brighton. Coreus specialises in helping professional SMEs tackle critical talent challenges and is experienced in the complexities of recruiting in skilled, competitive, and often highly regulated markets. David is a CIPD-qualified HR and recruitment expert with a career spanning global firms such as EY, AXA, and Roche, with a focus on cultural fit, leadership assessment, and career coaching. He lives in the South Downs near Brighton, UK, with his wife and their three mischievous children. His interests include music, travel, and sport. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: Gamification in Recruitment | Coreus LinkedIn: Personal: David Dand | LinkedIn Company: Coreus Instagram: @coreus_talentacquisition Links to episode mentions: Recommended book: Hiring Success by Jerome Ternynck Favorite game: Chess and Football Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project Start Your Community on Skool for Free YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
Think a lost patent ends the story? We unpack how Lego turned a single technical invention into a platform for decades of innovation, brand power, and adult creativity. Starting with the 1958 stud-and-tube coupling, we explain what the original brick patent really covered, why its expiry didn't sink the company, and how modern patents protect motion, mechanisms, and programmable systems rather than basic interlocking. From there, we map the rest of the toolkit: trademarks for source identity, design rights for appearance, and copyrights for expressive elements.We also dive into the courtroom rulers that drew bright lines on functionality. Attempts to trademark the brick shape faltered in Canada and the EU because function can't double as a brand signifier, while the minifigure shape prevailed as a 3D trademark. A later EU design-rights win showed that even bricks have protectable visual features when not purely functional. Enforcement cases against Best-Lock and Lepin underline how copyrights and trade dress defend minifigures, packaging, and character designs across markets.Then we switch from courts to culture. Lego's adult strategy blends nostalgia with display-worthy design: Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series, sleek Architecture skylines, and the Botanical collection that doubles as decor. Black-box, 18+ packaging telegraphs “made for you,” and the brand leans into mindful building as a calming, creative ritual. Finally, we explore Lego Serious Play, an open-source methodology that spreads fast through facilitators while the company retains the brand and sells specialized kits. It's a masterclass in sharing the method but owning the name.If you enjoy smart takes on how IP, marketing, and design shape the products you love, hit follow, share this with a friend who builds, and leave a review to tell us which Lego insight surprised you most.Send us a textCheck out "Protection for the Inventive Mind" – available now on Amazon in print and Kindle formats. The views and opinions expressed (by the host and guest(s)) in this podcast are strictly their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the entities with which they may be affiliated. This podcast should in no way be construed as promoting or criticizing any particular government policy, institutional position, private interest or commercial entity. Any content provided is for informational and educational purposes only.
edited picture from Lars H Knudsen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-close-up-shot-of-a-llama-7845603/ Published 2 February 2026 e541 with Michael and Michael – Stories and discussion on AI with local Claude (and Clawdbot, Moltbot & openclaw), collaborative agents, 25 cent physical microtransactions ( quarters ), invisibility cloaks, LEGO SmartPlay and a whole lot more. Michael and Michael get things rolling with a series of intriguing innovations in local AI. First up is a local instantiation of Claude via Ollama – see notes below for the installation instructions if you care to give this a shot. Then, the team checks out Trae for it's orchestration capabilities. Michael M makes the mistake of trying out one of these innovations while recording the show and nearly crashes his machine. Then a discussion on the startup Humans& and how this company is planning for how human + digital combinations will power the future. The post from Thomas Ricouard illustrates how agents are collaborating with one another. Michael and Michael stay at the surface level on the whole clawdbot —> moltbot —> openclaw story which has been rapidly evolving this past week while still marveling at the speed of movement. Switching then to the makers making things, there is a fantastic example of how to enable the original microtransaction for current software. How? Implementing the hardware mechanism for accepting a quarter to allow the game player to continue. Next, from MIT, a significant improvement on the umbrella by using a quadcopter and computer vision tracker to create a flying mobile shelter that protects the user from the elements. And then, a story about an invisibility cloak from Duke in the news this week, which harkens back years – check the show notes below for prior discussions on this capability. LEGO has announced a new innovation – the SMART Play system, replete with SMART Bricks, SMART Tags and SMART Minifigures. It will be so intriguing to see how this fits in with the LEGO robotics, FIRST LEGO League and more. The longer arc going back to LEGO Serious Play may provide some hints. Michael and Michael wrap things up with another long arc from the show – Doom running on a plethora of devices and screens. This time? Doom on earbuds. Check out the links and discussion for more. Are you considering trying out openclaw.ai ? Why or why not? Have your openclaw (or other) bots
Send us a text¿Qué pasa cuando la patente que cimentó tu negocio expira y tu producto se vuelve replicable? Tomamos el caso de Lego para mostrar cómo una empresa puede transformar un riesgo en una estrategia potente, combinando innovación técnica, diseño distintivo y una marca con significado. Contamos la historia del bloque de 1958, la protección del acoplamiento interno y la entrada al dominio público, y luego seguimos el hilo hacia las patentes modernas que resguardan mecanismos de Technic, robótica educativa, sensores y sistemas programables. La clave: mover la protección a los bordes y dejar que la plataforma inspire nuevas soluciones.También narramos las batallas legales que definieron límites y oportunidades. El intento de registrar la forma del bloque como marca chocó con la regla de funcionalidad en Canadá y la Unión Europea, pero la minifigura sí obtuvo reconocimiento marcario por su capacidad de identificar origen. El diseño registrado del bloque superó impugnaciones al probar elementos no puramente funcionales. Sumamos victorias por derechos de autor y competencia desleal frente a imitadores como Bestlock y Lepin, incluyendo el uso de trade dress para empaques y personajes. Este mosaico legal demuestra cómo marcas, diseños y copyright se refuerzan para conservar valor cuando la patente ya no protege el corazón del producto.Cambiamos de los tribunales al mercado adulto: AFOL, nostalgia bien dirigida, licencias como Star Wars, y líneas Architecture y Botanical con empaques sobrios y sello 18+. Hablamos de cómo el empaque y el mensaje de bienestar convierten la construcción en ritual de calma y pieza de exhibición. Cerramos con Lego Serious Play: una metodología abierta bajo Creative Commons, con control de marca y kits oficiales, que llevó el juego a la estrategia de negocios, liderazgo e innovación. Es una guía práctica para usar propiedad intelectual como diseño de negocio, no solo como muralla. Si te gustó, suscríbete, comparte este episodio con tu comunidad y déjanos tu reseña contando qué marca quieres que analicemos después.Descubre Protección para la Mente Inventiva – ya disponible en Amazon en formatos impreso y Kindle. Las opiniones expresadas por la host y los invitados en este pódcast son exclusivamente personales y propias, estas no reflejan necesariamente la política o postura oficial de las entidades con las que puedan estar vinculados. Este pódcast no debe interpretarse como una promoción ni una crítica a ninguna política gubernamental, posición institucional, interés privado o entidad comercial. Todo el contenido presentado tiene fines informativos y educativos.
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In dieser Folge von Unboxing New Work spricht Johanna mit Sebastian Horndasch über den Einsatz von Lego® Serious Play in der Organisationsentwicklung. Ausgangspunkt ist ein gemeinsamer Workshop bei der Lebenshilfe Trier: Wie lassen sich Probleme und Potenziale sichtbar machen, ohne vorschnell in Lösungen zu springen? Und was macht Lego Serious Play anders als klassische Formate? Sebastian teilt seine Erfahrungen zwischen Offenheit und Skepsis, berichtet von Aha-Momenten im Workshop und ordnet ein, wie spielerische Methoden helfen können, implizites Wissen sichtbar zu machen. Gemeinsam sprechen sie über Widerstände, Co-Facilitation, unterschiedliche Arbeitslogiken – und über die Grenzen der Methode. Ein ehrliches Praxisgespräch darüber, wie Organisationen komplexe Themen greifbar machen können.
In this heartfelt episode, Rob reflects on the profound impact his father, Mariano Alvarez, had on his life, particularly as a prominent actor in Venezuela. As he commemorates the 25th anniversary of his father's passing, Rob shares personal anecdotes that highlight the lessons he learned from Mariano, including the importance of believability in storytelling, the value of physical fitness, and the significance of generosity. Through his father's legacy, Rob connects these lessons to his work in gamification, emphasizing how immersive experiences can evoke empathy and engagement in audiences. Rob also reminisces about their shared love for superheroes and video games, illustrating how these interests were nurtured by his father. He discusses the influence of Mariano's career in theater and film, and how it shaped his understanding of performance and audience connection. Ultimately, this episode serves as a tribute to Mariano's life and the enduring lessons that continue to inspire Rob in both his personal and professional endeavors. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links and Info Mariano Alvarez Wikipedia Mariano Alvarez IMDb Homenaje a Mariano Alvarez - Detrás de las Cámaras Jose Gregorio Hernandez (one of the characters he represented) Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
Unser heutiger Gast hat nach einem kurzen Abstecher zur Bundeswehr Betriebswirtschaft mit Schwerpunkt Entrepreneurship studiert und sich danach ganz der Frage gewidmet: Wie gelingt Arbeit, die Menschen stärkt und Organisationen wirklich verändert? Er gründete sein eigenes Unternehmen, wurde Hochschuldozent, Coach und einer der sichtbarsten Stimmen für zeitgemäße Transformation im deutschsprachigen Raum. Sein Podcast „Unboxing New Work“ zählt zu den meistgehörten Formaten rund um die Arbeitswelt von morgen: ehrlich, inspirierend, praxisnah. In dieser besonderen Kooperationsfolge, die parallel bei ihm und bei uns erscheint, werfen wir gemeinsam einen Blick nach vorn: Was kommt 2026 auf uns zu? Welche Ideen, Muster und Irrtümer nehmen wir mit aus dem letzten Jahr und was braucht es, damit die Idee von New Work nicht im Buzzword-Nebel steckenbleibt? Seit über acht Jahren beschäftigen wir uns in diesem Podcast mit der Frage, wie Arbeit den Menschen stärkt, statt ihn zu schwächen. In über 500 Podcastfolgen haben wir mit fast 700 Persönlichkeiten darüber gesprochen, was sich verändert hat und was sich weiter ändern muss. Fest steht: Für die Lösung unserer aktuellen Herausforderungen brauchen wir neue Impulse. Daher suchen wir weiter nach Methoden, Vorbildern, Erfahrungen, Tools und Ideen, die uns dem Kern von New Work näherbringen. Darüber hinaus beschäftigt uns von Anfang an die Frage, ob wirklich alle Menschen das finden und leben können, was sie im Innersten wirklich, wirklich wollen. Ihr seid bei „On the Way to New Work“ – heute in einer Kooperationsfolge mit „Unboxing New Work“ – und zum dritten Mal mit David Hillmer. [Hier](https://linktr.ee/onthewaytonewwork) findet ihr alle Links zum Podcast und unseren aktuellen Werbepartnern
In this rare and deeply personal episode, Rob steps away from the traditional gamification conversation to speak as a Venezuelan. Blending lived experience, political involvement, and game-thinking principles, Rob reflects on the cost of doing everything "by the rules," the exhaustion of democratic paths, and why this moment matters so deeply to millions of Venezuelans around the world. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat What if gamification isn't about rewards at all? James Portnow joins the Professor Game Podcast to explain why intrinsic engagement, thoughtful iteration, and strong design goals matter more than mechanics. From YouTube education to tabletop games, this conversation is packed with insights on building experiences people truly care about. James Portnow is a Game Designer by trade, who's worked on games ranging from the Call of Duty Series to League of Legends to Farmville. His latest project, Cyberpunk Legends (the official Cyberpunk co-op card game), Kickstarted for over a million dollars, putting it in the top 1% of kickstarters ever created. He is also the creator of one of the most popular YouTube channels on history, Extra History. He's spoken at universities and corporations around the world and at conferences ranging from GDC to PAX to SXSW. He's been quoted in the New York Times and Time Magazine, published by Oxford University Press and has taught at the Masters and Bachelor's level. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: nightcrewgames.com LinkedIn: James Portnow Instagram: @night.crew.games @extracredits TikTok: @night.crew.games Facebook: nightcrewgames ExtraCredits Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/nightcrewgames.bsky.social YouTube: Extra Credits Extra History Other links: kickstarter.com/projects/cyberpunklegends/cyberpunk-legends-into-the-night Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Richard Garfield of Magic The Gathering Designer on Candy Crush - Perhaps David Darabian? Jonathan Blow The Slay the Spire guys - Mega Crit Recommended book: Poetics by Aristotle Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard Favorite game: Magic The Gathering
Want to run away from destroying an experience? Happy to brainstorm → professorgame.com/chat A magical Christmas experience in Madrid almost collapsed because of one overlooked detail. We break down a real-world holiday experience through the stages of gamification, and reveal where confusion can destroy even the most beautiful experience. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: El Manantial de los Sueños 4 Phases of a Player Journey Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
If you're considering gamification for engagement, retention, or loyalty, I'm happy to compare options with you: professorgame.com/chat What if your bio was more than a skills list and your job hunt felt like a well-designed game? We explore with our guest Jade Arthur how to gamify the job search for the games industry, creating stories, systems and mindsets that boost confidence, visibility and long-term career engagement. Jade is a language and mindset coach for job seekers in gaming. She helps job seekers take down the villains in their job search like the "Cover Letter Crusher" and the "Interview Assassin." Her mission is to give job seekers the knowledge to authentically express their value and vision while finding joy in the process. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: make-the-grade-with-jade.lovable.app LinkedIn: Jade Arthur Instagram: @makethegradewithjade Links to episode mentions: Proposed guests: Bruno Frasca Recommended book: Made to Stick by Dan and Chip Heath Favorite game: Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
Exploring useful streaks for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat Why do streaks motivate users at first but eventually push them away? Rob explores the psychology behind collapses, the dangers of existing habit metrics, and practical ways to redesign streaks so they support, not sabotage, long-term engagement. Perfect for product leads, community builders, and behavior designers. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Duolingo (language learning & streak mechanics) Happier Meditation (formerly 10% Happier) Streaks (habit-tracking app) Finch (self-care & habit-tracking app) Octalysis Framework (gamification & Core Drives) Abstinence Violation Effect (psychology of lapses) Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
Retention or loyalty on your roadmap? Happy to brainstorm → professorgame.com/chat We unpack the "tell the cab driver where to go" strategy, health quests, and the eight magic words that shift self-talk from guilt and shame to possibility and lasting change on this chat with Stamina Lab CEO Glen Lubbert. We discuss how to turn health and well-being into a game you can actually win. Glen is the co-founder and CEO of Stamina Lab, a health tech company that helps people create lasting well-being—not through willpower, hacks, habits, or fixing themselves—but by building on the inner resources and skills they already have. His company combines solution-focused health coaching, behavior science, and personalized data to improve energy, focus and resilience—without the usual shame or overwhelm. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: staminalab.io LinkedIn: Glen Lubbert Instagram: @staminalab.io X/Twitter: @glenlubbert YouTube: youtube.com/@staminalabTV Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Dr. Deborah Teplow Recommended book: Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia Favorite game: The Five Crowns Card Game Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
Exploring behavioral design without shaming? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat In this episode, we break down the wild world of "confirm shaming": manipulative, guilt-driven prompts apps use to push you into saying yes. From hilarious to downright unethical examples, we unpack why these dark patterns harm long-term loyalty and how to use motivation ethically to build real engagement and retention. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Confirmshaming.tumblr.com deceptive.design Ethics in Game-Based Solutions and Gamification | Episode 153 Andrzej Marczewski Doing Ethics In Gamification | Episode 161 Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
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In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell, business coach, author, and mom of two, reflects on the incredible milestones, personal growth, and business breakthroughs that made 2025 a transformational year.From publishing her book Start Your Second Act, to speaking on stages across the country, to running global LEGO® Serious Play® workshops, to celebrating precious family moments…Shannon shares the moments she's most grateful for and the lessons that shaped her second act as an entrepreneur.This episode will inspire you to slow down, reflect with gratitude, acknowledge your growth, and step confidently into 2026 with clarity and intention. Whether you're planning your own second act, building a business, or craving a fresh start, this warm and honest year-end reflection will help you recognize just how far you've already come.Grab your journal, settle in, and let's celebrate gratitude—one meaningful moment at a time.SHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/224------Tell us what you think and what you want to hear on the podcast! You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!CONTACT Shannon and share your feedback about what you'd like to hear on the podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/contact Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategyWork with Shannonhttps://secondactsuccess.co/coaching FREE Resourceshttps://secondactsuccess.co/resources READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life https://startyoursecondact.com. LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/listenLET'S CONNECT!Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccessLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcoach *Want to be a guest on Second Act Success Podcast? Send Shannon Russell a message on PodMatch,...
In this episode of The Team Engagement Podcast, host Shawn Richards sits down with Jolynn Ledgerwood, Principal of Elevate Your Talent, to explore how team participation and creative engagement elevate performance. Jolynn explains how tools like LEGO Serious Play can invite deeper thinking and how leaders can encourage learning, delegate effectively, and bring vision to life with involvement—not just instruction. What you'll learn:How to engage teams through participatory processes and creative toolsWays to foster a culture of continuous learningHow to delegate based on strengths and build ownership across the teamWhy making vision and mission visible through involvement mattersConnect with Jolynn: Website: https://elevateyourtalent.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolynnledgerwood/
Aiming for sustainable retention? Intro chat (no sales pitch): professorgame.com/chat Eight years, 420 episodes, and countless insights later: we celebrate the incredible journey of the Professor Game Podcast. From humble beginnings to becoming the #1 gamification podcast in the world, this episode dives into consistency, growth, and what's next for the Engagers community. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Episodes mentioned: Episode 000 Episode 1 with Yu-kai Chou! Episode 2 with Scott Reinke, winner of the Educational Gamification Project of the Year 2016 Professor Game, the world's #1 gamification podcast, is recognized by independent rankings such as MillionPodcasts, Feedspot, Player.fm, and others like ListenNotes. Gamification World Congress, this is the most official reference still online I could find! The Octalysis Group Community Building Resources: Game of Skool Community Social Media and Contact Information: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Professor Game YouTube Channel Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, host Natalie Born sits down with Jolynn Ledgerwood, learning and development expert, certified Gallup Strengths coach, and founder of Elevate Your Talent. With over 25 years of experience working with global brands like PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, and Toyota, Jolynn introduces us to a transformative methodology called LEGO® Serious Play, a hands-on approach that sparks creativity, strengthens collaboration, and unlocks hidden insights within teams.Together, Natalie and Jolynn explore how “thinking with your hands” activates up to 80% more brain power, why play is vital for innovation and well-being, and how leaders can create environments where every voice, from the CEO to the intern, has a seat at the table. From high school athletes to corporate teams, this episode proves that the opposite of play isn't work, it's stagnation.[00:00 – 03:00] Jolynn's Journey into LEGO® Serious PlayFrom corporate learning roles at PepsiCo and Toyota to creative facilitation.How LEGO® reinvented itself and how Jolynn discovered its team-building power.Only 100 certified practitioners in the U.S. versus 15,000 in Europe, why Americans still struggle to see “play” as productive.[03:01 – 07:00] The Science of Thinking with Your HandsUsing LEGO® unlocks up to 80% more brain power.The four-step methodology: question → build → share → reflect.How creativity allows all personality types, even quiet thinkers, to express themselves fully.[07:01 – 10:00] Building Trust and Curiosity Through PlayLEGO® Serious Play creates safe, judgment-free conversations.Why every build is “right” for the person who made it.Metaphors and subconscious meaning in simple pieces and the power of asking, “Tell me more about what you built.”[10:01 – 14:00] Real-World Example: A Basketball Team's TransformationFacilitating a workshop with a high school girls' team to build unity.How players gained empathy and emotional awareness through their builds.Discovering that supporting teammates means seeing beyond performance.[14:01 – 18:00] Courageous Leadership and Unexpected InsightsWhy it takes a brave leader to invite play into the workplace.LEGO® as a tool for perspective-taking and emotional intelligence.Seeing the same model from different angles and how it changes interpretation.[18:01 – 22:00] Building Culture in Times of ChangeHow LEGO® sessions rebuild morale after layoffs or restructuring.The danger of calling connection “fluff” and why it's business-critical.Creating “simple guiding principles” from each session to carry forward.[22:01 – 25:00] Play as a Pathway to InnovationThe opposite of play isn't work, it's depression.Inviting creativity through LEGO®, Play-Doh, or even watercolor.How play fosters engagement, focus, and retention in teams.[25:01 – 27:00] Final Reflections and Call to LeadersWhy leaders must make space for curiosity and fun at work.Mary Poppins wisdom: “In every job that must be done, there's an element of fun.”When teams play together, innovation follows naturally.Quotes:“It takes a courageous leader to bring play into the workplace.” – Jolynn Ledgerwood“Leaders who embrace creativity give permission for authenticity.” – Jolynn Ledgerwood“You never know what your team is capable of until you invite play into the process.” – Jolynn LedgerwoodWebsite: elevateyourtalent.coLinkedIn: Jolynn Ledgerwood Podcast: Play for PerformanceIf this conversation inspired you, leave a review and share this episode with a leader who's ready to reimagine what creativity and connection look like at work.
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Við fræddumst í dag um Lego Serious Play, sem er aðferð fyrir stjórnendur og fyrirtæki til að finna lausnir við áskorunum með hjálp Lego kubba. Steinunn Ragnarsdóttir stjórnunarráðgjafi lærði þessa aðferð í Danmörku og hún sagði okkur betur frá henni í þættinum. Hvatningarverðlaun ADHD samtakanna 2025 hlaut Sara Rós Kristinsdóttir ráðgjafi fyrir ómetanlegt framlag til fræðslu og valdeflingu fólks með ADHD og aðstandendur þeirra. Sara Rós hefur á undanförnum árum verið áberandi í fræðslu ásamt því að vera talskona taugafjölbreytileika. Sjálf greindist hún á fullorðinsárum, sem hefur veitt henni dýpri innsýn og tækifæri til að mæta öðrum af skilningi. Hún nýtir bæði fagþekkingu og eigin reynslu til að brúa bil milli kerfa, fjölskyldna og einstaklinga með valdeflandi nálgun, aðgengi og mannúðlegar lausnir að leiðarljósi. Sara Rós kom í þáttinn í dag. Svo voru það mannlegu samskiptin með Valdimari Þór Svavarssyni ráðgjafa. Í síðustu viku var hann að segja okkur frá langlífum samböndum, hvað þarf til að samband verði langlíft og í dag hélt hann áfram að fara yfir viðvörunarbjöllur, þ.e. það sem getur ógnað langlífi sambandsins og hvernig er hægt að leysa úr því. Tónlist í þættinum í dag: Aftur heim til þín / Eyþór Ingi og Lay Low (Baldur Hjörleifsson og Jónína Guðrún Eysteinsdóttir) Ennþá man ég hvar / GÓSS (Kai Normann Andersen, texti Bjarni Guðmundsson) Í rauðum loga / Þorgerður Ása Aðalsteinsdóttir (Aðalsteinn Ásberg Sigurðsson) Working in the Coal Mine / Lee Dorsey (Allen Toussaint) UMSJÓN: GUÐRÚN GUNNARSDÓTTIR OG GUNNAR HANSSON
Exploring gamification for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat We dive into the fascinating overlap between product thinking and gamification. By bridging Marty Cagan's product discovery mindset with the Octalysis framework, we uncover how to build not just functional products — but ones users love coming back to. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Some public references to the Octalysis Framework and the process discussed: The Strategy Dashboard for Gamification Design Using the Octalysis Framework to Understand What Game Design Techniques to Use Intro to the Battleplan Spreadsheet within Octalysis Design References to Marty Cagan and his works and principles through Silicon Valley's Product Group (SVPG): Principles Discovery vs. Delivery Markers of an Empowered Product Team: A Talk by Marty Cagan The Product Discovery Plan Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
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Turning Creativity into Cash Flow: How LEGO Serious Play Became a Powerful Tool for Team Building—And an Extra Revenue Stream in My Business.Looking for a fresh way to boost team communication, collaboration, and problem-solving? In this short, power-packed episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, host Shannon Russell, business coach and certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, shares how this additional business arm to her business turns meetings into momentum. She talks about how you can think outside of the box when it comes to taking your passions and turning them into aspects of your business. Learn how hands-on, brains-on building with LEGO bricks drives 100% participation, sparks innovation, and accelerates strategic planning across industries (hospitals, pharmacueticals, nonprofits, tech, education, and more).You'll hear Shannon's pivot from working in the entertainment industry to entrepreneurship, how she integrated LEGO SERIOUS PLAY workshops into her business, and exactly why this approach outperforms traditional meetings for leadership development, culture building, change management, and project planning.Key takeaways:What LEGO SERIOUS PLAY is and why it works for corporate team building and strategy workshopsHow it guarantees equal participation and unlocks creative problem solvingReal-world outcomes: alignment, engagement, and faster decisionsWays to add LEGO SERIOUS PLAY as a new revenue stream or service offering in your businessWhat are additional revenue streams you can consider to add onto your business offerings? This episode of the Second Act Success Podcast will get you thinking!If you want to learn more and book your own custom workshop for your team, learn more at https://secondactsuccess.co/corporate.SHOW NOTES:https://secondactsuccess.co/220Tell us what you think and what you want to hear on the podcast!You are listening to the Top 2% globally ranked podcast Second Act Success!CONTACT Shannon and share your feedback about what you'd like to hear on the podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/contact Book a FREE Strategy Call with host and business coach Shannon Russell - https://www.calendly.com/second-act-success/coaching-strategyWork with Shannonhttps://secondactsuccess.co/coaching FREE Resourceshttps://secondactsuccess.co/resources FREE Masterclasshttps://secondactsuccess.co/secrets READ Shannon's Book - Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life https://startyoursecondact.com. LISTEN to the How To Quit Your Job and Start A Business Podcast! https://secondactsuccess.co/listenLET'S CONNECT!Instagram - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccessLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/shan...
Exploring gamification for your product or org? Let's chat → professorgame.com/chat No, there was no epic showdown, just a powerful new alliance. Rob joins The Octalysis Group and reveals how this new chapter amplifies his mission to make gamification practical, ethical, and impactful. Plus, what stays the same on Professor Game. Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Links to episode mentions: Let's chat about your gamification project The Octalysis Group Team Octalysis Design Challenge by Rob Yu-kai Chou is episode 001 of Professor Game Yu-kai Chou's 10k HP new book episode Lets's do stuff together! Let's chat about your gamification project 3 Gamification Hacks To Boost Your Community's Revenue Start Your Community on Skool for Free Game of Skool Community YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Ask a question
Briony Supple a Facilitator and Pro Trainer of the LEGO® Serious Play® tells PJ how a handful of Lego bricks can solve problems that need creative thinking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shawn Yates on Smarter Processes and Team Building (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 903) On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Shawn Yates, founder of Predaxis Leadership Solutions. Shawn shares his unique journey from engineering and military service to coaching leaders and teams on how to optimize processes, develop leadership, and […] The post Shawn Yates on Smarter Processes and Team Building appeared first on Business RadioX ®.
Shawn Yates on Smarter Processes and Team Building (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 903) On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Shawn Yates, founder of Predaxis Leadership Solutions. Shawn shares his unique journey from engineering and military service to coaching leaders and teams on how to optimize processes, develop leadership, and […]
Unlock Productivity with Play: A Conversation with Jolyn LedgerwoodJoin us on Social Skills Coaching as we delve into an insightful conversation with Jolyn Ledgerwood, a consultant, coach, and founder of Elevate Your Talent. Discover how Jolyn transitioned from corporate training to personal coaching, using innovative methodologies like Lego Serious Play and Clifton Strengths. Learn about the importance of play in the workplace, the value of mental health, and practical tips for personal and professional growth. Tune in for an engaging discussion on how embracing playfulness can make you more productive and fulfilled.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:36 Meet Jolyn Ledgerwood02:10 Discovering Lego Serious Play03:33 The Power of Play in the Workplace05:30 Jolyn's Background and Methodologies10:24 Advocating for Mental Health12:50 Connecting and Coaching with Jolyn14:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Unlock Productivity with Play: A Conversation with Jolyn LedgerwoodSee the full converstaion at https://youtu.be/VleRbyL5L0QJoin us on Social Skills Coaching as we delve into an insightful conversation with Jolyn Ledgerwood, a consultant, coach, and founder of Elevate Your Talent. Discover how Jolyn transitioned from corporate training to personal coaching, using innovative methodologies like Lego Serious Play and Clifton Strengths. Learn about the importance of play in the workplace, the value of mental health, and practical tips for personal and professional growth. Tune in for an engaging discussion on how embracing playfulness can make you more productive and fulfilled.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:36 Meet Jolyn Ledgerwood02:10 Discovering Lego Serious Play03:33 The Power of Play in the Workplace05:30 Jolyn's Background and Methodologies10:24 Advocating for Mental Health12:50 Connecting and Coaching with Jolyn14:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
When I first connected with Jason Trew (callsign: TOGA), I knew this conversation would challenge some assumptions about where design thinking belongs. Jason is an Air Force fighter pilot and strategy leader turned professor. What emerged from our conversation wasn't just another story about design thinking adoption, but a deeper exploration of what he sees happening when we distinguish between capital-D Design Thinking and lowercase-d design thinking, and why that distinction matters for everyone trying to create meaningful change. Jason's journey from F-15 pilot to design educator reveals something crucial about how design thinking transforms not just what we do, but who we become as problem solvers. His work with thousands of Air Force officers, his deployment experiences in classified operations centers, and his current role (*at the time of recording) teaching at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offer unique insights into how design thinking functions when the stakes are genuinely high. Listen to Learn About: What's the critical difference between capital-D Design Thinking and lowercase-d design thinking, and why does this distinction matter for practitioners? How can design thinking principles function effectively in highly structured, high-stakes environments where traditional approaches dominate? What role does psychological safety ("feeling safe, supported, and stretched in meaningful ways") play in enabling creative problem-solving? How do we balance the need for systematic approaches with the emergent, integrative nature of actual design work? When should leaders prioritize conditioning people into a "ready stance" versus teaching specific design methods? Our Guest Col Jason "TOGA" Trew (US Air Force, retired) represents a fascinating intersection of military leadership, academic rigor, and design practice. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy and flying F-15s, Jason spent his final military decade revolutionizing how the Air Force approaches strategy education and leadership development. He earned a PhD in the history of technology, served as Dean and Vice Commandant of the Air Force Leadership School, and led design teams for Space Force education initiatives. Now a Professor of Design* Management at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Jason brings a unique perspective on what happens when design thinking meets organizational realities where failure isn't an option. (*At the time of recording.) Episode Highlights [02:10] Jason's journey from F-15 fighter pilot to design educator through strategy school and a PhD in technology history [03:30] Discovery of a book dedicated to Icarus as hero rather than cautionary tale, sparking interest in playfulness complementing practicality [04:20] How design thinking became curriculum at Air Force Leadership School serving 4,000 students annually [05:10] Jason's certification in Lego Serious Play for facilitating innovation sprints and strategic thinking workshops [07:20] The crucial distinction between capital-D Design Thinking and lowercase-d design thinking [09:00] Capital-D focuses on activities and checklists; lowercase-d develops embodied sensibility for knowing what to do next [11:40] Design thinking as conditioning people into a ready stance for handling surprise rather than teaching linear processes [13:00] Why Jason believes design thinking changes the people involved, with problem-solving as bonus rather than primary goal [14:40] How design thinking shifts perception to see multiple options beyond binary choices [15:30] Jason's approach to ambiguous assignments that allows students to surprise him with creative solutions [17:30] Learning design principles that avoid constraining student intelligence for the sake of rigid academic standards [18:50] Design thinking's spillover effects on leadership and education beyond formal design practice [22:40] Design thinking as fundamentally human activity connected to living well and building better communities [25:10] Coffee shop door story illustrating how design changes your eyes to see problems everywhere [26:40] Design as integrative discipline that's undisciplined in the best academic sense [28:40] Framework of design as expedient - practical, opportunistic, and contextual rather than optimal [30:00] Why expedient design requires ethical sensibility to guide this human superpower responsibly [32:30] Jason's faith that if we designed current systems, we can design something better [36:40] Deployment story of creating psychological safety in classified military operations center [38:30] Using Lego as thermoplastic polymer strategic thinking tool to overcome initial skepticism [39:00] Daily check-ins asking team members if they feel safe, supported, and stretched in meaningful ways [41:10] Danger of treating organizational roles as reality rather than abstractions of actual people [43:30] Failed redesign of Air Force Leadership School and lessons about empathy work threading through entire processes [46:00] Dawan's diagnostic questions about organizational readiness and past innovation attempts [48:30] Strategy for identifying key voices—influencers, critics, curmudgeons, and creators—in organizations [49:00] Power of storytelling as diagnostic tool and method for strategic thinking [50:40] Interest in story casting and narrative intelligence using physical artifacts like Lego Serious Play [51:00] Connection to UN Principles for Responsible Management Education and sustainable development goals [52:40] Jason's call for partnership in bringing design skills to local and systemic governance challenges Questions to Help You Go Deeper Learning What surprised you most about Jason's distinction between capital-D and lowercase-d design thinking, and how does this change your understanding of design thinking's role in organizations? Which aspects of Jason's "expedient" framework for design seem most valuable for your context — the practical, opportunistic, or contextual elements? How does Jason's experience with ambiguous assignments challenge your current approach to giving direction or defining success criteria? Leading Where in your organization would Jason's "safe, supported, and stretched in meaningful ways" framework create the most value for team performance? How might you help your team understand the difference between learning design methods and developing a design sensibility? What would success look like if you implemented Jason's approach to activating the full diversity already present in your team? Applying What's one small experiment you could run next week with leaving an assignment or challenge more open-ended? Which current organizational challenge could you address by focusing on conditioning people's "ready stance" rather than teaching them specific methods? How could you adapt Jason's storytelling diagnostic approach to better understand your team's readiness for change? Practicing How will you build the habit of distinguishing between roles/responsibilities (abstractions) and the full capabilities of people in those roles? What support or resources do you need to practice Jason's approach of setting conditions rather than controlling outcomes? Who could you partner with to practice the kind of empathy work Jason describes as threading through entire processes? Resources Books We Discussed Experiencing Design - Jason's top recommendation for understanding how activities yield experiences that yield ways of being in the world. Liedtka, Jeanne, Karen Hold, and Jessica Eldridge. Experiencing Design: The Innovator's Journey. Columbia Business School Publishing, 2021. Creating Wicked Students - About giving students practice with authority and ambiguity in classroom settings. Hanstedt, Paul. Creating Wicked Students: Designing Courses for a Complex World. Stylus Publishing, 2018. Tools We DiscussedLego Serious Play - Certification and facilitation methods for strategic thinking workshops The Archipelago of Design - Security professionals using design approaches. COM-B Behavior Change Model - Capability, Opportunity, Motivation framework for behavior change. Michie, Susan, et al. "The Behaviour Change Wheel: A New Method for Characterising and Designing Behaviour Change Interventions." Implementation Science, vol. 6, no. 1, 2011, pp. 1-12. Keep LearningResearch Nigel Cross and Bryan Lawson's work on how designers think. Cross, Nigel. Design Thinking: Understanding How Designers Think and Work. Academic Press, 2011. Lawson, Bryan. How Designers Think: The Design Process Demystified. 4th ed., Architectural Press, 2005. Explore participatory design and co-creation methodologies. Schuler, Douglas, and Aki Namioka, editors. Participatory Design: Principles and Practices. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1993. Simonsen, Jesper, and Toni Robertson, editors. Routledge International Handbook of Participatory Design. Routledge, 2013. Investigate narrative intelligence Mateas, Michael, and Phoebe Sengers, editors. Narrative Intelligence. John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2003. (Advances in Consciousness Research, vol. 46) UN Principles for Responsible Management Education and sustainable development goals. United Nations Global Compact. Principles for Responsible Management Education. UN Global Compact Office, 2007. Deepen Your Learning Design Council UK + Systemic Design + Design in Government with Cat Drew — DT101 E78 Complements Jason's insights about bringing design to structured environments Cognitive Bias + Ethics + Dreaming the Future of Design with David Dylan Thomas — DT101 E112 Works with this episode to understand different approaches to design education Instructional Design + Adult Learning Experiences with Holly Owens — DT101 E134 Builds on Jason's themes about creating conditions for creative problem-solving
Bernie Maloney: From Permission-Seeking to Forgiveness-Begging—Agile Team Evolution in Self-Management Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Bernie defines success for Scrum Masters as creating teams that can thrive and do their best work independently. His ultimate goal is to make himself unnecessary - developing self-directing teams that step out of waiting for direction and instead seek permission or even beg forgiveness when needed. Using the "Circles and Soup" framework, Bernie helps teams stretch their circles of influence and control. He recognizes that every manager wants teams to succeed but may lack the necessary tools, making it crucial for Scrum Masters to coach managers as well. Bernie recommends building a backlog of organizational impediments and focusing on the top priority that will move the ball forward most effectively. Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Sailboat Bernie champions the Sailboat retrospective format for its simplicity and adaptability. While the basic format is straightforward, he appreciates that you can add layers of complexity as needed. Bernie tends to keep retrospectives simple and also mentions the "What the Duck?" technique as another valuable retrospective tool. He suggests incorporating creative elements like having people build LEGO representations of what they're discussing, which helps teams visualize and engage with concepts more effectively. To know more about LEGO Serious Play, check out the Serious Play book. In this segment, we also refer to Dissociation in Psychology, which helps with "third position" coaching/thinking, and Bernie's video on creative retrospective formats. Self-reflection Question: How are you measuring whether your teams are becoming more self-directing, and what specific behaviors indicate they're ready to operate with less guidance? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Bernie Maloney: The Triangulation Technique—Coaching Agile Teams Through Challenges Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Bernie identifies critical patterns that cause teams to self-destruct, with lack of clarity about intention being the most common culprit. When teams are treated as mere "task workers" without clear vision, strategy, or goals, they become depressed and directionless. Some teams seek forgiveness after failed experiments, while others get stuck seeking permission without taking enough self-leadership. Bernie emphasizes that waiting for direction is fundamentally self-destructive behavior, and Scrum Masters must create safety for teams to reach high performance. He introduces the coaching technique of triangulation, where problems become a third point that coach and coachee examine together, side by side, rather than facing each other in opposition. In this segment, we talk about “What the Duck”, a Lego Serious Play workshop. Featured Book of the Week: Start with Why by Simon Sinek Bernie champions "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek as essential reading for Scrum Masters working to transform team culture. He explains that compelling stories are how leaders truly influence others, following the sequence of Attention-Emotion-Reason. This book helps Scrum Masters understand that their job fundamentally involves changing culture, and leaders must demonstrate the change they want to see. Bernie connects this to the broader leadership challenge of developing coaching and mentoring skills within organizational structures. During this segment, we also refer to the following books: Drive, By Dan Pink Change the Culture, Change the Game, by Connors et al. The Secret Language of Leadership, by Denning Too Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders, by Peshawaria The Geek Way, by McAfee Right Kind of Wrong, by Edmondson Self-reflection Question: What patterns of self-destructive behavior might your teams be exhibiting, and how could you help them move from seeking permission to taking ownership? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Moms that Lead - Unlocking the Leadership Power of Healthy, Purpose-Driven Moms
Agility is one of today's favorite leadership buzzwords, but too often it gets reduced to simply moving faster. In this episode, we go beneath the buzzword to explore what true agility really means: the ability to adapt wisely and steadily in the face of uncertainty. Drawing on Gallup's latest global research, we'll look at why hope is now the number one thing people need from their leaders, and how stability and adaptability can actually fuel that hope. You'll hear how leaders can calm their own stress responses, hold space for multiple futures, and model steadiness that sparks possibility, even in the middle of change fatigue.________________________If you're tired of avoiding tough conversations or regretting how you handled them, the Courageous Conversations Leadership Sprint is for you. This four-week, small-group coaching experience starting in October uses LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, unlocking creative new perspectives and approaches to difficult conversations.Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.strongleadersserve.com/buildConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coachingSet up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall
Moms that Lead - Unlocking the Leadership Power of Healthy, Purpose-Driven Moms
What if true recognition at work wasn't about awards or bonuses, but about helping people feel they genuinely matter every single day? In this episode, Dr. Zach Mercurio joins Teri Schmidt to reveal why small, everyday interactions, not flashy programs, are the secret sauce behind thriving, high-performing teams. Together, they unpack the science of “mattering,” practical leadership skills you can use today, and why AI will never replace the power of human connection at work. Resources:Zach's website (with free resources, including a self-assessment)Connect with Zach on LinkedIn________________________If you're tired of avoiding tough conversations or regretting how you handled them, the Courageous Conversations Leadership Sprint is for you. This four-week, small-group coaching experience starting in October uses LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, unlocking creative new perspectives and approaches to difficult conversations.Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.strongleadersserve.com/buildConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coachingSet up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall
Moms that Lead - Unlocking the Leadership Power of Healthy, Purpose-Driven Moms
Avoiding difficult conversations, or softening them so much they lose their meaning, can damage trust, confuse your team, and hurt your credibility. In this episode, Teri shares a personal story of how avoiding inside a conversation backfired, and explores how leaders can break the cycle of avoidance with mindset shifts, clarity, and courage. If you've ever lost sleep over a difficult conversation, this one's for you. ____________________________________________If you're tired of avoiding tough conversations or regretting how you handled them, the Courageous Conversations Leadership Sprint is for you. This four-week, small-group coaching experience starting in October uses LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, unlocking creative new perspectives and approaches to difficult conversations.Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.strongleadersserve.com/buildConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coachingSet up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall
Moms that Lead - Unlocking the Leadership Power of Healthy, Purpose-Driven Moms
Welcome to a new season of Strong Leaders Serve—where we're going beneath the buzzwords. This season, we're moving past surface-level leadership advice to explore the mindset shifts, self-awareness, and practices that fuel real, lasting impact. In this kickoff episode, Tamara Myles and Wes Adams—co-authors of Meaningful Work—join me to unpack what actually drives motivation and performance. We dig into their research-backed framework, the Three Cs (community, contribution, and challenge), and explore the powerful concept of balanced autonomy—a practical way leaders can support growth without micromanaging, even in our ever evolving work environment.Resources:Tamara and Wes's website: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.comConnect with Tamara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramylesConnect with Wes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1________________________If you're tired of avoiding tough conversations or regretting how you handled them, the Courageous Conversations Leadership Sprint is for you. This four-week, small-group coaching experience starting in October uses LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, unlocking creative new perspectives and approaches to difficult conversations.Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.strongleadersserve.com/buildConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coachingSet up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall
https://youtu.be/vKFULhTQwg0 Katie O'Malley, Founder of (en)Courage Coaching, is on a mission to create workplaces that do no harm by equipping leaders with the skills to prevent toxicity and foster cultural transformation. We dive into Katie's career path from political campaigns and higher education to leadership coaching, and explore her Power of Listening Framework—the AIR Methodology: Attention, Intention, and Recognition. Katie shares how listening well is one of the most powerful tools leaders have to build trust, increase engagement, and demonstrate respect. We also discuss how she uses LEGO Serious Play to unlock team vulnerability and build connection in a playful but profound way. --- Make People Feel Heard with Katie O'Malley Good day, dear listeners, Steve Preda here with the Management Blueprint Podcast. And my guest today is Katie O'Malley, the founder of (en)Courage Coaching. She has helped over 200 leaders and leadership teams prevent toxic workspace experiences and create cultural transformations across the US and the UK. Katie, welcome to the show. Steve, thank you so much for having me. I'm delighted to be here and really eager for our conversation and to be helpful to your audience. I'm sure you will be very helpful. You bring a different perspectives than what we had, the previous 300 guests, so definitely very interesting. But let's start with my favorite question, which is, what is your personal “Why” and what are you doing to manifest it in your practice? Absolutely. So my personal “Why” goes all the way back to when I was in college studying political science. I have always wanted to make a positive impact in the world, the communities that I'm a part of, the connections and the relationships that I have. And that thread has pulled throughout my entire career, whether it was working on political campaigns and nonprofit organizations or in higher education. And eventually what I realized is I had this kind of itch for small business ownership, entrepreneurship, having the agency and autonomy to work the way that I wanted to work and took that, combined it with my “Why” of really helping folks at the intersection of mental health and work. It's where we spend eight, 10, 12 hours of our day. And to think that it doesn't have an impact on how we move through the world or our overall well-being is bonkers. And so I spend my days really helping folks to align their strengths, talents, and values with the roles and organizations that they're pursuing.Share on X And also working on the other side of the equation, on the employer side of the equation, training up their leaders to do no harm to their teams and employees throughout the workday. And so, yeah, my “Why” is how do we help people have, at worst, a net neutral experience in their workday and at best, a workday that elevates their life outside of work. Yeah, I mean, it's a huge thing and a lot of companies don't realize that they have these employees in the company and if they are happy, they're going to be much more productive. They are going to project a much better impression of the company to the outside world. They are going to make their customers happier. So it's really worth investing in improving the mental health and the happiness of the people in the company. That's a big lever that you're pulling there. So let's take this as a good pivot point because we are podcasting on frameworks, as you know, and our listeners know. I'm always on the hunt for a good framework that someone has discovered. What you do definitely is an important topic. You talk about the empathy, you have background in counseling. So you came up with a framework called the Power of Listening Framework, and I would love it for you to explain why it's important and how does it work with our listeners? Yeah. So I call it the AIR Methodology. A stands for attention, I stands for intention, R stands for recognition.
In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, the Dr Russell Thackeray interviews Monika Guzak, an intercultural business trainer and coach based in Poland. Monika shares her insights on resilience, diversity, and the importance of joy in business. She discusses how different cultures perceive and express emotions, and the impact of historical and geographical contexts on natural resilience. Monika also talks about her use of tools like LEGO Serious Play and art therapy to help organisations and individuals uncover deeper insights and cultivate a joyful, resilient mindset. The conversation touches on the need to embrace diverse cultural perspectives in academia and practice, moving beyond traditional Western paradigms.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:03 Monika's Background and Work01:37 Diversity and Resilience in Business03:14 Cultural Perspectives on Resilience08:32 The Importance of Joy in Organisations12:44 Exploring Emotions and Authenticity17:09 Global Perspectives and Future Outlook21:14 Conclusion and Contact InformationYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com
Jolynn Ledgerwood is the founder of Elevate Your Talent and host of the Play for Performance podcast. When she was diagnosed with a learning disability in nursing school, she made a courageous pivot to build a thriving career in corporate learning and development, moving from hospitality to cybersecurity and eventually launching her own business.In our conversation, we explored how her early challenges shaped her approach to training. Jolynn is passionate about making learning accessible and effective for everyone, and she brings a refreshing level of creativity into her work — including a powerful, hands-on methodology called LEGO® Serious Play®. Yes, she uses LEGO® bricks to unlock deeper thinking, enhance team collaboration, and drive strategic breakthroughs.We talked about how to design truly inclusive learning environments, how sensory tools can deepen engagement and retention, and what it takes to sell a transformative — but unconventional — approach to skeptical business leaders.Contact Dino at: dino@al4ep.comWebsites:al4ep.comelevateyourtalent.coAdditional Guest Links:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jolynnledgerwoodInstagram: @elevateyourtalentAuthentic Leadership For Everyday People / Dino CattaneoDino on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinocattaneoPodcast Instagram – @al4edp Podcast Twitter – @al4edp Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/al4edpMusicSusan Cattaneo: susancattaneo.bandcamp.com