Lead with a dash of Play

Re-claiming space for compassion and creativity in the workplace

Author: Mary Hendra

Looking to build innovation, strengthen organizational culture, and develop greater confidence? Try play. Seriously. Play builds empathy, sparks creativity, and allows deeper reflection and learning. Why would we not integrate it into our workday? Subscribe to the podcast. Hear about the book (publishing 2027): https://exceptional-designer-9807.kit.com/d96770e4da Speaking with CEOs, executive coaches, and leaders across a variety of industries, Mary Hendra explores what play can look like in professional spaces, its impact on us and our organizations, and how to integrate a little play ourselves to build more compassionate and creative workplaces.
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Language: en

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Management

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Season 4: TL;DL
Episode 16
Monday, 14 September, 2026

Learn more about play in professional spaces. The book inspired by the podcast publishes in 2027. Join my newsletter for early access!Well this was an unusual "season." I bring it to end with the Too Long; Didn't Listen wrap-up highlight what I've learned from the guests in this season, as well as news about my upcoming book.Guests you'll hear from in this episode:For our TLDL episode, it’s not about trying to summarize 15 episodes, but giving a sampler plate. It’s a rich one.Why play is so important:Jacqueline Lloyd Smith, Founder of Strategic Play® GlobalAlex Suchman, Co-Founder of Barometer XPRetired Col. Jason TOGA TrewBuilding deeper connections and conversation:Lee Kim describes how she invites people to connect with her in NYCCheri Torres, who co-authored the book Conversations Worth Having with and Jackie Stavros, shares the intersection of Appreciative Inquiry and playfulnessJoacim Mattison on bringing the Swedish model of Almedalan to the States as a re-imagined playground of civic engagementFemale leadership thoughts:Deb Valentina, who coaches female executives and coaxes their stories into beingMaricella Herrera Avila, former CEO of Ellevate Network for Professional WomenBrandi Mitchell, who both provides spaces to play literally through SD Soccer Women and challenges the collective image of women over 50 in her visibility for these adult leagues.The power of play in moments with heavy emotion:Hiba Tanvir, whose pause and play method facilitates connection with how we want to show up in the worldDan Moyle, marketing consultantLiz Vogel, ED for the civic organization New Pluralists, who shares the story of Briar Bates’ play when she discovered she had limited time left in this world.Companies built on play:Alex Suchman, Co-Founder of Barometer XPJohn Grindle, Chief Purveyor of Fun and Games for Grin EventsSteve Rix, CEO of the start-up, PlayLabVanya Boardman, Co-Founder of Play InnoveCheck out their individual episodes for more information about each of these amazing guests.