“I like games for the social aspect.” Games often raise thoughts of competition, strategy, and down time. Alex challenges all of that - sharing the integration of games to build more enjoyable workplaces. But, it isn’t just about fun. All games have some sort of problem solving …and a goal. It’s almost like she’s describing “work.” We would all do well with a work environment that brings joy.

Games Alex mentioned during the episode include:

• Fishbowl
• Visionary
• Fortunately / Unfortunately

All are available (free) in Barometer XP’s game database on the Play Concierge Platform: https://app.barometerxp.com/sign-up

Guest: Alex Suchman

Alex Suchman is the CEO and co-founder of Barometer XP, whose mission is to create cultures where people are excited about their work because they feel a strong sense of purpose and belonging. She uses games and play to strengthen interpersonal dynamics, such as trust, accountability, and psychological safety, in the workplace. She was a finalist for the Metro DC ATD Award for Excellence in Innovative Learning, has been featured in Forbes, and is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on using play as a tool for organizational effectiveness and employee success.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrasuchman

Barometer XP's website: https://www.barometerxp.com

What does play have to do with finding your soul’s mission? For Deb Valentina, they are absolutely connected, and result in the joy of being in the place you are meant to be. Hear her thoughts on deep soul work, intuition or knowingness, and its connection to play and joy. But first, Debra and I spoke of the power of names. Deb? Debra? She is both and has been both in a journey of leadership and coaching leaders alike.

Guest: Debra Valentina

As a Soul Voice Catalyst & Midwife, Debra, founder of Creativing, has a passion for empowering women to birth their soul’s passion project, including writing their unique stories. To this end, Debra has spent over 35 years as a holistic life and writing coach for professional women who want to make a difference in their communities and the world. Debra is an international bestselling author and speaker on leadership topics. In March 2024 Debra spoke at the United Nations at the international Conference on the Status of Women.

Do you play at work? Jacqueline Lloyd Smith does. As Founder of Strategic Play® Global and a Master Trainer in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Methods, play is critical to achieving the serious outcomes she gets for companies. But it’s more than that. Given the high disengagement rates of workers these days, play could well be what humanity needs. Hear her stories about facilitating with bricks, the oppression of play in Western culture, and the power of getting back in touch with how you played as a kid.

Guest Bio: Jacqueline Lloyd Smith

Founder of Strategic Play® Global Jacquie has over twenty years of experience facilitating critical problem-solving sessions for organizational clients that include Adidas, NASA, Procter & Gamble and the United Nations. Jacquie’s credentials include a Master's in Conflict Analysis and Management, an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University, and certifications as an Art and Play Therapist, Visual Coach, and Creative Problem Solver. She is also one of only four original global master trainers with LEGO® Systems Group and a certified facilitator and trainer of facilitators in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methods.

“The true, true opposite of play is fear.”

“To be able to be really full of joy, we have to be able to play.”

The 30 Circles activity noted during the podcast is one of three creative exercises described here:

https://hbr.org/2013/11/three-creativity-challenges-from-ideos-leaders