A Year of Lessons from Leaders, Activists, and Ice Cream Makers

Dec 19

A Year of Lessons from Leaders, Activists, and Ice Cream Makers

Join Kristine Michie and PlayFull’s producer Doug Sandler as they celebrate an incredible year of The PlayFull Podcast. Through reflections on standout episodes and impactful conversations held during a tumultuous year, they explore how joy and play can be both a buffer and powerful tool to transform leadership, spur social change, and enhance personal well-being. Featuring stories from global leaders and changemakers, this episode delivers inspiration for anyone striving to make a difference while savoring the sweetness of life. And don’t miss Kristine sharing Joe Scantlebury’s story about how avocado toast as proof that Narrative Change is real!

Key Takeaways:

Leaders who incorporate play into their practices, both personally and professionally, are more likely to maintain energy, foster innovation, and sustain their teams for the long term.
Creative team-building activities, in-person retreats, and playful approaches to remote work help keep teams engaged, energized, and resilient in today's work environment.
Shifting the narrative makes new things possible. Recall there was a time when no one had ever heard of avocado toast. Now it’s a breakfast staple. Let’s do that with new solutions to old problems!
Simple, playful actions like inviting someone for ice cream or forming a "joy committee" in the workplace foster a ripple effect of joy, creating a positive and collaborative environment.
A playful mindset, even in serious conversations, can help prevent burnout and lead to more meaningful, long-lasting solutions to social challenges.
Trust is built when leaders and organizations openly share their challenges and vulnerabilities. A playful atmosphere encourages openness and connection.

"I don't think you have to slog through work. I think you can float and bounce through work because it can be joyful." — Kristine Michie

"[When asking people] whether they wanted to get together. Instead of just saying, 'Do you want to get together for coffee or lunch?' I'd say, 'Coffee, lunch, or... a scoop of gelato.' And people started responding—'Really? We're going to get ice cream? For sure." — Kristine Michie
"I didn't have any idea how much joy would come from it—that I'm getting and that I see, hear, and feel others getting, the guests, their teams, their friends, the audience broadly. I'm not surprised, but I didn't expect it." — Kristine Michie