On this episode of She Rises, Giovanna talks with Ilana Ben-Ari. Ilana is a female entrepreneur who is creating innovation that changes the way we learn soft skills like empathy, how to fail, and how to be a better human. She shares how her empathy toys are impacting schools and offices across the world and how she is able to make miracles through the simple act of play.
Ilana shares her background and educational history of design.
Ilana explains how her toys mimic real-life scenarios that address patience, frustration, and creative communication.
Ilana discusses why she insisted on using the label “toy” instead of “facilitation tool”.
Ilana mentions how toys can lead to programs like “21 Leaders” that have seen an 85% reduction in students being sent to the office for conflict and bullying.
Giovanna discusses the importance of teaching empathy and failure to children AND adults.
Ilana shares how “breaking the rules” can lead to creative confidence.
Ilana emphasizes how so many big businesses like Google and Microsoft are acknowledging the value of creativity and emotional intelligence.
Ilana explains how the creation story of kindergarten inspired her to use specific materials to draw attention to the value of soft skills.
Giovanna discusses how innovation pulls from previous building blocks and helps us re-prioritize lessons we’ve already learned about how to treat others and work together.
Memorable Quotes:
Being good at school has nothing to do with being good at life.
Empathy toys are valuable because they brings up conversations that make invisible
skills visible.
Toys are not necessarily frivolous. They can teach important skills and lead to valuable insights.
The goal of a really well-designed product is to leave room for someone else to come in and own it, change the rules, and use it to learn and teach others.
The skills we valued and learned in kindergarten are now the key skills we need to excel in our work.
We’re getting back something we lost by returning to the basics and simplicity of play.
Resources Mentioned:
Ilana Ben-Ari
Twenty One Toys: Toys that teach Empathy
World Economic Forum Future Jobs Report
Satya Nadella—Microsoft’s CEO’s Book
Froebel Education
Maria Montessori
Caroline Pratt
