Shows
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 20 w Gowri SivaramanEpisode OverviewWhat does it take to scale a fintech product from startup to flagship while keeping your team aligned and engaged? Gowri Sivaraman has spent 25+ years answering that question across multimillion-dollar products at companies like Intuit. In this episode, she shares the hard-won wisdom behind building teams that hold each other accountable and have fun doing it—revealing why the best teams never lose sight of their shared vision, how to remove emotion from cross-functional accountability, and what a failed basketball attempt taught her about leadership vulnerability.About GowriGowri Sivaraman] is a...
2025-11-2021 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 19 w Barninder KhuranaEpisode OverviewYour latest team probably isn’t broken—it’s just been handed impossible expectations. Barninder Khurana, CTO of CoverWhale, knows this intimately. After a decade-plus navigating the insurance tech space as CIO of GeoVera and leading digital transformation at ProSight, he’s discovered that most organizational change initiatives fail not because teams lack skill, but because leaders treat transformation like a separate function instead of building it into the team’s DNA.In this episode, Barninder shares his counterintuitive approach to leading through uncertainty: upskilling your existing team beats hiring specialists every time. Your peopl...
2025-11-1325 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 18 w Boomie Odumade Guest BioBoomie Odumade is a senior engineering leader and fractional leader of Engineering who builds high-performing, secure, and resilient engineering organizations. She coaches engineers and engineering leaders, partnering with them to grow their capabilities and reach their goals. Outside of work, she’s active in the tech community, mentors youth, and enjoys salsa dancing, exploring creative adventures with her kid, and building LEGO botanical sets.Episode SummaryIn this episode, Boomie builds four LEGO models that reveal her philosophy on engineering leadership. From her personal life to the best and worst team ex...
2025-11-1023 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 17 w Rosemary SanchezHerding Squirrels Episode 17: Rosemary Sanchez on Leadership, Team Mergers, and Thriving Through ChaosRosemary Sanchez brings over seven years of leadership experience from a strong technical background, managing both remote and co-located teams through various stages of growth. In this conversation, she shares the story of successfully merging two engineering teams, navigating a high-stakes product launch under time pressure, and the leadership lessons learned from experiencing both her best and worst team experiences. Rosemary offers practical wisdom on building psychological safety, managing uncertainty during organizational change, and why “thrashing” - expending energy without direction - might be the...
2025-11-0623 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 16 w Jossie HainesHerding Squirrels Podcast: Jossie Haines on Leadership Transitions and Leading Through ChangeEpisode OverviewYou’re caught between your team’s needs and executive expectations—and you’re wondering if there’s a better way. Jossie Haines spent 25+ years leading engineering teams at Apple, Zynga, Tile, and American Express, and she’s figured out what actually works. You’ll hear about the three pillars that keep new leaders from drowning, why your engineers need to process change before moving forward, and what made one team gel so powerfully they built a social network in two weeks.E...
2025-10-2929 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 15 w Harini RajagopalHerding Squirrels Podcast: Harini Rajagopal - Building Resilient Teams Without Burning OutGuest BioHarini Rajagopal is a data engineering leader who specializes in building scalable, robust data pipelines that manage terabytes of information. She expertly combines software development rigor with strategic execution to drive business value. A recognized thought leader and AWS Game Day champion, Harini is a frequent speaker sharing expertise on building resilient data teams and preventing burnout. Beyond her technical leadership, Harini pursues a new hobby every year—from learning to swim as an adult to studying classical dance from South In...
2025-10-2323 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 14 w Adam TalHerding Squirrels Podcast: Adam Tal - Building Teams That Thrive in ComplexityGuest BioAdam Tal is the Director of Payments Engineering at Vimeo, where he’s spent the past five years leading the teams responsible for Vimeo’s global commerce systems—from billing and payments to fraud prevention and compliance. His career spans multiple industries including fintech, edtech, fashion, and consulting, giving him a unique cross-industry perspective on how technology and business intersect. Adam is passionate about building teams that thrive in complexity, where trust, autonomy, and growth fuel meaningful work. When he’s not lead...
2025-10-2218 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 13 w Oliver GrayOliver Gray, Director of Engineering at Trustpilot, shares his journey of transforming underperforming engineering teams into high-performing, self-directed powerhouses. Through hands-on LEGO models, Oliver reveals the power of bottom-up mission development, the pitfalls of fixed-price consulting projects, and why the best thing you can do as a leader is make your team stop needing you. From navigating AI adoption to creating psychological safety in hybrid environments, this conversation offers tactical wisdom for anyone leading technical teams through uncertainty.Timestamps00:00 - 01:50 - Introduction & Personal BuildOliver introduces himself and builds a model showing his life outside work...
2025-10-0722 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 12 w Louie CelibertiLeading Through Change: The Path Forward is ThroughIn this engaging episode, Louie Celiberti, Managing Director and Head of Software Engineering at Guggenheim Partners, shares his insights on leadership through uncertainty, building cohesive teams, and navigating generational differences in the modern workplace. Through LEGO models, Louie demonstrates powerful concepts around servant leadership, embracing risk, and the cultural shifts happening in technology teams.Show Notes with Timestamps0:23 - First Build: Best Team Experience (1:35)* Louie models effective team dynamics with emotional bridges and servant leadership1:38 - Second Build: Worst Team Experience (1:19)
2025-09-1924 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 11 w Nicole TibaldiEpisode OverviewNicole Tibaldi, Engineering Director at The New York Times, joins us to explore what makes teams truly exceptional. Through LEGO builds that visualize team dynamics, Nicole shares powerful insights from her decade-plus experience leading teams at CircleCI, Gatsby, and now the Times. You'll discover why the "shortcuts" to psychological safety don't work, how to lead through uncertainty when there's no playbook, and Nicole's surprising take on what went wrong when leadership used project cancellation as a "test." This conversation reveals that the foundation of great teams isn't complex—it's about patience, transparency, and showing up co...
2025-09-1619 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 10 w Val AkkapeddiWhen Your "Band of Misfits" Becomes an Engineering PowerhouseYour most unconventional team member might be your secret weapon. Your weirdest hire could drive your biggest breakthrough. Ready to stop building cookie-cutter teams?This week on Herding Squirrels, Val Akkapeddi (Director of Engineering at Collectors) builds some eye-opening models about why the quirkiest teams often deliver the most extraordinary results.What You'll Discover:The Don Quixote Leadership Philosophy - Why chasing your own windmills (even when others think you're crazy) leads to innovation that actually mattersThe Biometric Backend...
2025-08-0826 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Episode 09 w Ilia LazebnikIlia Lazebnik is the Director of Infrastructure at Placer.ai, where he leads the engineering teams behind their large-scale cloud systems. With over a decade of experience in DevOps, cloud architecture, and automation, Ilia is known for driving innovation, building robust infrastructure, and championing modern engineering practices. He’s a HashiCorp contributor and a passionate advocate for open source and tech community knowledge-sharing.For more Ilia:LinkedinGithubEpisode Timeline[00:00:00] - Introduction to Herding Squirrels podcast and guest Ilya Lazebnik, Director of Infrastructure at Placer.ai...
2025-08-0623 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 08 w Allison McHenryAllison McHenry is currently serving as the CTO of Daily Kos, a progressive political blog. Previously, she was CTO at The Daily Beast, and has also held leadership roles at Meta and The New York Times. She most loves thinking about ways to enable teams to use technology to move socially conscious businesses forward.Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 - 01:11 - Personal Introduction BuildAllison builds a rotating model representing herself in the center trying to connect with her four daughters - two older ones in London and San Diego, and five-year-old twins...
2025-07-2217 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 07 w Dave WaltersIn this engaging episode, we explore leadership through the lens of technical teams with Dave Walters, former CTO of Hired, Lacalle Group, and Spa Finder Wellness. With 13+ years at The Knot Worldwide (XO Group) and 20+ years as a volunteer firefighter, Dave brings unique perspectives on leading high-stakes teams. Using LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, Dave shares powerful insights on team alignment, staying calm under pressure, and nurturing collective success.About Dave WaltersDave Walters is the former CTO of Hired, Lacalle Group, and Spafinder Wellness, after spending 13 years at The Knot Worldwide (XO Group). He brings a...
2025-07-1625 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 06 w John FlyEpisode OverviewIn this engaging episode, we explore leadership through the lens of trust and vulnerability with John Fly, CTO of FirmPilot. Using LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, John shares powerful stories from his 25+ years in technology leadership, revealing how his approach evolved from technical perfectionism to collaborative partnership.Through hands-on building exercises, John demonstrates key leadership principles including taking responsibility for failures while sharing credit for success, the importance of direct communication about trust, and why understanding your team members as individuals is crucial for effective collaboration. The conversation touches on everything from DIY projects an...
2025-05-2624 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 05 w Jessica MosleyMeet Jessica Mosley, a quality engineering virtuoso who’s been wrangling tech teams, dodging bureaucracy, and making waves in the software world for over 20 years. She’s got the kind of experience you just can’t fake, having tackled everything from software development to DevOps, IT, and Customer Experience. If there’s an inefficiency lurking in a process, Jessica’s the one to spot it, and she’ll do it with a grin and maybe just a touch of sarcasm.But don’t let her laid-back style fool you. Jessica’s fierce about quality. For her, it’s not just a metri...
2025-05-2120 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 04 w Frédéric RivainFrédéric is the Chief Technology Officer at Dashlane, a leading cybersecurity company specializing in credential management and digital identity solutions. With over two decades of experience in tech leadership, Frédéric drives innovation in security and privacy. A passionate advocate for user-centric security, he brings a unique perspective on blending convenience and robust protection for both individuals and businesses.Find Frédéric online and at the Dashlane Blog: https://www.dashlane.com/blogEpisode Highlights[00:03:52] The foundations of great teams: shared mission and unity[00:06:29] Building consistency and unity in teams...
2025-05-1327 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels Ep 03 w Cole ChristieHerding Squirrels Episode 3: Building Bridges and Breaking Patterns with Cole ChristieIn this enlightening episode of Herding Squirrels, host Brandon Wetzstein sits down with Cole Christie, Senior Engineering Manager for Site Reliability Engineering at Gap. With 18 years of experience in tech and 10 years in leadership positions, Cole shares profound insights about team dynamics across various industries.Episode HighlightsThe Art of Team CommunicationCole emphasizes that communication breakdowns are universal challenges across all industries and experience levels. He memorably explains that "you don't bring facts to a feelings fight" – highlighting the im...
2025-04-2223 min
Product Powers - Human Skills for Product Thinkers to Thrive in the Age of AIScience of play at work to facilitate better meetingsWe delve into the science of play in facilitation with special guest Brandon Wetzstein. Discover how play, especially through LEGO Serious Play, transforms adult behaviour and enhances creativity, collaboration, and connection in team settings. Learn about the surprising benefits of incorporating playful elements into serious work environments and how they can lead to better ideas and stronger team dynamics. Brandon shares personal stories of breakthroughs and offers practical advice on making workplaces more engaging and productive through play.00:00 Introduction03:05 The Importance of Play in the Workplace06:59 Exploring LEGO Serious Play
2025-04-2247 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels 02 w Jiovanni RosarioEpisode OverviewIn this episode, host Brandon welcomes Jiovanni Rosario, Controls Engineering Manager at Amazon. Using LEGO Serious Play methodology, they explore Jiovanni's journey from individual contributor to leader, discussing team dynamics, leadership challenges, and strategies for effective management.Guest BioJiovanni Rosario has worn many hats in the tech industry—controls engineer, sales engineer, and software developer. These days, he manages a team of controls engineers keeping data center servers cool and powered. He shares leadership stories on Substack, mentors aspiring managers, and recently became a dad.Key Moments & Topics...
2025-04-0929 min
Herding SquirrelsHerding Squirrels 001 w Giacomo PallottiHerding Squirrels Podcast - Episode 001Giacomo Pallotti: Engineering Leadership Through LEGO Serious PlayIn our inaugural episode of Herding Squirrels, we welcome Giacomo Pallotti, VP of Engineering at Everyday Health Group, for a conversation about engineering leadership, team dynamics, and personal growth - all explored through the creative lens of LEGO Serious Play methodology.Episode Highlights:Opening LEGO Tower Build - We kick off with a quick tower-building exercise that reveals Giacomo's approach to engineering challenges.Life Beyond Code - Through his LEGO model, Giacomo shares a...
2025-04-0127 min
Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of WorkBeyond the Ping Pong Table - Why Top Companies Actually Use Play to WinSend us a textIn a world obsessed with productivity, could play be your team's secret weapon?Brandon Wetzstein has helped transform teams at major organizations by tapping into the power of strategic play. In this episode, he breaks down why traditional "serious" approaches often lead to mediocre solutions, and how structured play can break through conventional thinking to unlock breakthrough ideas.Key Episode Highlights: [00:03:45] Why NASA and Google use play-based methods for complex problems [00:12:30] The psychology behind why play creates psychological safety [00:18:20] How one leadership team resolved long-standing conflicts through play [00:25:15] P...
2024-11-0547 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Reasons LEGO® Builds Better TeamsOver 80% of employers and employees believe creating a sense of community at work is important. What is an innovative community-building tool that works both virtually and in person?Brandon Wetzstein, Founder & Chief Team Builder at IN8 Create, joins Tara Thurber to share his Top5 Reasons LEGO® Builds Better Teams.IN8 Create leverages LEGO® Serious Play® to engage participants in sharing stories about themselves in a fun and psychologically safe way.Diminished Consciousness of SelfInverted PersuasionEquitable ExpressionCurious ListeningTime CompressionSpeaker Bio - Brandon is driven by a passion to reshape the way we...
2024-04-0227 min
The Trusted Leadership PodcastEpisode 20 With Lego Serious Play Facilitator Brandon WetzsteinBrandon Wetzstein is the founder and principle of IN8 Create. He designs and facilitates workshops for teams using the LEGO Serious Play method that result in greater clarity, alignment and engagement.
2023-02-2638 min
Serve Strong Finish StrongA Riff On Productivity - Brandon WetzsteinAt some point in your journey, you will need to implement. After all, anything worth while comes down to the walk.Look around you. Everything you see was not only an idea at one point, but an idea that was implemented.When you go to implement, your greatest opportunity is in how productive you are. Luckily, my guest and I delve into a bunch of ideas and principles related to productivity.Enjoy!Brandon Wetzstein is owner of In8create...
2023-02-2139 min
Making Business Art#010 Transforming Teams with LEGO with Brandon WetzsteinHave you ever been in a situation at work where people are not communicating clearly, feel stuck, and are disengaged? What if I told you that type of situation could be turned around with...LEGO bricks! While LEGO may have been a cherished part of your childhood, it turns out that we can still use LEGO as grown ups to improve how we work while adding more play to our work lives along the way. My guest Brandon Wetzstein is the founder of In8 Create and team performance consultant who employs a method known as LEGO Serious...
2022-12-201h 18
FLOURISHING EDUCATION - Space and time to BE and BECOME together so we RE-MEMBER who we truly areEpisode 168 - We learn and grow through play with Brandon WetzsteinIn this conversation with Brandon Wetzstein who is Founder and Principle of In8 Create, I discuss the importance of play not just in the lives of our children and young people but also for us adults.
Brandon designs and facilitates workshops for teams using the LEGO Serious Play method. He explained all the benefits of this approach.
As a linguist, I really enjoyed exploring the tension between two words such as 'serious' and 'play' too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this joyful and fun conversation with Brandon. I am sure you will too!
2022-12-0644 min
The Knowledge ShopBe the host, challenges mean you are doing something and... Brandon the Lego guy! Episode 41Skipped a week, was editing and getting things together, but it was so worth it!!!!
Today we meet Brandon Wetzstein aka Brandonthelegoguy.com
We hear about:
His founder journey, a transition from retail to startup life
The struggle for finding your ideal customer
Tips to keep you going aka Broadway matinees for the win, The Knowledge
And how he helps startups and create culture and problem solve.
Things you should look up, because we talk about them.....
Lego serious play - https://seriousplay.training/lego-serious-play/
His website - Brandonthelegoguy.com
Knowledge Project...
2022-08-0321 min
Answers and Solutions with Jess and MaryThe Power of "PLAY"Today's guest Brandon Wetzstein has a passion for unlocking the innovation and creative potential in others. Listen to Brandon's secret behind the HOW and WHY his is so important to him.
Brandon is an insanely curious and positive person. He tends to be overly optimistic, amazingly curious and looks for the silver lining in things and loves learning new things.
Being that optimistic, curious and positive person, Brandon looks deeper to find ways to improve, save time and be efficient, especially in the workplace.
Brandon uses Design Thinking and Lego Serious Play. These...
2021-12-3039 min
The Trending CommunicatorLife and Work Lessons from a LEGO Duck with Brandon WetzsteinIn this episode, Dan sits down with communication strategist, creativity and innovation specialist, organizational development trainer, and professional metaphor constructor, Brandon Wetzstein. As founder and Principal of IN8 Create, Brandon brings the magic of LEGO bricks to teams and individuals to help them be better leaders and listeners. He and Dan dig into LEGO Serious Play, design thinking, and the power of visual metaphors - constructed with LEGO bricks, of course - to unblock and unlock potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2021-11-041h 00
Protect Help Give PodcastCreative Workshops to Build Team Synergy: With guest Brandon WetzsteinEpisode #76: Breaking down barriers, creative team building activities, and leggos. Brandon Wetzstein has been nothing short of an innovator after years in the retail industry with multiple Fortune 100 companies. In this episode, you will hear how Brandon designs custom workshops to build powerful teams and organizations. Bio:Brandon Wetzstein is an innovator, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner who enjoys finding ways in which we can be our best selves. After many years in the retail industry with multiple Fortune 100 companies, he started IN8 Create- A firm that designs and facilitates custom workshops aimed...
2021-08-2536 min
Landed! Advice on Landing the Job of Your DreamsHow to Pivot to a New CareerDo you feel like continuing in the same line of work is your only option? It's not! Career coach and innovation expert, Brandon Wetzstein joins us to talk about overcoming your fears of changing careers and how to successfully pivot your way to a new career. Subscribe to the Show On Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/landed-advice-on-landing-the-job-of-your-dreams/id1478513628 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OReMwjKcX89oMc1iWKtaR?si=8aeAsyuHS5q31txpjUqm8g On the Stitcher App: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lee-silverstein/landed-advice-on-landing-the-job-of-your-dreams?refid=stpr. ...
2020-09-1528 min