Shows
The Being Playful PodcastS1E13: Playfulness Fuels Strategic Thinking with Stephen MatiniEver wondered how playfulness emerges in the creative process and strategic thinking? In this episode, Chris talks with Stephen Matini, a multifaceted professional who wears many hats as a business coach, podcast host, professor, and aspiring fiction writer. Stephen shares how his approach to leadership development and personal creativity is deeply intertwined with playfulness and cognitive flexibility.
Stephen offers a compelling perspective on problem-solving, revealing how solutions often come to him in the most unexpected ways: "I do my homework, I get all the data and then I let it go. I cannot keep thinking about it...
2025-03-0637 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E12: The Playful Side of Risk with Adam RackleyEver wondered how intellectual playfulness shapes high-stakes decision making? In this episode, Chris talks with Adam Rackley, a fund manager whose unique approach to investment combines rigorous analysis with the ability to embrace uncertainty. From rowing across the Atlantic to managing investment portfolios, Adam's experiences offer fascinating insights into how playfulness emerges in seemingly unlikely places.
Adam shares his compelling perspective on investment management, revealing how the ability to make decisions under uncertainty requires both structured processes and intellectual flexibility. Through his work in value investing, he demonstrates how being comfortable with ambiguity while maintaining analytical rigour...
2025-02-0644 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E11: Being Playful with Lisa LloydEver wondered how playfulness and authentic communication could revolutionise workplace culture and transform leadership? In this episode, Chris talks with Lisa Lloyd, a psychologist whose journey from traditional corporate environments to pioneering human-centred approaches offers fascinating insights into how creating the right environment enables both people and businesses to flourish.
Lisa shares her compelling perspective on workplace dynamics, revealing how understanding and responding to human needs creates environments where creativity, innovation, and authentic connection can thrive. Through her work with organisations across various sectors, she demonstrates how focusing on the human side of business leads to better...
2024-12-1147 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E10: Playfulness and Values with Erika CleggEver wondered how our values and playfulness intertwine to shape authentic leadership and organisational culture? In this episode, Chris talks with Erika Clegg, a values consultant whose journey from creative agency founder to transformational leadership expert offers fascinating insights into how embracing our authentic selves can revolutionise both personal growth and business success.
Erika shares her evolution from working in traditional corporate structures to developing her own values-based approach, revealing how understanding and living by our core values enables us to access a natural state of playfulness and authenticity. Through her work with organisations ranging from corporations...
2024-11-2838 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E9 Embracing Change with Minola JacEver wondered how playfulness can transform our approach to organizational change and personal growth? In this episode, Chris talks with Minola Jac, a self-described "change enthusiast" whose journey offers fascinating insights into the power of playfulness in driving meaningful transformation.
Minola shares her compelling story of growing up in an environment that valued conformity, and how she discovered that "they couldn't educate the rebel out of me." Through her evolution from journalist to change professional, she reveals how embracing her natural curiosity and creativity led to a more authentic and effective approach to change management.
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2024-11-1441 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E8 Connecting Dots, Creating Narratives with Tobin TrevarthenEver wondered how playfulness can transform business narratives and foster deeper connections? In this episode, Chris chats with Tobin Trevarthen, a strategic narrative expert who reveals how his journey from nightclub DJ to corporate storyteller has shaped his unique approach to helping businesses and executives find their voice.
Tobin shares his fascinating career path, which includes roles at major media organizations and the creation of innovative narrative frameworks. He explains how his experience as a DJ taught him to "read the room" and facilitate emotional connections - skills that would later prove invaluable in his corporate work...
2024-11-0645 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E7: Finding opportunity in uncertainty with Mike ClementsEver wondered how successful investors navigate market uncertainty? In this episode, Chris chats with Mike Clements, a European equity portfolio manager at Downing Fund Managers, who reveals how embracing uncertainty through playful thinking and emotional awareness can lead to unique investment opportunities!
Mike takes us through his journey in investment management, starting just before the dot-com bubble, and shares how this formative experience shaped his understanding of market psychology. He explains his contrarian approach - how thinking differently from the crowd requires both emotional resilience and the ability to stay curious and creative when others are fearful.
2024-10-3039 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E6 Collaboration, Vulnerability and Playfulness with Dona AmeliaEver wondered how vulnerability and playfulness can transform leadership and foster innovation? In this episode, Chris chats with Dona Amelia, co-founder of Executive Global Network (EGN) in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, who's on a mission to create safe spaces for leaders to share knowledge and grow together!
Dona takes us on a journey through her diverse career, from her roots in entertainment as a professional singer and actress to her current role facilitating peer-to-peer networking for senior executives. She shares insights on the power of vulnerability in leadership and how it can lead to more authentic and...
2024-10-1638 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E5 Emotions at work with Susan Ni ChriodainEver wondered how emotions and playfulness can transform our approach to work and leadership? In this episode, Chris chats with Susan Nechriathan, author of "Leading Beyond the Numbers," who's on a mission to bring emotions back into the workplace!
Susan takes us on a journey through her career, revealing how her background in accounting led her to recognise the importance of emotional intelligence in our increasingly rational business world. She shares insights on the evolving nature of leadership and how traditional management styles are being challenged by the need for more human-centric approaches.
In this...
2024-10-1039 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E4: Humanizing the Workplace with Stela LupushorEver wondered how humanizing the workplace and embracing playfulness can transform our work experience? In this episode, Chris chats with Stela Lupushor, who's on a mission to bring humanity back to the workplace!
Stela takes us on a journey through her career, revealing how her background in math and computer science led her to recognize the importance of human-centric approaches in our increasingly digital world. She shares insights on the evolving nature of work and how traditional management styles are being challenged by new generations and technological advancements.
But it's not all about serious HR...
2024-10-0337 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E3: Psychological Safety with Minette NormanEver wondered how psychological safety and playfulness can revolutionize your workplace? In this episode, Chris chats with Minette Norman, a former tech executive turned consultant and author who's on a mission to make workplaces more inclusive and psychologically safe!
Minette takes us on a journey through her 30-year career in Silicon Valley, revealing how psychological safety has been the secret ingredient in creating high-performing teams. She shares insights from her co-authored book, "The Psychological Safety Playbook," and shows how leaders can foster an environment where creativity and innovation thrive.
But it's not all about serious...
2024-09-2538 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E2: The Energy of Playfulness With Bill O'HanlonEver wondered how to keep your creative spark alive for decades? In this episode, Chris chats with Bill O'Hanlon, a man who's worn many hats - from psychotherapist to bestselling author to prolific songwriter!
Bill takes us on a journey through his career, showing how playfulness has been the secret sauce in his professional longevity. He shares how he's navigated multiple career pivots, always following his "energy meter" to stay engaged and creative.
But it's not all about career moves - Bill dives deep into how playfulness can enhance learning, therapy, and even songwriting. He...
2024-09-1837 minThe Being Playful PodcastS1E1: Work That Is Compatible With Life. Rachel Franklin HeysEver wondered what it's like to ditch the 9-to-5 and embrace a life of adventure? In this episode, Chris chats with Rachel Franklin-Heys, who's done just that!
Rachel takes us on a journey from her office days to her current nomadic lifestyle, living and working from a converted police van (how cool is that?). She shares how this massive change has sparked her curiosity and creativity, proving that sometimes the craziest ideas lead to the most amazing outcomes.
But it's not all about wanderlust - Rachel dives deep into how remote work can actually make...
2024-09-1135 min