Many of you know me from a particular way I play - with transformative journaling, storytelling, and brick-building with LEGO Serious Play - or perhaps from the conversations I have with people about play in professional spaces on my podcast, Lead with a dash of Play.

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Here’s why I decided to dive into the research, deep thought, and writing to bring these ideas into book form.

• The joy and curiosity that light people up when we talk about not leaving play out of our work.
• The energy and connection cultivated by leading with a dash of play, especially in professional spaces.
• The delightful surprise stories people have told me about playfulness re-shaping society, transforming challenging moments, and even integrating with a moment of deep loss to help a community connect and move through grief.

I have come to firmly believe that:

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Play is how we learn about the world around us, how we connect with others, how we release stress, and how we express our authentic self.

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The need is clear. Gallup polls name that only 20% of employees globally actually identify as being engaged.

The rest?

Disengaged, quietly quit, actively disrupting the workplace.

But it isn’t about economic loss to me, it’s about the human loss. That's no way to "work." We need workplaces that play, so we need leaders that embrace their playful spirit.

And playfulness? It’s not “forced fun.” It’s an openness to the many ways people play - from doodling to joking, collecting to exploring, telling stories to taking a walk.

When people bring joy to work, they become more human.

Want to talk more about play and where I see it having an impact? I’d love your honest feedback on the book in progress. Send me a note and we’ll book a call.

Have a friend interested in incorporating more play?

Share this email. As I build the book, I’ll have some special opportunities just for the people on my email list. I’d love your help reaching others looking to add a dash of play - and a big helping of joy - back to their worklife.

Have a great week!

Mary