Permission to Play August 2026 As an adult, do you play the same way you played as a kid? When did you last play? …not for or with your kids, or in the way somebody else likes to play, but unabashedly your own, joy-filled, no-obligation, time flies play. When did you last do that? What did it look and feel like? What if you could do that more often? I developed Permission to Play because I kept hearing adults say they didn’t have time, they didn’t really know how they played any more, or they...
10 days ago • 2 min read
Sneak Peek August 2026 My podcast - Lead With a Dash of Play - was born of curiosity: does play have a place in the professional world? After 40+ interviews with CEOs, executives, and experts, I can say with certainty: play is a leadership skill. My book is the extension of that realization. And leadership is not just for business. Leadership is when we take the first step to connect with another person. Leadership is when we take a stand for what’s needed in the world. And yes, leadership is...
16 days ago • 2 min read
The Book August 2026 Happy Sunday! I’m headed off to paint with the “School of Imperfection” this afternoon. A casual painting of "Jimothy" (for those who've heard of the imperfect raccoon). I’ll try not to overthink the fact that the founder of “School of Imperfection” told me I could teach there. (ha ha) The way I use and share art is through play, not perfection. I'm going to take it as that, rather than me being a model of imperfection. I hope your weekend is also filled with delight and...
17 days ago • 3 min read
August 2026 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. 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...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
July 2026 Almost every morning - if not every walk, Buddy reminds me that even when I’m really excited about something, it doesn’t hurt to pause and take things in first. For Buddy, the pause includes sniffing the air, checking if one of his doggie friends is out and about nearby, noticing who is where and what they’re doing, and ultimately deciding which way to go. For me, the pause includes taking a breath, noticing my surroundings, and being grateful for the day, the moment, the dog 😁...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
March 2026 This can be a strange time of year - literally. The end of Winter. The expectations of Spring. The "spring forward" of clocks that creates time warps as states and countries shift on different days or not at all. The realization that a quarter of the year is already done. (Really, 2026?!) It's not just time that toys with our emotions. As quick examples: Current events - political, economic, and more. The growing coverage of AI with its many dominoes of impact. Even the weather:...
6 months ago • 2 min read
February 2026 A few days ago, I had the pleasure of sharing one of my favorite books, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, by Charles Mackesy. I've shared it with many of you in the past. It still speaks so deeply to my heart. For those less familiar with it, this beautiful book is a story about navigating life - with the four companions sharing questions and insights, beauty and cake, and ultimately cultivating healing for each being along the journey. With the group this week, I...
7 months ago • 2 min read
October 2025 When do we let ourselves be surprised…instead of “being the expert”? As we grow into adulthood, so often there is a desire or pressure to be the expert. Having taught high school for many years, I am acutely aware of the transition in teens when they feel that pressure. Many fear to be seen as naive or ignorant. In professional spaces, that fear often continues. But isn’t life a journey of constant learning? Surprise is part of that learning - it’s essential to moving us from...
10 months ago • 2 min read
A special invitation... “Play is where we practice. Play is where we take risks, listen deeply, and create new ideas. If that’s not leadership, what is?” (a quote by me! In interview with Jessica Wright) The Illustrating Leadership Summit: For Rising Leaders Ready to Unlock Their Confidence, Stop the Hustle, and Lead with Clarity. I’ve thought about leadership since early in my life. In high school my leadership steps were with the Colorguard, and included advocating for budget with the...
12 months ago • 1 min read